Aerial View of Construction Staging Areas for Magic Kingdom Rivers of America

By

-

June 30, 2025

Aerial View of Construction Staging Areas for Magic Kingdom Rivers of America

🚧🏰 Magic Kingdom’s Mega Makeover Ramps Up: Aerial Photos Reveal Huge Land Clearing for Cars & Villains Expansion

Start your engines (and maybe summon your inner Maleficent) because the biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom history is officially rolling forward! Thanks to new aerial images from our favorite sky-high sleuth @bioreconstruct, we now have the clearest look yet at the massive land-clearing operation happening just west of the park. And what’s brewing behind the berm? None other than the upcoming Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park and the long-rumored Villains Land.

If you’ve been wondering where all this magic (and mayhem) is going to happen, the answer lies behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the soon-to-reopen Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. What was once lush forest and support space is now a flurry of bulldozers, dirt, and laydown yards—construction speak for staging areas where Disney is prepping the groundwork for the massive transformation.

🛠️ Here’s what’s happening right now:

Three new laydown yards are being carved out west of the park, making room for Imagineering trailers, equipment, and materials.
These backstage areas are critical for supporting the upcoming draining of the Rivers of America and the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island—all to make way for the new lands inside the park’s footprint.
Piston Peak National Park, themed to Cars, will take over the southern half of the old river and island area.
Once Lightning McQueen and pals are settled, the upper two-thirds of the space will transform into a long-anticipated Villains Land, finally giving Disney’s baddies a home worthy of their dramatic flair.

And here’s where things get extra interesting: as part of this expansion, Disney is constructing a massive water retention pond further west, to handle runoff and reroute water that once flowed through the Rivers of America. It’s a behind-the-scenes necessity to keep the park functioning smoothly—and proof that Disney isn’t just bulldozing, they’re building smart.

🚧 This is no small facelift. With over 300 acres in play between construction zones and environmental updates, this is a once-in-a-generation expansion that’s quietly laying the groundwork for a wildly reimagined Magic Kingdom. While none of this is visible to guests yet, the work happening backstage is setting the stage for some of the most exciting additions the park has seen in decades.

Cars and villains in Frontierland? It’s a mashup we didn’t know we needed, but now we can’t wait to watch it unfold.

Aerial View of the Former Muppets Area in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chris B

-

June 30, 2025

Aerial View of the Former Muppets Area in Disney's Hollywood Studios

🎭🐷 The Diva Has Left the Fountain: Miss Piggy Statue Removed from Disney’s Hollywood Studios

It’s the end of an era, or at least a splashy chapter, as the beloved Miss Piggy Lady Liberty fountain has officially been removed from Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Aerial photos from @bioreconstruct on X confirm what fans feared was coming: the fabulous fountain centerpiece has taken its final bow… at least for now.

For years, the statue of Miss Piggy channeling her inner Statue of Liberty (complete with torch and a signature smirk) stood proudly as the heart of the Muppets Courtyard. Even after MuppetVision 3D closed its curtains, the fountain kept flowing, visible above construction walls like a final curtain call for the queen of porcine pizzazz. But as of June 27, the waterworks have stopped, and Miss Piggy has vanished.

The removal marks a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the area into the upcoming Monsters, Inc.-themed land, Monstropolis. While construction has only just started, the demolition of icons like Miss Piggy’s fountain makes it clear: the Muppets are making way for the monsters.

Concept art for the new land shows a redesigned plaza with a new, Monsters-inspired fountain and familiar landmarks like Mama Melrose’s transforming into Harryhausen’s, the sushi joint from Monsters, Inc.. PizzeRizzo also appears to be getting a monstrous makeover, though the new name hasn’t been revealed just yet.

As for the statue itself? Disney hasn’t shared if Miss Piggy is off to a glamorous retirement, headed to another park, or perhaps planning a surprise comeback in a new location (Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s Muppets retheme, maybe?). One thing’s for sure—fans are already calling for her safe return.

For now, the buildings of the former Grand Avenue remain largely intact, but with cranes on the horizon and progress on the Monsters, Inc. vertical lift coaster underway, change is in full swing. And while we’re excited to enter the world of Monstropolis, there’s no denying we’ll miss our fountain diva watching over the courtyard.

Wherever Miss Piggy ends up, we just hope it involves glitter, spotlights, and maybe a guest appearance by Kermit.

New Test Track On-Ride Photopass Photo Revealed

By

Chris B

-

June 30, 2025

New Test Track On Ride Photopass Photo Revealed

🚘✨ Say Cheese at 65 MPH! New On-Ride Photo Revealed for Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT

The countdown is on for the grand reopening of Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT, but Disney just dropped a high-speed teaser that’s giving fans a thrilling glimpse of what’s to come: a brand-new on-ride photo!

The updated image features riders speeding through a dazzling, futuristic cityscape lit by glowing neon lights and airborne vehicles. It’s a far cry from the old SIM car diagnostics overlay. This version screams World of Motion meets sci-fi highway, offering a cinematic vibe that’ll make your ride photo look like a frame from a blockbuster action flick.

While we’re still waiting to hop in the driver’s seat ourselves (come on Annual Passholder previews!), this photo alone has fans pumped to pose in style when the attraction reopens July 22. Whether you’re grinning from ear to ear or clutching the grab bar like it’s a life raft, your ride photo is about to be framed in pure futuristic flair.

So when Test Track 3.0 hits the open road again, don’t forget to flash your best face—because the camera’s watching, and this photo is next-level cool.

More Oogie Boogie Bash Dates Sold Out for 2025

By

Sara

-

June 30, 2025

Additional Oogie Boogie Bash Dates Now Sold Out

Oogie Boogie Bash is returning to Disney California Adventure on select nights in August, September, and October. Usually by now all dates are sold out but this year that isn’t the case. Take a look at what dates are sold out and which ones still have tickets available.

As of publication, the following dates are no longer available for Oogie Boogie Bash:

August 17
August 31
September 9
September 16
October 2
October 5
October 12
October 19
October 26
October 31

Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets and Details Revealed

If you are hoping to attend this special event, here are the dates still available along with the ticket prices:

August 19 – $139
August 21 – $154
August 24 – $154
August 26 – $139
August 28 – $154
September 2 – $139
September 11 – $154
September 14 – $169
September 18 – $154
September 21 – $169
September 23 – $154
September 25 – $169
September 28 – $169
September 30 – $154
October 7 – $169
October 9 – $179
October 14 – $169
October 16 – $179
October 21 – $169
October 23 – $179
October 28 – $189

There are still plenty of dates available and time to book your trip! Contact me today to get started. I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.

Dad Jumps Overboard to Rescue Five Year Old Daughter on Disney Dream

By

Sara

-

June 29, 2025

Father’s Heroic Act: Overboard Rescue on Disney Cruise

Talk about a heart-stopping moment turned heartwarming rescue! On June 29, 2025, during a magical voyage on the Disney Dream between Fort Lauderdale and the Bahamas, an incredible incident unfolded that truly showcased the bravery of a father and the swift, expert actions of the Disney Cruise Line team!

Reports confirm that a five-year-old child unexpectedly went overboard from the fourth deck of the ship. But fear not, Disney family, because this story has a truly heroic twist! Without a moment’s hesitation, the child’s amazing father leapt into action, jumping into the water to be by his daughter’s side!

Eyewitnesses aboard the Disney Dream were absolutely blown away by how quickly and efficiently the Disney rescue team responded. Life preservers were deployed in a flash, and a rescue boat was on the scene almost instantly! Thanks to their exceptional skills and prompt actions, both the brave father and his little one were safely retrieved from the water and brought back aboard the ship within minutes! What an incredible testament to their training and dedication!

Disney Cruise Line shared this statement with USA Today, perfectly highlighting the professionalism we’ve come to expect from them: “The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water. We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”

While details on how the child went overboard are still being gathered, it’s clear that Disney’s commitment to guest safety, including barriers and overboard alarm systems, played a crucial role in the positive outcome of this intense situation.

This truly is a story of courage, quick thinking, and the unwavering dedication of the Disney Cruise Line family! Our thoughts are with the family, and we’re so incredibly relieved and happy that everyone is safe and sound!

Source

Walt Disney Company Lays Off Staff in Product & Technology Division

By

Sara

-

June 29, 2025

Walt Disney Company Reduces Workforce in Product & Technology

The Walt Disney Company has initiated a new round of layoffs, specifically impacting its entertainment product and technology division. These job cuts, affecting less than 2% of the division led by Chief Product and Technology Officer Adam Smith, are being described as a “rebalancing of resources.” While modest in size compared to earlier mass layoffs, they reflect Disney’s ongoing strategic shift towards prioritizing streaming platforms and digital monetization.

The company, which recently installed former Google and YouTube executive Adam Smith to enhance its digital strategy, is continuing to invest and hire in critical areas like streaming and direct-to-consumer services, including the upcoming ESPN+ service and digital upgrades for Disney+ and Hulu. This move aligns with a broader industry trend where major tech and media companies are trimming non-core teams and pausing or canceling projects that don’t directly support short-term, high-impact goals, in an effort to contain costs and concentrate efforts on essential work. These recent cuts follow previous layoffs earlier this year that impacted marketing, publicity, casting, development, and corporate financial operations across Disney.

This most recent round of layoffs at Disney’s product and technology division is part of a larger, ongoing company-wide effort to reduce its workforce across various sectors. Just earlier this month, in June 2025, Disney initiated significant job cuts, primarily impacting hundreds of employees within its entertainment and corporate financial divisions, including areas like film and television marketing, publicity, casting, and development.

These followed earlier reductions in March 2025, where nearly 200 employees from the ABC News Group and entertainment networks were laid off. Looking back to fall 2024, the company also saw layoffs of several ABC employees and approximately 300 corporate employees across various U.S. departments, including human resources, finance, and legal. These actions underscore Disney’s continuous strategic restructuring aimed at streamlining operations and prioritizing key growth areas like streaming.

Disneyland Band Does Surprise Performance at Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival

By

Sara

-

June 29, 2025

Disneyland Band’s Surprise Performance Rocks Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival

The Disneyland Band and Mickey Mouse surprised attendees at Saturday’s Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival with an unexpected performance! This extra touch of Disney magic was part of the Old Navy x Disney Road Trip, bringing the band’s lively renditions of classic Disney tunes and the new Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration theme song, “Celebrate Happy,” to the festival-goers.

The Old Navy x Disney Road Trip pop-up will remain open all weekend at the Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival. This free, family-friendly experience draws inspiration from the classic American road trip and features the latest Old Navy x Disney collection, available for purchase at discounted prices. You can also enjoy summer scenic photo opportunities, roadside refreshments, exciting giveaways, and an exclusive Old Navy x Disney pop-up store that includes previously sold-out fan favorites like the mini tote bag.

Among the exciting giveaways are postcards personally designed by Bret Iwan, the voice of Mickey Mouse. Mickey’s appearance with the Disneyland Band is especially timely, coinciding with the Disneyland Resort’s ongoing 70th-anniversary celebration.

Aerial View of the Construction at Disney Lakeshore Lodge

By

Chris B

-

June 29, 2025

Aerial View of the Construction at Disney Lakeshore Lodge

Disney Lakeshore Lodge Rises Rapidly Near Magic Kingdom

A once-shelved project is now reaching new heights, literally. Disney Lakeshore Lodge, the long-awaited mixed-use resort near Magic Kingdom, is back on track and going vertical fast, with fresh aerial photos showing just how massive this addition will be to the Fort Wilderness area.

Formerly known as Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the project was originally announced in 2018, paused during the 2020 shutdown, and has since been reborn as Disney Lakeshore Lodge. The new resort will feature both Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas and regular hotel rooms, totaling 900 rooms across three 10-story towers.

Thanks to images captured by the ever-watchful @bioreconstruct, we now have a birds-eye view of the construction site, which stands out starkly against the tranquil backdrop of Fort Wilderness. These towers aren’t just big — they literally dwarf nearby Pioneer Hall and are significantly taller than anything currently at the Fort. It’s a striking contrast to the cabins and campsites just next door.

What We Know So Far:

Opening Date: Disney is targeting 2027, and based on the current construction speed, that goal looks more than achievable.
Layout: The resort retains its “W”-shaped footprint from the original Reflections site plan, complete with two courtyards — one rumored to include a lazy river, feature pool, and waterfront dining.
Accommodations: Along with the main towers, there will be A-frame cabins and treehouse-style villas along the water’s edge, offering unique views and upscale lodging options.
Nearby Access: The lodge is very close to Clementine Beach, Pioneer Hall, and the Fort Wilderness dock, putting guests within easy reach of boat transportation to Magic Kingdom.
Impact on Fort Wilderness: While many campsites and cabins remain undisturbed, the scale and proximity of the new resort has raised concerns among longtime Fort Wilderness fans who value its peaceful, rustic feel.

A Resort Renaissance

This development is part of a broader push to increase DVC inventory across Walt Disney World. It follows other recent DVC additions like the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness, the latter of which debuted in phases over the past year.

Construction has also prompted several enhancements at Fort Wilderness, including a pool expansion at the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool Area, new walking trails, and updated dining options at Trail’s End and Crockett’s Tavern.

Still, for some guests, the soaring towers of Lakeshore Lodge signal a shift away from the campground’s original “wilderness” charm. Love it or loathe it, this is a huge project — and it’s happening fast.

Build your own Car Experience Removed from Test Track

By

Chris B

-

June 29, 2025

Build your own Car Experience Removed from Test Track cover

Test Track 3.0 Removes Build-Your-Own Vehicle Feature at EPCOT

🚨 It’s the end of an era at EPCOT. The build-your-own SIM car experience, a signature part of Test Track 2.0 since 2012, is officially retired as part of the attraction’s latest reimagining.

Cast Member previews, which kicked off June 27 and run through July 10, are providing the first glimpse inside the re-imagined attraction. And while the ride track remains the same, the queue has gotten a total overhaul—and that means one big change: no more customizable SIM car design stations.

Build your own Car Experience Removed from Test Track

Instead, guests now enter a sleek, futuristic showroom, filled with concept vehicles, automotive parts, and high-tech displays. The vibe leans heavily into “cutting-edge design lab” rather than interactive design studio. This streamlined approach trades interactivity for aesthetics, and it’s dividing longtime fans who loved that personal touch of building their own car before the big race.

The new ride experience itself is inspired by World of Motion, the EPCOT original that Test Track replaced back in the ’90s. While you still board familiar-style vehicles (now in a sleek black finish), the theming now reflects a more narrative-driven journey through the future of transportation—one that skips the flashy simulations of 2.0 in favor of a more thoughtful tribute to innovation and motion.

Despite the changes, one core experience of Test Track remains-the outdoor test ride that tops out at 65 MPH!

@chipandcompany Get ready to accelerate through time! 🚀 We're taking a first look at the NEW queue for Test Track at EPCOT, and it's a journey of innovation. #TestTrack #EPCOT #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyParks ♬ original sound chipandcompany

So if you were team “max out capability and power” on your custom SIM car… we feel you. But buckle up—Test Track 3.0 is taking EPCOT in a bold new direction, with less design station and more Imagineering inspiration.

Aerial View of the Construction for Animal Kingdom Tropical America Expansion

By

Chris B

-

June 29, 2025

Aerial photos of construction for an Encanto attraction in Disney's Animal Kingdom Part of the Tropical Americas project

Aerial Photos Reveal Major Progress on Encanto Attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We’ve said adiós to TriceraTop Spin and Chester & Hester’s, and now we’re saying hola to an entirely new adventure. Construction is officially underway on Tropical Americas, the bold new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and we’ve got a first look at the dirt-flying action courtesy of aerial photos from @bioreconstruct. Consider this Phase 1 of what’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious expansions the park has ever seen!

What’s Coming to Tropical Americas?

Announced during the Horizons showcase at D23, this lush 11-acre land is anchored by not one, but two all-new headline attractions — and both are confirmed.

Encanto Ride-Through Attraction: For the first time ever, you’ll be able to step into the Casita from Disney’s Encanto in a full-scale ride-through experience! Yes, the house will come to life — doors, drawers, and all — in a magical journey inspired by the beloved film.

Indiana Jones Adventure: Step inside a temple deep in the heart of the jungle as Indy races to uncover a mythical creature. This ride will be an all-new experience unlike any Indiana Jones attraction before it, and it’s expected to reuse the ride system from the soon-to-close DINOSAUR attraction.

What’s Already Closed?

Back in January 2025, the first dominoes fell. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures closed to make way for construction. The land may look like a pile of dirt now, but these changes mark the start of something extraordinary.

Disney Files New Permits for Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom

What’s Still Open (For Now)?

DINOSAUR is still open and operating through 2025. So if you want one more dino dash with Dr. Seeker, you’ve got until sometime in 2026 before that Time Rover becomes a relic of the past.
The Boneyard will keep digging through September 2, 2025, offering little paleontologists one last season of fossil-filled fun.
Restaurantosaurus is still flipping burgers and serving up dino-sized snacks for now — plus, the Intern is still playing his original dino tunes on select days!

What Will Tropical Americas Include?

This isn’t just a two-ride wonder. Here’s what else we know about this vibrant new land:

Pueblo Esperanza, the name of the in-universe town, will serve as the heart of the Tropical Americas.
A large fountain will anchor the land’s central plaza.
A working carousel crafted by a local woodcarver will feature animals from Disney stories — think classic charm with a cultural twist!
The land will also house a massive quick-service hacienda, which will be one of the largest dining locations at Walt Disney World.
And yes, a themed play area will be part of Pueblo Esperanza, ensuring that young adventurers can keep the fun going.

When Will It All Open?

Construction is moving full steam ahead, with Tropical Americas set to open in 2027. Phase 1, which includes the Encanto attraction and infrastructure work, is already in motion. As 2025 rolls on, expect more closures and updates as Disney transitions this corner of Animal Kingdom into a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, mythology, music, and magic.

Prairie Outpost Opens in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom

By

Chris B

-

June 29, 2025

Prairie Outpost Opens in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom

Prairie Outpost Reopens at Magic Kingdom as a Chic Hat Haven in Frontierland

Howdy, fashion pioneers! A beloved corner of Frontierland has officially re-ridden into town, and it’s looking a whole lot more stylish than when it last closed its doors. The Prairie Outpost, once a charming candy and snack shop nestled beside the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, has finally reopened at Magic Kingdom after a five-year hiatus. And this time, it’s not just back, it’s had a rootin’-tootin’ makeover into a headwear boutique starring the stylish lineup from Chapel Hats.

Disney invites guests to “become a fashion pioneer,” and the new Prairie Outpost absolutely delivers. With Chapel Hats known for their blend of classic charm and contemporary flair, this store adds a dose of dapper to the Frontierland vibe while also tapping into Disney fans’ ever-growing love for unique, park-ready fashion.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect piece to complete your Dapper Day look or just need some shade from that Florida sun, this newly reopened gem is ready to tip its hat to you.

Donald Trump Confirmed to Return with Speaking Part in Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents

By

Chip

-

June 29, 2025

Disney Confirms Donald Trump Will Have Speaking Role in The Hall of Presidents

Donald Trump’s Audio-Animatronic Returns to Center Stage with Speaking Role

Following a five-month refurbishment, The Hall of Presidents officially reopens today at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, with the landmark attraction updated to include President Donald J. Trump for his second term in office. Disney has confirmed that the Audio-Animatronics figure of the 47th President has a speaking role, a tradition for sitting presidents that has been in place for decades.

The classic Liberty Square attraction, which chronicles the history of the United States Presidency, closed on January 20, 2025, coinciding with President Trump’s inauguration. This closure is standard practice for Walt Disney Imagineering to update the show with the current officeholder.

In an official statement, Disney detailed the updated experience: “Watch the curtain rise to reveal startlingly realistic Audio-Animatronics replicas of every President of the United States—together for the very first time. Hear a speech delivered by George Washington and a recorded performance of the oath of office by President Donald Trump.”

This marks the second time an Audio-Animatronics figure of Donald Trump has been featured. His first figure was added to the stage following a similar refurbishment in 2017. As with that update, the current show format features a roll call of all past presidents before culminating with the speaking role of the incumbent. The tradition of the sitting president having a speaking part began in 1993 with President Bill Clinton.

The Hall of Presidents is an opening-day attraction at Magic Kingdom, having debuted in 1971. Its legacy dates back to Walt Disney’s original concept for “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” a groundbreaking Audio-Animatronics show from the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The addition of each new president ensures the attraction remains a current and continuous presentation of American history for park guests.

While the primary update is the re-centering of President Trump’s figure and the inclusion of his recorded oath, guests can once again enjoy the full theatrical presentation that honors the history of the nation’s highest office. The reopening was quiet, with park guests discovering its availability this morning.