Disney shared the first concept art for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will have a new opening scene, and a Disneyland Resort Cast Member took to social media to share the problems of Disability Access Service — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Thursday August 21, 2025.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

A weathered Sign reads "The Beak and Barrel" with a parrot, plants, and barrels in the background.

Disney has shared a first look at the signage for The Beak and Barrel, the new Pirates of the Caribbean tavern at Magic Kingdom.
A new video from Disney has shared a more in-depth look at some of the many food and beverage items coming soon to The Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom.
With the recent addition of The Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom, several of the areas to the side of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction have been taken over to expand the bar space, including the outdoor courtyard.

Disney has shared a first look at the new ride vehicles for the overhaul of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom.
When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Magic Kingdom next year, it will have a new opening scene.
Following a month of hanging in Magic Kingdom — after it was missing for almost two years — the sign marking the entrance to Frontierland from Liberty Square has once again disappeared.

EPCOT

During a media event for the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, WDWNT was able to get a first look at this year’s merchandise.
As part of today’s media event for the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, WDWNT was able to get a first look at a new prop and two new Magic Shots coming soon.

A hand holds a Tiny Pie outdoors at EPCOT, with a blurred building and people in the background.

A tiny treat has debuted in Karamell–Küche at EPCOT, the Caramel Apple Crisp Pie, and we couldn’t help but grab one for review.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

People gather at night in front of the brightly lit Rock 'n' Roller Coaster guitar at a theme park attraction.

Disney has released a new poster for the upcoming return of The Magic of Disney Animation attraction, featuring the return of a beloved actor’s character from the original attraction’s short film.
Disney shared the first concept art, details, and logo for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps mascots pose on stage at a Carrotvision Zootopia event, back-to-back with a presenter nearby.

Disney announced the opening date and details of Zootopia: Better Zoogether, the new Tree of Life show coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Other Walt Disney World News

Four Cool Kid Summer Activity Guides for families with colorful covers featuring Disney characters and fun theme park designs.

Disney announced that Cool Kid Summer will return to Walt Disney World in 2026.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park

A Disneyland Resort Cast Member took to social media to share the problems of Disability Access Service at the Disney Parks following his departure from the company.

New Merchandise

Three Disneyland-themed racer shirts in pink, black, and checkered patterns are displayed on hangers in a store.

Disneyland Resort has new racer-style gear inspired by the parks, Disney Princesses, and Minnie Mouse by Her Universe.

Universal Orlando Resort

Epic Universe

After airing on NBC, the Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe special is now available to stream on Peacock.

Universal Studios Florida

The red Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit track twists above demolition site with dirt piles, machinery, and palm trees under a clear sky.

Crews have torn down more of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit track at Universal Studios Florida since the attraction closed.

New Merchandise

A robotic female M3GAN head with its synthetic skin removed, displayed inside a wooden crate.

She’s beauty, she’s grace, she can take off her face… A new M3GAN popcorn bucket is available just in time for the start of Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Chainsaw Man battles a pumpkin-headed foe in a dynamic scene, perfect for Halloween Horror Nights 2025.

Universal has revealed a new offering coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood – a Dining Pass that includes snacks, beverages, and more.
Universal Studios Hollywood has announced the arrival of Chainsaw Man: The Chaos for Halloween Horror Nights 2025.

Universal Horror Unleashed

Universal Horror Unleashed, a first-of-its-kind year-round Halloween Horror Nights experience, is now open in Las Vegas’ Area15. Join us for a full tour.

Entertainment and Media

Rob Lake smiles next to Kermit the Frog with text: "Rob Lake Magic with special guests The Muppets" on a red curtain background.

The Muppets will appear alongside magician Rob Lake for a limited run of shows on Broadway this holiday season.
Fortnite has teamed up with Universal Studios Japan to bring an original Prop Hunt map to the popular online game, allowing players to explore a digital Universal Studios Japan while avoiding Hamikuma and zombies.

WDW News Today

Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Watch our video for the latest Disney Parks news, WDWNT: The Match Game, and a major announcement about the future!

Major Announcement About WDW News Tonight, The Match Game Returns, & More