BREAKING: Universal Studios Hollywood to Reopen Friday
Eric Morton
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will reopen on Friday, January 10th as wildfires continue to rage in Southern California. Per their website, they will resume normal operating hours. In an announcement sent out on social media, Universal stated:Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be open on Friday, January 10 and will resume regular …
Bob Iger, Joe Rohde Share Thoughts on California Wildfires, Railroad Changes & More: Daily Recap (1/9/25)
Eric Morton
Disney CEO Bob Iger and former Imagineer Joe Rohde shared thoughts about the California wildfires, and the wildest ride in the wilderness had some track removed. All this and more on today’s recap for Thursday, January 9, 2025. Daily Recap for January 9, 2025 Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT Disney’s Animal Kingdom New Merchandise …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom 1/8/2025 (Rapunzel Restroom, New Popcorn Box, and Dinoland Changes)
Bryce B.
Howdy! Today was a pretty chill day in the Magic Kingdom, crowds have certainly slowed down. The Rapunzel restroom area is still struggling, there is a popcorn box featuring new artwork, and the last living animals have been removed from Dinoland. Monorail Morning Good morning from the Transportation and Ticket Center. It is another blistering …
New Disneyland Billboards Revealed on Tram Route
Lauren Shahan
Brand new Disneyland billboards have debuted on the resort’s tram route near the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure. New Disneyland Billboards Typically, three billboards are on the hedge with a “Welcome” sign above the center one. These new billboards replaced the ones previously installed for the Disney 100 celebration. The billboard to the left features Spider-Man …
PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT and Pop Century 1/7/2025 (Pin Tuesday, Bar Refurbishments, and More)
Bryce B.
Howdy! Today is Pin Tuesday and there are some awesome Disney pins that were released, a few of the bars in EPCOT World Showcase are under refurbishment, and more fun around EPCOT. Good Morning from EPCOT OH MY GOODNESS! Y’all I am a fully southern woman and as such I am not built to be …
France Pavilion Wine Bar Temporarily Closed at EPCOT
Shannen Ace
Les Vins de France, a wine bar in the France Pavilion at EPCOT, is currently closed. Les Vins de France Closed Les Vins de France is located next to the pavilion’s theater. Hours for the venue are still listed in the My Disney Experience app but the doors are all closed. The wine bar is …
Chip ‘n’ Dale Souvenir Orb Sipper Debuts at Disneyland
Lauren Shahan
A new Chip ‘n’ Dale souvenir sipper has debuted at Disneyland. We first discovered the sipper at the Refreshment Corner. Chip ‘n’ Dale Souvenir Orb Sipper – $18.49 The souvenir sipper features Chip ‘n’ Dale standing on a teacup atop a fishbowl with a pencil for the straw. Chip wears a sewing thimble on his …
Food Booths Arrive at Universal Studios Florida for Mardi Gras 2025
Lauren Shahan
Food booths have started to arrive around Universal Studios Florida for Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. The event begins on February 1 and lasts through March 30. Universal Mardi Gras 2025 Food Booths While full menus have not yet been announced, a map of the food locations and food booths have been revealed. Several …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom 1/9/2025 (Dinoland Fun, Kali River Rapid Refurbishment, and Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment)
Bryce B.
Howdy! I spent the morning in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Chester & Hester’s shop, played some Fossil Fun Games, checked in on the refurbishments at Kali River Rapids, and hopped to Magic Kingdom to see the progress at Big Thunder Mountain. Parking at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Bah Humbug… It’s never fun to start the day …
Registration Dates for 2025 Moonlight Magic Events Announced
Eric Morton
Disney Vacation Club Members are entitled to special Moonlight Magic events in Disney parks throughout the year, and while we previously announced the event dates, we now have the registration dates. According to the DVC website, registration for 2025’s Moonlight Magic events begins next week. Moonlight Magic Events During this limited-time celebration, participants will have …
Say Goodbye to Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, Rejected DINOSAUR Attraction Overlays, and More 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 “Tom & Nick’s Dino-Rama! EXTINCTION” as we say goodbye to Dino-Rama, the Fossil Fun Games, and more of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! WDW News Tonight Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick …
New Jungle Cruise Tumbler Arrives at Walt Disney World
Lauren Shahan
And now, the eighth wonder of the world — a brand new Jungle Cruise tumbler, now available at Walt Disney World! We found the Jungle Cruise tumbler for sale in Creations Shop at EPCOT. Jungle Cruise Tumbler – $29.99 The tumbler is green with “Jungle Cruise” written on the front near the top in yellow …
PHOTOS: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Track Missing and Props Tagged Amid Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom
Lauren Shahan
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for refurbishment earlier this week and work is well underway on the attraction, with portions of the track already moved and props tagged. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment We boarded the Liberty Belle Riverboat for a trip around the Rivers of America to view the ongoing refurbishment. A massive crane …
What is the Walt Disney World Marathon?
Andrew Iovino
This week marks the start of the 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, an annual marathon operated by runDisney. The race has been held since 1994, making this year the 31st anniversary of the yearly event! But what exactly is the marathon and why is it so popular? Beginnings The first marathon was held in …
Imagineering Files Permit to Install Signage for Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT
Brit Tuttle
Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a new permit to install signage as construction on the new Test Track 3.0 continues at EPCOT. Imagineering Files Permit to Install Signage at Test Track The Notice of Commencement, filed yesterday, lists “Install signage” as the “General description of improvement” for 1440 Avenue of the Stars EP, Bay Lake, …
Walt Disney World Railroad Narration Updated with Mention Referencing Lengthy Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closure
Lauren Shahan
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is officially closed for its extended refurbishment and new narration about it has debuted on the Walt Disney World Railroad. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Announcement on Walt Disney World Railroad As guests depart the Frontierland station, the narrator announces the upcoming stops and urges guests to remain seated with the usual …
More Blissful Buddies Plush of Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and More Arrive at Walt Disney World
Gretchen McDermid
The range of characters available as Blissful Buddies plush has now been expanded to include Stitch, Mei, Pua, and more. We found these new plushies at World of Disney in Disney Springs, Discovery Trading Company in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and The Fjording in the Norway pavilion at EPCOT. Stitch Blissful Buddies Plush – $29.99 Several …
PHOTOS: Kali River Rapids Closed and Drained with Refurbishment Underway
Lauren Shahan
Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has officially closed for its annual refurbishment. During our visit to the park, we saw that the ride’s flume has been drained. Kali River Rapids Refurbishment In December 2024, we reported on the ride’s upcoming closure for refurbishment. The attraction closed on January 6 and, according to the …
New Annual Passholder-Exclusive Figment Merchandise Arriving at EPCOT
Lauren Shahan
A new Annual Passholder Figment-inspired shirt and pin are arriving at the Creations Shop at EPCOT. Disney first announced the new merchandise in the Passholder Buzz section of the My Disney Experience app. Annual Passholder Figment Merchandise Whether you’re roaming around the world or being influenced by imagination, you’ll look great doing it all in …
Disney CEO Bob Iger and Former Imagineer Joe Rohde Comment on Destruction Caused by the California Wildfires
Lauren Shahan
Disney CEO Bob Iger and Former Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde took to social media to share their thoughts on the destruction caused by the California wildfires and condolences to those affected. Bob Iger and Joe Rohde California Wildfires Iger shared photos of the destruction in a post on his Instagram page. View this post …
FIRST LOOK at Passholder Exclusive Merchandise Featuring Figment for 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Brit Tuttle
Walt Disney World has shared a first look at the Annual Passholder-exclusive merchandise for the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, featuring none other than Figment. 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Annual Passholder Merchandise First revealed via The Passholder Buzz on My Disney Experience, each of the Passholder-exclusive items feature Figment celebrating …
Roof Overhang Structure Installed for Universal Studios Store Expansion in CityWalk
Lauren Shahan
Construction crews continue to make progress on the Universal Studios Store expansion. A roof overhang structure has been added to the building’s facade. Universal Studios Store Expansion The Universal Studios Store expansion takes the place of the former Cinnabon and Quiet Flight Surf Shop. The stores permanently closed in the spring of 2024 and were completely …
Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk to Remain Closed January 9 Due to Extreme Winds and Fire Conditions
Brit Tuttle
Universal Studios Hollywood has announced an extension to its temporary closure due to the California wildfires. Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk to Remain Closed The announcement was made around midnight this morning, Thursday, January 9, on social media: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Universal Studios Hollywood (@unistudios) Out of an abundance …
Full Menus and Figment Bucket Announced for 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts & More: Daily Recap (1/8/25)
Katie Francis
Mardi Gras booths were announced for Universal Orlando Resort, a freezing wind advisory was issued for the Central Florida theme park areas, and Universal Studios Hollywood closed due to the nearby fires — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood Studios …
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Closed for Refurbishment, Refreshment Corner Opening for Breakfast at Disneyland
Shannen Ace
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland is now closed for refurbishment and covered in scaffolding. Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Refurbishment Construction walls extend around the façade. They’re just behind the planters and lampposts that line Jolly Holiday’s courtyard. Behind the walls, scaffolding rises above the building. So far, no real work is visible on the …
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Marks 10th Anniversary With Moana Pin
Shannen Ace
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opened 10 years ago in 2015. Walt Disney World is marking the occasion with a new limited-release pin featuring Moana. Limited Release Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows 10th Anniversary Moana Pin – $19.99 The pin is available from Moana Mercantile in the Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. …
Reservations Open for Disney California Adventure 2025 Food & Wine Festival Tastings & Classes
Shannen Ace
Disneyland Resort has opened reservations for bookable experiences at the 2025 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Food & Wine Beverage Education Seminars Experiences include education and tasting seminars at Sonoma Terrace. Click the following links to learn more about each seminar: Carthay Circle Receptions The following two Carthay Circle Receptions have been announced: …
Disney Files Permit for New Disney Villains Stage Show at Hollywood Studios
Shannen Ace
Walt Disney World filed a Notice of Commencement permit for the new Disney Villains show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After The address on the permit is 854 Sunset Blvd DHS, the location of Sunset Showcase, where Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will be performed. The theater is located between Rock ‘n’ …
Food Booths Announced for 2025 Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios Florida
Lauren Shahan
The 2025 Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios Florida is just around the corner. The full list of food booths and a preview of a few menu items has been released. Food Booths for 2025 Mardi Gras Booths from 2024 that are not returning this year include Belgium, Bloody Mary Bar, Brazil, …
Blizzard Beach 30th Anniversary Pin Arrives at Walt Disney World
Lauren Shahan
A brand new Blizzard Beach 30th anniversary pin has arrived at Walt Disney World. We found this pin at Disney’s Pin Traders in Disney Springs. Blizzard Beach 30th Anniversary Pin This pin commemorates 30 years of Disney’s Blizzard Beach. The pin features Mickey wearing a winter scarf with yellow, green, and blue colors. Minnie is …
AI Art Replaced With Oracle Cards at Haunted Mansion Gift Shop
Shannen Ace
The AI artwork in Disneyland’s new Haunted Mansion gift shop — Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond — has officially been replaced. New Oracle Card Artwork In the AI piece’s place is a new framed piece featuring several cards depicting various people and things. They aren’t tarot cards but appear to be some kind of oracle cards. …
Haunted Mansion Bride Souvenir Sipper Release Delayed at Disneyland
Lauren Shahan
The new Haunted Mansion Bride souvenir sipper, originally scheduled to be released on January 8, has been delayed. Haunted Mansion Bride Souvenir Sipper The new Haunted Mansion Bride sipper is a ghostly shade of blue and she stands solemnly holding a candelabra and a bouquet. Her face glows blue while her beating red heart glows …
The Walt Disney Company Closes Select Offices Due to California Wildfires
Katie Francis
Amid the ongoing wildfires in southern California, the Walt Disney Company has closed select offices. CEO Bob Iger contacted employees on January 8 to advise that the offices in Los Angeles and Ventura counties are closed through January 10 to all non-essential employees. This includes company headquarters in Burbank, California. The fire has spread over …
Mickey Garlands Removed, Not Returning Due to Paint the Night Parade at Disneyland
Shannen Ace
Now that the 2024 holiday season is over, the Mickey garlands have been removed from Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland — and won’t return for the 2025 holidays. Mickey Garlands During the holiday season at Disneyland, several strings of garland usually span Main Street, connecting the buildings. Each garland has a Mickey wreath in the center, …
First Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Track Piece Removed at Magic Kingdom
Shannen Ace
Just a few days after closing for refurbishment, crew members are dismantling the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad track. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment Scott Gustin shared a video of a crane lifting a large piece of track from the attraction on Wednesday. The piece looks to be nearly 40 feet long and is from near …
Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Shannen Ace
Disney has restocked the Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket – $25.49 This unique bucket resembles a dirty and cracked Stormtrooper helmet. It was first released for May the 4th, 2024. It’s available again at Kat Saka’s Kettle in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and other popcorn locations throughout Disney’s …
Courtyard Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Closing for Refurbishment
Shannen Ace
The Courtyard Pool, spa, and Courtyard Pool bar at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are closing this month for a routine refurbishment. Courtyard Pool Refurbishment at Disney’s Grand Floridian The closure is listed on the webpage for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The pool, spa, and bar will be closed from January 13, 2025, through …
Disney Viva Navidad Street Party Returning to Disney California Adventure in 2025
Shannen Ace
The Disneyland website confirms the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party will return in 2025. Viva Navidad Returning The Disneyland Resort webpage for the show now reads, “Delight in a captivating holiday celebration with musicians, dancers and Disney Characters wearing colorful fiesta costumes—scheduled to return in 2025.” This follows previous rumors of the show closing in …
Weather Advisory Issued For Freezing Wind Around Disney World and Universal Orlando
Shannen Ace
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort areas for Thursday morning. The Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. EST on Thursday, January 9, 2025. It is for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Okeechobee, Indian River, and …
Storks and Tortoise Removed From DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Shannen Ace
Ahead of the land’s closure and reimagining, Disney has removed the final real animals from DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. DinoLand Animals Move Out The Abdim’s Storks and Asian Brown Tortoise are gone from their enclosures. Fences, signs, and foliage all remain, indicating the move was fairly recent. There was one Asian Brown Tortoise. …