This month is a little bit different than some of the others for this news post, because most of the major news will come mid-month. The D23 Expo, held August 9-11, is expected to include lots of announcements about new films, things coming to the theme parks, and more. That means this post has less news than usual and more rumors. But come early September I’ll sum it all up for you when we have lots of news and fewer rumors!
Disney news
- Disney Cruise Line has another new ship debuting in 2025 called the Disney Destiny – this one with a “heroes and villains” theme. We’ve recently gotten lots of details about what to expect on board, including a Cruella deVil themed piano lounge, a Pirates of the Caribbean themed pub, A Lion King dinner show, Marvel details throughout the ship, and more!
- Disney Ever After, a shop in Disney Springs, is being “reimagined” and will feature custom character headbands and more.
- Robert Downey Jr. is going back to the MCU – but it’s not as Iron-Man. He will be playing Doctor Doom in at least two new Avengers films.
- In Disneyland, the character meals at Goofy’s Kitchen and Storytellers Cafe will get special fall and Halloween themed outfits this year.
- Also in Disneyland, the Hungry Bear restaurant will undergo a re-imagining and reopen with a Country Bears theme.
Disney rumors
Animal Kingdom // With the D23 Expo just a week away, there are a lot of rumors about what may or may not be announced. A big focus is on Animal Kingdom, as the other parks have all gotten new attractions more recently. Some of the rumors here include a Lion King ride, Indiana Jones replacing Dinosaur, or an Encanto ride.
D23 // Other things that have popped up as possible announcements at the D23 expo: a new DVC resort in Disney World (maybe the previously announced and then cancelled Reflections resort, or something different in that location), a nighttime parade for Magic Kingdom, specific details on new rides “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” a new land for Disneyland, and more.
Hollywood Studios // Disney paid a lot of money to get exclusive streaming rights for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour on Disney+. Now that a partnership has been established, there are rumors that we could see T.Swift more incorporated into the theme parks. A rethemeing of Rock n Roller coaster has been rumored for ages… though it hasn’t happened yet, so who knows when it will!
Other Disney blogs
I am absolutely loving this Rey outfit put together by JenMarie at Anakin and his Angel!
I love Looking Back at Disney, and Steve has posted some photos at Magic Kingdom from April 2004. Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management, anyone?
Looking for the best places to find some coffee on board the Disney Wish? Melanie at Polka Dots and Pixie Dust has you covered.
Jenn at Fairest Run of All muses on if RunDisney races have gotten too expensive for what you get.
I want a Country Bear refit for Pecos Bill’s!