Hidden deep in a California valley near Walt Disney Animation Studios is the testing ground for all the technology seen at Disney Parks and experiences around the world. It’s a top secret area, but io9 and other members of the press were recently invited in for an up-close look at the animatronics for Tiana’s Bayou … Read more
Before Disney bought Star Wars, the two brands began their courtship with a ride. Star Tours opened in 1987 and has seen many new upgrades and additions over the years. This week, for its Season of the Force event, Disney gave the ride another refresh. And this time, for the first time, it’s with characters … Read more
Image: Disney Parks Innovations in theme park attractions have come a long way. Trackless rides are the way of the future at Disney Parks, Universal Studios Resorts, and other global amusement experiences. Here are 10 rides from around the world that fully immerse park-goers in the worlds of films and classic icons, including Star Wars, … Read more
Image: Lucasfilm Fans of the original Star Wars-inspired ride will now be able to travel through all the eras of the live-action stories from a galaxy far, far away. Disney Parks’ Star Tours – The Adventure Continues recently announced that characters and a new setting from Disney+ series The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Andor are set to join … Read more
Eat pizza-inspired treats at the new One Up cafe at Universal Studios Hollywood, which has opened to celebrate the new land’s one year anniversary. The thematic menu includes: Snacks: Super Mushroom Calzone: Mushroom-shaped calzone filled with pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce 1-Up Mushroom Calzone: Mushroom-shaped calzone filled with spinach, green pepper, mushroom, mozzarella … Read more
The Walt Disney Company faced a legal defeat today after its lawsuit alleging retaliation was dismissed in a Florida court. The claim focused on the state’s violation of the company’s First Amendment rights for standing against Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” bill, a homophobic law that endangers the human rights of LGBTQIA+ communities and … Read more
Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo Walt Disney World’s best and most underrated festival is going on right now at Epcot. Disney Parks’ International Festival of the Arts happens at the start of the year and showcases amazing artists debuting Disney-inspired art—and it’s truly any fandom print collector’s dream destination. This year, artists like Tim Rogerson, Fenway Fan, … Read more
Photo: Disney Parks Here’s what’s going on at major tourist destinations in Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, and abroad. Disney Parks just opened Zootopia at the Shanghai Disney resort and we have a look at its wild animatronics and cute in-universe food. Las Vegas is lifting spirits with immersive showings of The … Read more
Disney CEO Bob Iger—who over the summer described the demands of striking WGA and SAG-AFTRA workers as “not realistic,” then pulled back on that harsh statement by pushing to end the strikes quickly (as backed up by Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav)—has addressed some of his company’s most pressing matters as 2024 approaches. “Even AI Rappers are … Read more
Holiday gifting season is upon us and if you’ve ever wondered how apparel at Disney Parks goes from idea to execution into a fandom must-buy, designer Tatiana Salaverria is a great place to start. io9 spoke with her about the process behind theme-park merch inspired by Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Marvel. James Mangold on … Read more