DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: New Soarin Version; New Celebration in 2026; Festival of the Arts Details; Christmas Merch Previews; New AK Attraction Details & More

Chad & Cindy NykampOctober 26, 2025Last Updated: October 26, 2025

As October comes to a close, we got some exciting news about how Disney will celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary with a new attraction and more. Dates for the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts have been announced, and we’ve got a look at a lot of new merchandise. Big changes are coming to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in November, and two restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are now permanently closed. Learn about these stories and more in this week’s news roundup.

1 – Soarin’ Across America Coming to Disney World for 250^th Anniversary of the U.S.A.

This week, the Walt Disney Company announced an exciting new chapter for one of its most beloved attractions. Next summer, Walt Disney World will debut Soarin’ Across America in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. This immersive new flight experience will take guests on a breathtaking journey from coast to coast, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. Learn more about this exciting update at the link below.

Click here to learn more about Soarin’ Across America, coming next summer to EPCOT.

2 – Take a Look at the 2025 Halloween Popcorn Buckets at Disney World

There’s still time to get Halloween popcorn buckets at Walt Disney World! Visit the link below to see what’s available!

Click here for a look at the 2025 Halloween Popcorn Buckets at Disney World.

3 – 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Dates & Details Announced

Dates for the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts have been announced, along with some details about what guests can expect this year. The festival runs yearly from mid-January to mid-February. Catch the dates and other information at the link below.

Click here for dates and new details for the 2026 Festival of the Arts at EPCOT.

4 – BIG Changes Coming to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT

Disney recently announced a surprise update to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT. Since its opening in 2021, the ride has featured 3D scenes, and this is about the change. The attraction will close for a brief refurbishment and reopen with changes. Learn more at the link below.

Click here to learn about upcoming changes coming to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT.

5 – Disney Celebrates America – Extensive Celebration of America’s 250^th Anniversary Announced

Alongside the Soarin’ Across America announcement, the Walt Disney Company announced “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating the 250^th anniversary of the United States. Beginning on Veterans Day 2025 and culminating on the July 4, 2026 weekend, Disney will feature special programming, storytelling, and experiences across its iconic brands and businesses to celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey, spotlight the people and places that make this country so unique, and inspire patriotism in every generation.

Click here to learn about the Disney Celebrates America Celebration.

6 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise Preview

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is just a few weeks away, and we’ve got a look at some of the upcoming party merchandise! Learn more at the link below.

Click here for a look at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise.

7 – Disney Jollywood Nights Character Lineup and Merchandise Preview

Disney Jollywood Nights have become a popular alternative for guests looking for a more sophisticated holiday party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This week, Disney released the character meet-and-greet lineup and a sneak peek at the merchandise. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for a look at the character lineup and merchandise preview for Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

8 – Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks Now Closed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Two restaurants in DinoLand U.S.A. have now permanently closed. Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks had their last day of operation on October 19, 2025. The popular Buffalo Chicken Chips served at Trilo-Bites are now available at Eight Spoons Café on Discovery Island. DINOSAUR, Donald’s Dino-Bash, and Restaurantosaurus are the things left in the land. These will remain open through February 1, 2026. DinoLand U.S.A. is being transformed into a new Tropical Americas land, set to open sometime in 2027.

9 – Zootopia: Better Zoogether Merchandise Preview

Zootopia: Better Zoogether is an all-new show in the Tree of Life Theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opening on November 7! Disney has released a look at some of the merchandise guests can purchase! See what’s coming at the link below.

Click here to see some of the Zootopia: Better Together merchandise.

10 – Magic Kingdom and Disney Parks Still as Popular as Ever

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) published its annual estimated theme park attendance report now titled the Global Experience Index. According to TEA’s 2024 Global Experience Index, Disney remains the top theme park operator globally, with Magic Kingdom holding the #1 spot worldwide for the 19th year in a row. Additional Disney highlights are below.

Disney Highlights:

8 of the Top 10 Most Visited Theme Parks Worldwide
Top 5 Most Visited Theme Parks in North America
Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort remains the #1 Most Visited Theme Park Worldwide and in North America
Disneyland Park remains #2 Most Visited Theme Park Worldwide and in North America
Shanghai Disneyland remains #1 in China with a record year, #5 Worldwide
Hong Kong Disneyland sets a record year
Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris remains #1 Most Visited Theme Park in EMEA
Typhoon Lagoon remains #1 Waterpark in North America

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