We got a first look at a refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad train, the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment on-ride photo has been updated, and we got a look at new concept art for Universal Kids Resort — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• A refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad train has been uncovered as construction continues throughout the Magic Kingdom attraction.
• The playground at Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Magic Kingdom won’t reopen until “later this year.”
• The ongoing refurbishment of the Emporium in Magic Kingdom is almost complete, as another check-out counter has been removed.

• American flag banners now hang on The Hall of Presidents and Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom ahead of Fourth of July celebrations.
• The Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom and other confection locations at Walt Disney World now have Fourth of July treats.
• There’s another fresh patch of concrete on the walkway outside Fairytale Garden in Magic Kingdom.

Disney Springs

• It’s the third week of June, which means yet another limited edition cookie is available for one week only at Gideon’s Bakehouse.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• Crews have started to prepare the foundation for the new lobby bar coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as part of a larger reimagining of the lobby.
• The refurbishment of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has been extended by almost one year.

• Refurbishment work on BouTiki at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has moved from one side of the store to the other.
• Amid an ongoing renovation of the resort, one of the gates of the main pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort is blocked off for a refurbishment.

Disneyland Resort

Disney California Adventure

• The event dates and details have been announced for Disney Jr. Let’s Play!, returning to Disneyland Resort later this summer.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris

• Disneyland Paris has announced a new light display for the exterior of Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and a new merchandise collection honoring the ride’s 30th anniversary.

Disney Cruise Line

• Beginning today (Wednesday, June 18) Disney Cruise Line has lowered the required deposit for future voyages.
• Disney Cruise Line Singapore shared another merchandise preview for the Disney Adventure, including National Geographic merchandise and more Duffy merchandise.

Disney Store Merchandise

• Pixar’s “Inside Out” turns 10 this year, and the Disney Store has two special 10th anniversary merchandise items.

Universal Orlando Resort

Epic Universe

• Universal has updated the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment on-ride photo at Epic Universe to include Ygor instead of the Bride of Frankenstein.
• Nintendo revealed in Wednesday’s Direct presentation about Donkey Kong Bananza for Nintendo Switch 2 that Super Nintendo World Power-Up Bands will work as amiibos with the game.

• Check out all the merchandise (with prices) at How to Treat Your Dragon in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe.

Universal Studios Florida

• We’re officially in Halloween Horror Nights prep season. Crews have installed the first towers for the annual event in Universal Studios Florida.

CityWalk

• The main Starbucks location at Universal Orlando CityWalk is temporarily closed for renovations.

Universal Kids Resort

• Some recent forms filed with the Frisco City Council have revealed updated concept art of the new Universal Kids Resort and official logos for a few of the park areas.
• According to the Dallas-Fort Worth local NBC news outlet, the Frisco City Council has approved updated murals to be featured on the Universal Kids Resort hotel.

Entertainment and Media

• Theme park creative design firm Zeitgeist Design & Production is hosting a free, virtual presentation with Disney Legend and Imagineer Bob Gurr.

Disney+

• Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will soon get virtual “concession stands” and “storefronts” allowing viewers to purchase items directly from the streaming services.

WDW News Today

• Take a look at a photo report from Magic Kingdom on a particularly hot day, including a visit with a drooling camel and a look at the updated Bit Thunder Mountain Railroad train.

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

Jamie Rowland