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Hersheypark Ends 120th Summer Season With Permanent Closure of Tidal Force
1 month ago•Source: Inside the Magic
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16.48 min•3 months ago
Ghost Town Weekends as Disneyland Crowds Dip in Early Summer
Summer crowds at Disneyland Resort are lighter than expected, with Reddit posts calling weekends a “total ghost town” and mid‑afternoon waits around 18 minutes; explanations include blackout of lower‑tier passes, dynamic pricing, and a Pirates of the Caribbean refurbishment reducing major draws, plus external factors like the FIFA World Cup attracting visitors elsewhere and Olympic‑era price patterns noted at Disneyland Paris.
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Walt Disney World Announces a Full Summer 2026 Makeover Across the Parks
Disney World unveils a broad Summer 2026 lineup across Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin overhauled and reopening in April, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refreshed and reopening in early May, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster reimagined as a Muppets-themed ride featuring The Electric Mayhem, a new Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Hollywood Studios with Drawn to Wonderland and Olaf drawing classes, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, a Mandalorian/Grogu storyline on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT, Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom, plus limited-time summer experiences (Jessie’s Roundup, GoofyCore, Disney Springs Dance Party, Disney Friends at the water parks, H2O Glow After Hours), 30 minutes of early park entry for resort guests, extended resort perks, and a slate of deals including 4-Day/4-Park Magic Tickets from $109/day, Free Disney Dining Plan with a qualifying package, and hotel discounts up to 30–40% for select groups.
"Disneyland Implements Stricter Measures to Prevent Disability Access Service Abuse"
Disney is changing its policies for visitors with disabilities at its theme parks, aiming to restrict eligibility for the disability access service known as DAS due to widespread misuse. The updates, effective in May and June, will limit the program to a small percentage of guests with developmental disabilities who are unable to wait in conventional queues. The changes have sparked uncertainty and concern among fans, with some fearing that they may no longer qualify for the service. Disney is also adding options for people who might have difficulty with lines, including a "return to queue" process, and will have more workers available to help direct guests to the options they need.
"Disney Implements Lifetime Bans for False Disability Access Claims"
Disneyland and Walt Disney World are implementing changes to their Disability Access Service (DAS) program to prevent misuse, including a lifetime ban for those who provide false information during registration. The changes, effective in May and June, aim to accommodate guests who genuinely need the service. The program's popularity has surged in recent years, partly due to social media videos demonstrating how to exploit it. The updated system will now specifically cater to guests with developmental disabilities who are unable to endure long lines.
"Disney Implements Lifetime Ban for False Disability Access Registrations"
Disneyland and Walt Disney World are implementing changes to their Disability Access Service program to prevent misuse, including a lifetime ban for guests who provide false information during registration. The program, which assists guests with disabilities who have difficulty waiting in long lines, has seen a surge in usage, partly due to social media videos demonstrating how to exploit it. The updated system will now specifically cater to guests with developmental disabilities who are unable to tolerate long queues, and will also introduce new eligibility criteria and advance planning options.
"Disneyland and Disney World Crack Down on Disability Access Service Abuse with Lifetime Ban Threat"
Disneyland introduces changes to its Disability Access Service program to prevent misuse, including a threat of a lifetime ban for guests who provide false information during registration. The updated program aims to accommodate guests with developmental disabilities who are unable to wait in long lines, and will go into effect on June 18 at Disneyland and May 20 at Walt Disney World. The park warns that those caught abusing the system will forfeit their park passes and products, and it's likely that cast members will be responsible for identifying misuse.
"Disney World's Lightning Lane and Park Hopping Updates Ease Guest Visits"
Despite the return of all-day park hopping at Walt Disney World, some guests are still facing issues with Lightning Lane attraction reservations, as they are restricted to the previous 2 p.m. rule. This means that guests who park hop earlier in the day are unable to reserve a Lightning Lane return time for their subsequent parks until 2 p.m. Despite assurances from Guest Relations, the restriction persists, and affected guests are advised to seek assistance from the Guest Experience Team Cast Members.
Disney World Enforces Bans and Restrictions on Guests Amid Capacity Concerns
Disney World is reportedly cracking down on third-party tour guides who have been operating inside the resort for years, banning them from the park for engaging in "unauthorized commercial activity." The crackdown is said to be a response to an increase in abuse of the Disability Access Service, with some tour guides allegedly instructing clients on how to falsely qualify for the service. The bans are lifetime and can only be appealed after the first year, leaving these companies effectively out of business.
"Legoland Florida Resort Expands with New Aquarium and Ferrari Attraction for 2024"
Legoland Florida Resort has announced its new attractions and experiences for 2024, including the LEGO Ferrari "Build and Race" experience opening in spring, where guests can create their own Ferrari race car and test it on extreme tracks. In fall, a new aquarium called SEA LIFE Florida Resort will open, offering a diverse range of marine life and captivating exhibits. Additionally, Legoland is offering more passholder benefits, including a themed workshop series and a year full of exciting events.
SeaWorld Orlando's Penguin Trek: A Thrilling Family Coaster Adventure
SeaWorld Orlando is set to open its newest attraction, "Penguin Trek," in spring 2024. This family launch coaster, designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, will take riders on a thrilling adventure through Antarctica at speeds of up to 43 mph. The unique feature of the ride is its finale, where guests will be immersed in SeaWorld Orlando's penguin habitat, allowing for an up-close encounter with the adorable creatures. Annual passes for 2024 are now available for purchase, offering unlimited admission and exclusive benefits.
Disney World Brings Back All-Day Park Hopping in 2024
Walt Disney World has announced several changes coming in January 2024, including the return of all-day park hopping for guests with park hopper benefits or annual passes, the introduction of "good-to-go days" for annual passholders and cast members, and price increases on annual passes and parking. The changes aim to enhance the visitor experience and provide more flexibility for guests.