NEWS HUB Latest Disney News from WDWMAGIC

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Disney Shares First Story and Scene Details for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's 2026 Reopening at Magic Kingdom​

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom is undergoing a refurbishment and will reopen in 2026. The updated attraction will feature a new scene, the Rainbow Caverns, inspired by Disneyland’s Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, adding to the existing thrill ride experience.

Disney Shares First Story and Scene Details for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's 2026 Reopening at Magic Kingdom

Disney Shares First Story and Scene Details for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's 2026 Reopening at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/big-thunder-mountain-to-receive-full-retrack.983692/unread

 

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Disney Announces November Opening Date for Zootopia: Better Zoogether!​

Disney announced the opening date of Zootopia: Better Zoogether! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for November 7, 2025. The 4D show immerses guests in the celebration of “Zoogether Day” in Zootopia, featuring fan-favorite characters and new ones.

Disney Announces November Opening Date for Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

Disney Announces November Opening Date for Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ed-for-the-tree-of-life-theater.981957/unread

 

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Ketan Sardeshmukh Named New Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom​

Ketan Sardeshmukh has been appointed as the new Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He replaces Maryann Smith, who moved to a new role earlier this year.

Ketan Sardeshmukh Named New Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Ketan Sardeshmukh Named New Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ident-of-disneys-animal-kingdom.986558/unread

 

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Refurbished Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side Reopens With Fresh New Look​

The refurbished Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side has reopened with a fresh new look, including a wrap-around mural and improved flow. The location features outdoor seating overlooking the water and is open daily from 9am to 11pm.

Refurbished Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side Reopens With Fresh New Look

Refurbished Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side Reopens With Fresh New Look

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...cks-locations-at-disney-springs.984187/unread

 

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Spaceship Earth Now Closed for Refurbishment at EPCOT​

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is closed for refurbishment, with the GEO-82 Lounge remaining open. The closure, announced for August 25, 2025, will focus on ride system updates and maintenance, potentially including screen upgrades.

Spaceship Earth Now Closed for Refurbishment at EPCOT

Spaceship Earth Now Closed for Refurbishment at EPCOT

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/spaceship-earth-refurbishment-coming-soon.985682/unread

 

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2025 Mickey's Halloween Party Sellouts Continue - Here's What's Still Available​

All August dates for the 2025 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom are sold out. Tickets are still available for select dates in September and October, but guests are advised to purchase soon as the event is expected to sell out.

2025 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Sellouts Continue - Here's What's Still Available

2025 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Sellouts Continue - Here's What's Still Available

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/mickey’s-not-so-scary-halloween-party-2025.985990/unread

 

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New Good-To-Go Days Added for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders in September 2025​

Walt Disney World has added three new Good-To-Go Days for Annual Passholders in September 2025, allowing them to visit without a theme park reservation. These dates are September 1, 3, and 4, 2025.

New Good-To-Go Days Added for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders in September 2025

New Good-To-Go Days Added for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders in September 2025

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...y-world-theme-park-reservations.965672/unread

 

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Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort to Close Paddock Pool, Play Area, and Grill for Fall Maintenance​

The Paddock Pool, play area, and grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will close for maintenance from October 13, 2025, to early December 2025. Other pools at the resort will remain open.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort to Close Paddock Pool, Play Area, and Grill for Fall Maintenance

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort to Close Paddock Pool, Play Area, and Grill for Fall Maintenance

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ng-october-13-for-refurbishment.986586/unread

 

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New Construction Permit Filed for DINOSAUR Ahead of 2026 Closure at Disney's Animal Kingdom​

A new construction permit for the DINOSAUR attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been filed, indicating potential infrastructure enhancements. This follows an earlier permit for set element installation, suggesting Disney may be working on the attraction’s experience before its 2026 closure for a new Indiana Jones-themed attraction.

New Construction Permit Filed for DINOSAUR Ahead of 2026 Closure at Disney's Animal Kingdom

New Construction Permit Filed for DINOSAUR Ahead of 2026 Closure at Disney's Animal Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-experiences-for-animal-kingdom.981958/unread

 

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Disney World Pulls 'Exploding Dynamite' Line from Big Thunder Mountain Description​

Disney World removed the line “exploding dynamite and falling boulders” from the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad description, suggesting the finale will remain unchanged. The ride is currently closed for refurbishment until 2026 and will include a new Rainbow Caverns scene.

Disney World Pulls 'Exploding Dynamite' Line from Big Thunder Mountain Description

Disney World Pulls 'Exploding Dynamite' Line from Big Thunder Mountain Description

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/big-thunder-mountain-to-receive-full-retrack.983692/unread

 

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Crews Drain Final Water From Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom as Riverboat Track Removal Begins​

Crews are draining the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom to remove the Liberty Square Riverboat track. This work is part of preparations for the new Cars-themed expansion and Disney Villains Land.

Crews Drain Final Water From Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom as Riverboat Track Removal Begins

Crews Drain Final Water From Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom as Riverboat Track Removal Begins

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/piston-peak-and-villains-land-construction-thread.986438/unread

 

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Disney Kicks Off 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival with Global Marketplaces and Concerts​

The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs from August 28 to November 22, featuring over 35 Global Marketplaces, live music, and new flavors. Activities include Emile’s Fromage Montage, Remy’s Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt, and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, with performances by Joey Fatone & Friends, KT Tunstall, and more.

Disney Kicks Off 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival with Global Marketplaces and Concerts

Disney Kicks Off 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival with Global Marketplaces and Concerts

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/2025-epcot-international-food-wine-festival.986057/unread

 

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New Harvest Hollow Playground Now Open at 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival​

The Harvest Hollow playground, designed for children ages 5 to 12, is now open at the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

New Harvest Hollow Playground Now Open at 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

New Harvest Hollow Playground Now Open at 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/2025-epcot-international-food-wine-festival.986057/unread

 

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Beak and Barrel Tavern Review - Disney's New Pirate Lounge at Magic Kingdom​

With its official opening set for today, The Beak and Barrel Tavern has already become one of the most sought-after dining experiences at Walt Disney World. We had the chance to preview the tavern ahead of opening, and here's a look at what you can expect.

Beak and Barrel Tavern Review - Disney's New Pirate Lounge at Magic Kingdom

Beak and Barrel Tavern Review - Disney's New Pirate Lounge at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/new-pirates-of-the-caribbean-themed-lounge.981956/unread

 

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Walt Disney World Marks Opening of Beak and Barrel Tavern with Cast and Imagineers​

The Beak and Barrel Tavern has officially celebrated its August 29 opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World Marks Opening of Beak and Barrel Tavern with Cast and Imagineers

Walt Disney World Marks Opening of Beak and Barrel Tavern with Cast and Imagineers

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/new-pirates-of-the-caribbean-themed-lounge.981956/unread

 

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Disney Legend Andreas Deja Shares Insights on Villains Land Development at Magic Kingdom​

Disney Legend Andreas Deja, one of the most celebrated animators behind Disney's greatest villains, has shared new insight on working with Walt Disney Imagineering on the development of the upcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

Disney Legend Andreas Deja Shares Insights on Villains Land Development at Magic Kingdom

Disney Legend Andreas Deja Shares Insights on Villains Land Development at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...alt-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom.984446/unread

 

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Walt Disney to Appear in Carousel of Progress with New Audio-Animatronic at Magic Kingdom​

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is set to receive a major update that will bring Walt Disney himself back to the stage through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology.

Walt Disney to Appear in Carousel of Progress with New Audio-Animatronic at Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney to Appear in Carousel of Progress with New Audio-Animatronic at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...io-animatronic-at-magic-kingdom.986619/unread

 

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Disney Imagineering Reveals 'Conjured Architecture' as Design Philosophy for Villains Land at Magic Kingdom​

Disney Imagineering is designing Villains Land at Magic Kingdom using “Conjured Architecture,” a design philosophy combining European architectural styles with Disney villain aesthetics. The team researched Art Nouveau in Paris and Modernisme in Barcelona, incorporating their swirling designs and surreal qualities. This approach aims to create an unsettling yet beautiful atmosphere reflecting the villains’ domains.

Disney Imagineering Reveals 'Conjured Architecture' as Design Philosophy for Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

Disney Imagineering Reveals 'Conjured Architecture' as Design Philosophy for Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...alt-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom.984446/unread

 

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Disney to Restore Cinderella Castle's Classic Look at Magic Kingdom​

Disney will restore Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom to its original 1971 color palette of grays, creams, and blues, with gold accents. The updated design, using modern materials and techniques, will honor the castle’s iconic appearance while ensuring its longevity.

Disney to Restore Cinderella Castle's Classic Look at Magic Kingdom

Disney to Restore Cinderella Castle's Classic Look at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-return-to-classic-color-scheme.986621/unread

 

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Disney Updates Animal Kingdom Map After Boneyard Closure and Walkway Changes​

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has released an updated park map following the closure of The Boneyard playground on September 1, 2025. The closure also led to changes in guest routing to access DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus, with the new path bypassing the original entrance. The updated map reflects these changes, highlighting the ongoing construction for the Tropical Americas expansion, set to debut in 2027.

Disney Updates Animal Kingdom Map After Boneyard Closure and Walkway Changes

Disney Updates Animal Kingdom Map After Boneyard Closure and Walkway Changes

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-experiences-for-animal-kingdom.981958/unread