Disney announced plans for a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will temporarily close during the last leg of Epic Universe previews — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Daily Recap (5/7/25)

Walt Disney World
Disneyland Resort
The Walt Disney Company
Universal Orlando Resort
Entertainment and Media
WDW News Today

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

Though the Swiss Family Treehouse is still being refurbished, about half of the scrim and scaffolding have come down from the attraction.
In Bryce’s latest photo report from Magic Kingdom, she continues on the King Triton saga, finds what could only be tiny boxes for baby teeth, and more.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

As the lobby remodel work continues, crews have removed the wallpaper from the check-in area of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
A flying toilet was spotted, and the event floor of Disney Lakeshore Lodge takes shape in our latest construction update.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park

Ahead of Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration, the “70” medallion has been installed on Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Disney California Adventure

Disneyland Resort has announced updated performance times for “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” parade, which returns for the 70th anniversary celebration.

New Merchandise

Disneyland has shared a first look at a Magic Key-exclusive insulated cooler bag for the 70th anniversary celebration, which looks very similar to a Tokyo Disney Resort popcorn pouch.

The Walt Disney Company

Before this morning’s earnings call, The Walt Disney Company revealed plans to build a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi.
During Wednesday morning’s earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger shared some of the company’s reasoning behind the decision to build a new theme park in Abu Dhabi.
The new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi will be completely operated and funded by Miral, with Disney simply licensing their IP and overseeing creative development.
In the Q2 FY 2025 earnings report, The Walt Disney Company reported $23.6 billion in overall revenue.
Domestic Disney Experiences’ operating income for Q2 FY2025 increased by 13%, but international income went down in the quarter.
Disney’s new Abu Dhabi theme park will be “very modern” and the “most technologically advanced” Disney park yet.
CEO Bob Iger said that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will feature Disney’s “first real modern castle.”
Shares for Disney jumped by over 10% at the start of trading on Wednesday following the announcement of a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared his excitement about the upcoming Abu Dhabi theme park on social media.
Disney celebrated the announcement of a new theme park in Abu Dhabi with a drone and fireworks show on Yas Island.

Universal Orlando Resort

Epic Universe

Universal Orlando announced that Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will temporarily close during the last full week of previews for Epic Universe.
We tried the full menu from Spit Fyre Grill in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.

Universal Studios Florida

The webpage for Halloween Horror Nights 34 temporarily appeared earlier on Wednesday before being quickly removed from guests’ view, potentially indicating an announcement is imminent.