DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Massive Changes to MK Classic; Discounted Ticket Offer is Back; Map, Details & Photos of New Studios Experience; Bluey Takeover; New Menus; Rock ‘n’ Tour & More
There has been a LOT happening at Disney World in the last two weeks. We have the grand openings of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Soarin’ Across America, along with the opening of most of Animation Courtyard in Hollywood Studios. There have been major changes announced for a Magic Kingdom classic attraction, as well as the return of a discounted ticket offer. Bluey has arrived at Animal Kingdom along with plenty of merch, special treats, activities and more. Also at Animal Kingdom, one of our favorite restaurants is getting an updated menu, and Cool Kid Summer kicks off with tons of special offerings around Disney World property. All this and a bunch more in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Massive Changes to Classic Magic Kingdom Attraction Coming
The Carousel of Progress may not be the most popular attraction in Magic Kingdom at Disney World, but it is unquestionably a quintessential classic. It’s an attraction that Walt himself personally worked on. Apart from some updates to the final scene, the attraction is largely unchanged since its debut in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. That’s about to change as the attraction undergoes a major refurbishment and reimagining.
2 – Disney World Brings Back Discounted Ticket Offer
As Florida gears up for summer heat, guests can take advantage of a cool new ticket offer from Walt Disney World Resort with the return of the 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket and the 4-day Florida Resident Disney Summer Ticket.
3 – New Hollywood Studios Experience Map, Details & Photos Revealed
Animation is what started it all and has always been at the heart of the Walt Disney Company. That’s why we’re excited for the opening of the completely re-imagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios. Disney has released details about a variety of new experiences guest will be able to enjoy along plenty of photos and a map of all the offerings.
4 – Full Tour of New Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Tons of Easter Eggs
The official grand opening of the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is in the books. The space looks great and there is a LOT to take in. We have a full tour blow along with a preview of some special surprises.
5 – Muppet’s Legal Team Weighs in on Very Important Controversy with Name Clarification
Too good not to share.
6 – Animal Kingdom Restaurant Gets New Menu
There is a signature dining location at Disney World that flies a little under the radar for most guests because it’s location in Animal Kingdom is somewhat unexpected and the understated building of the restaurant is easy to walk by without noticing. However, Tiffins, located on Discovery Island at the foot of the bridge to Pandora, continues to be on of Disney’s best dining locations. The menu is getting a refresh with some delicious new flavors to explore. We have details and photos on new menu items along with deep dive on what guests can expect from the restaurant and dining experience.
7 – Cool Kid Summer Kicks Off with Reopening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Soarin’ Across America, Bluey & More
Cool Kid Summer is back and this year and the festivities kicked off with some major attraction reopenings. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Staring the Muppets and Soarin’ Across America are both now open to all guests. Over at Animal Kingdom, Bluey is making waves at Conservation Station and is as popular as expected. This is on top of all the special offerings, events, merch, food & drink treats, and more that are part of Cool Kid Summer.
For full details on everything on offer this summer, click here.
8 – Special Bluey Inspired Menu Items & Magic Shots Coming to Animal Kingdom
This summer, Bluey arrives at Animal Kingdom for with tons of activities, merchandise and of course a meet & greet. Additionally, Disney is adding some special food and drink items inspired by Bluey and the hit animated program. Additionally, don’t skip the PhotoPass stops because Bluey is adding extra fun with some PhotoPass Magic Shots.
9 – New Mandalorian and Grogu Menus and Novelties Coming to Disney Parks
More Mandalorian and Grogu magic is coming to Disney parks this spring. Guests can enjoy new food and drink items inspired by the hit Star Wars series along with some great collectible novelty items including what may be the coolest sipper Disney as ever offered.
10 – Disney Releases Behind the Scenes Look at Soarin’ Across America Production
The new Soarin’ Across America is open and guest reaction has been positive. The new version of Soarin’ celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States of America with a trip to many of America’s most icon locations, landscapes and cities. Now, Disney has released a behind the scenes look at the making of this inspiring film.
11 – Sophia the First and Bitsy from SuperKitties Now Greeting Guests at Hollywood Studios
Sophia the First, Disney Junior princess, is back for meet & greets. Also joining the character line-up is Bitsy from Disney Junior’s SuperKitties. Both can be found in the Disney Junior meet and greet area on Commissary Lane near the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater and the ABC Commissary.
12 – Hollywood Studios Baby Care Center Moves to New Walt Disney Studios Courtyard Location
With the opening of the new Animation Courtyard area, the Hollywood Studio’s Baby Care center has a brand-new location. The Baby Care Center is now located in Animation Courtyard near the restrooms.
13 – Disney & AccuWeather Team Up to Offer Disney Weather Check
Disney Experiences and AccuWeather have launched a new feature within the AccuWeather app to offer Disney guests hyperlocal forecasts when visiting Disney properties. Guests can get real time radar and lightning information, MinuteCast precipitation updates, and more. The app uses geo-fencing to automatically show alerts when on property for guests with alerts enabled. Disney Weather Check is available at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island Resort.
14 – Statler and Waldorf from MuppetVision 3D Find New Home at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
My favorite Muppets have always been Statler and Waldorf, the grumpy old curmudgeons that are always on hand for a sarcastic word of discouragement. My kids say it’s because we’re attracted to people that are most like us. I was thrilled to see the due have found a new home after the closing of MuppetVision 3D. Guests can find the two camping out at the exit of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with their trademark comments on the quality of the show.
15 – Victoria & Alberts Retains Michelin Star for Third Year
Victoria & Alberts, a bucket list dining experience at the Grand Floridian Hotel, has earned a Michelin Star for the third year in a row. The Michelin Guide recognizes the best of the best dining experiences and is an honor every chef strives for.
16 – Florida State Special Olympics Opens at ESPN Wide World of Sports
One of Disney World’s most inspiring annual events, the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games opened at ESPN Wide World of Sports on May 15, 2026. The opening ceremonies kicked off two days of competitions with over 3,000 athletes participating and 1,000 cast members on hand to offer support. Disney World has hosted the games for more than 15 years.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
May 26-September 8 – Cool Kid Summer
Click here for full details on all the 2026 Cool Kid Summer special offerings and activities.
Click here for Cool Kid Summer sales offerings.
Now Open – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Staring the Muppets
Click here to learn more about the updates on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Now Open – Soarin’ Across America
Click here to learn more about Soarin’ Across America.
Click here for a behind the scenes look at the making of Soarin’ Across America.
Now Open – Zootopia: Better Together – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Click here to learn more about the story of Zootopia: Better Together and learn the opening date.
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.
Coming to Walt Disney World
Click here to learn more about The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Disney Destiny
Click here to view our Day 1 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to view our Day 2 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to view our Day 3 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to learn about the Disney Destiny’s Christening Ceremony.
Click here for “Family Dining on the Disney Destiny – What You Need to Know”
Click here for 10 Character Encounters on the Disney Destiny You Don’t Want to Miss!
Itineraries in 2025-2026
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 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 Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2026!
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2026.
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