Disney says in lawsuit that DeSantis-appointed government is failing to release public records
Disney has filed a lawsuit claiming that the oversight government for Walt Disney World, which was taken over by appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year, has failed to release documents and properly preserve records in violation of Florida public records law.
DeSantis attorneys ask federal judge to dismiss Disney's free speech lawsuit
Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis are asking a federal judge to dismiss a free speech lawsuit filed by Disney after the Florida governor took over Walt Disney Worldโs governing district in retaliation for the company opposing the stateโs so-called donโt say gay law.
Disney World workers criticize DeSantis appointees' decision to eliminate free passes
Employees of Walt Disney Worldโs governing district are criticizing new board members appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis for a decision to eliminate free passes and discounts to the theme park resort for 400 of its district workers.
Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit against Disneyโs efforts to neutralize governing district takeover
A judge in Florida has refused to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Gov. Ron DeSantis appointees against Disneyโs efforts to neutralize a takeover of Disney Worldโs governing district by the Florida governor.
DeSantis proposes Disney trial schedule that puts start date in 2025, after elections
Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis have asked that a trial involving Disney be postponed until the middle of 2025, well after the GOP presidential nomination race wraps up and voters have picked a winner in the November 2024 general election.
Disney parks at the forefront after Iger's return
Itโs been six months since Bob Iger canceled his retirement and stepped back into the top role at Disney to right a number of perceived wrongs under his handpicked successor, with one hovering right near the top: reconnecting with the Disney theme park die-hards and restoring their faith in the brand.
Mickey Mouse to Texas? Fort Bend County Judge KP George extends invitation to Disney to consider new resort in Texas amid fallout over self-government in Florida
Would you want an outpost of โthe most magical place on Earthโ down the highway on 59? Fort Bend County Judge KP George says, โcome on down!โ
4 springtime activities we love at Walt Disney World
The resort is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary celebration, and now is the perfect time to celebrate the season and upcoming Easter holiday. If you plan on visiting, we have uncovered a number of fun activities for families to experience while out exploring the theme parks and nearby resort hotels.
Disney 1Q profit falls but beats expectations due to Disney+
FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2019, file photo, guests watch a show near a statue of Walt Disney and Micky Mouse in front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. But the results Thursday surpassed Wall Street's expectations thanks to subscribers flocking to Disney+ and other of the entertainment giant's streaming services. Disney+ subscribers totaled 94.9 million at the end of the quarter, more than double the subscriber base a year ago, when the service had been operating for only about two months. For Disney's fiscal first quarter, net income totaled $17 million, or 1 cent per share, compared with $2.1 billion or $1.16 cents per share a year earlier. Excluding one-time items, net income totaled 32 cents per share, compared with $1.53 per share in the prior-year quarter.
Disney World plans to build train station onsite for travelers
You might be able to save big on your next trip to Disney World. According to KPRC 2โฒs sister-station WKMG in Orlando, Brightline and Walt Disney World Resort have reached an agreement to build a train station at Disney Springs. For Texans, this creates more routes to travel through โ with the possibility of saving on airfare or ground transportation โ to get to the most magical place on earth. โBrightline will offer a car-free connection to the millions of visitors from around the state and the world who plan to make Walt Disney World Resort part of their vacation plans,โ Brightline president Patrick Goddard said. โOur mission has always been to connect our guests to the people and places that matter, and Walt Disney World Resort is a tremendous example of this.โAccording to a news release, guests will be able to travel directly to Walt Disney World from Brightline planned stations at Orlando International Airport, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Fla.โWeโre excited to work with Brightline as they pursue the potential development of a train station at Walt Disney World Resort, a project that would support our local economy and offer a bold, forward-looking transportation solution for our community and guests,โ Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle said.
Disney to lay off 28,000 at its parks in California, Florida
FILE - In this March 16, 2020, file photo, the entrance to the parking lot at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is closed in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Squeezed by limits on attendance at its theme parks and other restrictions due to the pandemic, The Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, it planned to lay off 28,000 workers in its parks division in California and Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Whatโs that delicious juice concoction Walt Disney World serves?
Stitch juice, jungle juice, POG juice -- the names go on and on. Rumor has it, there is a popcorn stand in Animal Kingdom called Mahindi that even serves up a Jungle Juice Slushy. Combine 21 ounces passion fruit juice, 21 ounces guava juice and 14 ounces orange juice (pulp-free). If following a recipe isnโt your forte, Welchโs Guava Pineapple juice is the closest thing to POG juice in a carton. Whether you make it, buy it, or order it, be sure to have yourself a glass of POG juice the next time you sit down for breakfast.
Actors back at Disney World after deal reached with union
Actors' Equity Association signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the actors, singers and stage managers to return to their jobs after Disney agreed to have a state-run drive-thru COVID-19 testing site for workers and others at the Florida theme park resort, according to the union, which represents 750 Disney World workers. We have been consistent that testing is an important part of ensuring a safe workplace for Equity performers, and today, Im pleased to see that Disney World has agreed, Kate Shindle, President of Actors Equity Association, said in a statement. Actors Equity Association filed a labor grievance against Disney World, saying its members faced retaliation for demanding the coronavirus tests before Disney World's theme parks reopened to visitors last month after being closed since March because of the pandemic. About 220 actors and singers initially were called back to work, but that invitation was rescinded after the union made public its concerns about the lack of testing, according to the union. It was unclear how many actors and singers would be called back now that an agreement has been signed.
NBA Foundation created, pledges $300 million to Black growth
Each team will donate $1 million annually, or $30 million collectively, over those 10 years. NBPA President Chris Paul had said earlier in the season restart at Walt Disney World that $300 million would be the start, and now those plans are complete. All NBA team governors recognize our unique position to effect change and we are committed to supporting and empowering young Black men and women in each of our team markets as well as communities across the U.S. and Canada, NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum said. These are the three main areas of our social responsibility work at Monumental Sports & Entertainment and where we personally invest in our community, Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said. Efforts will be centered on helping people get a first job, finding careers after high school or college, then career advancement.
Hereโs how you can watch the Houston Rockets game Friday night
The Houston Rockets are finally returning to the court to finish the season after games were abruptly put on hold in March when the coronavirus pandemic was declared. The Rockets will take on the Dallas Mavericks Friday night at the Walt Disney World bubble in Orlando. The game will be shown on ESPN and AT&T SportsNet Southwest. ESPN will also stream the game online. Fans can also tune in to follow the Rocketsโ return to basketball on SportsTalk 790 and KTRH 740 AM in English and 850 AM in Spanish.
Deputies: Woman had guns in diaper bag at Walt Disney World
ORLANDO, Fla. โ A Georgia woman was arrested at Walt Disney World after security for the Florida resort found two guns and some marijuana in her child's diaper bag, according to court documents. Yunique Smith, 27, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was arrested July 18 on misdemeanor counts of carrying a concealed weapon and marijuana possession, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Smith was going through the Epcot security line with an adult man, their 7-month-old daughter and her 7-year-old son when the guard spotted a 9mm handgun and a plastic bag containing marijuana, an arrest report said. A search of the diaper bag revealed a .45 caliber handgun on the bottom, deputies said. Park rules state no weapons are allowed on Disney property.
Universal canceling Halloween Horror Nights because of virus
ORLANDO, Fla. It's hard to scare the bejesus out of someone in a haunted house while socially distancing, which may explain the decision by Universal to cancel its Halloween Horror Nights this year at its U.S. theme parks. The company said Friday it wouldn't be hosting the celebration of all things scary at its Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood so that it could focus on operating its theme parks for daytime guests under pandemic restrictions. Halloween Horror Nights typically lasts more than a month starting in September, but its planned for more than a year. Last month, Walt Disney World canceled its annual after-hours Halloween party at Magic Kingdom that typically begins in mid-August. Universal Orlando reopened last month, and Disney World started welcoming back visitors two weeks ago.
Disney Worlds last two theme parks reopen to visitors
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Days after reopening two theme parks amid a spike in coronavirus cases in Florida, Walt Disney World on Wednesday welcomed back visitors to two more theme parks that had been shuttered since March because of the new coronavirus. The Florida theme park resort reopened Epcot and Disneys Hollywood Studios, completing a rolling opening of Disney Worlds theme parks that started last weekend with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom welcoming back visitors. The parks were the last of Orlandos major theme parks to reopen after being shuttered since March. The union that represents Disney World actors and singers has filed a grievance against Disney, saying their members faced retaliation for demanding coronavirus tests. Despite the parks being reopened, not all of Disney Worlds 77,000-member workforce has been called back to work because of the limits on attendance.
James Harden, cleared to play, makes Disney practice debut
Harden came to Disney earlier this week, satisfied his league-mandated quarantine requirements and got cleared to participate. Harden has been working out, but said Thursday was his first time playing actual 5-on-5, contact-laden basketball in more than a month. He looked good, Houston coach Mike DAntoni said. But Harden arrived fully ready, in DAntonis eyes, showing that whatever regimen he was following had paid off. If Harden played in seven of the eight games and went completely scoreless in each, he would still finish ahead of Beal.
Disney wont give you a picture from your ride if you dont wear a mask
The magical world of Disney has implemented quite a few changes as the Magic Kingdom Park reopened to visitors in Florida this weekend. In addition to wearing mouse ears, all guests ages two and older will be required to wear face coverings in the park. In Orange County, where Disney is located, 553 patients were hospitalized Sunday, according to the state's health website county break down. Guests will not receive their ride photos if they were not wearing a mask on the ride. The public relations director at Walt Disney World confirmed with CNN that the company has an existing policy of suppressing photos if someone is doing something unsafe on the ride.
Hong Kong Disneyland will close again after a surge in coronavirus cases
Hong Kong Disneyland is once again closing its gates. The resort, which reopened on June 18, is shutting down after Hong Kong tightened its social-distancing measures following a rise of 52 new coronavirus cases in the city. "As required by the government and health authorities in line with prevention efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland park will temporarily close from July 15," a Disney spokesperson said. The hotels at the Hong Kong Disneyland resort will remain open with "adjusted levels of services," according to the spokesperson. The re-closure of Hong Kong Disneyland comes days after the company opened its most important resort: Walt Disney World.
What could Disney crowds look like when the park reopens? We take a guess at the numbers
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Walt Disney World is set to once again open its gates to the Magic Kingdom following a lengthy closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. But with most families staying inside and not traveling, how crowded will the theme parks really be when they reopen? Park Capacity Capacity at 25% Magic Kingdom 57,000 people 14,250 people Epcot 34,093 people 8,523 people Hollywood Studios 30,843 people 7,710 people Animal Kingdom 37,671 people 9,417 peopleA park at 25% capacity would mean very minimal wait times. As we can all imagine, visiting a Disney theme park when it reopens will be a new experience for all -- no matter how many times youโve visited. The Magic Kingdom and Disneyโs Animal Kingdom parks will open first July 11, with Epcot and Disneyโs Hollywood Studios reopening July 15.
Parades, close-ups with Mickey out as Disney World reopens
Cars drive under a sign greeting visitors near the entrance to Walt Disney World, Thursday, July 2, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. Forget about up-close meet-and-greet" sessions with Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck when Walt Disney World parks reopen. Despite a huge surge of Floridians testing positive for the new coronavirus in recent weeks, two of Disney World's four parks are reopening Saturday. Also this month, the NBA and MLS are restarting their seasons at Disney World, which has a massive sports complex featuring multiple playing arenas. Clinton, whose members are custodians, housekeepers and park greeters, said a visit to Disney World is now safer than going to the grocery store.
Practices begin at Disney, as teams begin restart routines
Cars drive under a sign greeting visitors near the entrance to Walt Disney World, Thursday, July 2, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Despite a huge surge of Floridians testing positive for the new coronavirus in recent weeks, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, two of Disney World's four parks are reopening Saturday, July 11. He had just walked off the court after the first Orlando Magic practice of the restart, and some of his teammates remained on the floor while engaged in a loud and enthusiastic shooting contest. We all missed it.The last eight teams were coming in Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers among them. I really think the NBA did the best they could to know make this as good as they can for us.
Hereโs everything you should know before heading to Walt Disney Worldโs phased reopening
According to Disney, buses and monorails will implement a combination of physical distancing and physical barriers to provide separation between guest parties. Ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing in attraction queues at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)In order to provide appropriate social distancing, Walt Disney World is only allowing a limited number of guests to visit each theme park per day. โGround markings will help promote proper physical distancing throughout the parks, including attraction queues,โ Disney said. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., are encouraged to use cashless payment options whenever possible when making purchases as the parks begin their phased reopening July 11, 2020.
In case you missed it: Disneyโs Splash Mountain to be re-themed to โPrincess and the Frogโ
Itโs transformation central at Disney Parks in the U.S., as Disney officially announced that it has big plans for Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. MORE: Petition calls for Disney Parks to change theme of Splash MountainIf you havenโt heard of the film, youโre not alone. If youโre unfamiliar with Splash Mountain, hereโs a little background. Splash Mountain follows happy-go-lucky Brโer Rabbit as he looks for his โlaughing place.โ All the while, Brโer Bear and Brโer Fox are in hot pursuit of Brโer Rabbit. โMany adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories,โ the โKeep Splash Mountainโ petition said.
Splash Mountain, a Disney ride based on a controversial film, will be completely reimagined
Splash Mountain one of Disney's most popular but problematic rides will be "completely reimagined," the company announced on Thursday. The log flume ride which is based on the controversial 1946 film "Song of the South" isn't going anywhere. Splash Mountain has been a mainstay at Disney parks since its creation in 1989. The move comes amid fans urging Disney to retheme Splash Mountain because of the racial stereotypes from the film it is based upon. Disney did not give a date for the new Splash Mountain, but noted that "conceptual design work is well underway."
Donโt miss these 4 hidden treasures the next time youโre on Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Disney is no stranger when it comes to hiding bits of magic throughout its theme parks. If you were paying close attention on your last voyage, you probably noticed the small details that Imagineers placed throughout the ride. It is here where you can find some hidden Disney magic. The chess pieces were placed in a way that would leave the pirates playing the game for the rest of eternity. Clever illusionsOnce you begin your water journey, youโll come up to one of our favorite bits of visual hidden magic in Walt Disney World.
Create Disneyโs famous Dole Whip at home in less than 10 minutes
If youโre like us and are no longer following your quarantine diet, Disneyโs favorite frozen snack can be yours to make at home. Dole Whip has become a must-eat for families and Disney fans alike. The theme parks remain closed, however, you can bring the park magic home by creating your own Dole Whip treats. There are two ways to create a Dole Whip: Doleโs recipe and Disneyโs recipe. Share your Dole Whip creations with us in the comments below!
AP source: NBA owners approve 22-team season restart plan
The NBA has told the National Basketball Players Association that it will present a 22-team plan for restarting the season at Disney. If all 22 teams that are going to Disney play their allotted eight games before the postseason begins, the NBA would play 1,059 games in this regular season. That means 171 regular season games would be canceled, which could cost players around $600 million in salary. Those 22 clubs would play somewhere between 71 and 75 regular season games if the Disney portion of the schedule is completed, down from the customary 82-game slate. He appeared in 1,541 NBA games, behind only Robert Parish (1,611) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,560) on the leagues all-time list.
Disney fans get creative, make homemade magic during coronavirus pandemic
This meant that families were unable to experience the magic or thrill of the Disney theme parks, however, that didnโt stop families and friends from making the best of a bad situation. Since the closures, Disney fans from around the globe have been posting videos of their DIY Disney attractions. From nighttime fireworks to swashbuckling pirates, it's clear that when Disney fans are bored, something good is sure to come out of it. Once Upon a TimeWho needs to go back to the parks when you can have this at home? Pirates of the CaribbeanWhen will they ever learn that the dog is never going to give them the key?
Watch Walt Disney World cast members create magic from their homes during COVID-19 closure
Disney cast members have officially been away from their jobs for about two months now -- and some are taking their skills and talents to social media to give those bored at home a taste of the Disney magic everyone has been missing. Walt Disney World furloughed its approximately 43,000 workers in April after the theme park closed in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Only about 200 workers remain on the job performing โessential duties" during the closure, officials said. For the cast members not working, the only way they have been able to โmake magicโ is from inside their own homes. If youโre missing your favorite attractions, you might want to check out how these Disney fans created their favorite rides at home.
You can fly: Get a birdโs eye view into a deserted Walt Disney World
But one Central Florida pilot was given the opportunity to fly over the happiest place on earth and give us the view weโve been waiting on. Disney parks have a temporary flight restriction that limits pilots from flying within 3,000 feet of any of the parks. But with Disney parks in the U.S. closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, some pilots have been granted permission by local air traffic control to fly over the deserted theme parks. โI hope this will bring some joy to everyone currently in quarantine and missing the beloved parks.โSeeing an empty Disney World has become a common sight to most of us during quarantine. [MORE: Helicopter pilot shares breathtaking view of Disneyland during coronavirus closure]Walt Disney World has been closed since March 15 after rising concerns about spreading COVID-19.
Helicopter pilot shares breathtaking view of Disneyland Resort during coronavirus closure
But one man in California went a step further and was lucky enough to get a birds-eye view of Disneyland Resort without pixie dust, a magic carpet or a lucky feather. Disneyland has a temporary flight restriction that restricts pilots from flying anywhere near the park, within 3,000 feet. During his flight, Muzio visited much of Orange County, which included stops at Angel Stadium, El Dorado Park and Long Beach Airport, to name a few. However, our favorite sight was that of a closed Disneyland park without a single person to be seen. While the view from above is great, anyone whoโs been there would likely agree: nothing beats the view from the ground.