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Theme park coverage at WFTV Channel 9

WFTV •

EPCOT Festival of the Arts returns for 2026

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — From plate to paint, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts returns for 2026.

The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will take place at Walt Disney World from Jan. 16 to Feb. 23, offering a vibrant celebration of visual, performing, and culinary arts.

Since its debut in 2017, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts has become a beloved event, known for its unique blend of artistic experiences.

This year, visitors can enjoy interactive photo opport...
WFTV •

Yo Ho! A pirate-themed tavern sets sail at Magic Kingdom

LAKE BUNEA VISTA, Fla. — A new tavern is dropping anchor at Magic Kingdom, and it promises seaworthy sips, salty snacks and plenty of pirate lore. The Beak and Barrel, a “Pirates of the Caribbean”-themed lounge, officially opens on Aug. 29.

Disney says the tavern was dreamed up as an extension of the beloved attraction, inviting guests into the “Golden Age of Piracy.” Imagineers say the story starts with Captain Meridian Goldwyn, a legendary rum runner who created the tavern as a safe haven for...
WFTV •

Disney teases new attractions and updates at Play & Preview showcase

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Disney fans got a first look at major additions coming to Walt Disney World during the Play & Preview showcase, where Imagineers revealed new shows, reimagined rides, and interactive experiences set to roll out over the next year.

Earlier in the day, Disney previewed updates to EPCOT’s Test Track and new shows at Hollywood Studios. The showcase itself focused on what’s next for the parks, including a reimagined roller coaster themed to the Muppets. Animal Kingdom also t...
WFTV •

Disney readies for EPCOT Food & Wine Festival with new flavors, icons, and shows across parks

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World is gearing up for the return of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, bringing new flavors, fan-favorite characters, and fresh entertainment across the resort.

Chef de Cuisine Tony Marotta said the team spends nearly a year preparing for the festival. “This is a nine-to 12-month process to get a festival going. So we evolve and test items all year long,” he said, calling it “the busiest festival of the year, also my favorite festival.”

Disney...
WFTV •

Disney readies for EPCOT Food & Wine Festival with new flavors, icons, and shows across parks

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World is gearing up for the return of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, bringing new flavors, fan-favorite characters, and fresh entertainment across the resort.

Chef de Cuisine Tony Marotta said the team spends nearly a year preparing for the festival. “This is a nine-to 12-month process to get a festival going. So we evolve and test items all year long,” he said, calling it “the busiest festival of the year, also my favorite festival.”

Disney...
WFTV •

Disney cast members donate thousands in school supplies to support Central Florida teachers

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Walt Disney World cast members are donating thousands of school supplies to the nonprofit organization ‘A Gift for Teaching’ to support Central Florida teachers.

The donations aim to boost the supplies that teachers use in the classroom, helping them prepare for the upcoming school year.

Disney and ‘A Gift for Teaching’ have partnered for over 25 years, making a significant impact on the community through initiatives like this.

Last year, Disney said they donated more th...
WFTV •

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to debut ‘The Walt Disney Studios’ attraction in 2026

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to unveil a new attraction, ‘The Walt Disney Studios,’ in 2026.

The new attraction will change the current Star Wars: Launch Bay into an interactive animation experience.

Inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios and the short film ‘Once Upon a Studio,’ the new area will feature interactive galleries and a Wonderland-themed playground, inviting guests to explore and engage with beloved Disney characters.

“Our film came from the heart and f...
WFTV •

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to debut ‘The Walt Disney Studios’ attraction in 2026

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to unveil a new attraction, ‘The Walt Disney Studios,’ in 2026.

The new attraction will change the current Star Wars: Launch Bay into an interactive animation experience.

Inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios and the short film ‘Once Upon a Studio,’ the new area will feature interactive galleries and a Wonderland-themed playground, inviting guests to explore and engage with beloved Disney characters.

“Our film came from the heart and f...
WFTV •

Disney celebrates teachers with free park tickets and $500K donation for education programs

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — To celebrate the end of the school year, Walt Disney World sprinkled some magic on Florida schools and teachers with free park tickets and a $500,000 donation for education programs.

Disney said Stitch went on tour to surprise teachers at Hamilton Elementary, Deerwood Elementary, College Park Middle, Tavares Middle, and North Lakeland Elementary as they cleaned up their classrooms for the summer.

Disney officials said teachers at each school also received free Walt Dis...
WFTV •

Disney Conservation Fund awards $1M grant to Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Disney Conservation Fund marked its 30th anniversary by awarding the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation a $1 million grant.

The announcement was made during the Corridor Connect Summit at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

The grant helps protect Florida’s natural lands, wildlife, and endangered species, such as the Florida panther, black bear, and manatee.

“Nature is essential to our health and happiness, and here in Florida, we are tremendously fortunate to hav...
WFTV •

Walt Disney World to debut new nighttime parade

LAKE BUNENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World has officially announced a date for the new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom.

“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” will debut at Magic Kingdom on July 20.

The parade marks the park’s first year-round nighttime parade since the Main Street Electrical Parade in 2016.

The parade will feature a series of illuminated floats featuring classic characters, big music, and colorful costumes.

The theme park has shared a first look at the final float, wit...
WFTV •

EPCOT’s GoofyCore party kicks off Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World officially launched its “Cool Kid Summer” celebration this week.

GoofyCore at EPCOT opened Tuesday inside the newly unveiled CommuniCore Hall.

According to Disney, the area is designed for maximum summer fun. GoofyCore is a party space where kids can dance, play, and go absolutely “Goofy.”

The colorful indoor venue features DJ spinning tunes while Goofy leads the way with interactive games with kids.

Kids will be able to enjoy activities such as “Lo...
WFTV •

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival releases full list of perfromers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Don’t let the snow fool you; Walt Disney World will celebrate the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in just a few weeks.

Don’t let the snow fool you; Walt Disney World will celebrate the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in just a few weeks.

From March 5 to June 2, international artists and local bands will take the stage at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre.

Read: Welcome Bakso: Endangered tiger cub makes debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disn...
WFTV •

Discover Disney ticket: Exclusive savings for Florida residents at Walt Disney World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World offers Florida residents savings with a Discover Disney Ticket.

Ticket provides a variety of dining, hotel options, and promotional offers during the year to help families save on their vacations.

The ticket allows Florida residents to visit Walt Disney World theme parks for four days or $60 per day.

Read: ‘A little bit of everything’: Focus on self-care during ‘Disney Springs Wellness Month’

The ticket is available from Jan.7 for visits from Jan. 7...
WFTV •

Disney announced narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — It’s almost the holiday season, and a new lineup of celebrity narrators will soon take the stage at Walt Disney World.

The theme park announced the next group of storytellers for the EPCOT Candlelight Processional during EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays.

The Candlelight Processional retells the story of Christmas along with a choir, orchestra and the Voices of Liberty.

Here is the complete schedule:

Click here to download our free news, weather and smar...
WFTV •

Disney announced narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional at EPCOT

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — It’s almost the holiday season, and a new lineup of celebrity narrators will soon take the stage at Walt Disney World.

The theme park announced the next group of storytellers for the EPCOT Candlelight Processional during EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays.

The Candlelight Processional retells the story of Christmas along with a choir, orchestra and the Voices of Liberty.

Here is the complete schedule:

Click here to download our free news, weather and smar...
WFTV •

Disney Springs resort area hotels unveil special hotel rates

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney Springs resort area hotels will offer special rates for a limited time.

The special rates will be starting at $96 through Nov. 23.

The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are located at Walt Disney World Resort.

Read: Shakira’s World Tour is coming to Camping World Stadium

Officials said each resort is within walking distance of the area’s shopping, dining, and entertainment via the pedestrian sky bridge to Disney Springs.

Read: ‘Seas the Day’: UCF Rosen College hosts...
WFTV •

Disney announces new hotel offers for the upcoming year

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World Resort has announced new promotional offers on rooms and packages for the upcoming year.

Theme park goers can save up to $200 per night with a 3-night stay at select Disney Resort hotels. The promotion is available most nights from Feb. 26 to June 30, 2025.

Disney said visitors can also save up to 25% on room-only at select Disney Resort hotels in early 2025.

Read: Paralympics Star Oksana Masters Celebrates her Paralympic medals at Walt Disney World...
WFTV •

Disney and Harry Styles’ Pleasing announce exclusive Fantasia-themed collaboration

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Disney and Harry Styles’ Pleasing are teaming up to launch their first collaboration.

Disney Fantasia and Pleasing are introducing a collection across apparel, accessories, nails, and skincare.

Starting on Sept. 28, Central Florida residents and visitors will be able to shop the limited-time collection at a pop-up at Disney Springs.

Read: Walt Disney World to reopen Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park

The pop-up will have a bespoke 3D animation honoring the collection...
WFTV •

Disney removes virtual queue for Tron Lightcycle Run

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Starting Sept. 9, Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom will no longer have a virtual queue system.

The park said the ride will start using a standby queue or a lightning lane single pass experience on monday.

Tron was limited to a virtual queue system that manages the high demand for the ride.

READ: Walt Disney World to reopen Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park

Guests had to join the virtual queue at set times throughout the day to reserve a spot.

The system allowe...
WFTV •

Walt Disney World to reopen Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Frozen fun is returning to Walt Disney World in November.

Disney announced Wednesday that it plans to reopen Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park to the public on Nov. 4.

The water park will stay open until May 23, 2025.

Read: Publix makes real estate buy next to Disney

Disney said the water park is known for its immersive storytelling and snowy theming.

Parkgoers can also buy a new “Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass,” which gives guests continuing visits to the water p...
WFTV •

Here’s your guide to spooky fun at Magic Kingdom

BAY LAKE, Fla. — Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World is ready for spooky fun.

The Halloween party runs on select nights through Oct. 31.

The after-hours event goes from 7  p.m. to midnight, with the option to enter Magic Kingdom early. Each guest will also receive a reusable trick-or-treat bag, according to Disney.

Read: See the fall festivities you can do at Walt Disney World

In addition to trick-or-treating throughout the park, a staple of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, ther...
WFTV •

Disney announces ‘Villains’ Land, ‘Monsters Inc.’ Land, ‘Encanto’ and more

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney unveiled exciting new attractions, cruise ships, lounges, and even a new parade during its D23 event in California.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced to theme park fans the upcoming plans for Walt Disney World during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23 on Saturday.

Among the many announcements, four new cruise ships and details about six new themed lands and areas, including Monsters, Inc., Cars, Indiana Jones, Encanto, and Villains Land.

R...
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WFTV •

SeaWorld Orlando to transform into winter wonderland

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is set to dazzle visitors with its annual Christmas Celebration, transforming the park into a winter wonderland.

The event runs from Nov. 7 to Jan. 5, 2026. SeaWorld said the event features millions of sparkling lights, beloved holiday shows, and festive experiences, all included with park admission.

The park’s transformation includes the Sea of Trees, where sparkling trees dance to holiday classics across the lagoon, featuring a towering 70-foot centerpiece....
WFTV •

SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream 2025 unveils new attractions

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is set to thrill visitors with its Howl-O-Scream 2025 event, featuring three new haunted houses, four new scare zones, and a brand-new live show.

The event runs from September 5 to November 1, 2025, offering a spine-chilling experience for those seeking Halloween thrills.

This year’s Howl-O-Scream promises to be more terrifying than ever, with new attractions including haunted houses like ‘The Widow’s Nest’ and ‘The Collector’s Curse,’ as well as scare zones su...
WFTV •

SeaWorld Orlando launches new drone show this weekend as part of Summer Spectacular

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando announced its all-new drone show begins this weekend.

SeaWorld said the drone show is part of its Summer Spectacular event.

The drone show will be integrated with the nighttime show Ignite Firework Spectacular.

Guests will have their first opportunity to watch the display starting June 7.

The theme park said the drone show is set to the track “Feeling Electric. “It will feature hundreds of synchronized drones painting glowing sea creatures, crashing waves, an...
WFTV •

Summer at SeaWorld Orlando with drone shows and new attractions

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is making a splash this summer as the park kicks off its Summer Spectacular celebration.

Starting in June, SeaWorld will light up the night sky with a drone show and its Ignite fireworks show.

The theme park said the drone show is set to the track “Feeling Electric. “It will feature hundreds of synchronized drones painting glowing sea creatures, crashing waves, and bursts of color high above SeaWorld’s central lake.

As the drone lights transition into glowing...
WFTV •

SeaWorld announces exciting new rides and attractions for 2025

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld said it’s thrilled to announce its new rides and attractions line-up opening this spring.

Seaworld Orlando will include the all-new Immersive Experience ride. The attraction will take guests on a journey to the top of the world and beneath the sea.

The theme park said guests will dive down on snow-capped mountains, weave through fields of glaciers, and plunge into frigid waters—all from the comfort of an immersive indoor experience that brings the Arctic to life.

READ...
WFTV •

SeaWorld Orlando resort returns the Seven Seas 5K Fun Run

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando announced the return of the Seven Seas Food Festival 5K Fun Run on Thursday.

Runners of all ages are invited to run, skip, jog, or stroll through the park’s pathways on Saturday, April 12.

The park said runners will race through iconic attractions, including Sesame Street Land, Orca Stadium, Shark Plaza, and a more memorable course.

Read: SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival to feature 200 internationally inspired dishes

Younger runners can join the race, an e...
WFTV •

SeaWorld Orlando unveils new holiday event

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando announced a new event for the upcoming holiday season, Coasters After Dark Christmas Edition.

SeaWorld Orlando is offering an exclusive nighttime holiday event on select nights from Nov. 8 through Dec.

Coasters After Dark is a separate ticket event, and tickets start at $49.99.

Theme park officials said guests will have the chance to experience their favorite roller coasters and attractions decorated with Christmas lights.

Read: Looking to vote early? Here’s...
WFTV •

SeaWorld Orlando welcomes rescued Pacific Walrus calf, Ukiaq, from Alaska

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando welcomes a rare, rescued Pacific walrus calf from the Alaska SeaLife Center.

The calf, named Ukiaq, which means “autumn” in the Iñupiaq language, was found orphaned in Utqiagvik, Alaska.

Ukiaq, or Uki, arrived at SeaWorld Orlando on Sept. 18, 2024, weighing about 220 pounds.

Read: How to check if you are eligible for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Milton

The park said the US Fish & Wildlife Service has deemed Uki non-releasable, and SeaWorld Orlando was chos...
WFTV •

“Howl-O-Sprint” midnight run debuts at SeaWorld

ORLANDO, Fla. — Howl-O-Sprint 5k race debuts at SeaWorld on Friday the 13th.

SeaWorld is luring the bravest runners and walkers to embark on a nighttime terror 5k run.

The 5k run begins at midnight.

Runners who dare will dash through the racecourse while surrounded by characters “whispering curses and promises of spine-tingling fear.” SeaWorld said.

Read: Lake Mary Little League parade: How to watch

Runners will also run through scare zones.

After the race, guests can refuel at the Siren’...
WFTV •

SeaWorld releases new details for Howl-O-Scream

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is ready to get spooky this fall.

The park has officially released details on this year’s Howl-O-Scream lineup, which includes new houses, immersive new scare zones, and “bone-chilling horror.”

SeaWorld announced that this year, there will be five haunted houses, seven scare zones, two shows, and five interactive bars.

Four of the haunted houses are brand-new:  The Ultimate Gamble, Water’s Edge Wellness Center, Atlantis – Journey Below and Farm 51.

Read: SeaW...
WFTV •

SeaWorld offers shark fans a week long shark experience

ORLANDO, Fla. — The week-long ‘Ultimate Shark Experience’ celebrates sharks in its parks and gives visitors unique opportunities.

Tickets are available for a limited time during the week-long shark celebration happening from July 7 to 14.

The park said the tickets will allow visitors to immerse themselves in a day filled with shark activities.

Read: Camping World to host Club América and Atlético Nacional in the inaugural Soccer ID Cup

SeaWorld said visitors will be able to go behind the sce...
WFTV •

‘Bands, Brew & BBQ’ returns to SeaWorld Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando brings back the seasonal Bands, Brew & BBQ festival.

The festival runs for eight weekends, from July 6 through August 25.

Visitors are invited to stroll, listen to music and eat barbecue.

Harley-Davidson will be showcasing motorcycles in the park throughout the events.

Read: SeaWorld Orlando announces grand opening for Penguin Trek

On July 14, NASCAR’s Daytona International Speedway will be in the park, giving visitors a NASCAR experience.

Bands will have c...
WFTV •

SeaWorld and Aquatica are offering discounts on park tickets for a limited time

ORLANDO, Fla. — Summer is here, and SeaWorld and Aquatica are celebrating the season with a ‘Best Sale of the Year’.

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From June 17 to 23, the theme park offers up to 55% off tickets, fun cards, and annual passes at each park.

SeaWorld also unveiled its new summer lineup, including exciting events every weekend, such as a new Shamu and Crew Better Together Breakfast, the Viva La Musica, and Bands Brew and BBQ.

Read: ‘We have found a home’: Popular Mills 50 win...
WFTV •

SeaWorld Orlando announced ticket sales for Howl-O-Scream

ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s never too early to plan for the spooky season; Howl-O-Scream is returning to SeaWorld Orlando this fall

SeaWorld Orlando’s Mayhem sale is tempting guests to grab discounted event tickets before the prices creep up.

Visitors must purchase at least two tickets, each priced at $38.99.

Read: Man gets boat mural painted on fence city officials made him build to hide vessel

Although the event lineup for 2024 has not been announced, visitors can expect haunted houses, scare zon...
WFTV •

SeaWorld Orlando debuts new 5K run; see the prizes

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando on Monday announced the debut of the Inaugural Seven Seas Food Festival 5K Fun Run in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the opening of its sister park in San Diego.

Runners of all ages are invited to run, skip, jog or stroll through the park’s pathways May 4.

The Fun Run will have people run through iconic attractions, including Sesame Street Land, Orca Stadium, Infinity Falls, Mako Coaster, Shark Plaza, Dolphin Stadium, Key West and Wild Arctic.

Re...
WFTV •

SeaWorld food festival has expanded the performance lineup

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Seven Seas Food Festival has expanded the lineup with exciting new performers.

SeaWorld Orlando has just announced the addition of six new performers to the festival.

Which will now include Hanson, The Goo Goo Dolls, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, The Righteous Brothers, Boyce Avenue, and Natalie Grant.

Read: ‘Messi Mania’: Soccer legend’s draw causes major jump in ticket prices

The concerts will be at the Baystage Stadium every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Seven Seas Food F...
WFTV •

SeaWorld food festival has expanded the performance lineup

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Seven Seas Food Festival has expanded the lineup with exciting new performers.

SeaWorld Orlando has just announced the addition of six new performers to the festival.

Which will now include Hanson, The Goo Goo Dolls, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, The Righteous Brothers, Boyce Avenue, and Natalie Grant.

Read: ‘Messi Mania’: Soccer legend’s draw causes major jump in ticket prices

The concerts will be at the Baystage Stadium every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Seven Seas Food F...
WFTV •

See how SeaWorld is celebrating the 5th anniversary of its Sesame Street Land

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando will have a series of events to celebrate Sesame Street Land’s fifth birthday.

Sesame Street Land will be decked out with colorful birthday decorations.

There will be various fun birthday activities from Jan. 27 to Apr. 28.

Read: City of Orlando to host 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials-Marathon; see road closures

Some activities include a new Sesame Street birthday parade, a birthday breakfast bash, birthday story time, birthday-themed crafts and a festive birthday p...
WFTV •

SeaWorld food festival returns with new foods and beverages

ORLANDO, Fla. — The food festival will feature over 200 new cuisines for guests to try next month.

The Seven Seas Food Festival will have food stalls around the park with over 200 food and drink options.

Guests can enjoy the food festival with standard park admissions.

The festival will start on Feb. 2 and go until May 19.

Read: Dr. Phillips’ juice stand replica opens in Orlando’s Packing District

The food will highlight delicacies from Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Germany and Asia.

Some new f...
WFTV •

Splash into 2024 at SeaWorld

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando is ready to ring in the New Year and they want you to join them.

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The Spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration will keep the park open until 1 a.m.

The event will have scattered party zones, pop-up bars, live entertainment and an exclusive dazzling firework show as the clock strikes midnight.

Read: New Oreo flavors are coming

This family-friendly event will also have familiar characters in Sesame Street Land, like Count Von Cou...