Hello, DFB friends! We have more unexpected news from Disney World this week!

From changes in character dining policies to a ride evacuation and a lost little cup, this was a bit of an odd week in Disney World. Take a look!

Filming in Magic Kingdom

This week we saw a set area for filming in Magic Kingdom! Inside the roped-off area was lighting and sound equipment, actors, Cast Members, and a director. A Cast Member let us know they were filming a commercial.

These kinds of behind-the-scenes things happen all the time in Disney World, so it’s always worthwhile to keep your eyes and ears open. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for whatever Disney filmed today, so stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news!

Check out photos of the film production in Magic Kingdom!

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Evacuated

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the popular Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster was shut down and evacuated due to smoke in the building. Disney told news6wkmg that there was no fire and no one was hurt! Cast Members told us it was due to “technical difficulties.”

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has since reopened.

Read more about Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster being evacuated here!

Disneyland Cup Found in Disney World

We were surprised to find that a sweet little Disneyland coffee cup found its way to Disney World this week! We were served our Disneyland to-go cup at Tusker House, so it’s clear that this little cup just wanted to check out Animal Kingdom.

This West Coast meets East Coast situation is probably due to supply shortages that have caused other issues around Disney World, but we had fun with it nonetheless. We showed our Disneyland cup all over Disney World!

We were served a Disneyland cup in Disney World??

Space 220 Lounge Taking Reservations

Space 220 is EPCOT’s newest restaurant, and it’s made up of a main restaurant and a lounge called Space 220 Lounge. Space 220 Lounge has a separate menu for lunch and dinner, and they previously only allowed walk-ups, so it was a convenient way to dine in space without a reservation. This has now changed.

Space 220 Lounge is now accepting reservations. There will still be a standby line for the bar for people 21 and over, but Space 220 Lounge will require reservations going forward. Make sure you schedule your reservation if you want to eat in space!

Read more about Space 220 Lounge now taking reservations!

Character Dining Photo Policy Change

Since Disney World reopened in 2020, guests were required to remain seated at character dining locations and take photos of characters from a distance. This week, the rule changed. We learned that you can now stand up from your table and take photos with characters as long as you stay 6 feet away. Cast Members can even take photos for you with your phone.

Modified character meet and greets have also returned, so we’re a few steps closer to hugging our favorite characters again.

Learn more about the character dining photo policy change.

Emporium Mobile Checkout

In one of Magic Kingdom’s biggest stores, Emporium, you can now use Mobile Checkout to purchase all your Disney souvenirs! Mobile Checkout lets you bypass the typical checkout line through the My Disney Experience app. All you have to do is scan your items, pay through the app, and show your confirmation QR code before leaving the store. Easy!

Considering Emporium is often one of the most crowded stores in Magic Kingdom, Mobile Checkout will be a HUGE time saver! Try it out next time you visit Magic Kingdom.

You can now use Mobile Checkout at Emporium!

What was your favorite unexpected news of the week? Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news, planning tips, and more!

We have a BIG update on parking lot trams in Disney World!