The Carousel of Progress is getting a new audio animatronic of Walt Disney, an overlay inspired by the upcoming film TRON: Ares is coming to TRON Lightcycle Run, and a new film from Walt Disney Animation Studios was announced at Destination D23 — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Daily Recap (8/30/25)
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- At Destination D23 2025, Disney announced that an overlay inspired by the upcoming film, TRON: Ares, is coming to TRON Lightcycle Run at both Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disneyland.
- As draining continues and pieces of track are being removed, metal framing is going vertical in the former Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom.
- The Carousel of Progress is getting an update at the Magic Kingdom that is set to include a new audio animatronic version of Walt Disney.
EPCOT
- The tastiest festival has officially returned with the opening of the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find our opinions and rankings for all of the new and returning specialty food and beverage offerings.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney confirmed that nearly 25 new food and beverage items will be added to the menus this year for Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- A new souvenir cup has roared into Walt Disney World, and it is currently only available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
New Merchandise
- Two new plush hats have arrived at Walt Disney World. Both are themed to fan-favorite fowl: the Orange Bird and Hei Hei.
- Keep your head warm this winter (even though it is still rather hot in Florida) with the new Stitch and Minnie Mouse pom-pom ski caps from Walt Disney World.
- Disney has shared the first look at a holiday version of the Zombie Head mug coming later this year to Trader Sam’s locations at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
- Matt Damon recently visited Disneyland to celebrate his daughter’s birthday and Halloween Time at the resort.
Disney California Adventure
- Terran Treats has a new cosmic churro available for a limited time this Halloween season at Disney California Adventure.
- This fall and winter, guests can enjoy two limited-time coffees at Pym Test Kitchen in Disney California Adventure.
- As an update on the ongoing refresh of Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Disney released some new concept art and confirmed some menu changes.
New Merchandise
- Get ready to show off your mischievous side with the whimsical Cheshire Cat furry ear headband.
- Disney has shared the first look at a holiday version of the Zombie Head mug coming later this year to Trader Sam’s locations at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
- A new holiday popcorn bucket has been revealed for Disneyland Resort, Aulani, and select Disney Cruise Line ships.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris
- Announced today at the What’s Cooking with Disney Eats panel at the Destination D23 event, a new spooky experience is coming to Disneyland Paris for the upcoming Halloween season.
Hong Kong Disneyland
- At the What’s Cooking with Disney Eats panel at the Destination D23 event, a replacement was announced for Tahitian Terrace at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Disney Cruise Line
- As part of Destination D23, it has been confirmed that when the Haunted Mansion Parlor bar comes to the Disney Destiny cruise ship, the menu will be reimagined and new mugs will be added.
- New art and a first look at beverages were revealed for the Cask & Cannon as well as The Sanctum lounges on the Disney Destiny cruise ship.
The Walt Disney Company
- A Buzz Lightyear Balloon is returning to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- D23, The Official Disney Fan Club, has announced the event dates for the next D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, taking place in 2026.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida
- The Death Eater show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley during Halloween Horror Nights has changed.
Entertainment and Media
- We have our first look at the character Smarty Pants, who will be voiced by Conan O’Brien in the upcoming film, Toy Story 5.
- Today, the title for the newest movie in the Ice Age franchise was released at Walt Disney Studios Showcase Panel, a part of the Destination D23 event.
- Today at the Walt Disney Studios Showcase Panel, a part of the Destination D23 event held at Walt Disney World, a new film from Walt Disney Animation Studios was announced.
- In honor of the film’s 35th anniversary, Home Alone will be the next D23 On the Road screening.
- During today’s Walt Disney Studios Showcase Panel at Destination D23, actor and Soarin’ preshow star Patrick Warburton announced that he is the voice of Mayor Winddancer in the upcoming film, Zootopia 2.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday has been announced as the next virtual event for the D23 Gold Theater.
- The planned live-action remake film of The Aristocats has been scrapped, according to the film’s director, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
Disney+
- Disney has announced the release of a new documentary film titled Disneyland Handcrafted, as part of today’s many exciting announcements from Destination D23.
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!
