NEWS HUB Latest Disney News from WDWMAGIC

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Cinderella Castle Repainting Update: New Grey Color Now Visible on Multiple Sides at Magic Kingdom​

The Cinderella Castle repainting project at Magic Kingdom has made significant progress over the last week. The new grey color now covers most of the castle's back and has extended to the sides and areas near the front.

Cinderella Castle Repainting Update: New Grey Color Now Visible on Multiple Sides at Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle Repainting Update: New Grey Color Now Visible on Multiple Sides 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's Riviera Resort Water Play Area Begins Four-Day Refurbishment​

The S’il Vous Play water play area at Disney’s Riviera Resort is closed for routine maintenance from February 16-19, 2026. The refurbishment affects only the water play area, not the main pools, and the area is expected to reopen on February 20, 2026.

Disney's Riviera Resort Water Play Area Begins Four-Day Refurbishment

Disney's Riviera Resort Water Play Area Begins Four-Day Refurbishment

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...a-begins-four-day-refurbishment.987632/unread

 

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Haunted Mansion Photo Wrap Complete With Caretaker and Bones Now Standing Watch at Magic Kingdom​

The photo-realistic scrim wrap covering the Haunted Mansion’s exterior is complete, featuring the Caretaker and his dog Bones standing watch. The refurbishment will last a substantial portion of the year, but the ride remains open.

Haunted Mansion Photo Wrap Complete With Caretaker and Bones Now Standing Watch at Magic Kingdom

Haunted Mansion Photo Wrap Complete With Caretaker and Bones Now Standing Watch at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ion-permit-for-set-installation.987369/unread

 

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Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Gets New Steel Construction Permit Ahead of Muppets Transformation​

Disney filed a new construction permit for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios, listing Coastal Steel Inc as the contractor. The permit covers general construction, likely related to the Muppets transformation, which will close the attraction on March 2, 2026, and reopen in summer 2026.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Gets New Steel Construction Permit Ahead of Muppets Transformation

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Gets New Steel Construction Permit Ahead of Muppets Transformation

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...er-coaster-at-hollywood-studios.985154/unread

 

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Cinderella Castle Repainting Reaches Liberty Square Side at Magic Kingdom​

Cinderella Castle’s repainting project has reached the Liberty Square side, with the new grey color progressing steadily. The front of the castle, still pink, is expected to be repainted soon.

Cinderella Castle Repainting Reaches Liberty Square Side at Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle Repainting Reaches Liberty Square Side at Magic Kingdom

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

 

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EPCOT's Portraits of Courage Extended as Part of America's 250th Celebration​

The Portraits of Courage exhibit at EPCOT, featuring over 60 oil paintings of post-9/11 veterans by former President George W. Bush, has been extended through the 2026 Fourth of July weekend. A new TV special, Our America: Portraits of Courage, is available on ABC News Live, Localish Networks, and Hulu.

EPCOT's Portraits of Courage Extended as Part of America's 250th Celebration

EPCOT's Portraits of Courage Extended as Part of America's 250th Celebration

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...oming-to-the-american-adventure.983674/unread

 

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2026 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Food and Drinks: First Look at New Menu Items​

Disney released a preview of the food and drinks coming to the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. The festival runs from March 4 through June 1 and features dishes and drinks from various outdoor kitchens. The full Foodie Guide with complete menus is still to come.

2026 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Food and Drinks: First Look at New Menu Items

2026 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Food and Drinks: First Look at New Menu Items

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...onal-flower-and-garden-festival.987283/unread

 

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Disney's Grand Floridian's Garden View Lounge Unveils Redesigned Space Ahead of Tea Service Return​

The Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been redesigned with a lighter, botanical-inspired theme featuring green and white tones. The lounge will reopen on March 19 for afternoon tea service.

Disney's Grand Floridian's Garden View Lounge Unveils Redesigned Space Ahead of Tea Service Return

Disney's Grand Floridian's Garden View Lounge Unveils Redesigned Space Ahead of Tea Service Return

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ly-2026-with-new-tea-experience.987171/unread

 

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Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea Reservations Now Open for Redesigned Grand Floridian Experience​

Reservations are now open for the Garden View Lounge Tea Experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, starting March 19, 2026. The redesigned lounge, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, features a new color scheme and a curated menu of sweet and savory options. The experience includes a selection of Twinings Loose Leaf Teas, signature cocktails, and optional add-ons like a seasonal cheese selection and Royal Ossetra Caviar.

Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea Reservations Now Open for Redesigned Grand Floridian Experience

Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea Reservations Now Open for Redesigned Grand Floridian Experience

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ly-2026-with-new-tea-experience.987171/unread

 

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Tonight's EPCOT After Hours Is Sold Out - Here Are the Next Available Dates​

Tonight’s EPCOT After Hours event is sold out. Remaining dates for the 2026 season are available, with tickets priced from $155 to $179.

Tonight's EPCOT After Hours Is Sold Out - Here Are the Next Available Dates

Tonight's EPCOT After Hours Is Sold Out - Here Are the Next Available Dates

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney-after-hours-return-january-2023.978998/unread

 

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Disney Updates Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Website with New Ride Details​

Disney updated the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin webpage with details about the ride’s enhancements, including handheld blasters, interactive targets, enhanced scoring, and a new support robot named Buddy. The ride will reopen in spring 2026 after a major refurbishment.

Disney Updates Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Website with New Ride Details

Disney Updates Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Website with New Ride Details

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...tes-coming-to-walt-disney-world.985807/unread

 

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Disney Grand Floridian Garden View Lounge Reservations Gone in Under 60 Minutes​

The Alice in Wonderland-themed afternoon tea experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa sold out in under an hour. The redesigned lounge, featuring a new green and white decor, will host the tea service starting March 19.

Disney Grand Floridian Garden View Lounge Reservations Gone in Under 60 Minutes

Disney Grand Floridian Garden View Lounge Reservations Gone in Under 60 Minutes

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ly-2026-with-new-tea-experience.987171/unread

 

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Full 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Food and Drink Menu​

Disney released the full food and drink menu for the 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, running March 4 through June 1. The festival features over 20 outdoor kitchens and more than 75 new menu items, including new dishes like Blackened Fish Slider and Miso Cola-Glazed Sticky Pork Ribs. Returning favorites include Frushi and Chicken and Waffles.

Full 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Food and Drink Menu

Full 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Food and Drink Menu

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...onal-flower-and-garden-festival.987283/unread

 

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Magic Kingdom Permits Filed for Big Al's, Westward Ho, and Churro Cart Possible Demolition​

New permits filed for Big Al’s, Westward Ho, and the Churro Wagon Cart in Magic Kingdom suggest their possible demolition. The removals are likely related to the ongoing Piston Peak Cars Land expansion, creating more space for construction and staging.

Magic Kingdom Permits Filed for Big Al's, Westward Ho, and Churro Cart Possible Demolition

Magic Kingdom Permits Filed for Big Al's, Westward Ho, and Churro Cart Possible Demolition

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...churro-cart-possible-demolition.987636/unread

 

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Cookie Dough Brownie Sandwich at Disney's Animal Kingdom Goes Viral - We Tried It​

The Cookie Dough Brownie Sandwich at Terra Treats in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a viral sensation. This dessert, featuring a brownie base, vanilla ice cream, and edible cookie dough, is a must-try for visitors.

Cookie Dough Brownie Sandwich at Disney's Animal Kingdom Goes Viral - We Tried It

Cookie Dough Brownie Sandwich at Disney's Animal Kingdom Goes Viral - We Tried It

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...dogs-for-hand-scooped-ice-cream.987592/unread

 

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Big Top Souvenirs Closes for Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom​

Big Top Souvenirs in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom is closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen later this year.

Big Top Souvenirs Closes for Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom

Big Top Souvenirs Closes for Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...k-circus-tents-at-magic-kingdom.986989/unread

 

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CrazyShake by Black Tap Heads to Disney Springs With Mickey Mouse Shake​

CrazyShake by Black Tap is opening a pop-up location at Disney Springs in March 2026, featuring extravagant milkshakes including a Special Edition Mickey Mouse Shake. The pop-up is expected to be available through May 2026.

CrazyShake by Black Tap Heads to Disney Springs With Mickey Mouse Shake

CrazyShake by Black Tap Heads to Disney Springs With Mickey Mouse Shake

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...cation-coming-to-disney-springs.987638/unread

 

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runDisney 2026 Springtime Surprise Weekend Medals Revealed​

RunDisney revealed the 2026 Springtime Surprise Weekend medals, featuring Disney duos. The 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, and 19.3-mile medals showcase characters from Zootopia, Winnie the Pooh, Inside Out, and Aladdin.

runDisney 2026 Springtime Surprise Weekend Medals Revealed

runDisney 2026 Springtime Surprise Weekend Medals Revealed

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/rundisney-springtime-surprise-weekend.973822/unread

 

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Extended Evening Hours Moves to Disney's Animal Kingdom in May 2026​

Extended Evening Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be available from 6pm to 8pm on May 4, 2026. This perk is available to guests staying at select Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and a few other hotels. During this time, four attractions will be open: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Na’vi River Journey, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

Extended Evening Hours Moves to Disney's Animal Kingdom in May 2026

Extended Evening Hours Moves to Disney's Animal Kingdom in May 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-hours-coming-for-resort-guests.971519/unread

 

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Disney Reveals Audio-Animatronic Olaf for New Animation Academy Experience at Hollywood Studios​

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature a new Animation Academy experience, Olaf Draws!, where guests learn to draw Disney characters with guidance from Disney animators. The experience includes an Audio-Animatronic Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad, and a reimagined animator’s studio. The Magic of Disney Animation building will also feature an Enchanted Art Gallery, Once Upon A Studio Theater, Drawn to Wonderland Playground, and character meet-and-greets.

Disney Reveals Audio-Animatronic Olaf for New Animation Academy Experience at Hollywood Studios

Disney Reveals Audio-Animatronic Olaf for New Animation Academy Experience at Hollywood Studios

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...g-to-disney’s-hollywood-studios.986430/unread