More Play in the Park merchandise has arrived at Disney World, showtimes were announced for daytime Christmas entertainment at Magic Kingdom, and guests can now purchase VIP Tours merchandise — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, December 20, 2024.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Walt Disney World has submitted their updated plans for the transformation of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), following the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI).
• Walt Disney World has released the showtimes for two entertainment offerings normally exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that will be offered during Christmas Week 2024: “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”
• The Swiss Family Treehouse closed on November 18, 2024, for a planned 1-month-long refurbishment, but it is still closed despite Disney’s expected reopening date of December 20.
• Join Bryce for the latest photo report from Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Join Bryce for the latest photo report from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• The holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort and Christmas decorations have arrived at the new DVC Island Tower.

New Merchandise

• Even more “Play in the Park” merchandise has arrived at Walt Disney World, including a new balloon pillow, rain jacket, Crocs, and more.
• Walt Disney World now has exclusive VIP Tours merchandise for sale, including a Minnie ear headband, Loungefly backpack, and more.

Other Walt Disney World News

• To celebrate the release of “Mufasa: The Lion King” today, December 20, 2024, new menu items inspired by the film are now available at select locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Universal Studios

• (Sponsored Content) As 2024 winds down, we have many things to look forward to at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Orlando Resort

• Universal Volcano Bay will close once again on December 21 and 22 due to “inclement weather” in the Central Florida area.
• Universal Orlando Resort has new digital signs pointing from the security area to different parking garage sections.

Universal Studios Japan

• J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan, revealed in a new interview that the park is exploring the use of parking lots for theme park expansion within the next decade.

WDW News Today

Bluey Coming to Disney Parks and Cruise Line, Stolen Walt Disney World Animatronic Documentary

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

Katie Francis