Disney and Universal have each filed for new advenced ride patents, the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom is closing for refurbishment and much more on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Daily Recap for December 18, 2024
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom is scheduled to close in late January, likely to update the show following the inauguration of Donald Trump.
EPCOT
- The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is less than a month away and Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages are now on sale.
- Crews have installed more structural elements on the new Test Track awning framework at EPCOT.
- A new exhibit celebrating 30 years of Disney on Broadway will be at CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT.
- A brand new EPCOT Nemo and friends pin is now available at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Construction has begun on the second story of Disney Lakeshore Lodge at Walt Disney World.
- Bags, Inc. will cut almost 250 jobs across Walt Disney World Resort when their valet contract ends next month.
New Merchandise
- New youth Cars-themed apparel has arrived at Walt Disney World. We found four new items at World of Disney in Disney Springs.
- Stoney Clover Lane recently launched a new collection of pastel accessories and apparel inspired by Disneyland and Walt Disney World. We found items from the Walt Disney World collection at the Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs.
Other Walt Disney World News
- Disney and Universal have both published patents for new advanced ride systems featuring more interactive and unique experiences.
Disneyland Resort
- Fans of the Disneyland Railroad may want to start making plans to visit within the next few weeks, as the attraction will be closing in early 2025 to facilitate repairs and maintenance leading up to Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration.
- The new Disneyland entrance tapstiles opened on Tuesday in a “pre-launch” mode and are expected to officially launch with full functionality in early 2025.
- After more than a year, refurbishment has been completed on the Irrawaddy shrine ruins aboard Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park.
- Disneyland has cut back on performances of “Fantasmic!” scheduled in the new year.
Disney Cruise Line
- Kids can sail with Disney Cruise Line for 50% off thanks to a new offer available to Disney+ subscribers.
Entertainment and Media
- Disney released a new teaser trailer for the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake that references the original film’s trailers.
- If box office numbers are any indication, Disney is back on top in Hollywood, after adding up the numbers, including revenue from its 20th Century Studios and Searchlight business units.
Universal Studios
Universal Orlando Resort
- The first of several new Universal Orlando Resort signs has been installed near Epic Universe.
- Mama Luna’s Feline Fiesta in DreamWorks Land has changed two of the three themed interactive props to simple yellow buttons, less than a year after the land opened at Universal Studios Florida.
- A new Epic Universe store is under construction at the Orlando International Airport (MCO).
WDW News Today
Ceiling Tile Falls at Polynesian, EPCOT Festival of the Arts News
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!