All articles tagged with #walt disney world
A fire broke out in the loading area of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on Magic Kingdom’s reopening day (May 3). Cast members extinguished the flames, no injuries were reported, and the ride was closed for several hours before reopening at 10:20 p.m. The refurbishment included track replacement, new trains, refreshed Audio-Animatronics and props, and a lowered height requirement from 40″ to 38″ after a safety review.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened at Magic Kingdom after a nearly 16-month refurbishment, but on opening day guests were evacuated and the ride temporarily closed after a cast member deployed a fire extinguisher in the loading area; the cause is not yet known and Disney World has not commented. The refurbishment included new track and trains, refreshed animatronics, a Rainbow Caverns scene, and a lowered height requirement.
Disney Imagineering has revealed updates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom, featuring refreshed scenery and painted structures in the Tumbleweed town area, renewed Rain Maker effects, updated figures and a cast of returning wildlife, plus enhanced Rainbow Caverns with phosphorescent pools and glowing bat effects. On-ride photos and an official POV video accompany the reopening, highlighting a brighter, more detailed reimagining of the classic attraction.
After a year-long refurbishment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Magic Kingdom on May 3 with a transformed Rainbow Caverns, refreshed Audio-Animatronics, new trains, restored effects, and a lowered 38-inch height requirement; opening-day crowds caused long waits (around two hours) and limited Lightning Lane availability as testing concluded the prior day.
Disney World is reshaping Frontierland into the Piston Peak National Park expansion, with construction walls, narrowed walkways, and the removal of staples like Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Frontierland boardwalk; Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is under refurbishment through 2026 as other attractions close or relocate, signaling the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history that some fans lament as Frontierland’s legacy fades.
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.
Three deaths, including two suicides and one medical episode, have been reported at Walt Disney World within a span of 10 days, raising concerns about safety on the property, which has now seen 68 deaths since its opening in 1971.
A guest died in an apparent suicide at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World, with initial rumors suggesting a monorail incident, which was later denied by authorities. The incident is under investigation, and Disney has not yet commented.
A guest at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World tragically died after reportedly jumping or falling from the monorail platform, with authorities confirming it was an apparent suicide. Emergency services are on scene, and the area is cordoned off, but no official statements have been made by Disney or law enforcement as the situation develops.
Disneyland and Walt Disney World have increased certain ticket and annual pass prices, with some tiers remaining unchanged and new discounts available. The price hikes are part of broader industry trends and Disney's ongoing investments in new attractions, but there are still ways for visitors to save on their trips.
Walt Disney World may potentially add a fifth major theme park in the future, as the new Comprehensive Plan 2045 reserves capacity for a large-scale park and two smaller ones, keeping the possibility open despite no official plans announced. The district's planning documents suggest long-term expansion potential, with available land and infrastructure support, but whether it will be built depends on Disney's business strategy and demand.
A new wave of COVID-19, driven by the highly contagious KP.3 variant, is causing a significant increase in hospitalizations in Florida, impacting Walt Disney World vacations. The CDC advises visitors to take precautions, especially in indoor attractions, as the virus is expected to remain prevalent in the state through the summer.
Walt Disney World is introducing a variety of new food and beverage items to celebrate the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on June 28. These limited-time offerings, available at various locations throughout the park until September 6, include dishes like Hot Honey Chicken, Shrimp Gumbo, Tiana’s Famous Beignets, and themed desserts. Additionally, special items like Mama Odie’s Hot Sauce and Dooky Chase’s Seasonings will be available for purchase, marking their first availability outside of New Orleans.
Disney has released a full ride POV video and new photos of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a new attraction opening at Magic Kingdom on June 28, 2024. The ride features Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on a journey through a New Orleans-themed bayou, culminating in a vibrant Mardi Gras celebration. The attraction will also open at Disneyland later this year.
Disney Imagineering has unveiled a first look at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new ride opening this summer at Walt Disney World and later at Disneyland. The attraction, featuring a score by Grammy-winning musician PJ Morton and a song by Anika Noni Rose, continues the story of Princess Tiana from the 2009 animated film. The ride replaces Splash Mountain, which faced criticism for its association with the controversial 1946 film "Song of the South." Disney World’s version opens on June 28, with Disneyland’s date yet to be announced.