NEWS ROUNDUP: HUGE Week of Disney News; Permanent Closures; Castle Changes; New Land Details; Food & Wine Festival; Halloween Party; Changes at 2 MK Attractions; Cruise News & More
Last weekend, thousands of Disney fans traveled to Florida to attend Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of — a one-of-a-kind, multi-day experience featuring exclusive programming, events, shopping, and more, all brought to life in a distinctly Disney way. From the event, we got a lot of announcements on future projects from Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, and Walt Diisney Studios. We also learned the final day of operation of DinoLand, USA, and got to enjoy Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. Learn about these stories and more below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Announces Permanent Closure Date for Beloved Animal Kingdom Attraction & Land
We knew the day would come, and now we have the last day of operation for DinoLand USA, including the beloved DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and Donald’s Dino-Bash. The land is closing to make way for a Tropical Americas-themed land. Catch all the details, including the dates, at the link below.
2 – Disney Announces HUGE Changes Coming to Cinderella Castle
Since debuting in 1971, Cinderella Castle has undergone several significant updates to enhance its magical appeal, including its current color palette, which was revealed during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration. During Destination D23, the iconic centerpiece of Magic Kingdom Park is set to undergo another enchanting update, transforming its appearance with vibrant new colors and renewed charm. Learn more about the upcoming changes below.
Click here to learn about the changes coming to Cinderella Castle.
3 – Disney Announces New Details for Villains-Themed Land Coming to Magic Kingdom
To gather ideas for the upcoming Villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney Imagineers recently visited various global destinations to experience their sights, sounds, and stories firsthand. Looking back at the influences that brought some of Disney’s most infamous villains to life onscreen, Imagineers traveled to Paris, France, and Barcelona. There, they met with local experts and explored cultural landmarks. At Destination D23, Imagineers shared what they learned and the influences they will use for the design of the new land. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn about new details for the Villains-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom.
4 – Now Open! 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival – What You Need to Know
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival returns in 2025, delighting guests from August 28 through November 22 with a culinary journey that spans the entire park. Highlights include more than 35 Global Marketplaces, family scavenger hunts, free concerts, and more! Learn everything you need to know at the link below!
Click here for what you need to know about the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!
5 – 2025 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Updates on Sell Outs and Our Review
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is now running on select nights through Halloween at Magic Kingdom. Many dates in September and even October are now sold out. Like last year, we expect all party nights to sell out. If you’re planning on attending, be sure to purchase those tickets soon! We recently enjoyed the party in late August! Visit the link below for our review and what you need to know about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2025.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about 2025 Mickey’s No-So-Scary Halloween Party.
6 – BIG Change Coming to the Carousel of Progress
The beloved attraction, created by Walt Disney himself, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, is getting an exciting update! A new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney will welcome Magic Kingdom guests and introduce the show in a newly created scene. More details will be shared as the carousel continues to spin, showing a new generation of enchanted time-travelers that a great big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away. Learn more about the upcoming project below!
Click here to learn about the big change coming to Carousel of Progress.
7 – Changes Coming to TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom
Get ready to experience the Grid in a whole new light! TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise at Magic Kingdom Park will feature an exciting new overlay inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Studios film, “Tron: Ares.” The update features the addition of striking red colors from the latest “Tron” sequel, releasing in theaters on October 10, along with a custom soundtrack composed by the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Learn about when these changes will take place at the link below.
Click here to learn about the new overlay coming to TRON Lightcycle/Run.
8 – New Must-Try Drinks Coming to Disney Destiny
During the “What’s Cooking with Disney Eats?” panel at Destination D23, guests were the first to preview some of the new themed drinks coming exclusively to lounges aboard the Disney Destiny, setting sail in November 2025. They include the Mirror Dimension at The Sanctum (a lounge inspired by Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange); My Way at Haunted Mansion Parlor; and Dead Man’s Chest at Cask & Cannon. Learn more about these drinks at the link below.
Click here to learn about new must-try drinks coming to the Disney Destiny.
9 – More Details on Cask & Cannon Lounge Coming to Disney Destiny
Speaking of the Disney Destiny, we also learned more details about the Cask & Cannon lounge coming to the Disney Destiny. The legendary Pirates of the Caribbean attractions around the world inspire the lounge. Visit the link below to learn more!
Click here to learn about new details on the Cask & Cannon lounge coming to the Disney Destiny.
10 – New Novelty Items Coming to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line
Also announced during Destination D23, fans also got a first look at eight new novelty items coming to select Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line ships — including collectible popcorn buckets, sippers, and mugs. Visit the link below for all the details.
Click here to learn about the new novelty items coming to Disney parks and Disney Cruise Line.
11 – Lots of Exciting Walt Disney Studios Announcements on Upcoming Projects at Destination D23
During the “Walt Disney Studios Showcase” at Destination D23, host Yvette Nicole Brown invited the creative forces behind several of The Walt Disney Company’s highly anticipated films to join her onstage and share exclusive announcements and never-before-seen clips with fans. Visit the link below to learn more!
Click here for all of the exciting Walt Disney Studios announcements on upcoming projects at Destination D23!
12 – Dates and More Announced for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026
Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, shared several exciting programming offerings, including the return of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California, on August 14, 15, and 16, 2026. Fans can be among the first to hear exciting announcements during marquee showcases and presentations. They can also look forward to immersive experiences, exclusive shopping opportunities, and extended magic throughout the week leading up to the event, including the return of D23 Day at Angel Stadium and D23 Day at Disneyland.
Click here to learn more about the upcoming 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
13 – Disney Springs Eatery Supports Pediatric Cancer Awareness
This September, Disney Springs guests can satisfy their sweet tooth for a great cause with Pizza Ponte’s new Cocoapizzie, available all month long. Priced at just $5.50 for two, this delicious cookie and brownie mash-up is made with only the finest ingredients, including rich dark chocolate. A portion of the proceeds from every Cocoapizzie sold will benefit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, an organization dedicated to funding vital research for pediatric cancer. Patina Group is proud to support this impactful initiative throughout September, in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.
14 – Celebrate a Decade of Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs with Iron Chef Morimoto
This September 14, experience the event of the season at Morimoto Asia as the iconic Pan-Asian restaurant celebrates its 10th anniversary. Since opening in Disney Springs, the eatery has attracted millions of global guests, winning accolades for its culinary innovation and noteworthy hospitality.
The celebration begins with an unforgettable day of culinary artistry and entertainment as Chef Masaharu Morimoto kicks off the festivities by performing a dazzling bluefin tuna carving ceremony, followed by Instagram-worthy meet-and-greets and samples of the Chef’s acclaimed sake. After the festivities, attendees can indulge in tastings of signature dishes, like Peking Duck, ramen, and takoyaki, paired with signature cocktails, beer, and sake. Guests can choose from two celebratory sessions, one at 11:30 a.m. and the second at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $125+ per person or $650 for a four-person booth that includes VIP experiences.
Reserve your tickets HERE.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Open – Beak & Barrel Tavern, Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
Click here to step inside the upcoming Beak & Barrel coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here for a look at the menus at the Beak and Barrel.
Now Running – Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Click here to learn more at Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away at Magic Kingdom.
August 15-October 31, Select Nights – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Click here for our review and what you need to know about 2025 Mickey’s No-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Click here for where to find characters at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
August 28 – November 22 – 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
Click here for what you need to know about the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!
Click here to see photos of all of the menu boards with pricing and Disney Dining Plan designations.
Click here to view the full menu lineup for the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
Click here to learn about the Eat to the Beat Concert Series Lineup and Dining Package details.
Coming to Walt Disney World
15 Changes Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and Beyond.
November 7 – Zootopia: Better Together – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Click here to learn more about the story of Zootopia: Better Together and learn the opening date.
November 7 – December 21, Select Nights – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Click here for the dates and details for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2025.
November 8 – December 21, Select Nights – Disney Jollywood Nights
Click here for the dates and details of Disney Jollywood Nights in 2025.
November 14 – December 31 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
November 28-December 30 – EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
Click here to get the dates and details for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
2026
Click here to learn more about the updates on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Click here to learn more about The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here to learn more about the major changes coming to Space Ranger Spin at Disney World.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Disney Treasure – Now Sailing
Click here for an overview of the Disney Treasure.
Click here for Dining on the Disney Treasure – What You Need to Know.
Upper Deck Fun on the Disney Treasure – What You Need to Know.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor on The Disney Treasure – Step into the Best Disney Cruise Line Venue Yet!
Entertainment on the Disney Treasure – What You Need to Know
Itineraries in 2025-2026
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 itineraries; now booking!
Click here to learn more about the 2026 summer itineraries with Disney Cruise Line.
Click here to learn more about the fall 2026 and spring 2027 itineraries for Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Destiny – Sailing November 2025
So Many Updates! 10 Exclusive Offerings Coming to the Disney Destiny That We’re Excited For
Everything New Coming to the Disney Destiny Sailing in November 2025
The Disney Destiny – An Overview of What You Can Expect on Disney Cruise Line’s Upcoming Ship
Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2025!
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2025.
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.