Your Wish is Granted: The New Aladdin Magic Carpet Loungefly Collection is Here!
A whole new world of style is here with the latest exclusive Aladdin Magic Carpet Loungefly collection! If you’re a fan of Disney’s animated classic, you’ll definitely want to take to the skies with these gorgeous accessories. Inspired by the magical, mischievous, and loyal Magic Carpet, this collection is all about bringing a touch of that whimsical adventure to your everyday look.
First up is the Aladdin Magic Carpet Drawstring Mini Backpack. This isn’t your average mini backpack, it’s designed to look just like the beloved character! The bag is covered in beautiful, intricate patterns that mimic the Magic Carpet’s design, and it’s all tied together with stunning gold embroidery and real gold-thread tassels. Seriously, these tassels add such a fun, high-quality touch that makes the backpack feel extra special. The drawstring closure and flap also make it super easy to access all your essentials while you’re on the go. At $90, it’s a fantastic way to show off your love for all things Aladdin.
And what’s a backpack without a matching wallet? The Aladdin Magic Carpet Wallet is the perfect companion. It features the same stunning design with gold embroidery and gold-thread tassels on the front flap and body. It’s a fun and easy way to add a bit of Disney magic to your daily routine, whether you’re just running to the store or heading out for a night on the town. And with six card slots inside, you’ll have plenty of space for everything you need. At $42, it’s a great little piece to have on its own or to complete your full Magic Carpet look. This collection is a must-have for any Disney fan who dreams of their own adventures!
Jollywood Nights is a special, separately ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that blends the festive spirit of the holidays with classic Hollywood glamour. Held on select nights in November and December, the park is transformed into a sparkling spectacle.
Walking down Sunset Boulevard feels like stepping into a vintage Christmas movie, with silver garlands, giant ornaments, and glowing reindeer creating a retro postcard scene. During this unique event, Hollywood Studios shines with exclusive entertainment, including live performances and specialty food and drinks, all while offering guests a chance to enjoy shorter wait times for popular rides.
Experience an evening of festive fun—with a ticket to Disney Jollywood Nights.
During this 5-hour holiday party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Guests can enjoy:
New and returning entertainment, including more than 20 unique Character experiences
Fun photo ops, since your event ticket includes digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from the event
Favorite attractions with lower wait times
Specialty treats, snacks and beverages available for purchase
And more!
Admission to Disney Jollywood Nights requires a separately priced ticket. Tickets are valid only during specific event hours and are subject to availability. 2025 Event Dates
November 8, 15, 17, 22, 24 and 29
December 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20 and 22
Event Times This 5-hour event takes place from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
Get a head start on the fun! Ticketholders will be admitted to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as early as 5:30 PM on the valid date of their ticket. These date-specific event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or theme park reservation.
Ticket Prices Event tickets are $159 to $199 per ticket, plus tax (prices vary by event date).
Step into a shimmering scene and show off your unique style.
Dazzling Holiday Sights Get swept up in festive fun and Disney nostalgia! Discover sparkling décor, delightful touches and photo-worthy spots all around Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Disney Jollywood Nights!
Spruce Up Your Style Disney Jollywood Nights is brimming with red-carpet moments, Hollywood vibes, glimmering décor and fantastic photo ops—so you’re encouraged to don your holiday best!
Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended, to help you stroll around all the festive fun… and dance the night away.
Step into a shimmering scene and show off your unique style.
Dazzling Holiday Sights Get swept up in festive fun and Disney nostalgia! Discover sparkling décor, delightful touches and photo-worthy spots all around Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Disney Jollywood Nights!
Spruce Up Your Style Disney Jollywood Nights is brimming with red-carpet moments, Hollywood vibes, glimmering décor and fantastic photo ops—so you’re encouraged to don your holiday best!
Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended, to help you stroll around all the festive fun… and dance the night away.
Disney Holidays in Hollywood
Behold a spirited holiday show with music, dancing and beloved Characters at Theater of the Stars.
Hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, this star-studded holiday extravaganza includes appearances from Characters such as Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse—accompanied by a talented cast of singers, dancers and jazz musicians.
Entertainment and experiences are subject to change.
Showtimes 8:15 PM, 9:15 PM, 11:00 PM and midnight
What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along
Join Jack Skellington on a musical adventure at Hyperion Theater.
Sing along with the Pumpkin King to songs from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas as you embark on a larger-than-life journey. You’ll discover the peculiar magic of wonder in unlikely places, conquer the Oogie Boogie man himself and stay curious when things are not quite as they seem.
Entertainment and experiences are subject to change.
Showtimes 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM
Themed Entertainment
Celebrate all evening in swanky venues and hot spots around the park. Explore highlights:
Echo Lake Holiday Celebration Saunter over to Echo Lake for a throwback bash that’s sure to stir up nostalgia for the 1990s and 2000s. You may spot favorite Characters, such as:
Baloo and King Louie from TaleSpin
Max Goof as Powerline
Phineas and Ferb
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers
Stitch (Santa)
Holiday Fiesta en la Calle Experience a lively street fair with spirited musicians performing Latin holiday tunes. Plus, look for Disney pals, such as:
Miguel from Coco
José Carioca or Panchito from The Three Caballeros
This fiesta takes place from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM, near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
Pixar Disco Celebrate at a rockin’ dance party with Edna Mode, Frozone, Joy, Mike Wazowski and other Pixar pals.
Boogie down in Pixar Plaza from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club You are cordially invited to a swingin’ celebration in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Here, you can sip cocktails while a live band swoons and croons holiday tunes. Beverages are available for purchase and are not included with your event ticket. Alcohol will only be served to Guests ages 21 and older with valid identification.
Sets begin at 7:30 PM, 8:10 PM, 8:50 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:10 PM and 11:50 PM.
Glisten! Watch in awe as international champion skaters perform breathtaking routines set to a vibrant holiday soundtrack—featuring original songs and Disney favorites like “Be Our Guest” and “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
Catch performances on Hollywood Boulevard at 8:10 PM, 9:10 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:10 PM and midnight.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
Be dazzled by a nighttime spectacular that will make spirits bright.
Watch in awe as heartwarming holiday moments from favorite Disney films are brought to life on the façade of the park’s iconic Chinese Theater. It’s a stunning display of fireworks, lasers, lights, projections and merry music—and it’s only available at Disney Jollywood Nights!
Entertainment and experiences are subject to change.
Morimoto Asia to Celebrate 10 Years at Disney Springs with Chef Morimoto Himself
Time to raise a sake cup to a decade of flavor! Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs is marking its 10th anniversary with an unforgettable culinary celebration on Sunday, September 14, and the Iron Chef himself, Masaharu Morimoto, will be in the house.
Over the past ten years, Morimoto Asia has become a crown jewel of Disney Springs dining, wowing guests with its elegant Pan-Asian cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and some of the most Instagram-worthy plates in town. Now, the restaurant is going all out for its milestone birthday with two exclusive anniversary sessions, each filled with food, drink, and a show only Chef Morimoto could deliver.
Ten Signature Dishes – Sample some of Morimoto’s most iconic creations, including Peking Duck, Ramen, and Takoyaki
Live Bluefin Tuna Presentation – Watch Chef Morimoto break down a massive tuna right before your eyes, a tradition at his special events
Sake Tastings – Sip and savor curated selections to pair with your dishes
Exclusive Keepsake – Guests will take home a commemorative Japanese cedar sake cup
Tickets are available in two tiers. General Admission ($125 plus tax & gratuity) includes access to all 10 food stations and the event perks, while the Booth Experience ($650 plus tax & gratuity for up to four guests) offers all GA benefits plus a private booth, bottled water, and dedicated server service. Booths have already sold out, but General Admission spots remain for both sessions.
The celebration takes place right inside Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs, blending the restaurant’s sleek, modern vibe with the energy of a one-day-only food festival.
If you’ve ever wanted to see a master at work, or simply indulge in a feast fit for foodie royalty, this anniversary event is your golden ticket. Reservations are required and expected to sell out quickly, so don’t wait if you want a seat at the table for this once-in-a-decade dining party.
The Beak and Barrel Tightens the Hatch: Party Sizes Now Limited to 8 Guests or Less
If you were planning to bring your entire pirate crew to Walt Disney World’s newest tavern, The Beak and Barrel, you may need to rethink your strategy. Reservations for the Magic Kingdom’s swashbuckling new bar are now capped at parties of eight or fewer, leaving larger groups high and dry.
When reservations first opened on August 20, 2025, guests could book for up to 20 people at once. That quickly led to a tidal wave of bookings, with nearly every spot gone within hours. The largest single table inside the rustic, lantern-lit bar seats eight, but previously Disney’s system allowed larger groups to reserve with the expectation of being split between tables. Now, both the Walt Disney World website and the My Disney Experience app cut off reservations at eight with no option for bigger gatherings.
A Cast Member confirmed that this is indeed official policy, even if it isn’t listed anywhere online. While other Disney restaurants sometimes allow large parties to split across tables, The Beak and Barrel seems to be steering clear of that approach altogether. Interestingly, the restaurant still appears in Disney’s “parties of 15 or more” group dining search tool, but clicking through shows it as unavailable.
This update comes just as Disney quietly released a fresh wave of reservation dates earlier this week. While new times popped up across September and October, most were for smaller groups and were scooped up almost instantly. At the time of writing, nearly all those slots have once again vanished, showing just how in-demand this Pirates of the Caribbean–inspired watering hole has become.
The Beak and Barrel has drawn plenty of comparisons to Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and much like its galactic cousin, the bar thrives on intimate, high-energy experiences rather than sprawling banquet-style service. Between glowing lanterns, tavern décor fit for the high seas, and unique cocktails that look straight out of a treasure chest, it’s no wonder guests are clamoring for their chance to step inside.
So if you’re hoping to score a table, keep your crew lean and your booking finger fast. The Beak and Barrel may be the hottest new tavern in the Magic Kingdom, but only the savviest swashbucklers are landing reservations.
Warner Brothers Discovery has entered into the AI Copyright fight against Midjourney
Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) has officially entered the growing legal battle over how artificial intelligence uses copyrighted works, filing a lawsuit against Midjourney in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles according to reporting by Deadline. The case claims that Midjourney is engaging in “theft” of its intellectual property by allowing subscribers to generate images and videos featuring some of WBD’s most iconic characters without permission.
According to the lawsuit, Midjourney users can prompt the system to create pictures of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Scooby-Doo, and other Warner Bros. favorites, even when using broad phrases like “classic comic book superhero battle.” WBD’s legal team argues that Midjourney not only used copyrighted works to train its AI models but also actively markets its service by showing off these recognizable characters, directly competing with WBD’s own content.
“Midjourney thinks it is above the law,” WBD’s attorneys wrote. “It sells a commercial subscription service powered by copyrighted works, distributing infringing images and unauthorized derivatives with every imaginable scene featuring those characters.”
The lawsuit mirrors claims made earlier this summer by Disney and NBCUniversal, who also sued Midjourney over alleged misuse of their libraries. Together, the three studios represent some of the most influential names in Hollywood.
Warner Bros. Discovery emphasized its duty to protect creators, with a spokesperson saying, “The heart of what we do is develop stories and characters to entertain our audiences, bringing to life the vision and passion of our creative partners. Midjourney is blatantly and purposefully infringing copyrighted works, and we filed this suit to protect our content, our partners, and our investments.”
Midjourney, meanwhile, has argued that its platform is a tool for user expression and that training AI models on copyrighted works falls under fair use. The company has also suggested that rights holders should rely on the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s notice-and-takedown process, which allows platforms to remove infringing material when notified.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA), which represents studios including Warner Bros., Disney, and NBCU, released a statement of support: “We remain concerned that copyright infringement, left unchecked, threatens the entire American motion picture industry, which supports over 2 million jobs in all 50 states and drives countless economic, social, and cultural benefits.”
Adding fuel to the policy debate, Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal recently introduced legislation that would require AI companies to get explicit permission to use copyrighted works for training models. While the bill faces an uphill climb in Congress, its introduction highlights growing bipartisan concern about how unchecked AI could reshape creative industries.
Disney and NBCU both welcomed Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to join the fight. “We welcome the growing momentum behind safeguarding America’s creative industry against bad actors,” Disney said, while NBCU stressed that “creative artists are the backbone of our industry, and we are committed to protecting their work and our intellectual property.”
With three of Hollywood’s biggest powerhouses now lined up against Midjourney, the case could set a defining precedent in the tug-of-war between copyright law and emerging AI technologies.
Disney’s D23: The Ultimate Fan Event is making a big change for 2026. A popular feature of the convention, the Emporium Vendor Hall, will not be returning. This means the 2024 D23 event was the final chance for fans to shop from the wide variety of third-party vendors who sold everything from unique art to collectibles.
According to a post by Scott Gustin on X (formerly Twitter), D23 has informed past vendors that the vendor booths will not be returning to the event.
“Thank you so much for being a past Emporium exhibitor for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. We truly appreciate the passion and dedication you’ve shared with our Disney fan community through the years. The Emporium has been a beloved tradition, and your presence has helped make it so special for our guests.
As the event has continued to grow, the show floor has evolved into a highly curated experience focused on Disney storytelling, brand partners, and creative showcases. To best serve our expanding audience and align with this vision, we have made the very difficult decision not to include the Emporium or vendor booths in 2026.
We know this news will be disappointing, and please know this decision was not made lightly. Disney collecting remains an important part of our fan community, and you’ll continue to see that passion reflected in programming, panels, and showcases at the event.
We are so grateful for your contributions to the D23 experience over the years, and we hope you will continue to be part of our fan community as we celebrate all things Disney together.”
The Emporium Vendor Hall debuted at the 2015 D23 Expo, but a similar vendor space had been part of the event for years. It was a popular spot where third-party vendors, small businesses, and collectors could sell their unique merchandise, from custom art to rare collectibles. For many fans, it was the perfect place to discover unique finds and connect with others who shared their passion.
The next D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is scheduled for August 14–16, 2026. The event, which was formerly known as D23 Expo, will return to the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Fans can expect tickets to go on sale in spring 2026.
The El Capitan Theatre to Host ‘Tron’ Triple Feature
Tickets are officially on sale for Disney’s Tron: Ares, showing in 3D at the El Capitan Theatre. Before the movie, guests can experience a new laser and light show and take photos at a special themed photo op.
The El Capitan Theatre is hosting a West Coast Exclusive Triple Feature on Wednesday, October 8, at 3 p.m. For the first time, fans can see Tron (2D), Tron: Legacy (2D), and Tron: Ares (3D) on the big screen. This event is a rare opportunity to experience the original 1982 Tron in a newly remastered 4K Dolby Vision.
Tickets are $100 and include a variety of perks:
All-you-can-eat popcorn and all-you-can-drink fountain drinks
A collectible popcorn tin
A limited edition 3-pin set
A Tron: Ares hat and an event credential
Additionally, two special early access screenings will be held on Thursday, October 9, at 4:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.
An Opening Night screening for “Tron: Ares” will take place at 7:30pm on Thursday, October 9th. Tickets are $50 and include an event credential, collectible popcorn tin with popcorn, and fountain drink.
A fan event screening will take place at 7:30pm on Friday, October 10 with 3 different ticket packages.
Arcade Pack is $120 includes Reserved Ticket, Priority Entry, Arcade popcorn container with popcorn, Tron: Ares Hat, Fountain Drink, Event Credential and more
Master Control Pack is $80 includes Reserved ticket, Tron: Ares Hat, Collectible Tin with popcorn, Fountain Drink, Event Credential and more
General Ticket is $60 includes Reserved ticket, popcorn, fountain drink, Event Credential and more
Specialty concession items will be available for purchase for ticketed guests, while supplies last.
Daily showtimes for Disney’s “Tron: Ares” October 10 – 22 are 10:00am, 1:05pm, 4:15pm, 7:30pm, and 10:45pm. Tickets are $24 for adults and $21 for children and seniors. A special 4 Pack is available for $60 and includes four tickets.
Universal Studios Hollywood Kicks Off Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights is now open, kicking off the season with a star-studded red carpet. This year’s highly anticipated event features eight brand-new and returning haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, and the return of the popular Terror Tram. Guests can also experience the live stunt show, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” and the new short film, “Chainsaw Man: The Chaos.”
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood will continue to run on select nights from September 5 to November 2, 2025. Be sure to check the official calendar for specific dates, which include:
September: 5-7, 11-14, 18-21, and 25-28
October: 2-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, and 29-31
November: 1-2
Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood features the following experiences:
“Fallout” takes guests into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Prime Video’s critically acclaimed series.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s,” based on Blumhouse’s hit movie where nothing is as it seems at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.
“Terrifier,” inspired by the slasher film franchise that brings the twisted world of Art the Clown to life.
“WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks” immerses guests in the world of WWE, going head-to-head with Uncle Howdy in an experience that features The Wyatt Sicks and honors the legacy of Bray Wyatt.
“Jason Universe” features horror movie icon Jason from the infamous Friday the 13thfilms.
“Poltergeist, based onAmazon MGM Studios’ supernatural cult horror classic, brings guests “into the light.”
“Scarecrow: Music by SLASH” puts retribution at the forefront in which Mother Nature seeks vengeance on the homesteaders for their sins of the past that is carried out by farmland scarecrows. SLASH’s original score delivers an unnerving sense of fear as guests navigate the ominous corridors of the haunted house.
“Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America,” the final chapter where three ghostly legends of Latin America await.
“Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse” enables visitors to disembark the Studio Tour tram and set off on foot to encounter some of the most iconic villains from Blumhouse’s popular horror franchises over the past 15 years.
“The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” a live stunt show that takes visitors on a fiery, rock-fueled adventure while they fight to survive the night.
“Chainsaw Man: The Chaos,” based on the hit Japanese manga and anime series, is an all-original horror anime short of Denji and the Devil Hunters as they battle the Halloween Horror Nights Devil and his army of zombies
“Chainsaw Clownz,” a troop of chainsaw killers confront guests in this scare zone as they enter the event.
“Carnival of Carnage,” an all-new scare zone featuring a maniacal fun house.
“Noche de Brujuas,” a scare zone that extends the terror from “Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America.”
“Murder of Crowz,” the popular scare zone returns with a flock of menacing crows doing anything – and everything – to defend their nest.
A variety of tickets are available for sale. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.
General Admission: general admission ticket to Halloween Horror Nights
UniversalExpress: One-time (per day) express access to each participating haunted house, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
Universal Express Unlimited: Unlimited express access (per day) to each participating haunted house, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
Frequent FearPass: Experience up to 33 nights (based on your selected first visit date during purchase) of General Admission to this year’s event. Valid on select nights only; blackout dates apply. Does not include early event access.
Ultimate Fear Pass: Experience the scares over and over for up to all event nights (based on selected first visit date during purchase). No blackout dates on return visits. Does not include early event access.
After 2 PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the Theme Park after 2:00 p.m. and same day evening General Admission to Halloween Horror Nights.
Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 5:30 p.m.(subject to change) to select haunted houses prior to event opening. A Halloween Horror Nights admission ticket must be purchased separately.
R.I.P. Tour: Enjoy V.I.P treatment with an evening of first-class horror, expert shared guided tour of the haunted house, exclusive experiences along the way and a gourmet dinner.
Pass Member Special Pricing: Platinum Annual Pass Members can reserve their complimentary Halloween Horror Nights General Admission ticket, select nights apply.
A First Look at the Jonas Brothers’ New Holiday Movie: A Very Jonas Christmas
Disney+ just dropped the teaser for A Very Jonas Christmas, and it’s full of holiday cheer—and a star-studded cast. The film will be available to stream globally starting November 14.
Disney Branded Television and 20th Television are teaming up for the holiday film, which boasts a star-studded cast. In addition to the Jonas Brothers playing themselves, the film features Billie Lourd as Cassidy, Laverne Cox as Stacy, KJ Apa as Gene, Andrew Barth Feldman as Ethan, Andrea Martin as Deb, and Chloe Bennet as Lucy. There will also be special appearances from Kenny G and Justin Tranter playing themselves, along with Randall Park as Brad and Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Santa. To make it a true family affair, look out for special cameos from the Jonas family!
In their new film, the Jonas Brothers face a race against time to get home for the holidays. A Very Jonas Christmas follows Kevin, Joe, and Nick as they encounter a series of hilarious mishaps trying to travel from London to New York to be with their families for Christmas.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Welcomes Fairy Godmother and New Simplified Packages This Fall
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is getting a magical refresh just in time for fall. Beginning in October 2025, the beloved makeover experience at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort will introduce new offerings designed to sprinkle even more pixie dust on your child’s royal day.
For the first time, the Fairy Godmother herself will make special appearances inside the boutique. While Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices have long led transformations, this new touch brings a little extra sparkle to the experience and lets families meet the character who started it all in Cinderella.
Streamlined Packages
Currently, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers a wide variety of package tiers ranging from the $19.95 Knight Package to the $450 Signature Princess transformation. Beginning in October, these will be replaced with a simplified menu of options that Disney says will be easier for families to navigate. Exact details of the new streamlined packages have not yet been released, but the goal is to make choosing your child’s experience less overwhelming while still keeping the magic intact.
The Current Lineup (Until October 2025)
Guests can still book from the existing packages for visits before October, which include:
Carriage Package ($99.95) – T-shirt, sash, cinch bag, makeup, face gem, nail polish, and hairstyle
Castle Package ($199.95) – Disney Princess gown, necklace, sash, cinch bag, makeup, face gem, nail polish, and hairstyle
Deluxe Castle Package ($229.95) – Deluxe gown with accessory set plus all the Castle inclusions
Signature Dress Package ($450) – Heirloom-quality gown, crystal tiara, garment bag, necklace, sash, cinch bag, makeup, face gem, nail polish, and hairstyle
Disney Encanto Package ($179.95) – Mirabel or Isabela gown, sash, cinch bag, makeup, face gem, nail polish, and hairstyle
Knight Packages ($19.95–$79.95) – Costumes, sword and shield, plus hairstyling with gel
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has long been a rite of passage for young Disney fans ages 3–12, transforming children into princesses, knights, and heroes. With the Fairy Godmother stepping into the boutique and new packages designed to simplify the booking process, the experience is evolving while keeping its heart intact.
Whether you’re planning your first royal visit or a return to the castle, October will bring a new kind of happily ever after for families at both coasts.
Over 2,000 Fish Relocated as Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America Runs Dry
The Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom may be drained, but the story of its aquatic residents has a happy ending. As work continues on the transformation of Frontierland, crews safely relocated thousands of fish that once called the river home.
According to Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos, the district’s fisheries management program oversaw the relocation. Roughly 2,000 fish were collected and moved to the nearby Seven Seas Lagoon. The breakdown included about 20% largemouth bass (also known as Florida bass), 10% miscellaneous species such as catfish, Seminole killifish, and mosquitofish, and a whopping 70% made up of other types of sunfish.
The draining of the river is part of the major project reshaping Magic Kingdom. Both the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island closed permanently in July to make way for a Cars-themed expansion in Frontierland. In recent weeks, guests have seen the riverbed drained, scaffolding installed, and even sections of the Liberty Square Riverboat track removed.
While the iconic Liberty Belle riverboat is no longer circling the waters of Liberty Square, the vessel is being preserved backstage as crews push forward with construction.
For longtime Disney fans, the draining of Rivers of America marks the end of a classic corner of Magic Kingdom, one that evoked the slower, scenic days of steamboat travel. But with over 2,000 fish safely swimming in new waters, at least one piece of the river’s legacy lives on.
The Ultimate Game Plan for Surviving HHN 34 Without Express
Halloween Horror Nights 34 is here, and if you’re braving the fog without Express Pass, you’ll need a strategy sharper than Art the Clown’s blade. Wait times this year are no joke, with Freddy Fazbear and Jason Voorhees devouring hours off the clock. But with the new Stay & Scream system for 2025, plus some smart timing, you can slash through every house in one night.
This year, HHN flipped the script. Instead of being locked into holding areas, Stay & Scream lets you check in starting at 3 p.m., grab a wristband, and roam the park until houses open. You can:
Ride an attraction
Fuel up with food and drinks
Shop HHN merch early
Scope out scare zone details before the fog rolls in
The big advantage: house queues start opening at 4 p.m. Most of them are ready by then, except:
Jason Universe – queue opens between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (after Fast & Furious closes)
Hatchet & Chains – queue opens just after 5 p.m. (after The Simpsons closes)
That means Stay & Scream guests can already be deep in the first houses while the gates are still packed outside.
If You Have Stay & Scream
You’ll want to use your early access to tackle the monsters that get the longest lines:
Five Nights at Freddy’s – Beeline here right at 4 p.m. This house rockets past 2-hour waits by 7 p.m. most nights.
Terrifier – The next big wait hog. Knock it out while the line is manageable.
Fallout – A solid mid-tier wait that peaks around 8 p.m.
Jason Universe – Hit this as soon as it opens at 6 p.m. before it snowballs.
Hatchet & Chains – Quick to do after it opens around 5:15–5:30 p.m. for a zero wait experience
From there, float through the remaining houses as the night progresses: Dolls, Galkn, El Artista, Grave of Flesh, Wyatt Sicks. After 10 p.m., most of these hover under an hour, with late-night waits dipping closer to 30 minutes on average.
If You Don’t Have Stay & Scream
You’ll need to play catch-up, but it’s still doable. Be at the gates early so you’re among the first in.
Five Nights at Freddy’s – First stop, no exceptions. The line will balloon instantly.
Terrifier – Tackle this while lines are still building.
Jason Universe – Next biggie, and waits spike fast.
Fallout – Get this in before 9 p.m.
Dolls, Galkn, El Artista – Flexible middle group; do whichever is closest.
Grave of Flesh, Hatchet & Chains, Wyatt Sicks – Save these for later. By midnight, you’ll practically walk into them.
Other Tips for Both Plans
Weekdays are your friend. Friday and Saturday nights are by far the busiest.
Don’t miss the shows. Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay closes out its 5-year story arc this year with more fire, aerials, and energy than ever. It’s the perfect break between houses.
Stay late. The last hour of the night is prime time for short waits. If you can power through until 1 a.m., you’ll sweep through houses that had 90-minute waits earlier.
Stay & Scream Plan: Freddy’s → Terrifier → Fallout → Jason Universe (6 p.m.) → Hatchet & Chains (after 5 p.m.) → Dolls → Galkn → El Artista → Grave of Flesh → Wyatt Sicks
No Stay & Scream Plan: Freddy’s → Terrifier → Jason Universe → Fallout → Dolls → Galkn → El Artista → Grave of Flesh → Hatchet & Chains → Wyatt Sicks
With this game plan, you’ll turn what could’ve been a 10-hour scream-fest in the queues into a night of pure haunted-house hopping. Who needs Express when you’ve got strategy?
