DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: More Buzz Lightyear Attraction Photos/Video; D23 Event Details; Pop Century & Garden View Lounge Redesign Sneak Peek; Disney Springs Bus Change & More
In this week’s news roundup, we finally get to see some of the big projects Disney World has been working hard at. Disney released more photos and videos of the new Buss Lightyear Space Ranger Spin attraction. We also got a look at the redesigned Pop Century Resort and the Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort. We got a name and theming details for the next Disney Cruise Line Ship, along with a bunch of details on the upcoming D23 event in August. All this and more below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Shares More Video & Photos of New Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
The reopening of the reimagined Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is just around the corner. Cast member previews were last week and soft openings started today. The updated ride looks fantastic and we love the improvements imagineers have made to the ride experience, especially the handheld blasters.
To get guests excited, Disney has released additional preview photos and new ride video. We can’t wait!
2 – Disney Releases 2026 D23 Event Details
For hardcore Disney fans, the D23 is the pinnacle event to celebrate all things Disney. This year, D23 returns to Anaheim August 14-16. It’s time to start planning and today Disney released a bunch of details on what fans can expect along with ticket details.
3 – Disney Reveals Completely Redesigned Pop Century Resort
There is a lot to love about Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney World. While Pop Century is technically a value resort, we’d think it would be better described as value plus. Pop Century is in a fantastic location with quick access to three of the four parks, Disney Springs, and Wide World of Sports. It’s also served by the Disney Skyliner which makes getting to Hollywood Studios and Epcot a breeze. Add to this list the fact that Pop Century just got a major makeover and this resort should jump up to the top of the list for anyone looking for the convenience and value of this resort category.
Check out how great the newly refreshed Pop Century Resort looks!
4 – Disney’s Garden View Lounge Reopens – Photos & Details
The Garden View Lounge, a beautiful location in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, reopens today. The Garden View Lounge is home to the Tea Experience which a great option for guests looking for an out of the ordinary dining experience. The completely redesigned lounge is stunning. This is another home run for Disney Imagineering that creates a sophisticatedly elegant space that is still distinctively Disney. We have full details along with photos below.
Also, in case you missed it, here is a link to our preview of the food and beverage offerings at the Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience.
5 – Disney Restricts Disney Springs Bus Service to Resorts During Busy Period
During the busy Easter and Spring Break period, Disney is restricting Disney Springs bus service to resorts to guests staying at the resorts or those with dining or recreation reservations. Cast members are scanning MagicBands (or other MyDisney media) to confirm reservations. The change is intended to reduce the number of guests parking at Disney Springs for activities elsewhere on property to ensure adequate parking for those wishing to visit Disney Springs. The change is temporary has been done before during Disney World’s busiest times.
6 – Disney Unveils Name & Theme of Next Disney Cruise Line Ship
A voyage on a Disney Cruise Line ship is an unbelievable experience that every family should have at least once. Every ship is special in its own way with a theme that goes beyond color schemes and artwork to create a personality that permeates every aspect of the ship and the experience. Today, we learned the name and theme of the next Disney Cruise Line ship. We can’t wait!
7 – runDisney Unveils Merchandise for Springtime Surprise Race
Springtime Surprise race weekend is a little over two weeks away, and runDisney just dropped a sneak peek at some of the merchandise that will be available to celebrate the accomplishment. Let’s be honest, sweet race gear is a big part of why we keep doing this! The merch this year looks great.
Click here for photos and more details.
8 – Mickey’s PhilharMagic No Longer Included in Early Entry Lineup
Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s PhilharMagic will no longer be available during morning early entry. The attraction is still open during evening extended hours.
9 – Disney Launches Delightful New Web Series
Disney just launched another new web series on YouTube, and this one is definitely worth sharing. The new program called Disney Teacup Confessions is a delightfully fun series of interviews with familiar Disney faces done on the Mad Tea Party teacups. It the perfect setting to get the truth, the full truth and nothing but the truth.
10 – Disney Announces 2026 Disney Legends Class
Today, Disney revealed the extraordinary lineup of visionaries and talent who will receive the prestigious Disney Legends Award, the company’s highest honor. The Disney Legends Award ceremony will mark the final day of the highly anticipated D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, taking place August 14, 15, and 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California.
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