The age of expansion for Central Florida’s theme parks is upon us. Over the next decade, guests can expect an explosion at the parks. Those expansion projects officially kick off in less than a week with the opening of Epic Universe, But even Epic Universe has left open land for future expansions. While Walt Disney World doesn’t have a new ...
Read More »Author Archives: Rick Lye
Florida’s Tourism Tax Reform to Directly Impact Future Disney World Vacation Budgets
Florida Legislature’s Approval of TDT Amendments The Florida Legislature has recently approved significant amendments to the Tourism Development Tax (TDT), which will directly impact upcoming Disney World vacations. With a current tax rate of six percent in Orange County, travelers should anticipate that this figure may rise as the state shifts its focus toward generating more revenue from tourism. This ...
Read More »Did Disneyland Just Create a Tribute to Donald Trump for Park’s 70th Anniversary?
Disneyland is just days away from opening its 70th Anniversary celebration. Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure will be transformed to ring in the celebration, including an updated look for Sleeping Beauty Castle. The park’s real 70th birthday isn’t until July 15, when Walt Disney officially welcomed the world into his dream. While most of the festivities will begin on ...
Read More »Florida Bill Banning Pride Flag at Some Disney World Locations Fails
The 2025 Florida Legislative session ended last week. While it did not finalize the state’s budget, the legislature did pass several laws that directly impact your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation, including a new law governing how tourist tax dollars are spent. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis initially proposed removing property taxes and replacing them with a larger tourism tax. ...
Read More »Second Chance for Australia Slips Away With Latest Disney Park Decision
Disappointment in Australia Australia has once again found itself in a state of disappointment following Disney’s latest announcement regarding the establishment of a new theme park in the United Arab Emirates. This decision marks yet another chapter in Australia’s long-standing hopes of hosting a Disney Park. The nation has expressed a dream of welcoming the beloved brand since the 1990s, ...
Read More »Trump Replaces Walt Disney in Controversial Sculpture for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary
Controversial Sculpture Sparks Debate A recently unveiled sculpture at Disneyland, created to commemorate the park’s 70th Anniversary, has ignited widespread buzz and controversy among visitors. Designed to showcase Walt Disney alongside Mickey Mouse, many onlookers have expressed surprise at the sculpture’s uncanny resemblance to President Donald Trump. Observers have pointed out that features such as hairstyle and facial structure bear ...
Read More »Bob Iger Lays Out a Realistic Timeline for the Opening of Disney Park in Abu Dhabi
Disney shocked the world earlier this week by announcing a partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, to open Disney’s first Middle Eastern theme park in the United Arab Emirates. It’s been 15 years since Disney announced its last theme park opening, with Shanghai Disneyland opening in 2016. Miral will own and operate the new ...
Read More »Disney Doesn’t Mind Crowd Size, as Long as Food and Merchandise Keeps Selling
Disney fans have many complaints about what has been happening at the parks recently. Whether it be the removal of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island or the underwhelming new rides and attractions that have come to Disney World and Disneyland, fans have not been happy with Disney’s recent moves. However, the one thing that unites the Disney fanbase ...
Read More »Iger Outlines Timeline for Disney Park Abu Dhabi Development
Overview of Disney Park Abu Dhabi Disney’s announcement regarding establishing its first theme park in the Middle East has generated considerable excitement. The venture results from a partnership with Miral, a significant regional player known for creating immersive destinations. There’s Disney magic in the sky. 🌌 Breathtaking views, iconic imagery, and beautiful music come together to celebrate the announcement of ...
Read More »Changes in Disney’s Stance Toward Trump Administration Amid Industry Challenges
Shift in Disney’s Approach to Trump The Walt Disney Company has recently signaled a significant shift in its stance towards the Trump administration, showcasing a newfound readiness to collaborate on various initiatives that could bolster the film and television industry. This change comes after multiple challenges and an often adversarial relationship between entities. Disney’s Chief Financial Officer, Hugh Johnston, noted ...
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