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Author Archives: Rick Lye

Rick is an avid Disney fan. He first went to Disney World in 1986 with his parents and has been hooked ever since. Rick is married to another Disney fan and is in the process of turning his two children into fans as well. When he is not creating new Disney adventures, he loves to watch the New York Yankees and hang out with his dog, Buster. In the fall, you will catch him cheering for his beloved NY Giants.

In Two Days of Operation, Test Track Has Been Down Four Times

A large group of people, many wearing blue shirts, gather outside a building with "Test Track" signage. They are smiling, waving, and posing with a person dressed as Mickey Mouse in front. Lush greenery surrounds the area.

Launch Issues for Test Track Test Track, EPCOT’s highly anticipated attraction, has encountered several unexpected downtimes within its first two days of operation. Guests eager to experience the revamped ride were greeted not with seamless enjoyment but with interruptions that hindered their visit. Test Track was down multiple times on the first day alone, causing frustration among the excited crowds. ...

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Central Florida Tourism at Risk After Mexican Visitor Sent to Alligator Alcatraz

Four adults stand inside a fenced area with rows of metal bunk beds and thin mattresses, appearing to inspect the facility. The setting looks like a temporary or institutional shelter.

Incident Overview: Gonzalez Family’s Visit Carlos Martin Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Mexican tourist, traveled to Central Florida seeking comfort following the recent loss of his mother. He intended to spend quality time with his brother, Oscar, who had lived in the United States for eight months. Unfortunately, their attempt to find solace took a negative turn on July 7 when a ...

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Your Guide to a Very Disney World Christmas 2025

Mickey and Minnie Disney Christmas

Ticket Details for Holiday Events Ticket sales for the highly anticipated holiday events at Disney World will begin soon, allowing eager guests to secure their spots for a magical Christmas experience. For 2025, prices for events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights will range from $159 to $229, depending on the event date. Mickey’s Very Merry ...

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Universal Does the Exact Opposite of Disney and Listens to Its Fans

A close-up of the entrance sign for Universal Epic Universe, featuring gold, blue, and green decorative elements, with a blue sky and clouds in the background. Text below reads: "Beyond this gate find gardens and epic worlds to fill you.

Universal’s Operating Hours Revision Universal Orlando has made headlines with its recent adjustment to the operating hours of its latest theme park, Epic Universe. Initially, the park’s hours were set to close at 8 p.m., which led to widespread dissatisfaction among guests who felt this limited their overall experience. Not one to overlook customer sentiment, Universal Orlando immediately extended Epic ...

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Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” Has a Surprise Tax on Tourists

Donald Trump Mickey Mouse

New Visa Integrity Fee for Visitors Donald Trump’s recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” has introduced a new layer of complexity for international travelers. As part of the bill’s sweeping reforms, a $250 non-refundable Visa Integrity Fee has been established, specifically targeting those traveling abroad. This fee is expected to affect all international visitors who do not enter the United ...

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How Disney World’s Soft Openings Address Past Operational Challenges

Colorful illustration split in two: left side features Encanto characters around a glowing candle with butterflies and flowers; right side shows Cinderella's fairy godmother with sparkling magic near Peter Pan and Wendy flying.

New Strategy for Attraction Openings Disney World has embraced a new strategy by implementing soft openings to introduce attractions more effectively. This approach allows guests and cast members to acclimate to new experiences before official launches, promoting a smoother transition. The core aim of these soft openings is to create a controlled environment that lets cast members practice in real-time, ...

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Disneyland Shifts to Standby Lines Following Disappointing Virtual Queue Experience

Walt Disney animatronic on stage

Virtual Queue Launch Leads to Disappointment The recent rollout of the virtual queue at Disneyland created excitement among park visitors. Anticipation soared as guests lined up to secure their virtual tickets for the debut of “Walt Disney—A Magical Life,” an attraction featuring a lifelike animatronic of the park’s founder. Unfortunately, this eagerness quickly turned to disappointment. On the launch day, ...

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Former Disney Employee Expected to Plead Guilty in Murder and Child Sexual Abuse Case

Two images of Madeline Soto

A former Walt Disney World employee is expected to plead guilty in a serious criminal case involving a 13-year-old girl from Osceola County, Florida. Stephan Sterns, 39, is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, July 22, where he may enter a plea that would resolve multiple charges, including a count of first-degree murder. The plea hearing, set for 1:30 ...

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Guests Enjoy Surprise Early Look At Starlight: Dream The Night Away Parade At Magic Kingdom

Colorful illustration split in two: left side features Encanto characters around a glowing candle with butterflies and flowers; right side shows Cinderella's fairy godmother with sparkling magic near Peter Pan and Wendy flying.

Disney Announces Soft Opening for Starlight Parade Disney recently surprised fans by announcing a soft opening for the Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade at Magic Kingdom. The soft opening occurred on July 18 at 9 p.m., providing guests with an exciting sneak peek before the official launch scheduled for Sunday. This event not only delighted visitors but also served ...

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Testing Shows Signs of Progress Towards Reopening

A group of people enjoying a ride on a roller coaster, with some smiling and others raising their hands. The coaster is moving quickly through a scenic area with rocks and greenery in the background.

Update on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 6, 2025, leaving fans and visitors looking for alternative attractions in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The closure has contributed to a noticeable shift in the area’s atmosphere, which is typically vibrant and bustling. The absence of this beloved ride has left a significant gap, prompting ...

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