While Bob Iger may be remembered for acquiring massive brands and intellectual property, Disney’s new leadership appears to be investing in something much less flashy.
Disneyland
Leaked Notes Reveal Disney Bans Voodoo, Splash Mountain, and Frog Transformation References for Tiana in Theme Parks
It’s becoming harder and harder to recognize Disney’s own stories once they’ve gone through the corporate filter. The Princess and the Frog gave audiences a tale about a “princess” named Tiana set in the heart of New Orleans, steeped in music, culture, and yes — voodoo. It was a story about dreams, transformation, and the dangers of making deals with dark powers.
Downtown Disney District Security Plaza Temporarily Closed for Refurbishment
The west-side security plaza at Downtown Disney District, near the Disneyland Hotel, closed temporarily on September 8, 2025. This entrance sits between Din Tai Fung and the former ESPN Zone building. It previously served as a direct access point for hotel guests walking into Downtown Disney and toward the theme parks.
Disney Loses Major Lawsuit: Judge Awards Class Action Largest Wage Theft Settlement in California History
In what has been described as the largest wage theft settlement in California history, a judge in Orange County has signed off on a massive payout to tens of thousands of Disneyland employees. The ruling closes a long-running Disney lawsuit that centered on the company’s refusal to comply with Anaheim’s voter-approved living wage ordinance.
Dollywood Tops Disney Parks in Guest Experience Award for Sixth Consecutive Year
Dollywood has once again ranked above Disney parks taking the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience. This marks the sixth time the Tennessee theme park has achieved that honor. The park secured three major awards in total at the same ceremony: Best Guest Experience, Best Kids’ Area, and Best Family Coaster.
Disney’s Abu Dhabi Theme Park: Imagineer Zach Riddley Reiterates Josh D’Amaro Comments About Incorporating Water
The Walt Disney’s Imagineering YouTube channel has just released it’s latest episode of “We Call It Imagineering,” looking at the Walt Disney Castles around the world. What is already catching fans attention, though, is their sneak peak of the upcoming park in Abu Dhabi. Lead Imagineer for global projects, Zach Riddley, teased a little about the upcoming park and castle centerpiece.
Theme Park Industry May Need Three More Years to Fully Recover to 2019 Attendance Levels, Analyst Warns
A leading industry analyst forecasts that theme park operators may still need up to three years to return to 2019 attendance and revenue levels amid ongoing challenges.
At Disneyland Abu Dhabi, Miral, Not Disney, Is Leading the Magic
Disneyland Abu Dhabi has been making global headlines ever since Bob Iger announced it as Disney’s first park in the Middle East alongside the Miral company. But behind the glittering promise of a new Disney destination lies a reality that many fans may find startling: this isn’t really Disney’s project.
According to a deeply reported piece by Caroline Reid at Forbes, Abu Dhabi’s Miral is firmly in the driver’s seat.
Disney Quietly Phasing Out MagicBands as Guests are Left Glued to Their Phones on Vacation
Now, in a shift that has been years in the making, Disney appears to be phasing out MagicBands in favor of the company’s phone-centric MagicMobile system. The change hasn’t gone unnoticed, and for many longtime guests, it signals the end of a tangible era of convenience in exchange for one more digital screen added onto your Disney Day.
Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Linked to Hiroshima Awareness Protest Message at Disneyland Attraction
A recent report confirmed that Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen was involved in placing a message about the Hiroshima atomic bombing inside the “It’s a Small World” attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The message took the form of a handmade doll holding a small sign that read “Remember Hiroshima.”
First Steel Column Added for Avengers Campus Expansion at Disney California Adventure, Construction Begins Almost 3 Years After Announcement of Ride
Disneyland Resort’s Avengers Campus expansion has officially taken its first step forward with construction of the addition of the first steel column at Disney California Adventure. This marks a significant development in the park’s expansion project, which was first announced nearly three years ago. The column’s placement is a key milestone for the upcoming attractions and changes planned for the area, signaling the beginning of the physical construction phase.
Disney Picks Abu Dhabi Over the West — Here’s the Real Market They’re After
When news broke that Disney would plant its next castle in Abu Dhabi, many assumed the decision was simply about money and oil wealth. After all, the United Arab Emirates has made a name for itself by luring global brands with deep pockets and glittering infrastructure.
Disney World Dining Reservations No Longer Functioning Inside the App as “Beak & Barrel” Magic Kingdom Bar Woes Continue
Walt Disney World removed native dining-reservation search from the My Disney Experience app today. Tapping “Check/Reserve Dining” now opens a web browser—mirroring how Park Pass once worked. BlogMickey first spotted the change, noting that other app functions (like...