Chewbacca’s Life Day Appearance Announced for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

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November 8, 2025

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Joy to the Galaxy! Chewbacca Joins Life Day Celebrations at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Get your holocams ready! Chewbacca is celebrating Life Day in his iconic robe, and Disney has just confirmed he will be appearing for special meet-and-greets in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Walt Disney World and, thrillingly, Disneyland! The first look photos were shared recently on the official Star Wars Instagram.

While the Life Day celebrations have landed at both coasts, the Chewbacca meet-and-greet is offered in two unique ways. At Walt Disney World, you can find Chewbacca in his Life Day robe exclusively during Disney Jollywood Nights, the separately-ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (starting November 8).

Meanwhile, the news is especially exciting for Disneyland, which has long celebrated Life Day with special food and novelties but is now offering this Chewbacca robe meet-and-greet for the very first time!

The Star Wars Instagram page posted the following:

“Chewbacca is ready for Life Day. Celebrate the Wookiee tradition for a limited time in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge® at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World.”

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Life Day, the beloved Wookiee holiday in the Star Wars universe, has a legendary origin: it first appeared in the infamous 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, which centered on Chewbacca’s journey home to celebrate. Despite efforts to bury the special (it’s that infamous), it achieved cult status—partially for introducing Boba Fett. Its place in the official canon was cemented with a name-drop in The Mandalorian. Life Day is officially celebrated on November 17, commemorating the original air date of the special.

Are you excited to meet Chewy in his Life Day robes?

All New The Magic of Disney on Broadway Returning to EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts

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Chris B

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November 7, 2025

All New The Magic of Disney on Broadway Returning to Festival of the Arts

Once Upon A Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway Coming to EPCOT’s 2026 Festival of the Arts

Get ready to take a bow, theater lovers—EPCOT’s 2026 International Festival of the Arts is shining the spotlight on Broadway magic like never before! Running January 16 through February 23, 2026, the fan-favorite festival will feature an all-new exhibit titled “Once Upon A Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway”, opening inside CommuniCore Hall.

All New The Magic of Disney on Broadway Returning to EPCOT's Festival of the Arts

This immersive experience invites guests to step behind the curtain and explore the creative world of Disney’s award-winning stage productions, including The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. Expect a stunning showcase of authentic props, dazzling costumes, set designs, and intricate backstage details that reveal what it takes to bring these beloved stories from screen to stage.

The installation will also feature interactive photo ops and behind-the-scenes insights from Disney Theatrical designers, performers, and technicians who bring the magic to life night after night on Broadway and beyond.

It’s the perfect addition to the Festival of the Arts, which celebrates creativity in all its forms—from culinary creations and visual art to live performance and now, theatrical storytelling. “Once Upon A Stage” looks ready to steal the show with a standing ovation-worthy blend of artistry and imagination

Almost all dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Sold Out

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Chris B

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November 7, 2025

Almost all dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Sold Out

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Nearly Sold Out — Only a Handful of December Dates Remain!

If you were dreaming of a Magic Kingdom Christmas this year, you’d better not wait to deck your park plans—Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is nearly sold out for 2025!

Every November date is now completely gone, and only a few December nights are still available. Based on Disney’s current calendar, the only remaining tickets are for December 11, 12, 14, 16, and 18, priced between $209–$219 plus tax. All other event nights—from opening night on November 7 through December 21—are marked as sold out.

The party runs from 7:00 PM to midnight, transforming Magic Kingdom into a twinkling winter wonderland complete with cookies, cocoa, “snowfall” on Main Street U.S.A., and more festive fun than Santa’s workshop in overdrive.

Party Highlights Include:
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade — Wave to Mickey, Minnie, and Santa Claus as toy soldiers march and gingerbread men dance down Main Street.
• Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show — Hosted by Minnie Mouse herself, with dazzling pyrotechnics set to classic carols.
• Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration — A high-energy stage show at Cinderella Castle filled with characters, snow effects, and yuletide tunes.
• Frozen Holiday Surprise — See Elsa, Anna, and friends transform Cinderella Castle into a sparkling ice palace at 8:15 PM.
• Merry Makeovers — Holiday overlays on Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Mad Tea Party, and Jingle Cruise.
• Complimentary Treats — Hot cocoa, cookies, and festive beverages are included in your ticket throughout the park.

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket on select nights through December 4—but with so few dates left, expect the final tickets to vanish faster than you can say “Mickey cocoa mug.”

If you’re hoping to be part of the merriest celebration on Earth, grab those last few tickets soon—it looks like this Christmas party will be wrapping up its sales faster than Santa can fill his sleigh.

Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree Installed for 2025

By

Chris B

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November 7, 2025

Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree Installed for

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Now Fully Decked Out for the Holidays

The wild has gone merry at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The park’s massive Christmas tree is now standing tall at the main entrance, marking the official start of the holiday season. Covered in handcrafted ornaments, animal-inspired carvings, and earth-toned garlands, the tree perfectly blends the park’s natural theme with a festive spirit.

Across Discovery Island, every rooftop is now trimmed with glowing lanterns, lush greenery, and sculpted animal figures that make the area sparkle with life. Even the background music has taken on a holiday rhythm, giving the entire park that unmistakable December-in-Disney feeling.

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Two fan-favorite seasonal experiences are returning this year:

• Merry Menagerie: Adorable, life-sized animal puppets handcrafted from natural materials come to life through talented performers throughout Discovery Island. This heartwarming tradition has quickly become one of the most beloved holiday experiences at any Walt Disney World park.

• Tree of Life Awakenings: Holiday Edition: As night falls, the park’s towering icon lights up with projections of winter scenes and playful animal animations, all set to a festive soundtrack that brings a peaceful close to a day of adventure.

Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree Installed for Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree Installed for

With all decorations in place, Animal Kingdom is officially ready to join the rest of Walt Disney World in kicking off the holiday celebrations. Whether you’re heading to Pandora to see glowing bioluminescent garlands or spending time with Santa in DinoLand for his final season, this is the moment the park truly comes alive with holiday harmony.

First Look at 2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Map & Wrist Band

By

Chip

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November 7, 2025

First Look: Map and Details for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025

The holiday season is officially underway at Magic Kingdom! The official event map for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025 has arrived, giving guests the full scope of activities and offerings for the popular after-hours celebration.

Checking In and Early Entry

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event running on select nights between November 7 and December 21, 2025. Guests attending the party are granted early entry to Magic Kingdom starting at 4:00 PM, even though the event officially begins at 7:00 PM and runs until midnight.

Guests should scan their event ticket at the main entrance or at one of the designated check-in areas inside Magic Kingdom to receive a cute wristband that grants access to all party activities. At 6:00 PM, when the park officially closes to day guests, Cast Members verify wristbands at various checkpoints to ensure only valid ticket holders remain.

The New Party Wristband

Guests attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year will receive a festive green wristband upon check-in. The design features “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” printed clearly in white, ensuring easy identification for Cast Members at various checkpoints throughout the park. This vibrant new wristband serves as your all-access pass to the exclusive party entertainment, treats, and attractions.

Inside, the guide details all the party fun, including:

Complimentary Treats: Treat stations are marked with red candy cane icons, indicating where guests can enjoy unlimited cookies and beverages.
Photo Opportunities: PhotoPass spots are marked with a camera icon, while step-in photo frames are shown with a frame silhouette.
New Experiences: A Santa hat icon in Storybook Circus highlights the location of the new Santa’s Christmas Carnival.
Attractions and Entertainment: Special entertainment showtimes are clearly listed, along with attractions that operate during party hours. Several attractions feature festive holiday overlays, including Jingle Cruise.
Character Greetings: Special character appearances are found under “Character Greetings” in each land.

Guests should note that while not every attraction operates during party hours (7:00 PM to midnight), they can still experience them between the 4:00 PM early entry and 6:00 PM transition time. Stay tuned for our full guide to all the details of this year’s party.

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New Disney Destiny Song to Take Center Stage at 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By

Chip

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November 7, 2025

New Disney Destiny Song to Take Center Stage at th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

New Disney Destiny Song to Be Featured in 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The excitement for the newest vessel in the fleet is sailing into New York City! Disney Cruise Line’s standout float, “Magic Meets the Seas,” will return to the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, featuring a brand-new signature song and a unique Disney Destiny-themed performance.

The showstopping float and holiday performance, which airs on November 27, 2025, will star Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse. In a signature villain takeover, mischief makers Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, and Dr. Facilier will commandeer the performance with a choreographic routine set to the tune of “This is Your Destiny.” This infectious new anthem was written especially for the Heroes and Villains-themed ship.

Disney Cruise Line to Host Live Streaming Event for Destiny Christening

A Taste of the Disney Destiny

The intriguing cast of characters set to appear offers a glimpse of the experiences awaiting guests onboard the Disney Destiny, which launches this month. The ship will feature immersive, all-new ways to interact with favorite Disney villains, including a Cruella de Vil-inspired lounge and surprise encounters with Dr. Facilier in the Grand Hall.

The ship also brings a lineup of heroic Disney stories to sea, highlighted by a Broadway-style stage show of “Disney Hercules,” an Incredibles-themed sweet shop, and a first-of-its-kind The Lion King restaurant featuring live musical renditions of songs from the beloved film.

The Float and the New Anthem

The easily recognizable “Magic Meets the Seas” float unites eight distinct Disney Cruise Line ship bows, symbolizing the unprecedented growth of the fleet, which is set to expand to 13 ships by 2031. The float’s return highlights Disney’s excitement for families to experience magical cruise vacations worldwide.

The song for the performance, “This is Your Destiny,” conveys an empowering message about stepping boldly into one’s own purpose and strength. In anticipation of the Disney Destiny’s official launch, the soundtrack is now available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, 2025, to catch the ultimate hero and villain-fueled performance. To learn more about the ship, visit DisneyCruise.com.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025 Showtimes Revealed for Parade, Fireworks, and Stageshows

By

Chip

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November 7, 2025

Showtime Schedule Revealed for First Night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025

The official entertainment schedule for the first night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025, taking place today, November 7, at Magic Kingdom, has been released. Guests can plan their evening around these key showtimes to maximize their holiday experience.

The evening is packed with returning favorites and essential holiday entertainment across the park:

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

This high-energy stage show on the Cinderella Castle Stage features Mickey Mouse and friends kicking off the season with live performers, classic characters, and holiday music.

Showtimes: 7:40 PM, 9:25 PM, 10:35 PM, and 11:55 PM.

Frozen Holiday Surprise

Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoff bring a flurry of magic to the Cinderella Castle Forecourt as they transform the castle into a shimmering, icy winter display.

Showtimes: 6:15 PM (Pre-Party showtime) and 8:15 PM (Party showtime).

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

A holiday favorite returns with two performances along the Parade Route (from Frontierland to Main Street U.S.A.). The festive procession features toy soldiers, gingerbread men, prancing reindeer, and a grand finale appearance by Santa Claus himself.

Showtimes: 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show

Hosted by Minnie Mouse, this nighttime spectacular lights up the sky above Cinderella Castle. The show blends dazzling fireworks, elaborate castle projections, and music from beloved holiday classics.

Showtime: 10:00 PM.

Guests attending the party tonight are encouraged to use this schedule to plan their viewing spots for all the seasonal festivities!

Santa Breakfasts & Festive Sips: Holiday Events Arrive at Downtown Disney’s Paseo, Céntrico & Naples

By

Sara

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November 6, 2025

Discover Santa Breakfasts & Festive Holiday Dining at Downtown Disney

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim! Santa himself is inspiring the festive fun as Patina Restaurant Group invites guests to celebrate the season with cheerful holiday programming, including festive dining experiences, culinary workshops, and other delights designed for locals and visitors alike.

From Paseo’s Cocina Navideña: A Holiday Heritage Celebration to the beloved Breakfast with Santa at Naples, the District will be buzzing with flavor, nostalgia and seasonal joy.

Paseo’s Cocina Navideña: A Holiday Heritage Celebration

Join Executive Chef Rudy Lopez and the Paseo team for a festive culinary experience that brings cherished holiday traditions to life. Through stories and flavors passed down through generations, you’ll discover the heart of the season in every bite.

Each session features live demonstrations of the holiday favorites:

Tamales: traditionally crafted, and easy to make at home
Churros: crispy, golden, and dusted with cinnamon sugar
Ponche Navideno: a traditional holiday punch, served with tequila for guests 21+

As you arrive, enjoy signature chips and salsa—a perfect start to an evening of flavor and celebration.

Dates: Dec.13 and Dec. 20

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: $70 adult, $55 child

Centrico (Frosty Fiesta, Berry MexMas, Mexican Hot Chocolate)jpg

Holiday Cocktails & Dishes at Paseo and Céntrico

At Paseo:

Coco Navidad – Tierra Zafiro Blanco, Malibu Rum, Lime Juice, Grenadine, Coco Lopez
Ponche Navideño – Traditional, housemade Christmas Ponche
Mexican Hot Chocolate

At Céntrico:

Berry MexMas – Casa Loy Reposado, Black Cherry, Lime Juice
Frosty Fiesta – Rum Chada, Captain Morgan, Fireball, Horchata

Seasonal Dishes:

Snowman – Cake, orange mousse, orange peel gel, yogurt streusel, Rosemary and gruyere ice cream
Chicken Tamale – Corn husk tamale with mole rojo, braised chicken and pickled vegetables
Tamales de Rajas – Corn husk tamale, Rajas, Mexican cheese blend and pickled vegetables

Naples Van Winkle Dining Experience

Join the team for an unforgettable evening featuring the legendary Van Winkle and premium Sazerac spirits. Guided by Sazerac experts, you’ll savor every sip while indulging in perfectly paired dishes from the Naples culinary team.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 13

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: $250 per guest

Naples Ristorante e Bar: Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Specials

Cocktails:

Santa Margarita – Asombroso Tequila, Peach Schnapps, Margarita Mix, Cranberry Juice, Chambord
Skrewball Christmas Cider – Skrewball, Apple Cider, Hibiscus Tea, Lemon Juice

Dish Highlight:

Diwali Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza – Neapolitan Dough, Tikka Masala Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Marinated Chicken, Red Onion, Parmesan, Cilantro

What holiday dining event do you want to experience?

FAA Emergency Order Forces Flight Reductions at 40 Airports, Including Orlando International Airport

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

FAA Flight Reductions at Orlando International Could Disrupt Holiday Trips to Disney and Universal

If you’re flying into Orlando for some holiday magic at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, your plans may need a little extra pixie dust. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Emergency Order that requires airlines to reduce daytime flights at major U.S. airports—including Orlando International Airport (MCO)—by up to 10% beginning November 7, 2025.

While we have already reported on the impending cuts, this most recent announcement comes on the heels of an official FAA declaration detailing exactly how airlines are to reduce air travel. The FAA says the cuts are necessary to “ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficiency of the National Airspace System,” citing air traffic controller staffing shortages caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The order affects all domestic commercial flights scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time, a move that’s expected to have a significant ripple effect on Central Florida’s tourism industry as the busy holiday season begins.

A phased rollout of flight cuts

Airlines will be scaling back operations in stages leading up to the full 10% reduction:

November 7: 4% reduction in daytime flights
November 11: 6% reduction
November 13: 8% reduction
November 14 and onward: full 10% reduction

The FAA has directed carriers to spread the cancellations evenly throughout the day to prevent bottlenecks during peak travel hours. The cuts are to be scheduled on a rolling schedule seven days in advance, meaning flight cancellations through November 14 must be announced by November 7, cancellations for November 15 on November 8, etc.

How this impacts your Orlando theme park trip

For theme park visitors, the timing couldn’t be trickier. The flight cuts coincide with the start of Disney Jollywood Nights, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Universal Orlando’s holiday celebrations—all events that draw massive crowds in mid-November.

That means:

Fewer available flights for those early arrivals aiming to rope-drop Magic Kingdom or hit Hogsmeade before lunch.
Higher airfares as seat capacity tightens heading into Thanksgiving week.
Potential last-minute cancellations or rebookings as airlines adjust schedules to stay in compliance.
Ripple effects on resort plans if arrival times shift later into the day.

Even a small reduction at a hub like MCO can have big consequences for travelers coming from connecting airports. With roughly 1,200 daily flights, a 10% reduction means more than 100 flights could be impacted each day.

Tips for staying ahead of the turbulence

Check your flight status frequently—airlines are updating schedules daily through mid-November.
Book or switch to earlier flights if possible; morning departures are less prone to cascading delays.
Plan a flexible arrival day with room for travel hiccups before your first park reservation.
Keep your airline app handy for rebooking notifications or automatic itinerary updates.
Know your rights—if your flight is canceled and you opt not to travel, you’re entitled to a cash refund.

A storm over the holiday skyline

While the FAA describes the order as temporary, it hasn’t given an end date. If staffing levels don’t rebound quickly, the order could linger into the holiday peak, affecting both Thanksgiving and early Christmas travel. Once the government shutdown ends, it will take time to ramp back up to full controller staffing, meaning the cancellations will not immediately end just because the shutdown does.

For now, those heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth or the Most Thrilling Place on Earth should add a little patience to their packing list. After all, even Santa’s sleigh might be circling the runway for a bit this year.

Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios

Santa Claus Sets Up Shop at Walt Disney Presents for the 2025 Holiday Season at Hollywood Studios

Santa Claus is coming to… Hollywood! 🎅 Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially announced the location and dates for its annual Santa Claus meet and greet, and this year, he’s trading Grand Avenue for center stage inside Walt Disney Presents.

Location & Dates Announced for Santa Claus at Hollywood Studios

Guests will be able to meet the big man in red from November 8 through December 24, 2025, in a cozy new setting filled with festive décor, warm lighting, and a classic holiday movie vibe. The new location follows the permanent closure of It’s A Wonderful Shop, the former year-round Christmas store that became Santa’s home in 2022 before closing alongside Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, PizzeRizzo, and MuppetVision 3D earlier this summer.

For the holiday season, Walt Disney Presents—which typically hosts live-action Ariel—will become Santa’s North Pole outpost at the park. Ariel temporarily relocated to Echo Lake in late October to make way for this jolly seasonal transformation.

Guests attending Disney Jollywood Nights will notice a slightly different lineup, as Santa Duffy will take over meet-and-greet duties inside Walt Disney Presents during the after-hours event.

While exact hours and virtual queue details haven’t been confirmed, it’s expected that Santa’s meet and greet will follow a similar process to previous years across Walt Disney World. Santa will also appear at EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs—plus he’ll make a special stop for dinner at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Giant Christmas Tree & Holiday Decorations Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

Giant Christmas Tree & Holiday Decorations Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios cover

Holiday Cheer Lights Up Disney’s Hollywood Studios as Christmas Tree and Decor Return for 2025

The holidays have officially rolled into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the park has never looked more holly-wood! As of this week, the park’s massive Christmas tree is back at Echo Lake, marking the start of the festive season just in time for the first Disney Jollywood Nights event this Saturday, November 8.

Giant Christmas Tree & Holiday Decorations Return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The towering tree, decked out in shimmering ornaments and glowing garland, anchors a scene that feels straight out of a vintage holiday postcard. Around the lake, everyone’s favorite dino, Gertie, is once again donning her oversized Santa hat and surrounded by floating ornaments and tinsel-wrapped lampposts—a sight that instantly signals it’s Christmastime at the Studios.

The entire park has been transformed for the season, from the glittering wreaths and glowing stars along Hollywood Boulevard to the retro-style décor of Echo Lake and the sparkling details scattered throughout Toy Story Land. It’s a perfect blend of mid-century glamour and merry nostalgia that fits right in with the park’s golden-age aesthetic.

Of course, this seasonal makeover is all leading up to the return of Disney Jollywood Nights, the park’s after-hours holiday event that brings live entertainment, themed food and drinks, and rare character appearances. With the decorations now complete and the festive music filling the air, the stage is set for a truly dazzling holiday debut.

Garden View Lounge Returning to Operation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in 2026

By

Chris B

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November 6, 2025

Garden View Lounge Returning to Operation at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort in

Grand Floridian Garden View Lounge Reopening in Early 2026 with a Whimsical New Tea Experience

The Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is getting ready to pour a little more magic back into guests’ cups in early 2026. After a lengthy closure during the resort’s ongoing multi-year refurbishment, Disney has announced that the space will reopen with a completely refreshed look and a new “elevated tea experience” designed to charm guests of all ages.

Formerly known as the Garden View Tea Room, this beloved lounge has long been a favorite for its elegant afternoon tea service—a tradition dating back decades at the Grand Floridian. Now, it’s returning with a fresh infusion of Disney whimsy and refined style to match the resort’s newly updated lobby and guest rooms.

According to Disney, the reimagined lounge will feature refined décor, themed touches, and a new tea service that balances sophistication with family-friendly fun. While details on the menu and structure of the experience haven’t been released yet, the company notes that it will appeal equally to children and adults—hinting at a refreshed twist on the timeless tea tradition guests have missed since the lounge’s closure.

Garden View Lounge Returning to Operation at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort in 2026

The reopening marks one of the final steps in the Grand Floridian’s sweeping enhancement project, which has already seen updates to guest rooms, dining venues, and the resort’s signature lobby. Once complete, the refreshed lounge will once again serve as one of Walt Disney World’s most relaxing retreats—a perfect blend of Victorian elegance and Disney storytelling.