Historic Muppet Studios Lot Has Been Purchased by Church of Scientology & More: Daily Recap (10/4/24)
Phil Wood
Jungle Cruise is reopening early following a two-month refurbishment at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World is testing plastic reusable cups & mugs at counter service restaurants to replace paper, and the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance single rider line is no longer skipping pre-shows— all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, …
Fantasy Springs-Themed Bullet Train Launching This Month
Shannen Ace
East Japan Railway Company (JR EAST) and Oriental Land Co. (owners of Tokyo Disney Resort) will launch a Fantasy Springs-themed bullet train this month. Fantasy Springs Bullet Train The “Magical Journey Shinkansen” will run for a limited period starting October 10, 2024. This marks the first time an E5 Series Shinkansen will be fully wrapped …
Turtle Mural Added, Pool Filled at DVC Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Brit Tuttle
Since our last update, the Disney Vacation Club Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has seen significant updates, including a new mural and a full swimming pool. DVC Island Tower at Polynesian Construction This morning, we checked out the ongoing construction at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. First, we got a look at the pathways …
PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs 10/3/2024 (New Merchandise, Studios Aesthetics, and Gideons)
Bryce B.
Happy Friday Eve! Today, I visited a crowded Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then went to Disney Springs to see the October cookies being served at Gideon’s Bakehouse. Disney’s Hollywood Studios This morning, I wanted to see how long it would take to get in the park if you were to not stand in the direct sunlight …
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter Resurrected as a Gory Play
Phil Wood
The now-defunct Walt Disney World attraction ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter is being parodied as a gore-filled play in Hollywood, California. (via Variety) ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter Returns as a Play After its soft opening on December 16, 1994, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter terrified Magic Kingdom guests every day it was operational until its permanent closure on October 12, …
Historic Muppet Studios Lot Has Been Purchased by Church of Scientology
Phil Wood
The InSneider reports that the Muppet Studios Lot, which was originally Charlie Chaplin Studios, has been bought by the Church of Scientology. Church of Scientology Purchases Historic Muppet Studios Lot Over the summer, the Henson family revealed that it was in the process of selling the historic Jim Henson Company Lot. Now, rumors indicate that …
Light-Up Interactive Mickey’s Toontown Bubble Maker Comes to Walt Disney World
Phil Wood
Months after releasing at Disneyland Resort, the Mickey’s Toontown bubble maker has arrived at Walt Disney World. We found it at the Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Kiosk in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Mickey’s Toontown Bubble Maker – $39.99 The bubble maker is designed to look like a barrel with colorful cranks and gadgets coming out …
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Single Rider Line No Longer Skipping Pre-Shows
Phil Wood
Guests using the single rider line for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will no longer skip the pre-show scenes. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Single Rider Line On today’s visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we discovered that changes have been made to the single rider line for Star Wars: …
New Honor Collection Merchandise Available at Disneyland
Andrew Iovino
A new wave of Honor collection merchandise salutes veterans and active-duty members of the United States military. New Honor Collection Merchandise Last year, we reported on a collection of camouflage apparel and products honoring the US military. This year, the collection has expanded again. On a recent trip to The Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. …
Animal Rights Activist Ric O’Barry Calls on Disney to Give Dolphins at EPCOT a ‘Proper Retirement’
Brit Tuttle
Animal rights activist Ric O’Barry has posted an open letter to Disney executives asking for a “proper retirement” for the dolphins set to be relocated from The Seas at EPCOT. Ric O’Barry Calls for Proper Retirement for Dolphins at The Seas The letter was shared as a blog post on the website of Dolphin Project, …
Walt Disney World Testing Plastic Reusable Cups & Mugs at Counter Service Restaurant to Replace Paper
Brit Tuttle
Walt Disney World is now testing plastic reusable cups and mugs at counter service dining locations to potentially replace the current paper products in use. We spotted the new plastic items in use at Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plastic Reusable Cups and Mugs at Satu’li Canteen Currently, there are two different sizes of …
‘One Piece’ and ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Experiences Coming to Universal Fan Fest Nights, Event Dates Revealed
Brit Tuttle
Universal Studios Hollywood has announced two anime IPs (intellectual properties) for its upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights, happening in spring 2025. ‘One Piece’ and ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Coming to Universal Fan Fest Nights Universal shared on social media that fans will “set sail into the world of ‘One Piece’” during Universal Fan Fest Nights, with guests …
Jungle Cruise Reopening Early Following Two-Month Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom
Brit Tuttle
The world-famous Jungle Cruise is set to reopen earlier than expected at Magic Kingdom, following a nearly two-month-long refurbishment. Jungle Cruise Reopening Early at Magic Kingdom According to the operating calendar on the Walt Disney World website, Jungle Cruise will now open ahead of schedule on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The ride was previously scheduled …
Adele Lim Signs on as Director of Disney’s ‘The Princess Diaries 3’
Brit Tuttle
Development of Disney’s “The Princess Diaries 3” has reached a new milestone, as Adele Lim of “Joy Ride” has signed on to direct. ‘The Princess Diaries 3’ Gets a Director Lim made her directorial debut in 2023 with “Joy Ride.” She was previously a writer on Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Crazy Rich …
CONFIRMED: ‘World of Color – ONE’ to Return in Late October Following Refurbishment
Brit Tuttle
“World of Color – ONE,” the nighttime spectacular performed on Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure, has set its reopening date following a six-week refurbishment. ‘World of Color – ONE’ Reopening Date The nighttime show originally went down for refurbishment on September 9, 2024. It was previously scheduled to return to normal operation on October …
Imagineer Wants ‘Real’ Lightsaber to Become a Toy You Can Actually Buy
Brit Tuttle
Disney Research Fellow and Imagineer Lanny Smoot has expressed the possibility of turning Rey’s “real” lightsaber from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser into a toy you can actually buy, according to a report from The Verge. Imagineer Wants Retractable Lightsaber to Be a Toy The “real” lightsaber was first revealed in 2021 with a teaser video …
Select 2024 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Merchandise Now Available to Day Guests
Brit Tuttle
With the spooky season in full swing now that October has arrived, we found that select 2024 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party merchandise is now available for day guests to purchase at Magic Kingdom. These items are normally exclusively available during the separately ticketed after-hours events. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Merchandise in Emporium All of the …
Four Indiana Jones Movies Removed From Disney+ & More: Daily Recap (10/3/24)
Phil Wood
Pro-Palestine protesters held a banner in front of Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom hours were extended for mid-October, and Main Street Confectionery debuted new physical menus at Magic Kingdom — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Thursday, October 3, 2024. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood …
Disneyland Selling Haunted Mansion Christmas Shirt Unrelated to Haunted Mansion Holiday
Katie Francis
Disneyland has released a Haunted Mansion Christmas shirt this year, even though the standard version of The Haunted Mansion doesn’t operate during the holiday season. Haunted Mansion Christmas T-shirt – $29.99 We found the shirt in Emporium at Disneyland Park. It’s a black straight-cut T-shirt. The graphic on the front features an off-white sketch of …
Muppets Lab Photo Op Returns to The Odyssey, Now Behind Barricade Due to Guest Vandalism
Phil Wood
The Muppets Lab photo op is back at The Odyssey a month after it was removed from the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, but with a new barricade to keep guests from getting too close. Muppets Lab Photo Op When the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival began on August 29, 2024, …
Adventureland Pavement Now Extends to Breezeway Restrooms
Phil Wood
Installation of the new themed Adventureland pavement now extends to the Adventureland Breezeway Restrooms. Adventureland Pavement Update The photo above is from our last update a little over one week ago. At that time, the new pavement extended just beyond the Swiss Family Treehouse and was blocked off by ropes and stanchions. As of today, …
PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT & Hollywood Studios 10/1/2024 (Pin Tuesday, Holiday Shirts, and Halloween Treats)
Bryce B.
Happy Pin Tuesday! Today, I explored the front of EPCOT before running to Hollywood Studios for some Halloween treats, and finally ended my day at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Pin Tuesday Happy Pin Tuesday! Walt Disney World releases new and exclusive pins every Tuesday. This week, we got two open-edition pins and two …
SVP of Original Content for EMEA, Liam Keelan, Exiting Disney
Phil Wood
Earlier today, Deadline reported that Liam Keelan, SVP of Original Content, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) for Disney, is exiting his role. Liam Keelan Exiting Disney Liam Keelan, who has been with Disney for nearly five years, announced that he is leaving the company in early 2025. The process of hiring his replacement has …
See the 3rd Annual Theme Park Electric Wheelchair Rodeo, Rejected Disney Shoulder Plush TONIGHT
Tom Corless
Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! It’s WDW News Tonight! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, the 3rd Annual Theme Park Electric Wheelchair Rodeo, rejected Disney shoulder plush and more! WDW News Tonight Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight …
Main Street Confectionery Debuts New Physical Menus at Magic Kingdom
Phil Wood
As of today, Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom has new physical menus to help guests make their tasty treat selections. Main Street Confectionery Menus Have you ever stepped foot in Main Street Confectionery and found yourself overwhelmed by all the delicious treats available for purchase? Well, Disney just released new physical menus that are …
Closure Scheduled for Bay Lake Tower Pool in Early 2026
Phil Wood
Disney has announced that the Bay Lake Tower pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be closed in early 2026. Bay Lake Tower Pool Closure Beginning on January 26, 2026, the Bay Cove Pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be closed for maintenance. The …
Magic Kingdom 53rd Anniversary Pin Arrives at Walt Disney World
Bryce B.
October 1, 2024 marked the 53rd anniversary of Magic Kingdom, and Disney released an exclusive pin to celebrate the milestone. Disney Parks Anniversaries It was only a few years ago that we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Magic Kingdom. Disney opened the gates of Magic Kingdom back in 1971. During the 50th, Disney released pins …
Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres Playground Closed at Universal Studios Florida
Katie Francis
Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres, a playground in DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida, is currently closed. Construction walls are up around the area, and signs advising of “set enhancements” (Universal’s default sign phrasing) are posted, but the attraction is not listed on the refurbishment calendar. Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres Closed Construction walls and …
FULL TOUR: Decorations for Halloween 2024 at Tokyo Disney Resort
Shannen Ace
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are decked out for Disney Halloween 2024 with character-inspired jack-o’-lanterns, banners, and more. Tokyo Disneyland Halloween Decorations World Bazaar The flower bed at the Tokyo Disneyland entrance has been transformed into Vampire Mickey. He’s made of purple and orange flowers with two white fangs. In the flower bed closer to …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 9/30/2024 (Low Wait Times, New Merch & More)
Nana T.
Long time no see! Nana is back in Orlando! I hope you guys had a great weekend. I was in upstate New York over the weekend, where the weather was around the mid-50s to a high of 70 degrees. T-shirt and hoodie weather, right? Anyway, I am back in this crazy 94-degree weather with 98% …
Frankenstein & Bride Cookies Return for October 2024 to Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Brit Tuttle
A new month means a new monthly cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs, and two cookies are returning for the spooky season: the Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein cookies. Frankenstein Cookie – $6 Dark chocolate, Double Stuf Oreos, and M&Ms The Frankenstein cookie is a returning favorite for us. Each bite offers dark chocolate …
Four Indiana Jones Movies Removed From Disney+
Katie Francis
Four of the five Indiana Jones movies have been removed from the Disney+ streaming service. Are the Indiana Jones Movies on Disney+? All five Indiana Jones films were streaming on Disney+ until October 2024. Now, the only movie in the franchise available on Disney’s streaming service is the most recent sequel, “Indiana Jones and the …
Pro-Palestine Protesters Hold Banner in Front of Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle
Shannen Ace
Pro-Palestine protesters were spotted at Disneyland on Wednesday, October 2, holding a banner about the death toll in Gaza. Palestine Protesters at Disneyland TikTok user Natalie Curling shared the following video, which features two protesters wearing Palestinian keffiyehs standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. They hold a large banner reading: The amount of people …
Disneyland Special $50 Kids Ticket Offer Returning for Limited Time, Save Up to 25% on Resort Hotels
Shannen Ace
Disneyland Resort will once again offer a limited-time kids special ticket for as low as $50 for visits in early 2025. Disneyland Limited-Time Special Kids Ticket Offer The specially priced tickets will go on sale on October 22, 2024, for visits from January 7 through March 20, 2025. They are for children ages 3 to …
New Disney Parks Christmas Charm Set by Pandora Available Online and at Disney World
Shannen Ace
A new Disney Parks Christmas charm set by Pandora is now available from the Disney Store website and at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Parks Christmas Charm Set by Pandora – $250 The set includes three sterling silver charms. The dangle charm has sculpted Santa Mickey and snowglobe elements. Of the two slider charms, one …
Disneyland Now Selling Exclusive VIP Tours Merchandise
Shannen Ace
Disneyland Resort now has exclusive VIP Tours merchandise for sale, including a Spirit Jersey, ear headband, Loungefly backpack, and more. Disneyland Resort VIP Tours Merchandise VIP Tour Guide Philander (@philanderc85 on Instagram) shared photos of the new VIP Tours merchandise, which has been in the works for two years. VIP Tour guests can purchase the …
NEW Figment Straw Clip at Shanghai Disneyland, Likely Coming Soon to EPCOT
Shannen Ace
A new Figment straw clip has flown into Shanghai Disney Resort and is likely coming soon to Walt Disney World. Figment Straw Clip US Shopping SOS shared photos of the Figment straw clip on Instagram, stating it was released at Shanghai Disneyland on October 3. It features an adorable version of the purple and orange …
New Disney Munchlings Baked Treats Plush Headband and MagicBand+ From Disney Store
Shannen Ace
As part of their 31 Days of Drops counting down to Halloween, Disney Store has a new Disney Munchlings plush headband and MagicBand+. 31 Days of Drops on DisneyStore.com features limited edition items and special discounts available every day of October. These two new Disney Munchlings Baked Treats items were released on October 3. Disney …
Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom Hours Extended for Mid-October
Katie Francis
Walt Disney World Resort has updated the operating hours for Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom into mid-October. Magic Kingdom Hours The Magic Kingdom hours were previously 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on regular days and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party days. Both sets of hours have been adjusted. The …
POP Food Court Reopens With Ornate Tile Work and Decor Removed & More: Daily Recap (10/2/24)
Katie Francis
Another round of layoffs is underway at the Walt Disney Company, Rachel Zegler revealed the new backstory for Snow White’s name, and a new Russo Bros. movie is based on the idea of Disneyland animatronics revolting against their creators — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Walt Disney …