The DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board is not backing down from its fight against Disney, according to new details revealed at the recent meeting.
According to the report presented at the meeting, the board plans to use over $5 million in its legal battles against Disney. $4.5 million of that is in litigation fees.
The state court case (2023-CA-011818-O: CENTRAL FLORIDA TOURISM OVERSIGHT DISTRICT vs. WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS US INC) was brought by the District against Disney. It claims that certain agreements Disney entered into with the old Board are null and void.
Reedy Creek Improvement District
The Board has asked the state court to declare those agreements invalid. Disney previously filed a motion to dismiss this lawsuit and the judge denied that motion, allowing the case to move forward. As a result, Disney was required to file an Answer to the Complaint, which they have since done, but their Answer contains more than just responses to the Board’s accusations.
We’ll be watching for more updates on the legal battles between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the CFTOD board, and Disney, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news.
The entire Disney100 celebration has been so much fun and we’ve been especially excited for the incredible merchandise collections popping up all over the internet. Our friends at RSVLTS (The Roosevelts) have dropped three incredible assortments inspired by the anniversary and now their second D100 series is coming to shopDisney! (Please note this article contains affiliate links. Your […]
When visiting Disney World, it doesn’t always make sense to stay at the Disney World resort hotels.
Walt Disney World
Whether it be because of budget, the amount of people visiting, or simply the hope of getting away from all the hustle and bustle that is Disney World, some people just don’t want to stay on property, and that is A-OK! However, it can be pretty difficult to find alternative options if you don’t know where to start looking. Well, that’s where we come in! A popular choice for many Disney World visitors is to rent VRBOs for the week of their visit and simply drive to and from the parks.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
We’ve helped ya out a little bit and found the top 10 most highly rated VRBOs near Disney World. Check it out!
This resort-style home is only a 15-minute drive from Disney World and features a pool with a slide, a Candyland-themed kids’ room, Mario-themed playroom, a home theater, and more! It features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and sleeps up to 10 people.
This house is located just a few minutes’ walk away from Encore Resort, has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a heated pool and spa. This home sleeps up to 10 guests.
This villa has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, and features a home theater, a private pool and spillover spa, a super hero-themed game room, and a Star Wars-themed play area.
This house sleeps up to 10 people and features five bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. This one has a home theater, a game room, a private swimming pool and spillover spa, and even a Minions-themed bedroom for kiddos!
This 5-Star home features eight bedrooms that can sleep up to 17 people, so this house is ideal for larger groups. The highlighted features include three themed children’s bedrooms — a princess room, a camping room, and a Harry Potter room.
This home is right next to Disney World! It has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and can sleep up to eight people. Aside from the proximity to Disney World, a highlight of this house is the pool area which features a covered lanai.
This condo is located only 2 miles away from Disney World and features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and can sleep up to eight people. You’ll have access to a full resort with amenities such as a playground, pool, business center, and a mini-market.
This villa has four bedrooms and four bathrooms — all themed to the magic! The highlight of this home is the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse kids room! This could be a great option for those of you traveling with smaller kiddos. Oh, and there’s a Star Wars-themed game room and a heated pool!
This home is only 2.5 miles away from Disney World and features five bedrooms and five bathrooms — sleeping 10. The highlight of this villa is the AMAZING game room, which looks exactly like it belongs in a proper arcade. Oh, and we can’t forget about the heated pool and spa.
This townhome is located within Storey Lake, a gated community just minutes from Disney World. This home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and sleeps up to 10. The highlight of this home is the array of themed bedrooms, from Marvel characters to Mickey Mouse!
And there you have it! These homes are all located within a short distance of all the magic, and if you’re going in a large group, this could be a great way to save some money while still having a great experience. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more lodging information and tips, so make sure to follow along for more.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, rejected San Fransokyo Square attractions, a Beverly drinking contest, and more.
WDW News Tonight
Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.
Universal Orlando Resort has announced more details about Passholder Night, taking place this Saturday, August 26, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Exclusive Snacks & Drinks at Passholder Night
Passholder Night is an exclusive after-hours event for Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholders during Passholder Appreciation Days 2023. Among the exclusive Passholder Night offerings will be a special showing of the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, attraction access, and special food and beverage items.
Universal Orlando Resort announced some of those exclusive food and beverage items in the Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholder Facebook group:
Jalapeno and Cheese Stuffed Pretzel (Jurassic Park Popcorn Stand)
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pretzel (Port of Entry Lemon Slush Stand)
Amber Extraction (The Watering Hole)
Passholder Cachaca Punch (Backwater Bar)
The latter two drinks are alcoholic and guests must be aged 21+ to purchase.
Here are the “know before you go” details Universal Orlando Resort also sent out to Passholders attending the event:
Passholder Night is on August 26 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Check-in starts at 12:00 PM at Universal’s Islands of Adventure front entrance. If you’re already in the park, check in at 4:00 PM across from Confisco Grille.
You can’t check in for another Passholder. Each Passholder must present their RSVP confirmation, valid Annual or Seasonal Pass and photo ID to check-in.
Parking is not included but standard Passholder parking benefits apply. Valet has limited capacity and may not be available throughout the day.
Stay and play until 11:00 PM but reentry is not permitted after 7:00 PM.
At the end of the Passholder Night event, Universal Orlando security will sweep the park to ensure all guests have exited. Guests under the age of 18 should not linger at Universal Orlando Resort and are required to depart Universal CityWalk at 9:00 PM unless they are accompanied by a parent/guardian, are staying at a Universal hotel, or have existing plans to access specific venues within CityWalk or the theme parks, including restaurant reservations, Hollywood Drive-In Golf and Universal Cinemark.
Are you excited to attend Passholder Night? Let us know in the comments.
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.
The El Capitan Theatre will be continuing their Disney100 celebration with the sixth of eight classic films in their special engagement: Disney-Pixar’s Coco. Those who attend will have the chance to see the Fiesta of Lights featuring music from the movie before each screening. Plus, guests will be able to see the Mariachi Divas and […]
It’s almost coronation day! Disney cast members across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products are putting the final touches on a very special wish-granting event taking place at Walt Disney World tomorrow in honor of World Princess Week — Once Upon A Wish Party. This fully immersive day of magical moments was dreamed up by hundreds […]
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has filed a new 2-page document in the federal lawsuit Walt Disney World filed against them and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis hoping the judge will stay the case.
The Notice of Supplemental Authority argues that Disney’s recent countersuit in the state lawsuit that CFTOD filed against them makes the same claims as the federal lawsuit, and therefore the federal lawsuit should be stayed.
They cite Pullman abstention, which is a doctrine with the purpose to “avoid unnecessary friction in federal-state functions, interference with important state functions, tentative decisions on questions of state law, and premature constitutional adjudication.”
In a stay, the federal lawsuit would not be completely dropped or dismissed but paused until further notice. The state lawsuit will likely come to a close before the federal one, so the outcome could be a major factor in the federal case.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Walt Disney Company initially clashed over the corporation’s opposition to a much-debated and controversial Florida law regarding classroom instruction and discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools, alongside various other recent state laws and proposals in a similar vein.
After Chapek denounced the law, Governor DeSantis moved forward with various verbal and legal assaults on Disney, including the attempted dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Ultimately, the District was renamed and DeSantis appointed his own Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors.
Disney has gotten away with special deals from the state of Florida for way too long. It took a look under the hood to see what Disney has become to truly understand their inappropriate influence.
After the CFTOD Board attempted to declare Disney’s final agreements with RCID null and void, Disney filed a federal lawsuit against the Board and DeSantis, calling their actions a violation of their constitutional rights.
In the lawsuit, Disney cites “A targeted campaign of government retaliation—orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech—now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights.”
Disney regrets that it has come to this. But having exhausted efforts to seek a resolution, the Company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials.
The Board then filed a state lawsuit against Disney and Disney is now countersuing on the state level, arguing that because RCID was never actually dissolved, the CFOTD is essentially the same entity and is going back on their word.
After we reported Disney stock was at a 52-week-low, the stock price continued to drop and The Walt Disney Company (DIS) closed on Thursday, August 24 at $82.47 per share. This is Disney’s lowest closing price in nine years.
Disney Stock Closes on Disappointing Note
This is the lowest price Disney has closed at since October 16, 2014, when it closed at a record $81.74.
Disney stock has dropped significantly over the past few years, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and Bob Chapek’s tenure as CEO. On March 23, 2020 it closed at $85.76. Disney’s all-time high closing price was on March 8, 2021, at $201.91.
According to Deadline and official reports from The Walt Disney Company, a mixed third quarter for 2023 has seen some success, reduced losses, and a few disappointments overall.
Direct-to-consumer losses shrank while Parks and Resorts revenue rose compared with the previous quarter. While Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort did not have stand-out performances, the heightened revenue was assisted by the international parks and Disney Cruise Line. Overall, Parks & Resorts are up 13% — 94% internationally and 4% domestically (mostly attributable to Disneyland).
More new merchandise for Halloween Horror Nights 32 has arrived at Universal Orlando Resort. Some of the new items include event merchandise, Chucky jewelry, and scented candles.
New Halloween Horror Nights 32 Merchandise
We found most of these items inside the All Hallows Eve Boutique at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
This creepy black and gray plaid flannel features unique bleach blocking all over the shirt.
On the back, over a large rectangle of bleached fabric, is key art for this year’s event, which features “Halloween Horror Nights” at the top, alongside a skeletal fortune teller, planchettes, crows, and a crystal ball, among other iconography. The tagline “Never Go Alone” is included at the bottom.
The front of the shirt is also bleached in sporadic ways all over.
Above the left breast pocket is art that reads, “Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights,” with the year 2023 split up into two pumpkins that bookend the word “Nights.”
A small sticker on the front shares that no two shirts are exactly alike, thanks to the nature of the bleaching. This flannel is also available for purchase online.
Never Go Alone Pass Case – $14
Keep your tickets handy with this pass case, featuring this year’s creepy key art.
The retractable badge reel is double sided, and features art of a planchette on one side, and a hand with an eye in the palm on the other.
There is a retractable string inside allowing for easy scanning and use, so you don’t have to unclip or pull out your wallet every time you need it.
The art of the pass case features a modified version of this year’s key art, made to fit the smaller space. You can also buy this pass case online.
Creepy Curiosities Poster – $18
This poster features the same art as that of the back of the flannel above, though the color combination here is red, white, gray-green, and black. It comes packaged in a plastic sleeve to avoid bending.
‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Scented Candle – $20
Ever wondered what a haunted house smells like?
You can find out with this scented candle for “The Exorcist: Believer,” which will be among this year’s haunted houses.
The candle is housed in a black tin container, and includes a sticker around the outside with art from the haunted house and the Halloween Horror Nights logo.
‘See You in the Fog’ Travel Tumbler – $29
Keep your beverages hot or cold with this travel tumbler featuring the Halloween Horror Nights logo on the front.
The other side includes the “See You in the Fog!” art we’ve seen on previous merchandise.
The tumbler is vacuum insulated stainless steel, and is hand wash only.
There is also new “Chucky” themed jewelry available.
Chucky Earrings Set – $25
This Chucky earrings set includes two pairs of earrings: a set of studs and a set of dangles. The dangles are in the shape of big red hearts with Chucky’s name in the center. Attached to the hearts are what appear to be dangling knives.
The studs are Chucky and Tiffany’s heads.
Chucky Necklace – $30
This necklace has three dangling charms attached.
One of the charms is a Goody Guys hammer, with a small drop of red hanging off of it.
Another is an axe, which also includes a red droplet.
At the center is a knife with Chucky’s eyes reflected in the blade. A small red droplet also hangs off of this one.
Chucky Bracelet – $25
This bracelet wraps around the wearer’s wrist, and is presumably adjustable.
The two charms attached to either end of the bracelet are knives, with one hiding Chucky’s eyes in the blade.
Halloween Horror Nights Layered Necklace – $30
This Halloween Horror Nights Necklace offers more of a layered style, with multiple chains combined into one accessory.
Both chains have dangling charms, including a black cat, a skull, and a planchette.
Halloween Horror Nights Earrings Set – $20
This Halloween Horror Nights earring set includes three pairs of stud earrings.
You can mix or match your studs with these sets that include skulls, black cats, and planchettes.
Halloween Horror Nights Choker Necklace – $25
This choker style necklace has that same layered look as the regular length necklace above, but with more charms attached to the chains.
The charms included are a hand with an eye in the palm, a coffin with a rose, a black cat, a bat, a skull, and a planchette.
We found the rest of this merchandise at Five & Dime in Universal Studios Florida.
Halloween Horror Nights Scented Candle – $20
This candle comes in a black tin with the red and black Halloween Horror Nights 32 key art on the top and around the sides.
Sour Cherry Candy – $5
This red tube almost appears as if it’s full of blood – but it’s actually just sour cherry candy.
The key art is on the label.
Halloween Horror Nights Light-Up Bracelet – $25
Don’t get lost in the fog with this light-up bracelet. It’s transparent, with debossed designs and a black clip at the end.
A planchette is pictured on the clip. Along the band are bats and coffins around “Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.”
Artist Signature Chucky Tumbler – $29
This tumbler features the same artwork as the Chucky T-shirt we found previously. It’s part of the Artist Signature Series, with panels showcasing different Chucky artwork. The top image is a closeup on Chucky’s bulging eyes.
The cap is transparent.
Another image is the gagged head of Chucky on a plank of nails.
Chucky’s face and a knife are pictured with the words “Give me the power, I beg of you!” at the bottom.
The vertical artwork is a cartoon-ish image of Chucky leaning out of his blood-stained Good Guys box over a dilapidated teddy bear and scared Jack in the box, saying, “Hi, I’m Chucky. Wanna play?”
The tumbler is stainless steel and should be hand washed. It is not microwave-safe.
Artist Signature Chucky Poster – $34
There is also a 24″ x 30″ poster of the Chucky artwork.
Artist Signature Chucky Keychain – $15
Along with the poster, a matching metal keychain, too.
The Halloween Horror Nights logo and Artist Signature Series logo are on the back.
Studio Screamers Pin Set – $45
Moving on from Chucky — there’s more Studio Screamers merch. The “Studio Screamers” are various Universal Monsters and Halloween Horror Nights icons turned into cutesy big-headed cartoons.
This pin set includes fully-body pins of Dracula, The Mummy, the Invisible Man, Lil’ Boo, The Usher, and Tiffany Valentine.
Lil’ Boo is an unofficial but fan-favorite Halloween Horror Nights icon. The Usher was the icon of Halloween Horror Nights: Ripped from the Silver Screen in 2009.
Studio Screamers Magnet Set – $20
The magnet set are just the heads of Draacula, Lil’ Boo, the Invisible Man, Tiffany, The Mummy, and The Usher.
Studio Screamers Decal Sheet – $12
The same monsters and icons are in the decals set, both as full-body decals and as just their heads.
There is also a Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights decal and a Studio Screamers decal.
Halloween Horror Nights Beanie – $27
This simple black beanie features the Studio Screamers version of the Halloween Horror Nights logo as a patch on the folded-up edge.
Some Halloween Horror Nights merchandise is also available for purchase online from Universal Orlando Resort.
Halloween Horror Nights kicks off on September 1 at Universal Studios Florida and runs through November 4, 2023. Will you be picking up any of the new merchandise from the All Hallows Eve Boutique? Even more new merchandise is coming soon — stay tuned for full coverage of Halloween Horror Nights 32!
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.
