Latest news with #DisneyWorld
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a Disney expert who's visited 50 times – what to expect from their new Florida theme park from Fortnite to Frozen
WALT Disney World have filed plans to add a fifth theme park to their Florida resort - which is major news for families heading to Orlando. Disney is already big business in Florida, heavily contributing to the 75 million tourists who arrived in Orlando last year, so as a Disney expert, I took a look at what to expect from the new park. 7 7 As someone who has visited the theme parks in Florida more than 50 times, this is exciting news and could potentially change everything when it comes to theme park holidays - especially for Brits. Heading to Florida is not a cheap trip, with many families I speak to through my website saying they save up for ten years or more for a chance to visit. For some, a potential new theme park opening is brilliant news, as once you've booked and paid to get to the US, you'll be getting even more for your money. But, in reality, this means your Disney holiday will cost you even more, as a new theme park will likely mean a longer trip is necessary and even more cash needed for food, drinks and hotels. Ultimately, this is what Disney really wants - to welcome guests and keep them exclusively on their expansive resort, which already has four theme parks, two water parks, restaurants, a sports facility, a campsite and over 30 hotels. Walt Disney World is already Florida's unofficial city, bigger in size than Miami. So first-timers to the resort often have no idea what to expect and it can feel overwhelming. A whole new world As someone who first went to Walt Disney World at the age of eight and has returned almost every year since, I have seen every change made to the parks over 30 years, so I'm excited. With Disney acquiring franchises like Pixar, Lucasfilm, The Chronicles of Narnia and National Geographic, the potential for this new theme park is endless. With Universal Orlando Resort opening the new Epic Universe earlier this year, pressure has been on Disney to double down on the magic and make its next move. However, it's unlikely that we'll see the impact of that change for another ten years or more. Some reports are suggesting the 'fifth gate', an insider name for a completely new theme park, won't open until 2045! 7 7 My children are now five and eight, meaning they could be in their mid-twenties by the time it opens. I will be 60! However, I think things will move a lot faster. Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, is now the biggest theme park in the US, becoming a villain in Disney's long-running fairy tale. However, Disney still have some magic up their sleeve, with the announcement of the new Villains Land at Magic Kingdom. This land, based on Disney baddies such as Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty and Hades from Hercules, will add a new dynamic to the existing park and change the pace from cute characters and pretty princesses to a darker, more mischievous vibe. After first being announced in 2019, Universal Orlando officially opened Epic Universe in only seven years, which is fast for the creation and construction of a theme park and three themed hotels. Especially since work was halted during the pandemic. Using this as a guide, realistically, we won't see the gates open to the new Disney park until at least 2035. Disney fans can, however, look forward to a new area of the Magic Kingdom Park themed on Disney ' s Cars, called Piston Peak National Park and a re-themed Tropical Americas area at Disney's Animal Kingdom, inspired by the movies Encanto and Indiana Jones. This will happen much sooner, rumoured to be opening in 2027. This expansion itself will be the largest in Magic Kingdom's history, so there is plenty to get excited about in the short term. Like many other theme park enthusiasts and Disney fans, I have some ideas on what the new Disney park will feature. From cutting-edge tech and immersive, live-action encounters, these are my predictions on what we might get to experience at Walt Disney World in the next 10 years: Live-Action Land 7 The original Disneyland Park in California opened in 1955 and back then, attractions and lands were themed on classic animated movies, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and T he Wind in the Willows. Fast forward 70 years, and both the movies and the theme parks have come a very long way. Disney's live-action movies have made over $7bn at the box office since 2010, and franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean are only growing in popularity, with a new movie rumoured to already be in the making. So, it makes sense that Disney will want to have a modern, high-tech theme park, based on the most popular live-action Disney films, such as The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Attractions are likely to be similar in style to the new, jaw-dropping Harry Potter and Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe. I expect the attractions to be fully immersive, featuring state-of-the-art video projections that use the original actors, an animated queue line and a physical ride. Fortnite and Interactive Gaming One entertainment space that Disney Parks have not yet fully explored is the concept of immersive gaming. This is a dedicated theme park land, based on a video game, or games, that incorporates a gaming element into the lands, projections and rides. Think Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe or the Illuminations attraction, Villain Con Minions Blast at Universal Studios Florida, which lets guests play a larger-than-life physical game as they move through the attraction and compete with other guests in the park via the Universal app. In 2024, Disney announced they were collaborating with Epic Games, who own the worldwide phenomenon, Fortnite. At the time, Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive of The Walt Disney Company, said: "This marks Disney's biggest entry ever into the world of games and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion. "We can't wait for fans to experience the worlds they love in groundbreaking new ways." Epic Games already works with Unreal Engine, a software developer, and Disney has hinted they will collaborate on an all-new games and entertainment universe. Unreal Engine was used in the creation of more than 15 Disney Parks attractions, including Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. So watch this space. Moana Water Park In the new development plans, Disney have requested space for the new theme park as well as two 'small' theme park spaces, which could very well be used for a new water park. Disney currently has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, but neither is heavily themed on a particular Disney movie. Moana i s the most-streamed Disney movie on Disney+, surpassing 1.4 billion hours. The film, which is set on a fictional Polynesian island, would be ideal to create a water park around, but incorporating modern elements like a water coaster, as seen on The Disney Cruise Line, as well as pools and classic water slides. DisneySEA Florida 7 One of the most unique Disney parks in the world is Japan's Tokyo DisneySEA. This is an entire theme park, which sits alongside Japan's other Disney park, Tokyo Disneyland, and is themed solely on Disney movies that have a water element. This would be ideal after the success of Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Finding Dora and Moana. Plus, Florida DisneySEA would be a totally unique addition to the existing Walt Disney World parks: Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. None of the existing parks have a specially-themed water area, so this would be a perfect addition. Plus, the plans include requests for an underground basement level. Could this be to build a lake and river that would need to be below ground, for visual effect and purification? Marvel Cinematic Universe Marvel is a hotly debated topic in the realm of Florida theme parks, with Disney's biggest rival in Orlando currently holding the rights to original comic book brands, such as Spider-man and Hulk in Florida. Universal Orlando Resort already has a world called Marvel Superhero Island, at their second theme park, Universal's Islands of Adventure. While Disney now own Marvel and can create commercial properties with the brand in Europe, Asia and on the US's West Coast, they are not permitted to use the Marvel brand in the east of the US, where Walt Disney World is located. However, since Disney's acquisition with Marvel in 2009, there are some loopholes to the rule. Marvel movies and characters that didn't exist when the intellectual rights were drawn up, are free to be utilised by Disney. That led to the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind in 2022. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. There is no doubt Disney will want to create a modern theme park with this theme, which lends itself perfectly to the modern lands and attractions we have come to expect in the digital age. Rumours have been circulating for years that Universal will sell the Marvel brand back to Disney and re-brand their space at Islands of Adventure into something entirely new. This could lead to an entire Marvel Cinematic Universe theme park in the next 20 years, and that would thrill fans the world over. Animation World Showcase 7 Finally, the size of the proposed theme park at Walt Disney World could make way for a new version of EPCOT's World Showcase. This classic area of Disney's EPCOT park features pavilions themed on 11 different countries around the world. With diversity at the forefront of Disney's movie projects, this could lead to an animated Disney World Showcase at the new park, made from the fictional worlds of Disney's most popular films. The most obvious franchise would be Frozen. Hong Kong Disneyland opened Arendelle: World of Frozen in 2024, with a smaller version coming to Disneyland Paris next year. The picturesque, snow-covered fictional kingdom would be perfect if set around an Epcot-sized lake. Other animated film pavilions could include a Mexican-themed Encanto, Italian-inspired Luca, Machu Picchu from The Emperor's New Groove and San Francisco from Inside-Out - another huge, yet under represented Disney movie across the parks.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is Universal a Better Value for Travelers Than Disney Right Now?
Vacationers often talk about the high prices for a Disney World vacation. But neighboring Universal Orlando Resort isn't exactly low-cost, either. With the addition of Epic Universe, the third theme park within the complex, Universal delivers more value than ever before. Read Next: Find Out: But how does it stack up against Walt Disney World Resort? Both resorts frequently offer deals on tickets, so the price you pay depends on when you book. estimated the average three-day vacation for a family of four to Universal to cost roughly $3,555. That includes park tickets, hotel, and food. recently estimated the average cost for a three-day trip to Disney World Resort to cost roughly $2,130. Right now, Disney is offering some incredible deals, including three-day, three-park tickets for adults starting at $89 per day and 50% off for kids. This offer does not include Magic Kingdom, the flagship park of the resort. If you stay on-site at a Disney hotel, you can access the water park for free the day you check in. Right now, a three-day, three-park ticket, which can include one day at the new Epic Universe, starts at $117 for adults. If you want a four-park pass with the ability to move between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the Volcano Bay waterpark, with a separate day devoted to Epic Universe, tickets start at $150 per day. Universal's 'value' level resorts start at around $100 per night, with luxury hotels like the Hard Rock and Loew's Portofino Bay costing $900 per night or more depending on the time of year, according to Disney's All-Star 'value' resorts are slightly higher, with listings starting at $157 per night on the Disney website. Both Disney and Universal offer their version of 'fast passes' — Express Pass for Universal and Lightning Lanes for Disney. Express Passes for Universal start at $120, except for the new Epic Universe, which start at $130, according to Some Universal Resort hotels offer Express Passes to guests as part of the deal, along with early entry. Disney's Lightning Lane pricing is a bit more complicated, since you can pay per ride or buy passes for multiple rides. Prices can range from $15 per person for a Single Pass up to $449 at peak times for the Premier Pass, according to Disney World Resort in Orlando features four theme parks and two water parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, as well as the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach waterparks. Universal Resort has three theme parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the new Epic Universe, plus the Volcano Bay waterpark. Both parks offer a mix of family-friendly rides and entertainment, character dining experiences, and world-class roller coasters. Universal tickets, hotels, and fast passes tend to be slightly less expensive, in general — although Disney's current deals bring ticket prices down substantially, especially for kids. For the money, Disney offers a ton of value, with more parks, and free entry into two water parks for hotel guests. If you can plan your trip during off-peak times, you might be able to avoid the hefty investment in Lightning Lanes. Staying on-site to access the parks earlier than guests who aren't staying at a Disney resort may also allow you to squeeze more fun, and less waiting, into your trip. Similarly, staying on-site at Universal Resorts can give you access to Express Passes, early entry and other perks, leading to cost savings and a better overall experience. Answering the question of which Orlando theme park provides more value depends on your family's interests and passions, since prices are comparable and depend on your choice of hotel, meals, and perks like fast passes or character dining experiences. More From GOBankingRates 10 Unreliable SUVs To Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on Is Universal a Better Value for Travelers Than Disney Right Now?
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Woman Accused Of Wearing 'Inappropriate' Outfit At Disney World
Woman Accused Of Wearing 'Inappropriate' Outfit At Disney World originally appeared on The Spun. A woman claims she was accused of wearing an "inappropriate" outfit at Disney World. A personal trainer visiting one of Disney's theme parks in Orlando, Florida claims that she was told she was wearing an "improper" outfit. She was visiting Disney World with her husband. The personal trainer says that she could have bought a $45 T-shirt to cover up. Nicole Arena, a personal trainer, is going viral on social media after claiming that she wore an "inappropriate" outfit in the minds of some while at the Disney theme park. The woman was reportedly wearing a sports bra and leggings. "Once again, I've upset the Disney people. People are very angry at me for wearing a sports bra to Disney. Um, the point of that post was that there were many people in Disney wearing much less clothing than I was," she said. "I had nothing showing other than my stomach and my arms. But yet you guys are acting like I went out naked. Anyone that goes to the gym knows that it's totally fine to walk around with a sports bra and leggings on." The woman says that she was so happy to be at Disney World, before getting criticized for her outfit. 'Was so happy to be here that I didn't realize I was 'improperly dressed' and would be forced to buy a $45 tshirt or else I could not get on the ride I waited an hour for.' Some, though, have claimed that the woman was actually wearing an inappropriate outfit, despite it being what she wears most days. 'I'm a Disney person. Your explanation and acknowledgment of not knowing the dress code is more than enough. They do try and be more family friendly than say Busch Gardens or Six Flags," one fan wrote. 'It's fine for you, but it's just not for Disney. I can get it, it's HOT in florida. They are sensitive about outfits that look too close to the characters too! I hope you had a great time!' one fan added. What do you think - was it inappropriate or not? Woman Accused Of Wearing 'Inappropriate' Outfit At Disney World first appeared on The Spun on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I was dress-coded at Disney World & forced to cough up £33 to stay – I was just wearing what I'd put on for the gym
A HOLIDAY-GOER has sparked a fierce debate after claiming she was dress-coded at Disney World. Nicole Arena was visiting Epcot at Disney World in Florida earlier this month with her hubby when she claims she was told to put a shirt on over her white sports bra. 4 4 4 The gym enthusiast who had paired the top with figure-hugging leggings, shared the incident in a TikTok video, admitting she ''really didn't think anything of [the outfit]''. ''Was so happy to be here that I didn't realize I was "improperly dressed" and would be forced to buy a $45 (£33) T-shirt or else I could not get on the ride I waited an hour for,'' she furiously wrote on the video, showing a snap of the loved-up duo in activewear. ''There were many people at Disney wearing much less clothing than I was,'' Nicole said. ''I had nothing showing other than my stomach and my arms, but you guys are acting like I went out naked,'' she continued. ''Anyone who goes to the gym knows it's totally fine to walk around with a sports bra and leggings on,'' Nicole fumed. ''I just went to Disney, how I would go to the gym.'' While the Disney fan was let into the park by security, she claimed cast members refused her entry to an attraction, which led to her having to buy a T-shirt in order to stay and use the rides. But Nicole's video proved to spark a fierce debate - with some viewers agreeing with the park that the outfit was inappropriate. ''I mean it's a bra. Of course you can't wear it to a family park. Be so for real. I am so happy they are finally cracking down,'' wrote one TikToker. Someone else chimed in: ''I don't know why you thought it would be the exact same as the gym. Disneyworld is not the gym.'' This summer dress is a steal' cries Dunnes Stores shopper and it comes in three colours Another commented, telling Nicole: ''When did wearing bras in public become the norm? Oh wait, it isn't.'' But there were also plenty of those who came to her defence, saying they don't see anything wrong with her outfit. ''Geez! I wouldn't have even thought twice about what you had on. Plus it's so hot,'' a person said. ''As a Disney regular it really depends on who catches you. Some are super strict on the rules some art,'' one regular visitor wrote. The official rules as per the website state visitors must wear: ''Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times.'' Can you be dress coded for wearing crop tops in public? The concept of being "dress coded" typically applies to specific environments such as schools, workplaces, or certain establishments where dress codes are enforced to maintain a particular standard or atmosphere. In public spaces, however, the situation is generally more relaxed and governed by societal norms rather than strict rules. That said, whether or not you can be dress coded for wearing a crop top in public largely depends on the context and location: Public Spaces: In most public spaces, like parks, streets, and beaches, wearing a crop top is generally acceptable and unlikely to result in any formal repercussions. People have the freedom to dress as they choose, provided they adhere to basic standards of decency and local laws. Establishments and Venues: Some restaurants, shops, or clubs may have their own dress codes. It's possible that a crop top might not meet the dress requirements for more formal venues. In such cases, staff may politely request that you adhere to their dress code or deny entry. Schools and Workplaces: Educational institutions and workplaces often have dress codes in place. Crop tops may be considered inappropriate in these settings, and you could be asked to change into more suitable attire. Cultural and Regional Considerations: In certain cultures or regions, norms and expectations around acceptable clothing can vary widely. It's always a good idea to be aware of and respect local customs and dress codes when travelling. Looking like a 'stripper' Last year, a British woman working at Disney World was accused of dressing like a ''stripper'' after wearing teeny shorts to work. Jessie Lee, 21, had been working across the Disney World Resorts in Florida over the summer as part of their cultural exchange program. Shocked at the response, the brunette beauty took to social media to respond to haters. Posting online, the content creator shared a clip whereby she stood in front of the iconic Disney castle, wearing a cropped red t-shirt and a pair of red and white gingham short shorts. She paired the outfit with red Adidas Sambas and a pair of Minnie Mouse ears. Later in the short clip, the Brit then posed alongside a telephone box, showing off her outfit from the side. But alongside the clip, Jessie drew attention to a comment from a troll which read 'Inappropriate for Disney.' In response to the rude remark, Jessie responded and wrote: 'This outfit??? Inappropriate for Disney?? 'It's actually one of my faves!! Let's stop judging girlies' outfits!!' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 62,600 views. But social media users were left totally divided by Jessie's outfit - whilst some thought it was 'perfect' and didn't see a problem, others hailed it as 'breaking the dress code'. One fashion fan beamed: 'Literally nothing wrong with this outfit, it's cute. I'm a cast member and I've seen way more revealing than this.' A second chimed in: 'Literally the PERFECT outfit for Disney.' Someone else explained: 'I don't get the issue. They are just legs, not like you are walking around naked. All essentials covered.' Meanwhile, another penned: 'What are these comments, I'm obsessed.' But at the same time, one person asked: 'Is that a diaper?' Another added: 'That was inappropriate, you went to a family park with children and acted like a stripper in that video.' 4
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Disney World to launch first all-new park in Florida; luxe steakhouse on the menu
Disney World is set to undergo a massive expansion in Florida, according to the Comprehensive Plan 2045 released by Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Most notably, this plan earmarks enough space for a major theme park alongside two mini-park expansions. Disney World hasn't had a major theme park expansion since 1998's Animal Kingdom. Also included in the earmarked plans is a luxury steakhouse called Bourbon Steak, which will be headed up by celebrity chef Michael Mina and will be located at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Florida has earmarked a massive expansion of Disney World The Walt Disney World Monorail System is being updated this week to feature logos that glow in the dark. The update builds on LED enhancements added during the resort's 50th anniversary when all 12 trains were outfitted with lights that illuminate the beam beneath each train. Florida's Comprehensive Plan 2045 earmarks as many as 400 to 500 acres of land for Disney World's expansion. Aside from the major theme park and steakhouse expansions, there is also space earmarked for two smaller mini-parks, which could end up incorporating waterslides or lazy rivers as attractions. The land reserved for Disney World's expansion also covers the construction of more hotels, entertainment zones, commercial spaces and underground tunnels. While details about the proposed major park expansion are scarce, Michael Mina has drawn a lot of attention due to being the head chef of the proposed Bourbon Steak steakhouse. He's had a storied career in the culinary arts and was awarded two Michelin stars for his San Franciso restaurant in 2006. He often incorporates his Egyptian heritage into his recipes. Disney World has been a mainstay of Florida since 1971 🌺 so happy my mom has held on to all of these Disney World gems of yesteryear. I miss the luau 😍 Walt Disney World was first launched in Orlando, Florida in 1971 to follow in the footsteps of the original Disneyland that had been established in California in 1955. Walt Disney had planned to supervise the Florida park's development himself, and his original plans were far more ambitious and far-reaching. Walt Disney's plans included the construction of a city that he called the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT), where he planned to test out and implement his own innovative vision of improved city living. After Walt's death in 1966, however, the original EPCOT plans were scrapped, and Walt Disney World was retooled into a more conventional amusement park. Over the next few decades, Disney World ended up launching many of its most vaunted attractions, including 1971's Magic Kingdom, 1982's EPCOT Center and 1998's Animal Kingdom. Time will tell what Disney World's next major park launch will be like, and how it will add to Walt Disney's legacy.
