Work has started on a new Polynesian Village Resort entrance, Disney fans are calling out the company for using AI, and a new original film titled “Gatto,” was announced— all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, June 13, 2025.
Daily Recap (6/13/25)
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- Crews have returned two freshly refurbished themed carts to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — the first large props to return to the Magic Kingdom attraction during its refurbishment.
- The water wheel at the Swiss Family Treehouse in Magic Kingdom has returned to full operation.
EPCOT
- Several sections of the light-up pavement of World Celebration in EPCOT are now surrounded by stanchions due to a tripping hazard.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Though Disney has not officially announced Disney Jollywood Nights will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year, they have posted two casting calls for the holiday event, confirming it’s coming back.
- Disney has removed the misspelled Ice Cold Hydraulics name from a Disney’s Hollywood Studios sign.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- There’s now a crane towering over the Tropical Americas construction site in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World is getting a new roadway entrance.
- The lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is being reimagined, with construction walls blocking various areas as crews demolish the old and construct the new.
New Merchandise
- The Disneyland 70th anniversary Funko Pop figure featuring Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney on the fire engine is now available.
- Following its release at Disney Springs late last month, the new Walt Disney World Marquee jewelry collection by CRISLU is now available at Magic Kingdom.
- A new embroidered canvas Loungefly backpack at Walt Disney World features Mickey and Minnie balloons.
- Walt Disney World has a new Soarin’ Around the World magnet featuring Mickey Mouse.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room will reopen just in time for the July 4th holiday weekend at Disneyland.
- A new commemorative button set will be available exclusively for Magic Key holders during Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite 2025.
Disney California Adventure
- Disney fans are calling out the company for seemingly making new Oogie Boogie Bash posters using AI, despite currently suing an AI company.
Shanghai Disneyland
- In an article posted by Disney Parks Blog, Shanghai Disney Resort has announced some special summer offerings at the park in addition to those already announced for the resort’s 9th anniversary.
Disney Cruise Line
- Ahead of the maiden voyage of the Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line has shared a first look at the cover art for an exclusive original Marvel comic for the ship.
The Walt Disney Company
- Ron Clements, co-director of classic Disney animated films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Hercules,” “Aladdin,” and “Moana,” has come out of retirement and is returning to Walt Disney Animation Studios… but not to direct.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida
- Universal announced a “Friday the 13th” haunted house, dubbed “JASON UN1V3RSE,” will be at Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.
New Merchandise
- Universal Orlando Resort has new shoulder plush inspired by the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, and Thing 2.
- Following today’s announcement (aptly on Friday the 13th) of the “JASON UN1V3RSE” haunted house coming to Halloween Horror Nights 34, new merchandise is now available at Universal Orlando Resort.
Entertainment and Media
- During a presentation at the Annecy Animation Festival in France, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter showed exclusive footage from “Elio” and “Hoppers,” announced the new original film “Gatto,” and confirmed Joan Cusack is returning as Jessie in “Toy Story 5.”
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!