Walt Disney World

Park Hoppin’ Video Captures Sparse Magic Kingdom on Epic Universe Opening Day

Park Hoppin’ Video Captures Sparse Magic Kingdom on Epic Universe Opening Day

While Universal’s brand-new Epic Universe celebrated its highly anticipated grand opening with a sold-out first day, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom was unusually quiet—as shown by one very familiar channel in the theme park community. Jay, better known as Drunk3PO from the Park Hoppin’ YouTube channel, spent the day at Magic Kingdom during Epic Universe’s big debut (while the rest of the Park Hoppin’ crew was having fun over at Epic!).

Magic Kingdom Sees Light Crowds on Epic Universe Opening Day — Most Popular Rides Stay Under an Hour Wait During Prime Time

Magic Kingdom Sees Light Crowds on Epic Universe Opening Day — Most Popular Rides Stay Under an Hour Wait During Prime Time

As Universal’s Epic Universe officially opened to the public on May 22, a noticeable calm settled over Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Despite the summer season ramping up and Memorial Day Weekend just a day away, midday crowd levels at Disney’s flagship park appeared unusually light.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders Hit With New Restrictions as Disney Starlight Parade Launches at Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Affordable Housing Project Delayed Amid Permitting Process

The Walt Disney World Affordable Housing project, first announced in April 2022, has encountered further delays as the company continues navigating the permitting process with Orange County, Florida. Initially projected to break ground in late 2024, the timeline has now shifted, with Disney most recently indicating that groundbreaking is expected sometime in 2025.

Disney World Declares Epic Universe Opening Day a ‘Good to Go’ Day for Orlando Parks — No Reservations Needed as Disney’s Summer Calendar Remains Wide Open

Disney World Declares Epic Universe Opening Day a ‘Good to Go’ Day for Orlando Parks — No Reservations Needed as Disney’s Summer Calendar Remains Wide Open

As Universal prepares to welcome crowds for the grand opening of Epic Universe on May 22, Disney has quietly marked the same day as a “good to go” day at Walt Disney World — meaning no park reservations are required for guests to attend any of Disney’s four Orlando theme parks. It’s a subtle move, but one that signals a notable shift in Disney’s approach to crowd management amid mounting competition.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders Hit With New Restrictions as Disney Starlight Parade Launches at Magic Kingdom

Disney Extends Disability Access Service (DAS) Eligibility to One Year But Keeps Controversial Screening System in Place

Walt Disney World has quietly updated its Disability Access Service (DAS) program once again, extending its eligibility period to up to one year for qualifying guests. While this longer validity may sound like good news for Annual Passholders, the move does little to address the ongoing criticism surrounding how the service is implemented—and who is now being denied.

Josh D’Amaro Says Disney Is ‘On the Offensive’ as Epic Universe Opens — But No New Rides, Only Closures, at Disney World in 2025

Josh D’Amaro Says Disney Is ‘On the Offensive’ as Epic Universe Opens — But No New Rides, Only Closures, at Disney World in 2025

As Universal prepares to open its most ambitious theme park yet, Epic Universe, Disney’s top park executive (and future Disney CEO hopeful) Josh D’Amaro is pushing back against concerns over competition, stating that Disney has been “on the offensive” for years in the battle for Orlando tourism dominance. But while Universal is launching a massive new resort with multiple lands and hotels, Walt Disney World has no new attractions scheduled to open in 2025—only closures of longstanding guest favorites.