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Author Archives: Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."

Permanent Closure Confirmed for This Disney World Shopping Experience

Disney Springs featuring a bold "CLOSED" stamp, set against a moody cloudy sky, with the iconic water tower and shimmering lagoon in view. The scene highlights the rare tranquility of UGG Disney Springs when all attractions are shut down and the bustling crowds have disappeared, offering a peaceful glimpse at this favorite entertainment destination.

It may fall behind attractions and dining, but shopping is often a priority for Guests visiting Walt Disney World, especially for collectors of certain Park-specific merchandise like ear hats and headbands, pins, and more. Still, some of the most popular shops at the Walt Disney World Resort, are not Disney stores at all in the case of locations like Basin ...

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Florida Senate Approves Bill for the Reorganization of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District

A Disney executive addresses an audience outside a sleek, illuminated building featuring bold red "RCFD" letters at night—signifying the Reedy Creek Improvement District central to Walt Disney World Resort's operations.

Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District has become a hot topic over the last year as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a push toward dismantling the special district following a feud with the Walt Disney Company in 2022. The proposed changes were first discussed by the DeSantis administration during the fallout over Disney’s opposition to the “Don’t Say Gay” (Parental Rights ...

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Disney World Just Brought Back This Secret Character Meet & Greet

Mickey Mouse, Mary Poppins, and a friendly penguin gather in front of a whimsical theme park building for a lively Characterpalooza celebration.

Looking to meet some rare characters at Walt Disney World? A set of lesser-known character meet and greets has returned, and we are excited for the opportunities to check them out next time we visit this Disney Park. RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Character Meet and Greets Since Fantasmic! returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios last November, Guests ...

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An ‘Encanto’ Character Meet & Greet Was Just Spotted at Walt Disney World!

The Madrigal family from Encanto poses with Mirabel during a character meet and greet at Epcot, standing in front of Spaceship Earth, alongside a blue question mark.

Could an ‘Encanto’ character meet and greet be coming soon to Walt Disney World? Well, Guests recently spotted one character from the iconic film in the Parks, prompting fans to wonder if this experience will one day become a permanent fixture. RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Character Meet and Greets The only regular character experience featuring anyone ...

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Josh D’Amaro Comments on How Upcoming Layoffs Will Impact Disney Parks

Josh D’Amaro beams in a suit alongside two energetic Cast Members in vibrant Disney costumes, all sharing smiles for the camera—a positive scene that stands out amid recent Disney Parks layoff news.

The structure of the Walt Disney Company is in the midst of a shakeup under Bob Iger’s return as CEO, and with the changes will, unfortunately, come thousands of employee layoffs. Boomerang CEO Bob Iger returned to the top executive position in the company in November 2022 following the ousting of Bob Chapek. While Iger’s return includes the stipulation under ...

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Everything We Know So Far About Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Concept Art

For the first time ever, Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009) will be the star of its very own attraction at both domestic theme parks, Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. The hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film features the company’s first Black princess in a story told through now seldom-used hand-drawn animation and an incredible soundtrack. With Tiana set ...

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Is Disney Dropping Hints That ‘Zootopia’ Is Actually Coming to Animal Kingdom?

The Tree of Life, beautifully adorned with intricate animal carvings, takes center stage as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia, both in their police uniforms and holding a badge, patrol Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Could Zootopia (2016) actually be coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Fans have been speculating that the film could have a presence at this Walt Disney World since its release, and the questions have only continued since the concept was briefly mentioned during the 2022 D23 Expo. The Walt Disney Company also revealed big news regarding the 2016 animated film during ...

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Iger Responds to Whether He Regrets Appointing Chapek as Disney CEO

Bob Iger, smiling in a blue shirt, stands next to Bob Chapek, who gestures animatedly onstage in a black suit during a Disney Parks announcement.

Following Bob Iger’s return as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, he participated in the first quarter earnings call on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, and he has continued to answer questions regarding the state of the company and his return to the position. With a renewed focus on creativity and streamlining costs to boost revenue, particularly for areas of the ...

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Restoring Creativity to Be the Focus of Bob Iger’s Restructuring Plans

Left: The iconic Walt Disney Studios building, the heart of Disney magic; right: Bob Iger, in a blue shirt and smiling warmly indoors, radiating the creative leadership behind beloved Disney experiences.

Restructuring has been one of the top priorities for boomerang CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger since he returned to the top executive position in November 2022 (along with finding a suitable successor before his two-year contract comes to an end). Bob Iger spoke on the company’s first quarterly earnings call since his return that took place on ...

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A NEW ‘Avatar’ Experience Is Coming to This Disney Park

Left: Pandora – The World of Avatar glowing at night in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, showcasing its bioluminescent landscape. Right: Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland illuminated with nighttime lights. A yellow arrow points from Pandora to the castle.

The Walt Disney Company held its Q1 Earnings call this afternoon, Wednesday, February 8, 2023, the first of this type of call since Bob Iger returned to the position of CEO. While these calls largely focus on financials in terms of revenue across all segments of the company, occasionally, some very exciting theme park news is shared, and the latest ...

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