Summer is definitely in full swing here! My job is very busy during the summer, but I’m still doing my best to keep up with all of the Disney news. A lot of changes are slowly happening at Disney World (and Disneyland!) in preparation for some of the big expansions happening at the parks in the coming years.
Disney news
- Disney is starting to crack down a bit on DVC point rentals – when making a booking, members are now being asked to verify that their reservations are for personal use only.
- Test Track in Epcot now has a re-opening date of July 22.
- When Test Track reopens, it will become a “Tier 1” attraction on the Lightning Lane MultiPass system. Soarin’ will move from Tier 1 to Tier 2.
- Muppet Vision 3D officially closed permanently on June 8th.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is now officially set to close in 2026, but we learned that the Muppets themed version of this attraction will also be opening in 2026.
- In Magic Kingdom, the shop Prairie Outpost & Supply will reopen as Prairie Outpost, selling headwear.
- The Hall of Presidents reopened on June 29th.
- Over at Animal Kingdom, Disney announced that the Boneyard will officially be closing on September 2, 2025. They also confirmed there will be a new play area once the Tropical Americas land opens.
- A new restaurant at the Swan and Dolphin resorts, called Bourbon Steak Orlando by Michael Mina, will open on July 26, 2025. This replaces Don Shula’s Steakhouse.
- Disney has made some updates to its app to help make dining reservations easier.
- Disneyland will be seeing some changes and updates, including a new parking structure, Coco ride, and Avatar attraction. Construction on these will begin in 2026.
- Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash is back this fall, with dates from August 17th-October 31st.
- Disney Cruise Line has reduced the required amount to make a deposit on a sailing. Previously the deposit was 20% of the cost of your cruise, but it will now be 10%.
Disney rumors
Hollywood Studios // Muppet Vision 3D has officially closed, and we’ve learned that space will still home to a theater show as part of Monstropolis. Will they move Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor over to Hollywood Studios, or put in a new show? Either way, the rumors seem to indicate that Laugh Floor may not hang around much longer in Magic Kingdom.
Hollywood Studios // Over in Disneyland’s California Adventure, the dark ride “Mike and Sulley to the Rescue” will be closing to make way for their Avatar attraction. Disney Parks Blog shared that construction on Avatar won’t begin until fall 2026, but Mike and Sulley will close in “early 2026.” Might it be closing early so that pieces of it could be re-used at Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios?
Muppets // With the closing of Muppet Vision 3D, Disney has said they are still going to preserve the film in some way. One rumor indicates that they may turn the show into a VR experience.
Other Disney blogs
Tom from Disney Tourist Blog shares a fascinating read about why Disney’s reputation as a company has fallen to “fair” on the Axios Harris Poll this year.
Looking for some fun ideas to get Disney character autographs? Heather at WDW Prep School has some creative solutions!
Over at Fairest Run of All, Jenn laments about why live-action Disney remakes even exist.
Indya from The Small Adventurer has created the cutest little cereal treat inspired by Zootopia’s The Big Donut!
Thank you again for including my creation! That one was a labour of love for sure, so I’m really glad people like it ☺️
Absolutely, I think it’s great!