A Frontierland sign has been removed from Magic Kingdom, more coaster track has been removed from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and new pins have arrived — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Sunday, January 12, 2024.
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom

- It has only been a few days since our last report on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad construction project, but we are already seeing some more changes during our latest photo update.
- One of the large wooden Frontierland signs is now missing from its arch.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom

- As the first phase of extinction for DinoLand, U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the area known as Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama has permanently closed as of 7:00 p.m. on January 12, 2025.
New Merchandise

- Multiple new Disney trading pins and lanyards have arrived at Walt Disney World, featuring characters including Stitch, Marie, Winnie the Pooh, Kermit, and more.
- Following the new Walt Disney World trend of creating cosplay-style hoodies for favorite characters, we found this new hoodie for Louis from “Princess and the Frog” and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
- Two new collared shirts have arrived at Walt Disney World, featuring classic animated film poster illustrations of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Disneyland Resort

- The menu at Galactic Grill in Disneyland Park has recently seen some changes, with three dishes returning to the lunch and dinner menu after a lengthy absence.
- The shortbread cookie has returned to Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums in Disney Californa Adventure, now called the Firey Jack-Jack.
- The new Disneyland Resort Magic Key exclusive Stitch popcorn bucket is now available.
- Continuing the latest wave of returning foods to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Shake and the Strawberry-Banana Split Shake have both returned for a food review.
- We found the returning PB&J Split back on the menu at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, so we went out to give it a taste.
Entertainment and Media

- While the latest ‘Moana 2’ film has largely been in the headlines for breaking box-office records, the Walt Disney Company is now facing a lawsuit saying elements of the film constituted idea theft, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- As part of a new collaboration, and the first ever LEGO Bluey sets will be released this summer — for real life!
The Walt Disney Company

- Michael (Mike) Toth, an iconic Disney Renaissance animator who worked on projects including “Mulan,” “Hercules,” “Tarzan,” and more, has passed away.
Universal Studios
Universal Orlando Resort

- With the start of Mardi Gras 2025 right around the corner, Universal Studios has released a sneak peek of select merchandise that will be available online starting January 28.
- More wooden framing for the Universal Studios Store expansion is now taking shape, providing us with a better idea of what the new building will look like when it opens.
- Walls have been constructed surrounding the On Location shop at Universal Studios Florida.
- The red domed roof of the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal CityWalk Orlando is getting a fresh coat of paint.
WDW News Today
Disney Parks Construction Updates, Festival Previews and Passholder Perks!
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!