DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Lots of Price Increases; MagicBand Change; Spaceship Earth Reopening Date; Rock n Rollercoaster Reopening Date & More

Chad & Cindy NykampOctober 14, 2025Last Updated: October 14, 2025

It’s the week we never look forward to. Historically, Walt Disney World raises prices the second week of October, and this year was no different. Prices have been raised on tickets, parking, annual passes, Lightning Lanes, and more. We learned when the upcoming Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will open and about animatronic updates coming to Frozen Ever After, as well as what we can expect to see when Zootopia: Better Together opens next month. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates are starting to sell out, a discount has been removed, and a character breakfast has been retired. Learn more about these news stories and more in this week’s news roundup below.

1 – Disney World Raises Prices on Tickets, Parking, Annual Passes, Lightning Lane & More

It’s something we expect every October. Walt Disney World has raised prices on tickets, annual passes, theme park parking, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and more. Visit the link below to view the various price increases.

Click here to learn about new price hikes on tickets, parking, annual passes, Lightning Lanes, and more at Walt Disney World.

2 – Spaceship Earth Reopening Late October

Spaceship Earth has been closed since August 25 for routine refurbishment. According to the Walt Disney World website, the attraction is set to reopen on October 25, 2025.

3 – Disney Quietly Ends MagicBand Discount

Walt Disney World has quietly removed the $10 discount previously offered for annual passholders and pre-arrival resort guests. Before this change, the website indicated a discount on select MagicBands when purchasing through a linked My Disney Experience account before arrival. The discount is no longer available. There are still exclusive bands available for purchase; however, without the discount, guests may prefer to purchase them upon arrival.

4 – Disney Announces Opening Season for Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Animatronic Updates at Walt Disney World

Disney recently released a look at upcoming animatronics coming to Zootopia: Better Together, Frozen Ever After, and the upcoming Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. We also learned the opening season for the Muppets coaster. Catch all the details below.

Click here to learn about the upcoming animatronic updates coming to Walt Disney World.

5 – Disney Junior Character Meals Ends at Hollywood & Vine

Be aware of a change at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Disney Junior Play ‘n’ Dine breakfast character meals are no longer being offered. In its place, Minnie’s Seasonal Dine has been expanded to include breakfast, in addition to the previously offered lunch and dinner services. This change is likely due to Disney’s Junior Play and Dance having closed for transformation into the new Magic of Disney Animation attraction, which is coming to the space. There is no word on whether the Disney Junior characters will return in the future.

6 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates Selling Out

Be aware that five party dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are already sold out, including the first three parties. Sold-out dates include November 7, 10, 11, 25, and December 21. The lowest-priced ticket available now is $179 for a few dates, with prices increasing to $209 in November. In December, prices range from $199 to $229 for the party. If you plan to attend a party this year, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible.

7 – runDisney 2025 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Merchandise Revealed

The 2025 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is just a few weeks away! Disney has shared photos of some of the merchandise runners can get this year! Learn more at the link below.

Click here to view the sneak peek of the 2025 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend merchandise!

8 – Banana Ball Coming to Disney World in 2026 – What to Know

Looking for some baseball with a twist? Banana Ball is coming to Disney World this spring and is sure to a peel (see what we did there) to fans of all ages.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Adam Ball:

Slip on those dancing shoes, grab your glove, and get ready to suit up in your most a-peeling attire – Banana Ball is coming to Walt Disney World in 2026!

Announced live on ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+, and the Banana Ball YouTube channel, the Banana Ball City Selection Show revealed the dates and locations for next season for those fans looking to catch The Greatest Show in Sports on their 2026 world tour. The big news for Disney fans? On May 29 and 30, Banana Ball is coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World for the first time ever, putting fans first and directly into the center of the action with plenty of laughs, excitement, and an undeniable energy that will have you dancing in your cleats all night long.

Interested in learning more about experiencing Banana Ball in-person before it debuts at Disney World next year? Put down your baseball brownie and foot-long hot dog from Casey’s Corner and read on to learn more about next season’s fun, and how you can be prepared to purchase tickets for this primetime event!

What Banana Ball Teams Are Playing at Walt Disney World?

Last year, the Savannah Bananas traveled across the country for many of their high-profile matchups, competing against the Firefighters, the Party Animals, and the Texas Tailgaters. Visiting a wide range of legendary venues like Fenway Park in Boston, Kauffmann Stadium in Kansas City, and Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Banana Ball has continued to visit iconic ballparks and prime destinations perfectly fit for friends and families, bringing the show to a new lineup of eager fans.

Next season, with the addition of two new teams competing in the Banana Ball Championship League, Walt Disney World will welcome the slugging Loco Beach Coconuts in a dynamic battle against the always-entertaining Party Animals.

If you are a fan of Disney Parks and Banana Ball, you are in the perfect spot to turn a double play with two cornerstones of entertainment and fun. Hosted at the 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World, these two teams will face off inside The Stadium, featuring more than 9,500 seats, four luxury sky boxes, open-air suites, and a whole bunch of happy hijinks on the diamond.

Now That Banana Ball is Coming to Disney – How Do I Buy Tickets?

For fans itching to see trick plays, diving catches, and plenty of on-the-field shenanigans, make sure to secure your seats for next season’s games by entering the Ticket Lottery List before it closes on November 1, 2025.

Joining this list does not guarantee the opportunity to buy tickets, but it will enter you into a random drawing that takes place before the event for the chance to purchase available tickets. If your name is drawn, you will have the opportunity to continue through the verification process before being able to purchase your tickets to witness the fun up close.

Don’t get caught in a pickle (and don’t even think about bunting) with this opportunity to join the Ticket Lottery List by visiting BananaBall.com, as standard tickets start at $35 when you purchase them from the site.

What is Banana Ball?

Constantly keeping fans and players on their toes, Banana Ball is quickly becoming the fastest and most entertaining game in sports, featuring high-octane plays and entertainment-packed rules that are sure to put a smile on your face. Whether a fan catches a foul ball (it counts as an out in the game) or a player tries to steal first base (yes, you read that correctly), this curveball on traditional baseball has continued to grow across the nation at home and in ballparks!

Where Else Can I Watch Banana Ball in 2026?

For a full list of Banana Ball matchups that you can enter to attend in-person, be sure to visit BananaBall.com for new updates and the latest ballgames coming soon to a city near you!

For even more events coming soon to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, check the upcoming events calendar to find out which sport you’ll be able to see on your next visit to Disney World.

Step into the batter’s box and get ready for the heater – we’re excited to watch the first pitch next summer and welcome Banana Ball to Walt Disney World for the first time ever!

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