food IS a theme park
The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” is about to return!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom
After a closure that began in January of 2025, the Magic Kingdom’s legendary E-Ticket coaster Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is scheduled to reopen on May 3rd with replaced tracks, new ride vehicles, and some “new magic,” including a new sequence that pays tribute to Disney history.
Disney knows how to sell the magic—but sometimes the myths go a little too far.
Liberty Square
Over the years, a lot of stories have circulated around the parks. Some are wild fan theories, others are just good old-fashioned misunderstandings, and a few are urban legends that just won’t die. We’re breaking down the most common “Disney lies” fans believed for way too long—and yep, we believed a few of these ourselves.
In 2023, Disney World added a LONG-AWAITED character to the Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion. The only problem? His placement!
10 minutes?!
The Hatbox Ghost is arguably the most famous single animatronic in Disney history, mainly due to its urban legend status. The figure, which features an effect where the character’s head would “disappear” and then “reappear” inside the hatbox he was holding, had been very briefly included in the original Disneyland Haunted Mansion’s attic during soft opening previews as well as some marketing materials. However, by the time the attraction opened to the general public, the figure was nowhere to be seen.
The Walt Disney Company and its theme parks have a long and storied history. From stories of Walt himself down through his legendary imagineers, the creation and evolution of each of the company’s films, characters, and theme parks have a cavalcade of tales surrounding them.
Magic Kingdom
However, for every astounding true story, there are myths and legends that, despite being oft-repeated, have no truth to them. We polled our readers and members of the DFB team to get their takes on what myths they or others have believed for way too long.
Universal’s Epic Universe has been receiving rave reviews since the new theme park opened to the public, and — believe it or not — that may actually be GOOD for Disney.
Epic Universe
During a recent appearance at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro was asked about Epic Universe and responded that while Disney is “always on the offensive… We’re constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks.”
The company is confident that “If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe,” and draws new visitors to the region, “that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.”
While this EPCOT attraction may not top the park’s list of longest waits anymore, its everlasting popularity and certain operational hurdles keep it a Lightning Lane favorite.
Soarin’ Around the World
Soarin’ is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary at Disney World, having been cloned over (in its original … Over California format) from the Disneyland Resort as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth. At the time, the ride was EPCOT’s headline attraction, commanding huge lines in The Land pavilion.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park is in a state of transition, during which some spaces that have gone LONG unused are finally being dragged into the park’s future!
Welcome to Hollywood Studios!
Some of these buildings date back to the park’s original Disney-MGM Studios days, meaning that they are nearly 40 years old at this point.
Going by the number of annual guests, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is the most popular theme park on the planet.
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!
However, there are some tidbits about the park that Disney wants to keep at the down-low… and we’re not talking about the underground Utilidor tunnels.
As many hardcore Disney fans know, the company holds a vast archive of treasures from its century of animation production. Now, they’re giving YOU the chance to take something home from those archives, and it’s all for a good cause!
©Disney
From April 23rd through the 30th, Disney will be participating in the Sotheby’s AnimAID | The Art of Animation online auction along with Warner Bros., DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, and Paramount, with proceeds going to Los Angeles fire relief organizations. There are some truly incredible pieces up for auction, so get your paddles ready for bidding!
The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is about to change forever, as longtime headliners Aerosmith are about to cede the attraction to the Muppets. However before the Bad Boys of Boston turn the keys to their super-stretch lim0 over to Kermit and co., we’re looking back at nearly 30 years of Hollywood Studios’ most rockin’ ride.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith first roared to life at Hollywood Studios – – then known as Disney/MGM Studios – – in 1999. However, the road to the ride’s opening had nearly as many twists and turns as the Vekoma coaster itself.
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