DISNEY WORLD

I'm a lifetime annual passholder who's spent a lot of time in the Florida theme parks, and I've noticed the mistakes people make on Disney vacations.

Walt Disney World is preparing to open its highly anticipated new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Walt Disney World shared new renderings of the new experiences and locations coming to EPCOT.

I played roles like Winnie the Pooh, King Louie, and Chip 'n' Dale at the Florida theme parks, and people are always curious about my Disney job.

Democratic state lawmakers spoke out Monday morning against the confusion left by a new Florida law that will dissolve six special districts in the state, including the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which allows Walt Disney World to self-govern.

Meta Quest Virtual Reality Experience featuring ILMxLAB’s Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge Coming to Disney Springs

The separately ticketed event is scheduled to begin Aug. 12 and run through Halloween night at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park.

From the gourmet meals and missions to the VIP perks and room with a droid, here's what the galactic experience was like — and why we'd do it again.

I've gone to Disney World for over 30 years, staying at many hotels on the property. Here are my top picks for families on a budget and adults.

Orange Park Hospital on Friday held a donate life celebration, to honor organ donors and their families.

Orange and Osceola counties could take on a massive debt held by Disney if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill revoking Disney World's special regulatory status.

Many Republican leaders are threatening to punish companies, alleging that these firms should be more supportive of a social conservative agenda.

Disney World has dropped all mask mandates, according to its website on Tuesday.

Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, has asked lawmakers to consider a bill that would halt Disney World's exemptions to state regulations that were established more than 50 years ago.

Walt Disney World is preparing to celebrate Earth Day at its Animal Kingdom theme park.

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.

Walt Disney World announced May 27 as the opening date for the long-awaited “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.”

Some think you can only spend half a day at Animal Kingdom, but as a travel planner, I know there's plenty to do. Here's what we did and what it cost.

It’s perhaps one of the last things that guests at Walt Disney World have been waiting to see return: an up-close moment, picture or autograph with Mickey Mouse and other popular characters.

Walt Disney World released a new photo earlier this week that shows a piece of the queue for the all-new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

We were visiting the Orlando theme parks multiple times a month, so we decided to build our new home just minutes away from Magic Kingdom.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, is promising to be one of the company’s most magical ships ever built.

Walt Disney World has announced its Minnie Van transportation service will be returning to the resort this summer.

Don't make the same mistakes I did. Whether it's your first time or it's been a while, here's what you should know about visiting Universal Orlando.

According to travel app Hopper, the average price of a domestic round-trip ticket has surged 26% over the last year to $290.

It’s the hotel experience that will transport you into a galaxy far, far away.

Rain gear, comfortable shoes, and a portable phone charger are essential for a trip to the theme parks, but extra snacks are a waste of luggage space.

The purple street signs directed drivers to Disney World's theme parks, resorts, and more. They were first introduced in the 1990s.

The limited-edition popcorn bucket, shaped like the character Figment, was created for Epcot's 2022 International Festival of the Arts.

Horticulture teams at Walt Disney World have their hands full ahead of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

Florida law bars employers from requiring vaccinations, though Disney says 90% of its workers are already inoculated.

Florida law bars employers from requiring vaccinations, though Disney says 90% of its workers are already inoculated.

Walt Disney World has shared details on its blog about some of the delicious food and drinks at its resort hotels for the holiday season.

As most might know, October marked 50 years since Disney World opened its doors.

The Mr. Toad peanut-butter dome cake is for Disney World's 50th-anniversary celebration, and it kinda deserves the hate it's getting from fans online.

As Walt Disney World continues to celebrate the World’s Most Magical Celebration for its 50th anniversary, things are about to get even more festive for the holiday season.

From limited-edition merchandise and treats to homages to the past, Walt Disney World is going all out for its big 50th celebration at the parks.

There were 6,000 employees who opened the Magic Kingdom at Disney World to the public for the first time on Oct. 1, 1971. Three who still work there share their experiences.

A 23-year-old TikToker filmed the incident and told Insider that the man went about his day after climbing the Disney World landmark.

From riding Pirates of the Caribbean and Living With the Land to exploring Epcot and Galaxy's Edge, here's what I like to do at Disney every month.

A report from the Orange County Sheriff's Office says the man was found using the stolen iPad at Disney World's Hollywood Studios in June.

The surf is always up in Waco, Texas, thanks to an artificial wave so good it's attracting top professionals and casual riders. It's a sign of just how far the technology of wave making has come.

Disney World was not the happiest place on earth over the weekend.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or the 50th, here is our list of hidden gems to take in at the Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World shared more details Friday about the all-new nighttime show coming to Magic Kingdom for the 50th anniversary celebration.

With the new Disney Genie+ service - which replaces the free FastPass service - customers will need to pay extra if they want to skip lines.

No charges have been filed against the dog's owner at the time of writing, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

By the look of the photos, the water was about ankle deep.

Masks will be required at all indoor county facilities in Miami-Dade County, and all of Orange County's 4,200 non-unionized county employees must be fully vaccinated by end September.

Walt Disney World has announced a number of new entertainment experiences returning to the resort next month.

The animatronic will be featured at Disney World's Hall of Presidents attraction in Magic Kingdom. It will also speak during the show.

Walt Disney World gave new details Monday about its upcoming holiday celebrations.

What a big year 1971 was. Here, we break down the 50th anniversaries of some of the biggest health initiatives, some serious industry game-changers, and more.

Though Disney vacations become increasingly expensive each year, diehard fans are still eager to visit the company's theme parks.

Many participants of a recent Insider survey said they want to visit a Disney theme park but can't afford a trip.

Visiting Disney World isn't cheap, but added costs like parking and fancy resorts aren't necessary, according to a former employee and avid fan.

Universal Orlando and Disney World said Friday that guests will no longer be required to wear masks while outdoors starting Saturday at the parks.

After the CDC issued guidance that says fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors and outdoors, Disney CEO said it was "very big news."

After the CDC issued guidance that says fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors and outdoors, Disney CEO said it was "very big news."

After starting with the Disney College Program and getting hired on as a full-time employee, I knew I had to quit my dream job at Disney World.

Disney World could face new competition if social media companies take advantage of a loophole included in legislation aimed at cracking down on social media censorship, which awaits the governor’s signature.

A Louisiana man who said he spent $15,000 on a Disney World vacation learned to his misfortune that the “the most magical place on Earth” has very real rules to maintain public health during the coronavirus pandemic.

The parents say they want to be recognized as stakeholders and get greater transparency from CPS. They want a renewed urgency to improving remote learning, since most students still be receiving lessons online at least part time. And group said it wants a focus on mental health and social-emotional needs, as well as improved technology and as much as a $100-per-month stipend for families who are spending more on internet service because the district-provided hotspots can be unreliable.

Guests wear masks as required to attend the official reopening day of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on July 11, 2020. ORLANDO, Fla. – More and more people are getting vaccinated in the fight against the coronavirus but that doesn’t mean Disney World is rolling back any of its COVID-19 safety requirements, WKMG-TV in Orlando reported. “Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. However, face coverings will not be permitted while experiencing water slides or in the water.

Did you know Florida produces 25% of the world's supply of ____?

The year Freddie Rhodes started at Channel 4, a gallon of gas cost 40 cents, the microprocessor was first invented and Disney World opened in Orlando. A 53-year broadcast radio veteran, Freddie -- who is legendary for his baritone voice and size 17 shoes -- clearly has no problems committing. News4Jax celebrated with Freddie five years ago for his 45th anniversary, so we knew we had to come back even bigger this year. It’s your old friend, George.”Mayor Lenny Curry even recognized Freddie’s long term of exceptional service with News4Jax and declared Jan. 15, 2021, as Freddie Rhodes Day in Jacksonville! “I want to take this time to congratulate my man, Freddie Rhodes, you know you’re one of my favorites.

A 150-pound (68-kilogram) white rhinoceros was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World in Florida over the weekend. The as-yet-named rhino was born to Kendi, who was the first white rhinoceros born at the animal theme park back in 1999. White rhinos are the second-largest land mammal and are an endangered species with a near-threatened status. Disney says it was the 11th white rhino born at Disney World, and two more are on the way. The theme park resort’s animal care team is keeping a watch on two other rhinos expected to give birth next year.

A locked gate is seen after the Hong Kong Disneyland theme park has been closed, following the coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong, China January 26, 2020. Hong Kong relaxed a number of Covid-19 restrictions last week after testing of nearly 2 million people in the region, and finding only 42 cases of the virus. Walt Disney only holds a minority stake in the park, while Hong Kong holds the majority stake. Disney's theme parks are part of a broader segment called parks, experiences and consumer products, which also includes its hotels, cruise lines and merchandise. Head of Parks Josh D'Amaro was quick to note that more than 80,000 people rely on the company for employment in the area, during a Disney Parks update with media on Tuesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. 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 Disney's Hollywood Studios, completing a rolling opening of Disney World's theme parks that started last weekend with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom welcoming back visitors. The parks were the last of Orlando's 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 World's 77,000-member workforce has been called back to work because of the limits on attendance.

ORLANDO, Fla. – 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 you’ve visited. The Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom parks will open first July 11, with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening July 15.

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. “Ground markings will help promote proper physical distancing throughout the parks, including attraction queues,” 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.

It’s 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 haven’t heard of the film, you’re not alone. If you’re unfamiliar with Splash Mountain, here’s a little background. Splash Mountain follows happy-go-lucky Br’er Rabbit as he looks for his “laughing place.” All the while, Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox are in hot pursuit of Br’er Rabbit. “Many adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories,” the “Keep Splash Mountain” petition said.

DAVENPORT, Fla. Disney World was supposed to shut down for only two two weeks. Kathy and Jeff Thomas, a married pair of professional musicians with long ties to Orlando and Disney, decided to start playing from their Davenport home. And then they kept playing, and playing, and playing. Every day, Kathy plans the theme and the outfits to match. It gives us a purpose every day, Kathy said.

ORLANDO, Fla. Universal Orlando is aiming to reopen its theme parks in early June, a resort official said Thursday, more than two months after the company joined crosstown rivals Disney World and SeaWorld in closing their gates to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Universal Orlando executive John Sprouls asked Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings for approval to open the companys theme parks as early as June 5, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Universal, Disney World and SeaWorld have been closed since mid-March in an effort to stop the virus's spread. Officials with Disney World havent said when they plan to reopen. Many of those same protocols will be implemented at the theme parks.

The entrance to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World is seen on the first day of closure as theme parks in the Orlando area suspend operations for two weeks in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)New guidelines provided by a local government task force in Florida offer theme park fans a glimpse of what to expect when Disney and Universal are finally able to open to the public once the coronavirus pandemic eases. The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force suggested a two-phase plan for allowing visitors back into theme parks that includes recommendations and mandates. Theme park staff will be required to wear face masks and regularly wipe down surfaces and railings throughout the park. The Florida task force that devised this plan is made up of 44 people, including Disney, Universal and SeaWorld executives and members of the local business community.

During the furlough, employees will receive full health-care benefits, with Disney paying the cost of employee and company premiums. The entire Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment has around 177,000 cast members, this includes people who work in its theme parks and at retail locations like the Disney Store. "This reality has been sobering to all of us," executives from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products wrote in a letter to staff Thursday. Disney's theme parks across the globe are closed indefinitely since large gatherings have been restricted. It's unclear how the closure of the two California Disney parks will impact the opening of the Avengers Campus expansion at California Adventure.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Magic Kingdom is said to be the “The Most Magical Place On Earth,” but right now, that’s not how it appears. WKMG, a New4Jax sister station, flew SKY 6 over the parks in Orlando on Monday. It looked like a ghost town. Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland announced last week that all of its respective parks will be closed, starting Monday, through the end of the month. The decision marks the longest closures ever for the theme parks, which have previously shut down for hurricanes and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

ORLANDO, Fla. – How do you take an already sweet treat and make it better? If you’re like us and you’re not afraid of a little heat, it’s time to try Disney’s newest treat concoction, Red Hot Beignets. This seasonal variation on the traditional beignet can be scooped up at Scat Cat’s Club Cafe at Disney World’s Port Orleans French Quarter. An order of two Red Hot Beignets is just $9.99, making it a perfect dessert to share. If your traveling with kids and they want in on the action, the cafe also serves up nonalcoholic Red Hot Beignets for $2.99.

But when you visit Epcot's World Showcase at Walt Disney World in Florida, you can do just that. Related: 6 free things to do on your next Disney World vacation -- yes, really | Are you getting the most out of your Disney FastPass? | The Wonderful Walls of Disney: A trend that was never meant to beSome may say this is one of the more relaxing and scenic areas around Walt Disney World. Name a better morning routine than sipping a Joffrey's coffee on the banks of World Showcase Lagoon. This story is for those who think they know everything there is to know about World Showcase.

Fireworks explode over the Cinderella Castle at The Magic Kingdom, part of Disney World on January 20, 2017 in Orlando, Florida, US. Powell's position at Disney included overseeing Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris. Walt Disney World Resort will be led by Josh D'Amaro, who previously was president of Disneyland Resorts. In addition, Disney has promoted George Kalogridis, who has led Walt Disney World Resort since 2013, to the role of president of Disney segment development and enrichment. Kalogridis started his career at Disney as an original cast member from Walt Disney World's opening in 1971.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Dorian became the strongest hurricane in modern records to pummel the northwestern Bahamas when its maximum sustained winds reached 180 mph Sunday morning, the National Hurricane Center reported. Catastrophic storm surge of 18-23 feet will affect the Abaco Islands during the next several hours. Catastrophic Storm Surge of 18 to 23 feet from #Dorian will affect the Abaco Islands during the next several hours. Dorian's eyewall will hit the northwestern Bahamas with devastating winds, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall, the NHC said. The hope of dodging Dorians fury came Friday, even as the storm ratcheted up from a menacing Category 3 hurricane to an even more dangerous Category 4.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The predicted track of Hurricane Dorian is moving further away from the Florida coastline as it becomes better organized as a powerful Category 4 storm. At 5 a.m. the major storm was still packing extreme winds of 150 mph -- 7 mph short of Category 5. The latest track keeps Dorian just offshore of Florida if it follows the center line. On its current track, the core of Dorian was expected to be near or over portions of the Bahamas on Sunday. The forecast path of the storm shows Dorian staying just offshore of Florida's East Coast early next week and bringing it past Jacksonville about 115 miles offshore next Wednesday around noon.

On Tuesday, fellow Star Wars fan and News4Jax photographer Chris O'Rourke joined me on one of the best news assignments a fan could ever ask for. Moments after we parked our truck and grabbed our gear, we got book bags with cool Star Wars emblems on them. But I was more interested in seeing Galaxy's Edge in full detail, and that's what did as soon as the meeting ended. Chris and I got to get up close to the realistic Star Wars ships, robots and buildings. In my opinion, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will be a major draw for folks who are both new to Star Wars and even folks who have been fans since Star Wars "A New Hope" came out in 1977.

The 2-year-old boy killed in an alligator attack at a Disney World resort will be buried Tuesday in Nebraska. Lane Graves was grabbed by the predator in a lagoon, and divers found his body after a 16-hour search. Now there are growing questions about how much Disney could be held responsible for the attack. CBS News legal expert Rikki Klieman joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the case.

It appears the alligator attack that killed Lane Graves isn't the first time park visitors have encountered the predators at Disney World. One family told Mark Strassmann they alerted officials after a gator almost snatched their son in April of 2015.