DISNEY WORLD

Hotels, restaurants and other businesses along Florida's southwest coast face a long rebuilding process after Hurricane Ian.

As Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, Disney World and many other amusement parks are closing — forcing tourists to cancel their trips.

In addition to Disney parks, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and other popular Florida attractions are closing for the storm.

The attraction featuring Figment first opened in 1983 and has since gone through some changes

Walt Disney World recently surprised 12 non-profits with a $1 million donation, furthering its mission to help the Central Florida community even more.

A one-of-a-kind documentary is being premiered right here in Orange County.

Walt Disney World is preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of EPCOT on Oct. 1.

Walt Disney touted "the blessing of size" when announcing his Florida Project. Here's why all of that land mattered.

Walt Disney World has rolled out special offerings as it celebrates Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month.

Walt Disney World has brought back its popular Winnie the Pooh character dining experience at The Crystal Palace.

Walt Disney World has shared a first look at some of the merchandise that will be coming to EPCOT’s 40th anniversary celebration.

Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex is set to host HBCU Week for the first time beginning next month.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set to permanently close its daytime show “Disney KiteTails” at the end of the month, Walt Disney World said.

Walt Disney World has a list of exciting new additions for its future in the coming months, years and beyond.

Disney Imagineers have shared new details about the upcoming “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana” experience now under construction at EPCOT.

D23 Expo leaders on Thursday night unveiled a model of the new attraction “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” which is coming to Disney Parks in late 2024.

Disney fans visiting the D23 Expo this weekend in Southern California will get a first look at the new Walt Disney statue coming to Dreamers Point at EPCOT.

The plane that helped Walt Disney scout for the future site of Walt Disney World will now find a new home and exhibit following its display at the 2022 D23 Expo.

The 2022 D23 Expo is scheduled to kick off Sept. 9 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California.

Walt Disney World is inching closer to the long-awaited return of the nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World now has reservations available for future voyages onboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

Walt Disney World has shared a first look at a new store set to open at the new state-of-the-art Terminal C at Orlando International Airport.

Walt Disney World is one of the most popular attractions in the U.S., but it’s not the most popular, according to one study.

Walt Disney World‘s nighttime firework spectacular “Disney Enchantment“ is shining in a whole new way at Magic Kingdom.

2O+ has been the official guest room amenities sponsor for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani and Disney Cruise Line since 2006.

The average wait time for a tourist visa to visit the US is nearly eight months. The State Department needs to do better.

Walt Disney World has announced that fan-favorite tours from its Enchanting Extras Collection are returning to EPCOT on Oct. 2.

Aug. 16 commemorates the day the first looping coaster got its patent all the way back in 1898. But coasters have been around longer than that.

The special experience for children ages 3 to 12 reopens on Aug. 25 at Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World is ready to celebrate the spooky and festive fall season.

Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort will soon get the opportunity to try some delicious new flavors at the BoardWalk Deli.

Some of your favorite Disney Pixar characters are taking center stage for the 2023 Springtime Surprise Weekend.

A school bus leaving Tavares High School was rear-ended on State Road 44, according to Lake County Schools.

A person was hospitalized Wednesday after being hurt in a shooting earlier that morning in a Daytona Beach residential area, police said.

It’s no surprise theme parks are expensive, but this new study shows there is a park more expensive than Disney World and it’s right here in Florida.

Walt Disney World on Sunday reopened the Harmony Barber Shop at Magic Kingdom.

The parks are no longer worth it for our family. We're done spending thousands to wait in long lines, lose perks, and struggle with techonology.

When Disney reopens its Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique shops at resorts in Florida and California next month, the workers who help children dress up as their favorite animated characters will have new, more gender inclusive titles.

Disney World-Encanto FILE - Performers dressed as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck entertain visitors at Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on April 18, 2022. Character performers portraying Mirabel, the star of the animated hit Disney film, “Encanto,” made their debut on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Walt Disney World in Florida. That is because men are going to work at the shops for the first time. The decision to allow men to work at the shops was made before the pandemic but hadn’t been implemented before the closures. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique shops at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California are scheduled to reopen at the end of August after being closed for two years, according to a Disney blog post.

Disney World-Encanto FILE - Performers dressed as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck entertain visitors at Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on April 18, 2022. Character performers portraying Mirabel, the star of the animated hit Disney film, “Encanto,” made their debut on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Walt Disney World in Florida. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey) (Ted Shaffrey)When Disney reopens its Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique shops at resorts in Florida and California next month, the workers who help children dress up as their favorite animated characters will have new, more gender inclusive titles. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique shops at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California are scheduled to reopen at the end of August after being closed for two years, according to a Disney blogpost. Workers at the shops provide hairstyling, makeup, costumes and accessories to help children between ages 3 and 12 transform into their favorite characters.

Men and women from two families brawled at Florida's Disney World. One person was hospitalized, and three were arrested, said the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Orlando.

MagicBand+, Disney’s next-generation MagicBand, will be available for guests to purchase starting July 27, Disney announced Thursday.

Two families brawled at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, after a dispute in line at a Fantasyland attraction escalated into violence.

Walt Disney World is helping you find your car with ease the next time you visit the resort.

Walt Disney World has shared a first look inside the newly remodeled Victoria & Alberts restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

I worked at the Orlando theme parks, and I have an annual pass, so I've figured out how to save money on food, tickets, merchandise, and more.

As guests sip and dine their way around World Showcase during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival - they might want to look to Spaceship Earth.

Animal Kingdom’s “Festival of the Lion King” show roared back to life Saturday at Walt Disney World.

Ride-related injuries dropped by more than 60% between 2004 and 2019, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

For a limited time, guests visiting the Magic Kingdom will get two chances to see the nighttime fireworks spectacular, Disney Enchantment.

The event allows guests to stroll across six different continents and sample delicious food and drinks, see live entertainment and purchase colorful merchandise.

Walt Disney World will soon begin removing the iconic “Tower of Terror” roadside billboard near Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

On Tuesday night, Disney World’s Reedy Creek firefighters joined other unions in endorsing Gov. Ron DeSantis in his reelection campaign. Yes, the same DeSantis that...

Walt Disney World is sharing a first look at the new merchandise coming to the 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

I spent four months as a character performer at the Disney World parks, and I witnessed a lot of bad and uncomfortable behavior from tourists.

A man from Florida is charged with raping a woman near the bar at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort the night after security had to separate him and his wife after a fight at the hotel.

Animal Kingdom is Disney World's nature-themed park. It's home to rides like Expedition Everest, Avatar Flight of Passage, and It's Tough to Be a Bug.

The classic log flume water ride, “Splash Mountain” will be approaching its final days as it receives a “Princess and the Frog” makeover which will be called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” when it opens in late 2024 at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Carmen Smith, Disney senior vice president of Creative Development says “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” will not be a retelling of the 2009 animated film “Princess and the Frog” but will act as a sequel of sorts taking place right after the original film ends. Advertisement“Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome,” Smith said. The decision to change the beloved “Splash Mountain” that has been open since 1992, came from Disney CEO Bob Chapek who said he believes the “Zippity Doo Dah” attraction based on the controversial film, “Song of the South” didn’t belong in Disney parks anymore. “The Splash Mountain attraction was originally based on ‘Song of the South,’ and we are eager to create an entirely new experiences that is more inclusive and inspirational for all guests.”“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” will replace both Splash Mountain attractions in Disneyland and Disney World and will open in late 2024.

The Lost Roadside Attractions of Florida, Amelia Earhart's flight across the Atlantic, Balzac on journalists, an FYO trio performs Haydn.

I'm a lifetime annual passholder who's spent a lot of time in the Florida theme parks, and I've noticed the mistakes people make on Disney vacations.

VIDEO: First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strength First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strengthORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As expected, it didn’t take long for the first lawsuit to be filed against the Florida state government over its handling of Disney World’s special tax district, Reedy Creek. The case, titled Foronda v. DeSantis, challenges the grounds that the governor and his allies used to order the dissolution of Reedy Creek in June 2023. They also say DeSantis violated Florida’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights by dumping Reedy Creek’s bond debt on property owners’ laps, potentially sending their payments up by 25% once the Reedy Creek law takes effect, as Tax Collector Scott Randolph suggested. However, the spokesman repeated a prior statement that the governor had a plan to ensure taxpayers weren’t negatively impacted by the status of Reedy Creek. Sanchez’ lawsuit is expected to be one of several.

I played roles like Winnie the Pooh, King Louie, and Chip 'n' Dale at the Florida theme parks, and people are always curious about my Disney job.

VIDEO: In fashion: Dapper Day outings return to Disney World this weekend In fashion: Dapper Day outings return to Disney World this weekendLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The most magical place on Earth is going to look even more refined this weekend. Dapper Day outings return Saturday and Sunday for another sophisticated good time. “It’s all about being at the park and showing off your own unique sense of style,” said Chloé Ferreira, Dapper Day producer. Ferreira said Dapper Day has already expanded Dapper Day outings in Southern California to include non-Disney sites such as museums, and the company looks to do the same in Central Florida. Florida lawmakers vote to strip Disney’s self-government The Florida House of Representatives has voted to strip Walt Disney World of its special designation.

From the gourmet meals and missions to the VIP perks and room with a droid, here's what the galactic experience was like — and why we'd do it again.

I've gone to Disney World for over 30 years, staying at many hotels on the property. Here are my top picks for families on a budget and adults.

Orange and Osceola counties could take on a massive debt held by Disney if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill revoking Disney World's special regulatory status.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A first of its kind clinic in Central Florida is helping diagnose what doctors consider an ‘invisible disability’ at birth, impacting as many as one in 20 children. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome occurs when a woman drinks too much during pregnancy, and it can lead to lifelong cognitive and behavioral issues. Only 9 Investigates went inside the new clinic and learned, oftentimes, those issues don’t become obvious until years after a child is born. In an office off Gore Street near downtown Orlando, a simple conversation about stars is helping 5-year-old Dayton Dodson’s family identify strengths and weaknesses in his speech. So we explored the family history a little bit further, and found out that there was fetal alcohol exposure,” Dodson said.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Split Oak Forest currently offers 1,700 acres of tranquility, but it may not be that way for long. The Central Florida Expressway Authority wants to extend Osceola Parkway more than a mile across the southwest corner of the forest. In Tallahassee on Wednesday, the Florida Communities Trust Governing Board decided that the Osceola Parkway could, in fact, go through the forest. In December 2019, Orange County approved an $800 million toll road to go through the forest. Officials with the environmental group Friends of Split Oak said they will sue forwhat was not only promised, but was also decided on by voters.

OVEIDO, Fla. — The City of Oviedo has grown leaps and bounds in the last decade, adding nearly 10,000 residents. Ingrid Bryant has lived in Oviedo since 1959 and said the once quiet farming town has outgrown its current capacity. Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek said the plan focuses future development in three core areas of the city: Oviedo on the park, the water tower district, and the area around the Oviedo mall. City leaders said even a 10% reduction would cut down on the congestion. More information about the City of Oviedo comprehensive plan can be found here.

Many Republican leaders are threatening to punish companies, alleging that these firms should be more supportive of a social conservative agenda.

Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded a special legislative session to consider eliminating a decades-old governing district set up for Disney World.

Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, has asked lawmakers to consider a bill that would halt Disney World's exemptions to state regulations that were established more than 50 years ago.

BAY LAKE, Fla. — A family-run ice cream company known for its “innovative and taste-provoking” flavors will be opening in Disney Springs at the end of the month. Salt & Straw is bringing its small-batch ice cream to Disney World after the successful opening at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. READ: ‘We had to revitalize it’: Iconic swan boats will return to Lake Eola after updates to dockThe first 100 customers will receive a free scoop of ice cream on opening day. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new scoop shop on opening day. To learn more about the ice cream shop, click here.

Some think you can only spend half a day at Animal Kingdom, but as a travel planner, I know there's plenty to do. Here's what we did and what it cost.

We were visiting the Orlando theme parks multiple times a month, so we decided to build our new home just minutes away from Magic Kingdom.

Don't make the same mistakes I did. Whether it's your first time or it's been a while, here's what you should know about visiting Universal Orlando.

According to travel app Hopper, the average price of a domestic round-trip ticket has surged 26% over the last year to $290.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Like creatures of habit, every morning around 8 a.m. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the family troop of gorillas wakes up, climbs over the hill and comes in for breakfast. One of the last members of the family to the table is Gino. And for some guests, he’s the main attraction. The western lowland gorilla is the face of the Gorilla Species Survival Program. With his family troop, he’s fathered 14 offspring.

Rain gear, comfortable shoes, and a portable phone charger are essential for a trip to the theme parks, but extra snacks are a waste of luggage space.

The purple street signs directed drivers to Disney World's theme parks, resorts, and more. They were first introduced in the 1990s.

The limited-edition popcorn bucket, shaped like the character Figment, was created for Epcot's 2022 International Festival of the Arts.

Florida law bars employers from requiring vaccinations, though Disney says 90% of its workers are already inoculated.

Florida law bars employers from requiring vaccinations, though Disney says 90% of its workers are already inoculated.

Disney World's 50-year employees Guests stroll along Main Street at the Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux/AP)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Disney addresses reports and social media blogs about ending the vaccine mandates at their Florida properties. In October, Disney announced unionized employees must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 22. Read: Disney cast members protest company’s vaccine mandateRecent legislation signed by Gov. The legislation will also prevent employers from firing workers over COVID-19 vaccination mandates and allow parents to decide whether to vaccinate their children.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — If you’re at Walt Disney World this weekend, don’t be surprised if you see people trading in their touristy best for slacks, suspenders, dresses and bowties. Dapper Day outings officially return to Disney World this weekend, celebrating its 10th year. Dapper Days takes place Saturday at Epcot, and at Magic Kingdom on Sunday. Click here to make a reservation. READ: Coronavirus: Disneyland’s Dapper Dans bring songs to fans at homeClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

The Walt Disney Co. returned to a quarterly profit as it once again got a bump from reopened parks. Disney has closed or limited capacity at its theme parks during the pandemic, weighing on revenue. The company ended its fiscal year with 118.1 million Disney+ subscribers, up 60% from the previous year but less than analysts' forecast of 126.2 million. It expects 230 to 260 million subscribers by 2024, and some analysts have warned that growth is lagging and Disney could miss that target. The company has about 179 million total streaming subscribers including Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu, and Disney says its streaming business is its top priority as cord-cutting reduces the viewing universe for traditional TV networks.

The Mr. Toad peanut-butter dome cake is for Disney World's 50th-anniversary celebration, and it kinda deserves the hate it's getting from fans online.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Temperatures will be slightly cooler Saturday morning and into the afternoon as well. Daytime highs are expected to reach the mid-to-upper 80s on Saturday. Read: Your guide to Orlando Come Out With Pride 2021Most of Central Florida will see mainly dry skies on Saturday. Read: Doctors use smell training exercises to help some COVID-19 patients recover their lost sensesAreas of Southern Brevard and Osceola counties will have the best chances of afternoon showers and storms. Read: Disney World at 50, and the city that rose around itChief meteorologist Tom TerryClick here to download the WFTV weather app for live updates to your phone, and click here to stream weather coverage on the WFTV now app.

From limited-edition merchandise and treats to homages to the past, Walt Disney World is going all out for its big 50th celebration at the parks.

A 23-year-old TikToker filmed the incident and told Insider that the man went about his day after climbing the Disney World landmark.

From riding Pirates of the Caribbean and Living With the Land to exploring Epcot and Galaxy's Edge, here's what I like to do at Disney every month.

A report from the Orange County Sheriff's Office says the man was found using the stolen iPad at Disney World's Hollywood Studios in June.