More Mickey Mouse cartoons enter the public domain on January 1 and President-elect Donald Trump praised former Marvel Entertainment CEO Ike Perlmutter for leaving Disney — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Disney has extended Magic Kingdom hours in early to mid-January 2025.
• Magic Kingdom is ringing in 2025 with the annual fireworks spectacular, “Fantasy in the Sky” for New Year’s Eve. 

EPCOT

• To celebrate New Year’s Eve, guests can join DJ parties happening at various locations throughout World Showcase and in World Celebration. 
  

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios rang in the new year with live entertainment and special character appearances.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrated New Year’s Eve 2025 with a fireworks show.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Disney has extended Disney’s Animal Kingdom hours in early to mid-January 2025.

New Merchandise

• A new Starbucks tumbler with a design matching that of the other Four Parks collection art has made its way to Walt Disney World.

Other Walt Disney World News

• A New Year’s Eve Disney PhotoPass Lens is available for a limited time at Walt Disney World.

Disneyland Resort

• Santa Goofy has taken over the meet and greet space previously occupied by Santa Claus at the Fantasyland Theatre.
• The Disneyland Space Mountain queue has new themed lampposts along its second story.
• We found this new set of Bayou Country themed medallions at Disneyland Park.
• Disneyland is making preparations for their New Year’s Eve celebration with stage setups throughout the park.
• A New Year’s Eve Disney PhotoPass Lens is available for a limited time at Disneyland.

Disney Cruise Line

• We compiled an article with the full menus and prices for each bar, lounge, and cafe on the Disney Treasure.
• The Disney Treasure kicked off its maiden voyage with a special “Let’s Set Sail” sail away deck party featuring music from “Brother Bear” and original characters exclusive to the ship.

• The Muppets were aboard the Disney Treasure for the maiden voyage and have some thoughts on their Disney Cruise Line experience.

The Walt Disney Company

• More Mickey Mouse cartoons and “The Skeleton Dance” animated short will enter the public domain on January 1, 2025.
• President-elect Donald Trump praised former Marvel Entertainment CEO Ike Perlmutter for leaving Disney because he didn’t want ‘woke Donald Duck.’

Universal Studios

• Give Kids The World is hosting a Universally 90s event at Universal Orlando Resort to celebrate their 30-year partnership.

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

Gretchen McDermid