Peter Pan’s Flight is reopening earlier than expected at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT climbs while Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom stumble according to a 2023 attendance report, and Universal Orlando is offering a new dining card vacation package worth up to $1,000 — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Thursday, August 15, 2024.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Peter Pan’s Flight was originally scheduled to reopen on August 21, but it will now reopen to guests nearly one week earlier at Magic Kingdom.
• The Mac & Cheese Hand Pie is now available to guests at Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Walt Disney World has revealed a look at the new merchandise collection that will be available at this year’s Disney Jollywood Nights, with items featuring the event’s gingerbread man mascot, Ollie.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• A new series of “Tarzan” 25th anniversary merchandise has arrived at Walt Disney World.

Disney Springs

• Disney has released a new statement following recent reports of their seeking to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit regarding a woman who passed away due to anaphylaxis after a meal at Disney Springs.

Other Walt Disney World News

• Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Management (AECOM) and the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) have published their 2023 Theme Index, an attendance report that covers attractions around the world.

Disneyland Resort

• Disneyland has revealed new details for the updated Plaza de la Familia “Coco” show at Disney California Adventure, as well as its opening date.
• New “The Nightmare Before Christmas” options for the popular custom character plush headbands are coming soon to Disneyland Resort.
• Two different closures have been announced for “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Park.
• Multiple Disneyland reopenings and closures have been announced, including a Jungle Cruise refurbishment.

Entertainment and Media

• Adam Smith has been named the chief product & technology officer of Disney Entertainment and ESPN.

Universal Studios

• Universal Orlando Resort has launched a new vacation package that includes a dining card worth up to $1,000 for the first time ever.
• Just in time for the kickoff of Passholder Appreciation Days at Universal Orlando, a complimentary new “Back to the Future” UOAP button is available.
• AECOM (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Management) and TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) have released their 2023 attendance report, the Theme Index, which covers theme parks and attractions globally — including Universal Destinations & Experiences.

WDW News Today

• On the season premiere of WDW News Tonight, we discussed the latest news, the Disney Passholder Olympics, rejected Country Bear Musical Jamboree songs, and more!

Disney Passholder Olympics, Eric LIVE From Japan – WDW News Tonight Season Premiere

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

Phil Wood