The Muppet Show is coming back, we say goodbye to Gino the gorilla, a guest gets arrested at Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland settles a $233 million wage theft lawsuit — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Daily Recap (9/17/25)
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- A Walt Disney World guest was arrested for knocking down a Cast Member directing the crowds by Cinderella Castle this summer.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Gino the silverback gorilla, the most senior gorilla in Animal Kingdom’s troop, has passed away. He was 44 years old.
Disney Springs
- Rothy’s is closed for refurbishment at Disney Springs, even though the store has operating hours listed on the Disney World and Disney Springs website.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Crews have installed new light fixtures at the check-in area of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort during a major remodel of the lobby.
- New signs were installed in the check-in area of the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort lobby, and half of the lobby’s seating is currently closed.
New Merchandise
- Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto finally gets to celebrate the Disney Pins 25th anniversary with its own limited-release pin design!
- Please stand clear of the doors: a new drink tumbler featuring the Walt Disney World Monorail has arrived at Disney Springs.
- Rep your favorite Disney snack with a cozy new Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar hoodie that we spotted in Disney Springs.
Hong Kong Disneyland
- Hong Kong Disneyland announced details of their 2025 holiday celebrations, including a new Cinderella Carousel seasonal overlay.
Disney Store Merchandise
- The pastel Toy Story Alien Loungefly collection, which includes the mini backpack and ear headband, is now available online.
The Walt Disney Company
- A judge approved Disney’s $233 million settlement in a wage theft lawsuit filed by Disneyland Resort employees.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida
- All that remains of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida is its iconic lift hill and one large loop.
Islands of Adventure
- Only a few days after Universal Orlando’s official announcement that “construction activity” would be coming to the Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure, the first construction walls have been spotted.
Universal CityWalk Orlando
- Several Universal CityWalk Orlando restaurants have revamped their menus.
Universal Studios Hollywood
- The Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift store is open at Universal Studios Hollywood, but it’s missing franchise-specific merchandise.
Entertainment and Media
- Star Wars: Starfighter director Shawn Levy shared a first look at the new film starring Ryan Gosling.
- ABC has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will stop airing indefinitely following some controversial remarks made by the show’s host regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Disney+
- Disney has now confirmed a “revival special” of The Muppet Show that will air in 2026 on Disney+.
- The official Disney+ X account posted a video with the Jonas Brothers confirming that Camp Rock 3 is currently in production.
WDW News Today
SCUBA Heist at Walt Disney World!
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!
