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Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Disney Destiny Float Out from Papenburg, Germany

Disney Destiny Float Out
Disney Destiny Float Out

Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship, the Disney Destiny, Completes Float Out Ceremony

The newest vessel in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Destiny, was officially unveiled to the public today, as it completed its float out from the large building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The ship is the newest addition to the company’s Wish-class fleet, expanding its offerings for guests seeking a new maritime adventure.

Related – Construction of Disney Cruise Line’s Fourth Wish Class Ship Begins

Disney Destiny Float Out

The Disney Destiny is a marvel of modern naval engineering, measuring an impressive 341 meters in length and 40 meters in width. The ship is designed to accommodate approximately 4,000 guests and nearly 1,600 crew members. In a nod to sustainability, the cruise ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Disney Destiny Float Out

Inspired by the theme of “Heroes & Villains,” the ship’s design draws heavily from classic Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories, promising an immersive experience for all who come aboard. A large, heroic Spider-Man figure is prominently located at the stern, setting a tone of adventure and excitement.

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Excitement is already building for the ship’s highly anticipated maiden voyage, which is set for November 20th, 2025. The journey will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with stops scheduled at the stunning Bahamas islands of Nassau, Castaway Cay, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The Disney Destiny is poised to become a new favorite among families and fans alike.

Stay tuned to Chip and Company as we will be on board on Nov 10th -13th for the first media cruise and of its maiden voyage.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland will be Closing for Refurbishments Starting September 2nd

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Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Close for Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland is scheduled to close for refurbishment starting September 2, 2025. According to the Disneyland Resort website, a reopening date has not yet been announced.

Related – Wondrous Journeys Temporarily Returning to Disneyland Between Halloween and Christmas Seasons

thunder mountain

Get ready to put your journey on hold, because Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland is scheduled to close for refurbishment on September 2, 2025. The Disneyland Resort website confirms the closure, but a reopening date has not yet been announced. This is a bit unusual, as the park usually doesn’t have a major attraction closed for a long period between the Halloween and Christmas seasons.

thunder mountain

The “wildest ride in the wilderness” joins its Walt Disney World counterpart, which closed in January 2025 and is not expected to reopen until 2026. This has led to speculation about coordinated maintenance between the parks and what the extended refurbishment might entail for both attractions. There have also been rumors that the Disneyland attraction will not reopen until 2026.

Will Big Thunder Mountain’s closure impact your Disneyland vacation?

Wondrous Journeys Temporarily Returning to Disneyland Between Halloween and Christmas Seasons

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“Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular returns to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., March 22-April 14, 2024, for a special, limited presentation. Originally created as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, it features nods to Walt Disney Animation Studios films over the past century. “Wondrous Journeys” turns Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and the façade of “it’s a small world” into an artist’s canvas with lighting effects, customized projections a
wondrous journeys

Disneyland to Show ‘Wondrous Journeys’ Between Halloween and Christmas

Disneyland has announced that the popular nighttime spectacular, Wondrous Journeys, will make a temporary return to Disneyland Park. The show will run during the brief period between the end of the Halloween season and the start of the Christmas festivities.

Related – Wondrous Journeys RETURNS for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary

Wonderous Journeys

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will run from August 22 through October 31, while the Christmas holiday season begins on November 14 and continues until January 7.

According to the Orange County Register, Wondrous Journeys will be shown on select dates during this two-week gap, marking a change from previous years when the park’s nighttime spectaculars would pause completely from August until the end of the year.

Wondrous Journeys Temporarily Returning to Disneyland Between Halloween and Christmas Seasons

This summer, the show’s final performance will be on August 21, just before the Halloween season begins. Wondrous Journeys initially returned to Disneyland in May to kick off the resort’s 70th anniversary celebration and is currently performed most evenings at 9:30 p.m., with fireworks on select nights.

Have you had a chance to experience Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland?

Disney Shares First Look at Avengers Campus Expansion as Construction Begins

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avengers campus

Avengers Campus Expansion Takes Shape as Construction Starts

Disney has released the first images of the ongoing construction to expand Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, and the first steel column for the project has officially been put into place.

Related – Walls up for New Avengers Campus Expansion in California Adventure

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Walt Disney Imagineering posted new images of the project on Instagram, offering a glimpse into the expansion. The caption explained, “Equipping more guests to become Super Heroes requires equipment! The expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park went vertical this morning with the first steel column lifted into place. New, thrilling attractions will join the campus, doubling its size in the future.”

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The pictures shared show Imagineers in safety gear standing in a cleared area with the back of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! visible behind them. A large crane is stationed nearby, and a second photo shows it lowering a tall steel column into place, marking a significant step in the expansion project.

The expansion will nearly double the size of Avengers Campus and introduce two new attractions: Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. The area is also rumored to be getting a new restroom facility. Recently, a new structure was added near the construction walls during our last progress update.

Construction of Disney Cruise Line’s Fourth Wish Class Ship Begins

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disney cruise line

Disney Cruise Line Starts Building Fourth Wish-Class Ship

Construction is now underway on Disney Cruise Line’s fourth Wish-class ship at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. This vessel will join its sister ships, the Disney Wish, the Disney Treasure, and the upcoming Disney Destiny, expanding Disney’s fleet of magical cruise ships.

Related – Disney Cruise Line Limited Time Offer: 50% Off 3rd & 4th Guests on Select Sailings

steel cutting

In a post on Instagram, Disney Cruise Line shared photos of the traditional steel-cutting ceremony that marked the start of construction. This maritime milestone begins the ship’s build with a laser cutting a decorative piece of steel. For this event, the steel was shaped like a Disney Cruise Line ship and featured the company’s logo. The piece was signed by representatives from both Disney and Meyer Werft, as well as Mickey Mouse, who were all present for the celebration.

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This newest vessel will share the same size and general layout as its sister ships, the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. The Disney Destiny, set to launch on its maiden voyage this November, is themed around a “Heroes and Villains” concept, and will feature a new stage show inspired by Hercules.

While the new ship does not yet have a name, it marks a significant expansion for Disney Cruise Line. The Wish class is the first in the company’s history to have more than two ships. Beyond the main fleet, an additional Wish-class ship is being built for the Japanese market. This vessel will be operated by the Oriental Land Company, the owners of Tokyo Disney Resort, who have hinted at the possibility of a second Japanese ship in the future.

New 2025 Test Track Soundtrack Now Available on Streaming Services

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EPCOT’s New 2025 Test Track Soundtrack Now Out on Streaming Services

EPCOT’s newly reimagined Test Track, presented by General Motors, has been a hit with park-goers since its reopening. Now, fans can relive the high-speed thrill of the attraction from anywhere with the release of its official soundtrack. Walt Disney Records has released the EPCOT: Test Track (Original Soundtrack) on major music streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Related-Disney Makes Lightning Lane Changes with the Reopening of Test Track

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The album features the full, original score for the updated Test Track 3.0, composed by Zain Effendi. Effendi is no stranger to crafting immersive soundscapes for Disney, having previously contributed to the music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the now-defunct Galactic Starcruiser experience. His work for Test Track blends high-intensity drum and bass with progressive rock and orchestral elements, creating a futuristic and exhilarating listening experience that perfectly complements the attraction’s innovative design and high-speed finale.

Related-New Test Track On-Ride Photopass Photo Revealed

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The album, which runs for a total of 44 minutes, includes eight tracks that are integral to the ride’s experience:

  • Opening – 4:42
  • A Brilliant Future – 10:17
  • The Finest Innovation – 4:29
  • Finale – 4:56
  • Welcome Statement – 2:53
  • Kinetic Motion – 7:17
  • A Great Legacy – 2:54
  • Your Open Road – 7:19

The release of the EPCOT: Test Track (Original Soundtrack) on August 8, 2025, continues a recent trend by Walt Disney Records to make attraction scores available to a wider audience, allowing fans to bring the magic of the parks home with them. Subscribers to Apple Music and other services can enjoy the album in lossless audio.

Halloween Horror Nights Prep Underway at Universal Studios Florida

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Halloween Horror Nights Prep Underway at Universal Studios Florida

Scare Zone Set Pieces and Food Booths are arriving ahead of Halloween Horror Nights 34

Halloween Horror Nights 34 is creeping ever closer, and Universal Studios Florida is looking more and more like a haunted playground. Scare zones and food booths are sprouting up across the park, giving us our first taste of the eerie atmospheres awaiting guests this year.

Related: Epic Universe Attraction Welcomes 1 Million Guests

Near the park entrance, the towering trusses for The Origins of Horror are in place, soon to be decked out in ominous décor. Minion Land is transforming into a decaying conservatory where twisted vines, monstrous crows, and gargoyles will greet you. Stony platforms, stained glass accents, and wrought iron gates set the tone for the event’s overarching Conservatory theme.

Over in Central Park, The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane is getting her spooky abode ready. The weathered blue house now sports a roof with a mysterious square opening, while giant balls of yarn, hanging bottles of milk, and tattered décor hint at her habit of turning trick-or-treaters into feral felines.

In the New York area, the Mutations: Toxic Twenties scare zone is taking shape. Themed to a 1920s neighborhood struck by a BuzzCon chemical spill, the set pieces include a damaged florist stand, a vintage newsstand packed with clever Easter eggs, and era-appropriate police cars and mobster getaway vehicles. The scene tells the story of a toxic truck crash gone horribly wrong.

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Foodies will want to check out the WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks food booth, styled after Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Funhouse with sky-blue clouds, tan curtains, and creeping vines to tie it into the park-wide theme.

Related: Reported Changes Coming to Stay And Scream for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando

Elsewhere, Mel’s Drive-In prepares for its zombie-infested makeover as Mel’s Die-In, while the lagoon show Haunt-O-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey readies its haunting water screens. The Fear Factor stage is prepped for Nightmare Fuel: Circus of Decay, promising a sinister spectacle of pyro, aerialists, and illusions.

Halloween Horror Nights 34 runs select nights from August 29 through November 2, 2025, featuring 10 haunted houses, five scare zones, two street experiences, a lagoon show, and one pulse-pounding stage show.

The Cutest Mickey Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Cardigan Is Here!

Mickey Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Cardigan
Mickey Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Cardigan

The Cutest Mickey Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Cardigan Is Here!

Looking to add a touch of Disney magic to your Halloween wardrobe? Look no further than the adorable Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern Cardigan Sweater by Her Universe, available now at the Disney Store for $79.99!

Related – Get Spooky and Stylish with the Minnie Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Sweatshirt!

This is a spooky-cute statement piece that perfectly blends everyone’s favorite mouse with the festive spirit of Halloween. Imagine slipping into this cozy knit, covered in an allover intarsia print of smiling Mickey pumpkins. Seriously, these little guys are guaranteed to bring a grin to your face and anyone else who sees them!

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Her Universe has really upped the ante with some delightful details. Down each sleeve, you’ll find vibrant orange satin ribbons laced through, tied up in the sweetest little bows. It’s these kinds of touches that truly elevate the cardigan, making it a standout piece for any Halloween occasion, whether you’re trick-or-treating, attending a party, or just cozying up with a spooky movie.

So, if you’re ready to tie up your Halloween look with something both charming and comfortable, head on over to the Disney Store online and snag this Mickey Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Cardigan Sweater. It’s the perfect way to show off your love for Disney and the spookiest season of the year!

Credit: Disney Store

Get Spooky and Stylish with the Minnie Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Sweatshirt!

Minnie Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Sweatshirt
Minnie Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Sweatshirt

Get Spooky and Stylish with the Minnie Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Sweatshirt!

Hey there, Disney fashionistas and Halloween fanatics! Get ready to cozy up for spooky season in the most adorable way possible. We’re talking about the Minnie Mouse Jack-o-Lantern Pullover Sweatshirt from Her Universe, and trust us, it’s a must-have for your autumn wardrobe.

For $65, you can snag this online at the Disney Store and be the envy of every hayride and pumpkin patch.

Related – Pastel Perfect Haunts: Meet the Mickey and Minnie Ghost Pastel Collection

Her Universe really outdid themselves with the details on this one. You’ve got super cute embroidered Minnie Mouse jack-o-lantern appliqués that are just beaming with holiday cheer. And if that wasn’t sweet enough, they’ve added polka dot satin bows for that classic Minnie touch. But wait, there’s more! The collar is a subtle spider web design with delicate lace trims, giving it just the right amount of spooky elegance.

Beyond the adorable Halloween vibes, this sweatshirt is also super on-trend. It boasts dropped shoulders and a boxy fit, which means it’s not only comfy but also totally stylish. Plus, the keyhole back adds a little extra flair, making it stand out from your average pullover.

So whether you’re chilling at home with a scary movie or heading out for some festive fun, this Minnie Mouse sweatshirt is perfect for shaking off those autumn chills in style. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Credit: Disney Store

Disney Jr., a Dominant Force in Preschool Programming, Announces New Series for ‘Cars,’ ‘Avengers,’ and ‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+’

Disney Jr lets play logo
Disney Jr lets play logo

Disney Jr. Unveils Expansive New Slate of Shows and Specials

Following a record-breaking year for its streaming content, Disney Jr. has unveiled an expansive new slate of series, specials, and casting news. The announcements, which expand on popular Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar franchises, were made by Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis at the “Disney Jr. Let’s Play!” fan celebration at Disney California Adventure Park.

Currently dominating the preschool television landscape, Disney Jr. boasts three of the top-streaming shows for kids ages 2-5, with “Bluey,” “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends,” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” The network’s latest series, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+,” which debuted on Disney+ on July 22, has already become the biggest original Disney Jr. launch on the platform to date.

Among the new projects announced are several high-profile series:

  • “Cars: Lightning Racers”: Inspired by the beloved Disney and Pixar films, this new series will feature the return of Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen and Larry the Cable Guy as Mater.
  • “Marvel’s Avengers: Mightiest Friends”: This will be the first-ever preschool series centered on the Avengers, introducing a new generation to the iconic superheroes.
  • “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+”: The series, which quickly became the number one streaming series for kids ages 2-5 in its premiere week, has already been renewed for two new seasons.

Ayo Davis emphasized the brand’s mission to connect with young audiences. “Disney Jr. is where preschool magic begins — and no one does it bigger or better,” she said. “Our shows are often a child’s very first connection to the world of Disney, sparking the songs they sing, the characters they adore, and the adventures they want to live again and again.”

Davis added that the new announcements are designed to “build on that leadership, expanding the worlds kids already love and introducing new multiplatform stories that will capture the hearts of the next generation.”

Related – New Trailer and Guest Cast Revealed for ‘Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends

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NEW SERIES, SPECIALS AND SHORTS

“CARS: LIGHTNING RACERS” (New Series)

  • Debuts 2027 on Disney Jr., then Disney+
  • Produced by Disney Television Animation in association with Pixar 
  • Executive Producers: Travis Braun and Frank Montagna
  • Story Editor: Dana Starfield
  • Supervising Director: Nathan Chew

Building on Disney and Pixar’s beloved “Cars” franchise, “Cars: Lightning Racers” follows Lightning McQueen as he gears up for all-new adventures in Radiator Springs alongside his hilarious best friend Mater and new friends thrill-seeking drag car Pipes and mud-loving monster truck Miles. The all-star cast returning to their original roles includes Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, Larry the Cable Guy as Mater, Tony Shalhoub as Luigi, Cheech Marin as Ramone, Bob Peterson as Chick Hicks and John Ratzenberger as Mack. Leah Lewis (“Elemental”) and Yuri Lowenthal (“Marvel Rivals” video game) join the cast as Pipes and Miles, respectively. Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”) will also voice a new character, Ms. Blinker.

“MARVEL’S AVENGERS: MIGHTIEST FRIENDS” (New Series)

  • Debuts 2027 on Disney Jr., then Disney+
  • Produced by Disney Jr. and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons
  • Executive Producers: Sean Coyle, Bart Jennett and Harrison Wilcox

Evolving from the new “Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends” series (premiering Aug. 11 on Disney Jr., next day on Disney+), “Marvel’s Avengers: Mightiest Friends” introduces kid versions of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes: Iron Man (Tony Stark), Captain America (Steve Rogers), Hulk (Bruce Banner), Black Panther (T’Challa), Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) and Thor. Together, the young Avengers strive to be their best selves while facing off against classic Super Baddies.

“MARVEL’S SPIDEY AND IRON MAN: AVENGERS TEAM UP!” (New Specials + First-Look)

  • Two New 22-Minute Specials Debut: Special #1 premieres Oct. 16 on Disney Jr., next day on Disney+; Special #2 premieres 2026 on Disney Jr., then Disney+
  • Produced by Disney Jr. and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons
  • Executive Producers: Bart Jennett, Chris Moreno and Harrison Wilcox
  • Co-Producer: Becca Topol

A first-look image was revealed for the first special premiering this October, which sees Iron Man and the Avengers joining Spidey to stop Ultron and Green Goblin from taking control of the city’s devices. 

CAPTAIN AMERICA, HULK, IRON MAN, SPIDERMAN, MS MARVEL, BLACK PANTHER
MARVEL’S SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS – “A Ribbiting Rescue” (Disney) CAPTAIN AMERICA, HULK, IRON MAN, SPIDERMAN, MS. MARVEL, BLACK PANTHER

A second Halloween-themed special will premiere Fall 2026. 

“MICKEY & MINNIE’S HOLIDAY SONGS: HALLOWEEN” (New Stop-Motion Shorts)

  • Debuts Sept. 29 on Disney Jr. and Oct. 2 on Disney+
  • Produced by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios in association with Disney Jr.
    Director/Producer: David H. Brooks
    Supervising Producer/Director: John Harvatine IV

These new sing-along stop-motion music videos feature Mickey, Minnie and the gang as they get into the Halloween mood. 

“MICKEY & MINNIE’S HOLIDAY SONGS: CHRISTMAS” (New Stop-Motion Shorts)

  • Debuts this December on Disney Jr., then Disney+
  • Produced by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios in association with Disney Jr.
    Director/Producer: David H. Brooks
    Supervising Producer/Director: John Harvatine IV

These sing-along stop-motion music videos feature Mickey, Minnie and the gang as they get into the Holiday spirit.

RETURNING SERIES

“MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE+” (New Season Orders – Seasons 2 and 3) 

  • Season 2 debuts 2027; Season 3 debuts 2028 on Disney Jr., then Disney+
  • Produced by Disney Television Animation
  • Executive Producer: Rob LaDuca
  • Co-Producer/Story Editor: Kim Duran

A continuation of the beloved Emmy Award-winning original series, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” welcomes the next generation of preschoolers and their families to the iconic Clubhouse for all-new, plussed-up adventures with Mickey, Minnie and their pals. The first 10 episodes of Season 1 are currently streaming on Disney+, with additional episodes set to debut this fall. 

“SUPERKITTIES” (First-Look)

  • Season 3 debutsSept. 22 on Disney Jr. and Oct. 1 on Disney+
  • Produced by Sony Pictures Television – Kids in association with Disney Jr. 
  • Creator: Paula Rosenthal
  • Executive Producers: Sarah Mullervy, Kirk Van Wormer and Audu Paden

An exclusive first look of Season 3 was revealed today for the Top 10 most-watched streaming series for preschoolers. “SuperKitties” is an adorable and action-packed series about four fierce and furry superhero kittens — Ginny, Sparks, Buddy and Bitsy — who are on a mission to make their town of Kittydale a more caring and “pawesome” place. Season 3 introduces the new “Su-Purr Wild” story arc in which the SuperKitties travel into the Kittydale Wild Jungle to adventure with their wildcat friend, Willa, and new jungle critters. 

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CASTING NEWS

“SOFIA THE FIRST: ROYAL MAGIC” 

  • New series set to debut 2026 on Disney Jr., then Disney+
  • Produced by Disney Television Animation
  • Creator/Executive Producer: Craig Gerber

As previously announced, Ariel Winter (“Modern Family”) will return in the titular role as the voice of Sofia in this new series featuring the beloved Sofia the First, set to debut in 2026 on Disney Jr., then Disney+. 

Announced today are additional returning cast members from the original series including Wayne Brady (“Let’s Make A Deal”) as Clover, Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) as Baileywick, Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”) as Minimus, Sara Ramirez (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Queen Miranda and Travis Willingham (“The Legend of Vox Machina”) as King Roland. 

“Sofia the First: Royal Magic” follows Sofia as she attends The Charmswell School for Royal Magic, where she discovers she is the most magical princess in the realm and must learn how to master her powers while making new royal friends.

“HEY A.J.!” 

  • Debuts 2026 on Disney Jr., then Disney+
  • Produced by Surfing Giant Studios
  • Executive Producers: Martellus Bennett, Jeff “Swampy” Marsh and Michael Hodges 

Inspired by former Super Bowl champion and children’s book author Martellus Bennett, the upcoming new family comedy series “Hey A.J.!” is a whimsical and music-filled family comedy about an imaginative young girl who, along with her stuffed bunny sidekick, uses her big imagination to make ordinary life moments extraordinary. 

As announced today, Amari McCoy (“Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends”) will star as lead character A.J., Martellus Bennett will voice her father, Marty, and GRAMMY Award-nominated Jhené Aiko voices her mom, Siggi. Rounding out the cast is Juliet Donenfeld (“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures”) as A.J.’s best friend Jessie, Innocent Ekakitie (“Bunk’d”) as Jazz, and David Mitchell (“Phineas and Ferb”) as A.J.’s bunny sidekick Theo. Pop superstar and GRAMMY Award winner Meghan Trainor will recur as A.J.’ s best friend Jessie’s mom. 

PREMIERE DATES

“DISNEY JR. ARIEL – THE LITTLE MERMAID” (Aug. 22) 

  • New 22-minute special debuts Aug. 22 on Disney Jr. and Disney+
  • Produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Jr. 
  • Executive Producer: Lynne Southerland

The new 22-minute special “Disney Jr. Ariel – The Little Mermaid: The Glow Crystals” will debut Aug. 22 on Disney Jr. and Disney+, and will air in rotation as part of Disney Jr.’s World Princess Week programming line-up (Aug. 24-30). It follows Ariel as she and her friends use their special gifts to rescue her family after a glitch in Ursula’s crystal ball sends her, Triton and Sebastian into a mystical cavern.

“FIREBUDS” (Sept. 15 on Disney Jr., Oct. 29 on Disney+)

  • Season 3 to debut Sept. 15 on Disney Jr. and Oct. 29 on Disney+
  • Produced by Disney Television Animation
  • Creator/Executive Producer: Craig Gerber

“Firebuds” Season 3 will debut this September on Disney Jr. and October on Disney+, it was announced today. The series follows a team of young kids who are the children of first responders, living in the fantastical world of Gearbox Grove and Motopolis, where humans and their talking vehicle sidekicks work and play together. Season 3 introduces a new “Aquabuds” story arc and finds the Firebuds crew back with some new friends and equipped with new gear to use in daring water rescues.

“STAR WARS: YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES”  (Fall 2025)

  • Season 3 to Debut this Fall on Disney Jr., then Disney+
  • Produced by Lucasfilm in collaboration with Wild Canary for Disney+ and Disney Jr. 
  • Executive Producers: Michael Olson, James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez and Josh Rimes 

The anticipated third season will debut this Fall. Set 200 years before “The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need, and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way. Season 3 follows the young Jedi as they delve into the world of droid care, befriending a droid shop owner named Dotti and three new droids: Beepers, Dozer and Gigi. 

Doctor Who’s Matt Smith has been Cast as Villain in Upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter

Doctor Who's Matt Smith has been Cast as Villain in Upcoming Star Wars Starfighter
Doctor Who's Matt Smith has been Cast as Villain in Upcoming Star Wars Starfighter

Matt Smith Joins the Dark Side in Upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter Film

Get ready to see Matt Smith trading in his sonic screwdriver for a lightsaber, because the former Doctor Who star is officially joining a galaxy far, far away. Smith has been cast as the villain in the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter movie, a major addition to Lucasfilm’s next wave of theatrical releases.

Related: Star Wars: A New Hope Returns to Theaters for 50th Anniversary

Doctor Who's Matt Smith has been Cast as Villain in Upcoming Star Wars Starfighter

First reported by Deadline, Smith was selected after a series of meetings with director Shawn Levy, who is helming the film. Best known for his run as the Eleventh Doctor and more recently as Daemon Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon, Smith is no stranger to playing intense, complex characters—and it sounds like this mysterious antagonist will be no exception.

What We Know About Star Wars: Starfighter

Star Wars: Starfighter is shaping up to be a major cinematic event. The film is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker and is part of the continuing post-Skywalker saga. Ryan Gosling was previously announced as the film’s lead, with rising horror star Mia Goth also attached to the cast.

The script comes from Jonathan Tropper, and while plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, the title and casting hint at an action-heavy story centered on high-speed space combat and personal conflict. Think Top Gun, but in space—with a Sith twist.

Production is slated to begin this fall, and the film is set for release on May 28, 2027, making it the first theatrical Star Wars release since 2019.

A Force-Filled Future for Star Wars

Starfighter is just one piece of Lucasfilm’s expansive cinematic puzzle. One month before its debut, Star Wars: A New Hope will return to theaters for its 50th anniversary on April 28, 2027, setting the nostalgic tone.

Related:

Doctor Who's Matt Smith has been Cast as Villain in Upcoming Star Wars Starfighter

Other projects in the pipeline include:

  • The Mandalorian and Grogu, releasing May 22, 2026
  • A Rey-centered sequel directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, set 15 years after Rise of Skywalker
  • A James Mangold-directed origin story about the Force
  • A crossover epic from Dave Filoni set between The Mandalorian and The Force Awakens
  • A new trilogy in development by Simon Kinberg

The Force, it seems, is strong with the next few years of Star Wars storytelling—and with Matt Smith stepping in as a villain, we’re expecting drama, darkness, and a whole new kind of chaos in the galaxy.

Sneak Peek: A First Look at the 2025 Treat Bag and Passholder Merchandise for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Sneak Peek A First Look at the Treat Bag and Passholder Merchandise for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Sneak Peek A First Look at the Treat Bag and Passholder Merchandise for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

We have your first look at the Passholder Exclusive items coming to this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

It’s almost time for tricks, treats, and a whole lot of Main Street magic. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is just around the corner, and we have your first look at some of the exclusive merch that will be available at this year’s event. Disney just revealed the official party treat bag design, plus a spook-tacular lineup of Annual Passholder-exclusive merchandise.

Related: New Annual Passholder Totally Sweet Sundae Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Sneak Peek A First Look at the Treat Bag and Passholder Merchandise for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Every party guest gets the complimentary treat bag, perfect for hauling home mountains of candy from those all-important trick-or-treat stops. This year’s bag is a vibrant purple, featuring Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween best in front of Cinderella Castle. Mickey rocks a dapper purple suit with a dramatic black cape, while Minnie stuns as a purple-and-orange witch. The “Boo To You” logo floats above the castle in creepy, festive lettering — a nod to the beloved parade.

Passholders can also sink their fangs into some exclusive merch. The lineup includes a black T-shirt with an orange party logo on the front, while the back showcases Mickey in his purple vampire suit, surrounded by jack-o’-lanterns and the moonlit silhouette of Cinderella Castle. “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” crowns the design, with “Passholder – Magic Kingdom 2025” below. A matching pin features the same artwork, plus a dangling charm with extra pumpkins for that perfect finishing touch.

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Sneak Peek A First Look at the Treat Bag and Passholder Merchandise for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

These exclusive items will be available at the Emporium alongside the full Halloween merch collection. And with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party running select nights from August 15 to October 31, you’ll have plenty of chances to pick them up — if you can resist wearing them straight out of the store.