Journalist

Dewayne Bevil

Dewayne Bevil has covered Orlando’s theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando for the Orlando Sentinel since 2007. His beat includes other attractions, including Legoland Florida, Gatorland and the International Drive area. He has worked as an editor, designer and adviser with stops at the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer in Kentucky and the University of Texas at Austin. He earned a degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky.

Guests can explore a new Taylor Swift display at Walt Disney Presents in Disney's Hollywood Studios. For a limited time, the exhibit will showcase three Eras Tour costumes worn by the entertainer. (Olga Thompson/Walt Disney Co.)

Disney displays 3 Taylor Swift tour costumes in theme park

January 2, 2026 at 10:13 a.m.

Hollywood Studios temporarily spotlights superstar looks inside its Walt Disney Presents attraction.

Toy soldier characters march on Magic Kingdom's Main Street USA during the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade," which airs Dec. 25 on ABC. (Courtesy Mark Ashman/Walt Disney Co.)

How, where and when to see Disney Parks’ televised Christmas parade

December 22, 2025 at 10:43 a.m.

Performances from multiple attractions will air Dec. 25 on Disney platforms.

Sloth World, coming to Orlando's International Drive in February, will house more than 40 sloths in a barrier-free habitat that will also contribute to research efforts. (Courtesy Sloth World)

Sloth World plans quiet existence on bustling I-Drive

December 29, 2025 at 9:31 a.m.

Rainforest-inspired setting in heart of Central Florida’s tourism district will house dozens of the low-energy animals, encourage research.

An indoor thrill ride, Rock n' Roller Coaster, opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in April 1998. (Orlando Sentinel file)

Disney announces last Aerosmith day for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

December 15, 2025 at 12:20 p.m.

Muppets are taking over the longtime attraction sometime in summer 2026

Merlin Entertainments Group has released a new rendering of a new space-themed indoor roller coaster under construction at Legoland Florida theme park in Winter Haven. The ride is scheduled to open in early 2026. (Courtesy Merlin Entertainments Group)

Legoland Florida sets opening date for indoor roller coaster

December 8, 2025 at 5:55 p.m.

Theme park uses drones to announce opening date for Galacticoaster, an indoor, family-friendly thrill ride.

Lacey Chabert, who appears frequently in Hallmark Channel productions, will star in a holiday movie filmed at Walt Disney World next year. (Kim Nunneley/Hallmark Media)

Hallmark Channel to film holiday movie at Disney World

December 8, 2025 at 7:48 p.m.

The production stars Lacey Chabert and uses locations across WDW.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad rolls through Frontierland before its refurbishment, which started in January. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Disney World shares plan for 2026 reopenings, including Big Thunder

December 4, 2025 at 1:55 p.m.

Disney World's Magic Kingdom preps for returns of Big Thunder, Buzz Lightyear rides, while the muppetization of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster also is on tap in the coming months.

Santa Claus set to visit SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration again in 2025. (Courtesy SeaWorld Orlando)

More holiday to-dos at SeaWorld, Legoland, Disney Jollywood Nights

October 29, 2025 at 9:39 a.m.

Shows and characters make special theme-park appearances in November and December.

Jim Clark, who taught history at UCF after a long journalism career, died at his home. (Orlando Sentinel file)

Florida historian Jim Clark, UCF lecturer and Orlando journalist, has died

October 27, 2025 at 6:04 p.m.

Writer who concentrated on Florida history books and UCF courses was also political commentator and former Orlando Sentinel journalist.

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