Cool Ship has been dismantled in Magic Kingdom, Stitch rolled Cinderella Castle again, and several Universal Epic Universe grand opening day items are already being posted to reseller websites— all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, May 23, 2025.
Daily Recap (5/23/25)
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- Disney has shared the partial float order for the new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade, coming soon to Walt Disney World.
- The planets surrounding the Astro Orbiter in Magic Kingdom have all returned to their usual positions as the refurbishment of the attraction nears completion.
- Cool Ship, the quick service kiosk located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, has been completely dismantled behind construction walls, with the kiosk now completely gone.
- Elio and his alien pals have taken over Merchant of Venus in Magic Kingdom ahead of the Pixar film’s release on June 20, 2025.
- Several picnic tables have been added to the back of the Big Top Souvenirs.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Walt Disney World has shared new photos and video of the upcoming stage show, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” debuting next week.
- Disney Live Entertainment has shared a first look at the completed murals and new signage for the upcoming stage show, “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.”
- Ahead of the debut of the “Get Animated!” DJ dance party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, rolling planters have been moved out of Animation Courtyard, revealing new murals in the former meet and greet bays.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- A new edition of the HippopotoMai-Tai tiki mug has just arrived at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in Walt Disney World.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disneyland
- Guests at the Tokyo Disney Resort will soon be able to purchase Baymax-inspired fashion glasses ahead of the return of Baymax’s Mission: Cool Down parade.
Disney Store Merchandise
- A new patriotic Mickey and Minnie Mouse icon Loungefly mini backpack as well as an Americana-themed ear headband by BaubleBar are now available online from the Disney Store.
The Walt Disney Company
- Following his departure from The Walt Disney Company this month, Disney has now filed a breach of contract lawsuit to stop former president of Disney Platform Distribution Justin Connolly from starting his new role at YouTube.
Universal Orlando Resort
Epic Universe
- Several Universal Epic Universe grand opening day items are already being posted to reseller websites, including items that were only available (and sold out) during the media preview.
- Epic Universe is now offering a grand opening photo folder with a limited edition Dark Universe lithograph with the purchase of select souvenir glossy photo prints.
- We later found a second grand opening photo folder with a limited edition Isle of Berk lithograph.
- Now that Universal Epic Universe has officially opened to guests, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has received a few additional props in its first preshow room.
Universal Studios Florida
- After seeing the booths appear in the Amity Island-themed section of Universal Studios Florida, the first official menus have now been posted for the “Jaws” snacks.
Universal Merchandise
- Universal has just dropped an exciting new shoulder plush shaped like our favorite DreamWorks dragon, Toothless.
Entertainment and Media
- A new ad for the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” film on social media references when Cinderella Castle was strewn with toilet paper by the mischievous blue alien for the grand opening of Stitch’s Great Escape.
- Ryan Reynolds pitched an R-rated “Star Wars” movie to Disney, even though he had no plans to actually star in it.
WDW News Today
Disney Wishes Universal Good Luck with Epic Universe.
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!