The Tree of Life Awakenings Show Lights Up Animal Kingdom
Disney has brought back a beloved after-dark favorite! The Tree of Life Awakenings projection show officially returned on November 1, once again transforming the park’s central icon into a vibrant storytelling canvas nightly through November 8.
Starting November 2, the show shifts to an earlier time of 6:15 PM, after debuting on opening night at 7:15 PM to account for shorter daylight hours. This beautiful projection experience weaves together music and motion across the Tree’s carved surface, creating a brief but powerful tribute to nature and the interconnectedness of all living things.
As daylight continues to fade earlier, this limited-time return offers guests a truly memorable and serene finale to their Animal Kingdom adventure before the park closes each night.
Christmas Decorations Appear Overnight at Magic Kingdom for 2025 Season
The holiday season has officially arrived at Magic Kingdom! While many are still planning their Christmas decorations, the park has already transformed, spreading holly jolly magic throughout the streets of Main Street, U.S.A. For those eagerly anticipating an upcoming trip to Disney World, this first look provides a wonderful way to experience the park’s holiday transformation right now.
The wreaths are among the most iconic symbols of Christmastime at Magic Kingdom, featuring charming red ribbon accents and small ornaments nestled inside. Along Main Street, U.S.A., storefronts like The Emporium are beautifully trimmed with long, festive garlands and cascading ribbons, completing the holiday look.
City Hall is also fully decorated! The charming red and white bows adorning the building evoke the classic look of candy canes. When guests visit, they should be sure to take a moment to admire all the holiday details; it truly feels like the closer you look, the more magic you notice.
While the giant Christmas tree isn’t up yet, Cinderella Castle has been decked out in beautiful wreaths. The wreaths are adorned with blue and white ornaments, silver bows, and little glass slippers.
Meet Ariel at Her New, Permanent Spot in Hollywood Studios
As anticipated, the live-action Ariel meet and greet has officially settled into its new home at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Ariel’s meet-and-greet location has officially moved from Walt Disney Presents to a new spot in Echo Lake, situated near the 50’s Prime Time Cafe. This change went into effect today, October 28. It is not currently known how long she will be meeting guests at this new location.
While her previous space at Walt Disney Presents was heavily themed—designed to resemble the beautiful terrace of Prince Eric’s seaside castle—her new environment is significantly simpler. The new backdrop features a row of tall potted plants, with a small wooden box or treasure chest placed on the ground next to her.
The My Disney Experience app has been updated to reflect Ariel’s current meeting spot, listing the new location as “Echo Lake, Near Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!” The app also provides guests with her current appearance times.
This change comes after a new preview center highlighting many upcoming Walt Disney World projects was recently installed in Ariel’s former location at Walt Disney Presents. Guests should also remember that the classic, cartoon version of Ariel can still be found meeting guests in her grotto at Magic Kingdom.
Do you like to meet Ariel when you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Start Your Engines! First Look at Formula 1 x Disney’s Toy Story Collaboration from Aston Martin
It’s time to race to infinity and beyond! Disney and Formula 1 are teaming up for one of the most unexpected crossovers yet — and thanks to Aston Martin, we now have our first look at the Toy Story-inspired merchandise speeding onto the scene.
Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team shared a preview of the new capsule collection that fuses the high-octane world of F1 with the imagination of Pixar’s Toy Story. The lineup includes a Buzz Lightyear-themed racing helmet and a Toy Story hoodie, combining sleek motorsport design with playful Disney flair. The helmet even carries Buzz’s signature colors and catchphrase, adding a cosmic twist to the pit lane.
The Formula 1 x Disney collaboration, first announced back in May, aims to bring Mickey and friends into the fast-paced world of racing through new experiences, special content, and global merchandise drops. Fans can snag the limited-edition capsule starting November 8 at the F1 Las Vegas Hub Presented by American Express inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. A selection of pieces will also be available on DisneyStore.com in North America for those watching from home.
The launch ties into Disney and Formula 1’s “Fuel the Magic” campaign, which will continue through the 2026 and 2027 F1 seasons. As part of the Las Vegas Grand Prix festivities, Mickey Mouse himself will perform in front of the Fountains of Bellagio in a dazzling Disney Live Entertainment show featuring pyrotechnics, music, and racing-inspired visuals — the perfect blend of horsepower and pixie dust.
For fans of Toy Story, Disney, or Formula 1 (or all three), this partnership is revving up to be the most magical lap around the track yet.
Disney Confirms Jack Skellington’s Updated Look for the 2025 Holiday Season
What’s this? What’s this? There’s magic in the air, and a brand-new face for the Jack Skellington himself! Disney has officially confirmed that the Pumpkin King’s updated meet-and-greet look will continue through the 2025 holiday season at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, bringing some extra “Sandy Claws” spirit to the parks.
Fans first met this reimagined version of Jack during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, when Disney unveiled a brand-new head design and refined details for Sally. Jack now features a fully sculpted head instead of the previous half-mask style, with an articulated mouth that brings him closer than ever to his animated counterpart in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. His expressive new look captures the bony charm and mischievous grin of Halloween Town’s most beloved resident.
Sally also received subtle updates earlier this year, with refreshed makeup that enhances her stitched-together style while remaining faithful to her film design.
Jack’s Santa suit remains the same, a vibrant red costume complete with a black belt, tall boots, and his signature long white beard, as he trades in pumpkins for presents and transforms from Pumpkin King to Sandy Claws for the holidays.
Guests can meet Jack and Sally in Town Square Theater during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025, running November 7 through December 21 at Magic Kingdom. Over on the West Coast, Disneyland guests will also find the duo spreading their unique brand of holiday cheer.
Festival of the Lion King Roars Past 80 Million Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Now that’s something to sing Hakuna Matata about! Disney’s Festival of the Lion King has officially welcomed its 80 millionth guest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — a milestone worthy of a royal celebration in the Pride Lands.
The lucky guest, the daughter of Facebook user Jessi Sallenbach, was surprised after attending the show when Cast Members recognized her as the 80 millionth theatergoer. She was presented with a large commemorative ticket featuring the show’s logo surrounded by the words “80 Millionth Theatergoer,” along with a nod to the show’s original home in Camp Minnie-Mickey, where it first roared to life before moving to the Harambe Theatre.
To mark the occasion, the young fan also received a special Celebration Button that read “Festival of the Lion King — 80 Million Guests,” complete with a cheerful image of Goofy. Following the show, she and her family met the vibrant cast for a celebratory photo — a truly unforgettable moment in one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved stage productions.
First debuting in 1998, Festival of the Lion King has been a fan-favorite since Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened. The Broadway-style production brings The Lion King to life through powerful vocals, acrobatics, puppetry, and audience participation, all wrapped in the joyful energy of Harambe Village. Disney describes it as a “larger-than-life show filled with songs, pageantry, and puppetry celebrating the classic movie, The Lion King.”
Christmas Cheer Takes Flight as Holiday Décor Arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The most wildly wonderful time of the year has arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! As the rest of Walt Disney World prepares to flip from pumpkins to pine trees, Discovery Island has already decked its halls — or rather, its rooftops — with the park’s signature nature-inspired Christmas décor.
The first wave of decorations has landed around the main gift shops, including Island Mercantile, Riverside Depot, and Discovery Trading Company. True to the park’s earthy aesthetic, the displays feature handcrafted woodland animals, woven garlands, and organic textures that blend beautifully with Animal Kingdom’s natural backdrop.
At Island Mercantile, a parade of charming animal sculptures — including birds, deer, squirrels, and foxes — perch on the building’s roofline. These whimsical figures are carved in a rustic folk-art style, keeping with the park’s storytelling of harmony between nature and humanity.
Next door, Riverside Depot carries the theme with its own set of perched creatures, including owls huddled together amid lush greenery. The animals are complemented by garlands of natural fibers and soft, earthy colors that shimmer subtly when the Florida sun hits just right.
Discovery Trading Company, which connects seamlessly with the other Discovery Island shops, has joined in with similar rooftop decor to maintain a cohesive look across the heart of the park. Around the area, larger animal figures and bird sculptures can be found nestled in the bushes or soaring above the treetops — a detail that feels perfectly at home in Animal Kingdom’s festive yet grounded atmosphere.
While Magic Kingdom’s full transformation begins November 2 (with snoap machines already in place!), and Hollywood Studios has started its own Christmas glow-up, Animal Kingdom is embracing a holiday look that remains uniquely its own — less glitter and garland, more nature and nurture.
A Nighttime Icon: The Tree of Life Awakenings Show Returns to Animal Kingdom
The beautiful Tree of Life Awakenings nighttime projection show has officially returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. New showtimes for this popular evening display are now listed, beginning tonight, November 1, 2025.
According to the latest entertainment schedule, the projection show begins tonight, November 1, at 7:15 PM. Starting tomorrow, November 2, the show will shift to an earlier time of 6:15 PM, continuing most nights through November 8.
The return of Tree of Life Awakenings perfectly coincides with extended evening park hours and earlier sunsets following the end of Daylight Saving Time. With Animal Kingdom now open until 8:00 PM on many upcoming nights, guests will have more chances to fully experience the park’s nighttime offerings, including the vibrant land of Pandora – The World of AVATAR and these stunning Tree of Life projections.
The Tree of Life Awakenings features a series of short, gorgeous visual sequences projected directly onto the park’s central icon. Once darkness falls, these projections magically bring the intricate, carved animals of the Tree of Life to life through bursts of color, beautiful movement, and inspiring music.
Ring in the Holiday Spirit with Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast at Storytellers Café
Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will host two special character meals this holiday season. Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast will be a festive and all-new themed character dinner for the holidays.
Disney previously shared concept art for the characters that will be at this new dining experience. Guests will dine alongside familiar faces—including Mickey, Scrooge McDuck, Minnie, Clarabelle, and Goofy—who will be decked out in special attire representing characters from the classic Dickens tale.
Dinner will be offered from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The buffet options will include:
Butternut squash ravioli with brown butter and candied pepitas
Macaroni and cheese
Baked salmon with lemon-pistachio chimichurri
Braised short rib with creamy polenta
All-spice glazed pork belly with sautéed vegetables
Bread pudding
And so much more!
Guests ages 10 and older can enjoy this holiday dinner for $79 (plus tax), while the cost for children ages 3 to 9 is $42 (plus tax).
Is this a character meal you’d like to experience?
An Elevated New Year’s Eve: Disney’s California Grill Celebration
Disney’s California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, has unveiled a luxurious plan to ring in 2026. Guests can celebrate New Year’s Eve in sophisticated style with an elegant four-course meal, live entertainment, and a prime, unparalleled view of the spectacular fireworks display over Magic Kingdom. This is the ultimate elevated Disney celebration.
Your celebratory evening at California Grill is packed with luxurious details. It all starts with a four-course, event-exclusive meal featuring premium ingredients and nods to the restaurant’s 30th-anniversary favorites. Throughout the night, a live band will provide smooth, festive music, and you’ll have a chance to meet and snap photos with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their special New Year’s attire. The grand finale is a prime viewing experience of the spectacular Magic Kingdom fireworks, perfectly capped with a complimentary champagne toast for guests 21 and older.
Menu Highlights
First Course
American Wagyu Futomaki Roll
Second Course – Market Inspirations (Choice of One)
BBQ European Quail
Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli
Norwegian Brown King Crab
Sweet Potato & Nantucket Scallop Bisque
Third Course – Chef’s Creations (Choice of One)
30-Day Dry-Age Snake River Farms Wagyu Filet
Berkshire Pork Tenderloin
Butter Poached Maine Lobster
Truffled Poulet Rouge
Glacier 51 Toothfish Mosaic
Fourth Course – Sweet Creations (Choice of One)
Celebration of Citrus
Chocolate Blossom
Blueberry-Goat Cheese Cheesecake
Muscovado Brown Sugar Crème Brûlée
Specialty Cocktails (Additional Cost)
Black Truffle and Fig Old-Fashioned
Blueberry & Thyme Gin Smash
Heirloom Applejack 75
Cosmopolitan Highball
Optional add-ons will also be available for purchase.
Secure your spot for this exclusive event by calling 407-824-2284. Note that the price per person varies depending on the date and time of your reservation:
Date
Seating
Price (Per Person)
December 30
One Seating
$229
December 31
Early Dinner
$299
December 31
Late Celebration
$349
Please Note: All reservations are subject to a full charge for any cancellations made within 24 hours of the event or for no-shows.
Disney Cruise Line Commits $1 Million to Help Jamaica Recover from Hurricane Melissa
The Walt Disney Company is stepping up with a $1 million commitment to help fund critical relief and long-term recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
The $1 million contribution from The Walt Disney Company will provide crucial assistance to Disney Cast and Crewin the region, alongside leading nonprofits such as UNICEF USA, World Central Kitchen, and Good360. These essential funds will help secure emergency supplies, food, and shelter, as well as other vital services for families and communities actively working to rebuild after the storm.
This commitment reflects the company’s long-standing connection to the island, as Disney Cruise Line has maintained a port presence in Jamaica for over a decade.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica who have experienced such terrible devastation from Hurricane Melissa, including our Disney employees and their families who call the island home,” said Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We hope this contribution and the ongoing support from our team will serve as a source of relief and comfort for those in need at this difficult time.”
This donation is part of the year-round support Disney provides during times of crisis and natural disasters that impact communities where we live and work. This support includes the Disney Employee Relief Fund, which helps cast, crew and employees recover from times of crisis or personal disaster.
Rock Hall Adds Donald Glover, Jim Carrey, Bryan Adams, and More to Induction Lineup
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has unveiled another spectacular wave of music icons and cultural trailblazers set to honor this year’s Inductees at the 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The already star-studded event, taking place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, has gotten even bigger.
Joining the monumental night are an array of newly announced presenters and performers that cross genres and generations. The impressive list of additions includes:
Avril Lavigne
Bryan Adams
Chappell Roan
Donald Glover
En Vogue
Feist
Gina Schock (The Go-Go’s)
Hurby Luv Bug Azor
Janelle Monáe
Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains)
Jim Carrey
Joe Perry (Aerosmith)
The Killers
Lisa Coleman
Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac)
Mike McCready (Pearl Jam)
Nancy Wilson (Heart)
Nathaniel Rateliff
Tedeschi Trucks Band
These fresh faces will join the previously announced powerhouse lineup, which features Beck, Brandi Carlile, David Letterman, Doja Cat, Elton John, Flea, Iggy Pop, Missy Elliott, Olivia Rodrigo, Questlove, and Twenty One Pilots, among many others. The combination ensures the 40th annual ceremony will be an evening packed with unforgettable performances and heartfelt tributes.
The star guests will be celebrating the music and careers of the 2025 Inductees across all categories:
Category
Inductees
Performer
Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.
Musical Influence
Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon.
Musical Excellence
Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye.
Ahmet Ertegun Award
Lenny Waronker.
How to Watch the Historic Event
Fans eager to watch the ceremony live have multiple options:
Live Stream: The Induction Ceremony streams live coast-to-coast on Disney+ at 5:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 8th, 2025.
Primetime Special: A special featuring exclusive performances and standout moments will air on ABC on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and be available the next day on Hulu.
Tickets: Limited tickets to attend the historic event in person at the Peacock Theater are available now at AXS.com.
The celebration kicks off even before the Induction Ceremony, with a special “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night” episode of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars airing on Tuesday, November 4th, honoring the music and legacy of the Hall of Fame’s inductees.
