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New Dole Whip Treats & More Debut at Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties

New Dole Whip Treats & More Debut at Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties
New Dole Whip Treats & More Debut at Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties

DOLE Whip Mousse Joins Sweet Lineup at Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks Dessert Parties

Dessert fans, get your spoons ready, because Disney is serving up a refreshed lineup of treats just in time for the fall fireworks season! Beginning October 8, 2025, the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties at Tomorrowland Terrace will introduce a collection of new themed sweets to enjoy alongside Happily Ever After.

Related: Olaf Meet-and-Greet at Hollywood Studios Splits Schedule for Disney Visa Cardmembers and General Guests

The standout newcomer? A DOLE Whip Pineapple Mousse Cup, featuring layers of pineapple gelée and panna cotta infused with the classic DOLE Whip flavor we all know and love. It’s the perfect tropical twist for those who prefer their desserts as sunny as a day in Adventureland.

The rest of the refreshed menu reads like a sugary world tour through Magic Kingdom:

  • Star Command Mousse Cup – Chocolate cookie crumbs, white chocolate mousse, green apple gelée, whipped cream, red crispy pearls, and a Star Command chocolate topper.
  • Under the Sea Cupcake – A vanilla cake soaked in tres leches with coconut, whipped cream, red sprinkles, and sugar shells.
  • Country Bear Cheesecake – A chocolate tart filled with whipped cheesecake, apple pie filling, cinnamon streusel, whipped cream, and a chocolate accent.
  • Bayou Peach Cobbler – Cinnamon panna cotta layered with peach cobbler, streusel, and a chocolate piece.
  • Mickey-shaped Fruit Tart – Pastry cream topped with strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and a touch of gold leaf.

These new offerings join returning favorites like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate silk tarts, and a variety of cheeses and beverages. Guests 21 and older can also enjoy beer and wine as part of the experience.

There are three ways to take in the sweets and the show, depending on how you want to view Happily Ever After:

  • Pre-Party – Enjoy desserts before the fireworks, then head to the Plaza Garden for standing viewing.
  • Post-Party – Watch the fireworks first, then celebrate afterward with desserts and drinks.
  • Seats & Sweets – Stay seated at Tomorrowland Terrace for the full experience with reserved patio views.

Related: Celebrating Five Decades: The 50-Year Journey of Disney Springs

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Prices range from $99–$129 per adult and $59–$75 per child, depending on the party type, and park admission plus a reservation are required.

The updated menu is already generating buzz among fans, with the DOLE Whip mousse and Bayou Peach Cobbler emerging as early favorites. So if you’ve been craving something extra sweet to go with your fireworks view, this lineup might just be the icing on the (cup)cake.

Olaf Meet-and-Greet at Hollywood Studios Splits Schedule for Disney Visa Cardmembers and General Guests

Olaf Meet and Greet at Hollywood Studios Splits Schedule for Visa Cardmembers and General Guests
Olaf Meet and Greet at Hollywood Studios Splits Schedule for Visa Cardmembers and General Guests

Olaf’s Meet-and-Greet at Hollywood Studios Now Splitting Time Between Disney Visa Cardmembers and General Guests

Some changes are rolling through Echo Lake — and this one’s sure to make both snowmen and summer lovers smile! Olaf’s meet-and-greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially become a split-schedule experience, dividing the day between Disney Visa Cardmember exclusivity and general guest access.

Related: Celebrating Five Decades: The 50-Year Journey of Disney Springs

Olaf Meet-and-Greet at Hollywood Studios Splits Schedule for Disney Visa Cardmembers and General Guests

For years, Olaf has been greeting guests at Celebrity Spotlight, a cozy indoor location that’s now getting a little extra attention. As of this week, mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon are reserved for Disney Visa Cardmembers only, who can enjoy exclusive access to Arendelle’s favorite snowman. Cardholders simply need to show their valid Disney Visa Card to enter. During this special window, guests receive a dedicated photo experience and complimentary digital downloads — a perk that’s been popular since Disney Visa first introduced exclusive character meet-and-greets years ago.

Related: Moana Parking Lot Resurfacing Now Complete in EPCOT

Disney Hollywood Studios Removes Animation Courtyard from Park Maps

After noon, the doors open to all guests, allowing anyone to pop in for a warm hug (and a cool photo op) with the cheeriest snowman around. The standard listing for Celebrity Spotlight still shows Olaf available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., which has caused a bit of confusion, as those hours overlap with the Cardmember-exclusive period. But rest assured, morning visitors will see the dedicated Visa experience clearly marked.

This update comes after the closure of Star Wars Launch Bay, which previously housed the Disney Visa character meet-and-greet. Many wondered whether the Cardmember perk would melt away entirely — but Disney seems to have found a frosty compromise by sharing Olaf’s time between exclusive and general sessions.

All of the Music from Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After Now Streaming Online

All of the Music from Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After Now Streaming Online All of the Music from Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After Now Streaming Online
All of the Music from Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After Now Streaming Online All of the Music from Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After Now Streaming Online

Soundtrack for ‘Disney Villainous: Unfairly Ever After’ Now Streaming Everywhere

Good news for Disney Parks fans who’ve been humming along since curtain call — the full soundtrack for Disney Villainous: Unfairly Ever After has officially dropped on major music streaming services, including Spotify and Apple Music.

The musical, which debuted earlier this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, lets classic Disney villains plead their case for who’s been treated the most unfairly. From Captain Hook’s charming swagger to Maleficent’s melodic menace, each villain steps into the spotlight in this deliciously dramatic stage show where the audience decides who deserves the crown of ultimate unfairness.

Related: Two New Kiosks Open at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

All of the Music from Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After Now Streaming Online

Previously, Disney released only the single and remix of Magic Mirror, the show’s main theme. Now, fans can stream the entire five-track EP, Music From Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, which includes:

  1. Magic Mirror – John Barnick
  2. Cruella De Vil – Courtney Grant, John Barnick
  3. The Elegant Captain Hook (Never Smile at a Crocodile) – Thom Bradford, John Barnick
  4. Once Upon a Dream – Leah Mattfield, John Barnick
  5. Magic Mirror (Remix) – Jonathan “Dakari” St. Aimee, Jeff Villanueva

Related: Celebrating Five Decades: The 50-Year Journey of Disney Springs

All of the Music from Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After Now Streaming Online

The soundtrack’s release lets fans relive the sinister showstoppers and symphonic sass that made the production a standout addition to Sunset Boulevard’s entertainment lineup. Disney Villainous: Unfairly Ever After continues its run at the Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Stardust Racers Riders Must Now “Walk Independently,” Universal Updates Safety Guide

Five More Lawsuits Filed Against Universal for Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers Riders Must Now "Walk Independently," Universal Updates Safety Guide

Universal Orlando Updates Safety and Accessibility Policies Following Stardust Racers Incident

Big changes have arrived across Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks as new Guides for Safety and Accessibility officially took effect on October 4, 2025, the same day Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers reopened following a tragic incident last month. The updated documents, which now apply to Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure, introduce new rider requirements, updated accessibility language, and expanded safety advisories for multiple attractions.

Related: Universal Orlando Confirms the Reopening Date of Stardust Racers

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One of the most notable updates affects Stardust Racers itself. According to the new guide, riders “must be able to walk independently” and “brace [their] body with at least one natural upper extremity.” Guests with prosthetic limbs must remove them before boarding, and both natural legs must terminate below the ankle. Similar requirements were also added for Dragon Racer’s Rally and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, meaning guests using mobility devices cannot remain seated in a wheelchair or ECV for those rides.

The new 34-page Epic Universe guide and the 62-page version for the two existing parks go into detailed rider requirements for each attraction. While some rides — like Yoshi’s Adventure and Fyre Drill — allow guests to remain in their wheelchairs, others now require varying levels of transfer or mobility. Attractions such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure also appear in the “walk independently” category under the updated guides for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Related: HamiKuma Roars Into Universal Orlando and Hollywood for Halloween Horror Nights

Stardust Racers Riders Must Now "Walk Independently," Universal Updates Safety Guide

Alongside the revised accessibility listings, the guide outlines expanded sections for prosthetics, casts, and medical devices. For both Dragon Racer’s Rally and Stardust Racers, guests must remove prosthetic limbs before riding, and for those wearing casts, the guide warns that guests “cannot ride if the cast covers an area required to meet the ride requirements.” These details are paired with new signage at select attractions, including Dragon Racer’s Rally and Monsters Unchained, which now include warnings about weakened bones, muscle conditions, and the inability to maintain an upright position.

The timing of these updates has drawn attention. Stardust Racers has been closed since September 17 after the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodríguez Zavala, who passed away shortly after riding. Universal’s internal investigation concluded that the ride systems “functioned as intended.” However, the victim’s family — represented by attorney Ben Crump — publicly condemned Universal’s decision to reopen the ride so quickly, calling it “a grave risk to public safety.”

“Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in 4D Return to the El Capitan Theatre!

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Hocus pocus

El Capitan Theatre Brings Back “Hocus Pocus” and “Nightmare Before Christmas” in 4D

The Spooktacular Season is officially underway at the El Capitan Theatre! Tickets are on sale now for two fan-favorite Halloween events: Don’t miss Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” Witches Night Out Fan Event on October 23 at 7 p.m., followed by Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” returning in immersive 4D from October 24 through November 4!

Related – El Capitan Theatre Announces “Coco” Screenings Featuring Live Mariachi Divas and Ballet Folklórico

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A Fan Event screening for Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” will take place at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 23, with a special introduction by Composer John Debney and Screenwriter David Kirschner before the movie! Guests are invited enjoy a night of frolic in their All Hallows Eve best and can channel their inner Sanderson Sister by taking a picture at our photo op! There are 2 different ticket packages available.

  • Amok Amok Amok Pack $75 includes Reserved Ticket, Priority Entry, Mickey Mouse ghost popcorn container with popcorn, Fountain Drink and Event Credential
  • General Ticket $30 includes Reserved ticket and Event Credential
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Guests attending Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in 4D can take a photo at our Holiday door themed photo ops! Plus before each screening, guests can see the Disney short “Trick or Treat.”

Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in 4D will have one fan event screening on Friday October 24th at 7:30pm featuring a live drawing demo with George McClements as you enter the theatre! Tickets are $75 and include a reserved seat, Jack Skellington popcorn container with popcorn, fountain drink and event credential.

A special Four is a Scream Pack is available for “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in 4D for $80 and includes 4 Tickets. A Skeleton’s Best Friend ticket is also available for $40 and includes a reserved seat, Zero straw clip, and 32oz fountain drink.

Daily showtimes for Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in 4D October 24 through November 4 are 9:30am, 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 5:00pm, and 7:30pm. A 10:00pm screening is only available on Friday through Sunday. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $24 for guests of all ages.

Tickets are on sale now at www.elcapitantheatre.com and https://www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page. All seats are reserved.

Disneyland Files Permit to Remodel Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

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Updates Coming: Disneyland Files Permit to Remodel Trader Sam’s

A new construction permit has been filed for the address associated with Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Resort, suggesting that some potential changes are on the horizon for the popular location.

Related – New Tangaroa Cooler Tiki Mug Available Now at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

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The construction permit, labeled BLD2025-00545, was initially filed in February 2025 and finalized near the end of June for the location at 1313 S Harbor Blvd in Anaheim, CA.

The permit’s description suggests a significant refurbishment, mentioning plans to:

  • Replace the gas tiki torches with epoxy anchors on the exterior.
  • Install an air conditioner in the electrical room.
  • Replace interior show effects, show lighting, and lighting systems, along with associated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work
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The permit description strongly suggests that Trader Sam’s will undergo a refurbishment to replace key components, including exterior tiki torches and various interior show effects. It is currently unknown whether the nearby Tangaroa Terrace will be included in this work.

While unconfirmed rumors suggest these changes could begin in early 2026, Disneyland has not yet announced any operational changes or closures for Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.

Two New Kiosks Open at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

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Kiosks

Two New Kiosks Join the Lineup at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Two food kiosks have arrived late to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The new Gyozas of the Galaxy and the returning Coastal Eats booths are now open.

Related – Reopening Date Announced for Spaceship Earth in Epcot

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Gyozas of the Galaxy is located near the Creations Shop, specifically on the side of the building that faces the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction.

Food:

  • Buffalo-style Dumplings – $6
    • Chicken dumplings with buffalo sauce, celery root purée, blue cheese cream, crumbled blue cheese, shaved carrot, and micro celery (New)  
  • French Onion Soup-style Dumplings – $6
    • Pork and beef soup dumplings with caramelized onions, sherry-beef broth, onion and Gruyère soubise, parmesan cracker, and micro chives (New) 
  • Street Corn-style Dumplings – $6
    • Chicken dumplings with tomatillo salsa verde, street corn salad, cotija cheese, lime crema, and cilantro (New) 

Beverages: 

  • Pineapple Colada – $12
    • White rum, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and sweetened coconut milk (New) 
  • Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris (New) – $6.50

Coastal Eats is located near the Creations Shop, on the side of the building facing the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. It is situated right next to Gyozas of the Galaxy, the other new festival kitchen that opened today.

Food:

  • Lump Crab Cake – $7.50
    • with cajun-spiced vinegar slaw and rémoulade  
  • Peruvian Ceviche – $7.50
    • with mahi mahi, shrimp, sweet potato, chulpe, choclo, and leche de tigre (New) 
  • Seaside Pot Pie – $7.50
    • with shrimp, scallops, crawfish tails, and lobster bisque topped with puff pastry (New) 

Beverages: 

  • Boyd & Blair Pomegranate Codder – $12.50
  • Rileys Lookout Sauvignon Blanc (New) – $6.50

Have you had a chance to experience this year’s Epcot Food & Wine Festival?

Moana Parking Lot Resurfacing Now Complete in EPCOT

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Epcot’s Moana Parking Lot Resurfacing Work Is Now Finished

The Moana-section of the EPCOT parking lot has officially reopened after being closed for a month-long resurfacing project.

Related – Reopening Date Announced for Spaceship Earth in Epcot

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The effort to resurface this area, also known as the Moana section, began on August 26th. The closure reduced the overall size of the EPCOT parking lot, creating a more challenging parking situation for guests during the month-long project.

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As of the morning of September 27th, the parking lot is now fully reopened, with a large section once again available to guests needing handicap-accessible parking.

The EPCOT parking lot underwent a major transformation in 2023 when the general areas were renamed from “East” and “West” to “Earth” and “Space.” The individual parking sections within the Earth lot are named after characters like Heihei, Moana, Crush, and Dory, while the Space lot sections feature names like Wall-E, Eve, Rocket, and Gamora.

To help guests easily find their vehicles, signs in each lot feature character photos and row numbers. Additionally, you can use the “Car Locator” function directly within the My Disney Experience app.

Dancing with the Stars’ Celebrates the Magic on ‘Disney Night’ Oct. 7th

@adance
@adance

The Most Magical Night: ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Celebrates Disney’s 70th Anniversary

Get ready for the most enchanting episode of the season! Dancing with the Stars is set to celebrate the enduring magic of Disney with the return of “Disney Night” on Tuesday, October 7th. This special evening will honor the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, bringing beloved Disney films and attractions to life on the ballroom floor.

The dazzling event, produced by BBC Studios, premieres live on ABC and Disney+ from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT/PDT (7:00-9:00 p.m. CDT) and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu. Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will guide the 11 remaining celebrity-pro couples as they embark on a wondrous journey through the Disney universe.

Related-Dancing with the Stars Celebrates 100 Years of Storytelling With ‘Disney100 Night’ on Oct….

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A Spectacular Opening and The Judges

The night kicks off with a show-stopping opening number set to the classic tune “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast, choreographed by Mandy Moore. It will feature a special guest appearance by Danny Gardner, who plays Lumiere in the North American Tour of Beauty and and the Beast.

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Judging the magic will be the renowned panel of ballroom experts: Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.

In addition to the partner dances, the professional troupe will feature performances set to music inspired by Disney theme park attractions and newer franchises, including “As Alive As You Need Me To Be” from TRON: ARES and “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room” from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.

Related-Cast for Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars Announced

Dancing with the Stars’ Celebrates the Magic on ‘Disney Night’ Oct. 7th

The Dances: From Cantina Band to Ratatouille

This week’s program features a mix of high-energy and graceful styles, including the Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Jazz, Salsa, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep. The celebrity couples will tackle songs inspired by everything from classic animated features to major franchise films and theme park rides:

CoupleCelebrity TieDance StyleSong Inspiration
Jen Affleck & Jan RavnikThe Secret Lives of Mormon WivesJazz“Friend Like Me” (Aladdin)
Hilaria Baldwin & Gleb SavchenkoWellness InfluencerQuickstep“Cantina Band” (Star Wars: A New Hope)
Jordan Chiles & Ezra SosaOlympic Gold MedalistQuickstep“Special Spice” (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure)
Alix Earle & Val ChmerkovskiySocial Media PersonalityViennese Waltz“Once Upon a Dream” (Maleficent)
Dylan Efron & Daniella KaragachReality TV StarQuickstep“Life Is a Highway” (Cars)
Danielle Fishel & Pasha PashkovBoy Meets World StarQuickstep“I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)” (The Jungle Book)
Elaine Hendrix & Alan BerstenFilm and TV ActressQuickstep“Space Mountain” (Space Mountain Ride)
Scott Hoying & Rylee ArnoldPentatonix SingerSalsa“Bop to the Top” (High School Musical)
Robert Irwin & Witney CarsonWildlife ConservationistCha Cha“Try Everything” (Zootopia)
Whitney Leavitt & Mark BallasThe Secret Lives of Mormon WivesFoxtrot“The Room Where It Happens” (Hamilton)
Andy Richter & Emma SlaterComedianViennese Waltz“Le Festin” (Ratatouille)
@aadance

Voting and Behind the Scenes

Viewers are encouraged to cast their votes during the live simulcast in the Eastern and Central time zones. Online voting is available to fans in the U.S., its territories, and Canada via dwtsvote.abc.com. Live viewer votes will be combined with the judges’ scores to determine which couple may face elimination.

@adance

Don’t forget to go behind the curtain after the episode with the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Official Podcast. Hosted by Season 33 Mirrorball Trophy champion Joey Graziadei, the podcast features exclusive cast interviews, expert breakdowns, and special guests every Thursday on Disney+ and Hulu.

Disney World Reporting Lowest Attendance Since 2021

Disney World Reporting Lowest Attendance Since
Disney World Reporting Lowest Attendance Since

Walt Disney World Sees September Slowdown Amid Reports of Lower Crowds

Walt Disney World experienced one of its slowest stretches of 2025 last month, with multiple guest reports describing unusually short wait times across the parks.

Data compiled by Thrill-Data showed that from mid-August through mid-September, average standby waits were about 24 minutes per attraction. That figure is lower than typical summer crowds and even shorter than the averages recorded over the July 4 holiday.

Related: Disney Files Construction Permit for Harambe Market Refurbishment in Animal Kingdom

Disney World Reporting Lowest Attendance Since

On social media, some guests described the parks as feeling like “ghost towns,” sharing videos of walk-on experiences at major rides including Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Disney, however, reports steady attendance overall and pointed to revenue growth in its most recent earnings. Analysts have suggested that faster standby times may partly reflect operational changes, such as adjusting how many guests are admitted through Lightning Lane versus traditional standby queues.

Industry experts note that September is historically one of the quieter months at Walt Disney World, as schools resume and hurricane season reaches its peak. This year, several factors likely contributed to the lull:

  • Seasonal Timing – Late summer and early fall are traditionally less busy.
  • Special Event Schedules – Magic Kingdom’s early closures on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates often lead to lighter daytime crowds.
  • Discounted Promotions – Disney offered aggressive deals, including $89 per-day tickets excluding Magic Kingdom and 50% off children’s tickets, to encourage attendance.

Related: Reopening Date Announced for Spaceship Earth in Epcot

Disney World Reporting Lowest Attendance Since

Weekends in September showed slightly higher crowd levels than weekdays, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios continued to post the longest waits resort-wide. Analysts also expect a bump in attendance in early October, when Florida residents use expiring ticket offers and travel demand rises around Columbus Day.

Despite viral claims of “empty parks,” statewide tourism has remained strong. Visit Florida estimates 34.4 million visitors arrived in the state from April through June, a slight increase over the same period in 2024.

Taken together, the numbers suggest that while Walt Disney World did see a notable slowdown in September, the trend appears consistent with historical seasonal patterns rather than a sharp decline in overall attendance. Crowd trends throughout October will provide a better glimpse of the Orlando travel market ahead of the typically busy holiday season.

Orlando International Airport Opens Pedestrian Bridge to Terminal C

Orlando International Airport Opens Pedestrian Bridge to Terminal C
Orlando International Airport Opens Pedestrian Bridge to Terminal C

New Pedestrian Bridge Opens at Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C

Travelers flying through Orlando International Airport (MCO) have a new way to get around more easily. A long-planned pedestrian bridge officially opened this week, connecting Terminal C with the Train Station and Terminal Link.

Related: Reopening Date Announced for Spaceship Earth in Epcot

Orlando International Airport Opens Pedestrian Bridge to Terminal C

The bridge features two sets of bidirectional moving walkways, each about 90 feet in length, complete with ramps for accessibility. These walkways will be expanded in 2026, and a third set will be added in the future to improve flow even further.

Terminal C, which primarily serves international airlines, has become a hub for many guests flying in for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando vacations. With this new bridge, passengers now have more convenient access to four levels of dining, shopping, and amenities in the terminal.

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Lance Lyttle celebrated the milestone, saying, “The Pedestrian Bridge represents both progress and a promise. By opening this new access, we are delivering greater convenience to our passengers and meeting their expectations of a world-class airport.”

Related: Orlando International Airport vs Orlando Sanford International Airport: Which One Is Right For Me?

Orlando International Airport Opens Pedestrian Bridge to Terminal C

The bridge was part of the original Terminal C design but was cut from construction plans during the pandemic to reduce costs. Its long-awaited debut marks a significant upgrade for guests traveling through Orlando — just in time for the busy holiday season and the wave of visitors expected for Epic Universe’s grand opening next year.

If you’re flying into Orlando soon, look for the new bridge on Level 4 of Terminal C for the most direct path between flights, rental cars, and the train station.

Disney Files Construction Permit for Harambe Market Refurbishment in Animal Kingdom

Disney Files Construction Permit for Harambe Market Refurbishment in Animal Kingdom
Disney Files Construction Permit for Harambe Market Refurbishment in Animal Kingdom

Harambe Market Refurbishment Planned Ahead of Menu Expansion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is preparing for some big changes in its dining lineup. A new permit has been filed for Harambe Market, with the scope listed as “General Construction” and longtime Disney vendor MLC Theming tapped as the contractor. The permit runs through May 2026, signaling a substantial refurbishment on the way.

Related: The Magic Has Landed: Disney Parks Merchandise Launches at Selfridges!

Disney Files Construction Permit for Harambe Market Refurbishment in Animal Kingdom

Disney has already confirmed Harambe Market will temporarily close this winter for the work, though exact closure and reopening dates haven’t been shared yet. What we do know is that the project is tied directly to a reshuffling of food offerings at the park.

That’s because Restaurantosaurus in Dinoland U.S.A. is set to close on February 2, 2026, as Disney moves ahead with the new Tropical Americas land. With that closure, several popular menu items from Restaurantosaurus will shift to Harambe Market in the Africa section of the park. The change will help balance dining capacity while Dinoland undergoes its transformation.

Related: Jeff Vahle Explains Why DinoLand U.S.A. and Muppets Courtyard Are Being Reimagined

Disney Files Construction Permit for Harambe Market Refurbishment in Animal Kingdom

Harambe Market has already seen upgrades in recent years, including expanded covered seating, but this refurbishment looks to go deeper — preparing the space for an expanded menu and more guests. While Disney hasn’t shared specifics on which menu items will make the jump, it’s expected that Harambe Market will broaden its offerings beyond its current African-inspired bowls and pitas to include some more familiar quick-service staples.