🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of November 16,
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Nov 8
- 12 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of November 16, 2025
🎄 Holiday Magic, Ride Updates & Cruise News — Here’s What’s New This Week!
It’s been a big week across Disney World and beyond! Hollywood Studios debuted a brand-new Holiday Movie Props Exhibit, EPCOT dropped the full Festival of the Holidays menus, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure reopened with fresh upgrades, and Disney Cruise Line shared new details about the Disney Destiny.
Here’s everything you might’ve missed — plus all our latest guides and tips to help you plan your festive trips and future cruises.
⭐ New Holiday Movie Props Exhibit Opens at Hollywood Studios
A brand-new holiday experience has arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Walt Disney Presents is now home to a festive Holiday Movie Props Exhibit, featuring real props and costumes from The Santa Clause, The Muppets Christmas Carol, Noelle, and more. It’s a cozy, nostalgic walk-through that’s perfect for a low-crowd break during your park day — and it’s included with regular admission.
Even better? Santa Claus is meeting here daily, and during Disney’s Jollywood Nights, guests get a special appearance from Santa Duffy (plan to visit early — his line gets long!).
We cannot wait to see it on our early December trip!
🎄 Festival of the Holidays Menus Are Here!
Disney Parks Blog just dropped the full 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Holiday Marketplaces menus — and there are a lot of new dishes and sips to get excited about this season. 🍽✨
New favorites include the Ginger–Molasses Cookie at CommuniCore Hall, Tostada de Carne in Mexico, the adorable Strawberry Bun in Japan, and the cozy Maple Leaf Shortbread Cookie in Canada. The Cookie Stroll is officially returning with several new treats, and we’ve already pulled together a quick-glance checklist so you can track every stop.
If you’re planning a visit anytime from November 28 through December 30, this is one drop you don’t want to miss — the food lineup is small but mighty this year, with some standout holiday comfort bites and a big focus on warm seasonal drinks.
👉 Catch every booth menu, all [NEW for 2025] items, Cookie Stroll details, and our planning tips in our full 2025 Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide + our comprehensive ❄️Festival of the Holidays Guide for the full festival low-down.
🧀 Update in France Pavilion: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Goes 2D!
After a brief three-day refurbishment scheduled for Nov 10–13, 2025, the beloved trackless dark ride in the France Pavilion at EPCOT has officially reopened as of Nov 14 with an exciting new upgrade.
What’s changed?
The ride has been converted from 3D to a 2D projection system—meaning no more 3D glasses, and clearer visuals throughout the experience.
While the story, ride path, and themed kitchen-chaos adventure with Remy remain unchanged, the updated visuals should provide a smoother experience for guests (especially those sensitive to 3D or motion effects).
Additional enhancements to keep an eye on: new props in both the queue and ride, and refreshed lighting to modernize the presentation. These elements are being added over the next few months.
Why it matters for your trip:If you’ve ridden this attraction before, you’ll still get the same fun, family-friendly sweep through Gusteau’s kitchen—but now with sharper imagery and fewer glasses to fuss with. Especially helpful for those who found the original 3D a bit much. Plus, for your blog readers who are planning visits soon, this is a fresh new talking point (and an excuse to ride again!).
👷♀️ Catch up with all the current and upcoming refurbishments and clousures at Walt Disney World in our Refurbishment and Construction Tracker.
🚢 Disney Cruise Line’s New Ship Disney Destiny Reveals More Details
Disney Cruise Line dropped fresh details this week about its newest ship, the Disney Destiny, debuting in 2025 — and she’s shaping up to be a stunner. Destiny will feature heroes-and-villains–inspired design, brand-new dining concepts, and the first ride-themed attraction based on classic Disney battles between good and evil. Disney also confirmed expanded stateroom options, updated tech, and an entertainment lineup that leans even more immersive than Wish and Treasure.
We’re extra excited over here because…✨ We’ll be sailing on Destiny in August! And yes — a full, chatty, deep-dive guide is coming to the blog this week with everything we know so far, plus what we’re hoping Disney announces next.
In the meantime, check out our brand-new Cruising Hub, packed with all the good stuff to help you set sail with confidence:🧳 smart packing lists,⚓ our Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean breakdown,💫 plus all the fun (and a few hilarious mishaps) from my Disney Girl Goes Royal trip on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas.
It’s the perfect place to start dreaming before the Disney Destiny deep-dive drops later this week!
🍸 First Impressions: The Perch at Disney’s Grand Floridian
The Perch officially opened at the Grand Floridian this week — and now that we’ve had a chance to dig into the details, we’re even more impressed. From the Victorian-conservatory décor and bird-inspired stained glass to the standout Florida 75 cocktail, this new lobby bar feels like the polished centerpiece of the resort’s refreshed lobby
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of November 8, 2025
It’s a huge week in the parks: both Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney’s Jollywood Nights kicked off their 2025 seasons, Zootopia: Better Zoogether officially opened at Animal Kingdom, gingerbread displays are appearing across WDW resorts (but NO Grand Floridian gingerbread house this year), and over at Universal, holiday décor is now in place across all three parks — we should see full food menus and entertainment confirmations any day.
🎅 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — 2025 Season Is LIVE!
Opening weekend has wrapped at the merriest of Christmas parties, and we’ve been keeping up with all the festive excitement and party highlights. The holiday entertainment, character meet & greets, treats, decore, overlays, and even the Main Street USA "snow" are top notch this year.
We've updated our MVMCP hub with the latest showtimes, character flow, our top MVMCP strategies, and the party-night energy.
🌟 Disney’s Jollywood Nights — Opening Weekend!
It's time for vintage Hollywood meets the holidays again — and night one brought new rare character, vintage entertainment and street parties, and even new party exclusive Magic Shots.
We've been updating our downloadable Jollywood Nights map and our Jollywood party guide with all the new details including new rare characters and their exact locations, entertainment offerings and times, plus where to find the party exclusive merch.
🦊 Zootopia: Better Zoogether — Now Open at Animal Kingdom!
Zootopia: Better Zoogether officially opened this morning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — and early reviews say it’s charming, upbeat, and way more visually impressive in person than any of the preview teasers suggested. The refreshed queue is filled with clever nods and Easter eggs (worth slowing down for!), and the show itself plays as a light, family-friendly win — especially for kids and casual fans. Some longtime Animal Kingdom purists are still debating whether the tone truly fits the park — but overall guest response today has been very positive, and most are walking out smiling.
We’ve got full details, photos, and planning tips in our Zootopia: Better Zoogether post and guide.
🍸 Grand Floridian Lobby Bar — The Perch
The brand-new Lobby Bar at Disney’s Grand Floridian — The Perch — has quietly soft-opened, and the official opening date is set for Monday, November 10. Early reactions say the space is gorgeous (bird-cage details, warm wood, stained glass) and the vibe fits the refreshed lobby beautifully. The Floridian 75 cocktail is getting especially strong reviews — some of the more experimental drinks are a bit more polarizing.
Most of the lobby refresh is done, but you’ll still see some minor work happening in adjacent areas and the old Garden View Lounge space remains closed for its own refresh. More details coming next week after the grand opening.
🎄 Gingerbread Houses & Lobby Decorations Are Popping Up!
Holiday décor has been arriving all week across Walt Disney World — and the first wave of this year’s resort gingerbread displays are officially HERE. We’ve spotted fresh trees, lobby garland installs, and gingerbread houses starting to appear — and it feels like Christmas overnight. If you’re visiting in the next couple of weeks, resorts are prime holiday photo ops.
One big note: the Grand Floridian is not doing a gingerbread house this year — even though the main lobby refresh is largely complete. Disney confirmed the house will not return for 2025, the space is still finalizing some refreshed elements behind the scenes.
PPPD Holidays at Walt Disney World 2025 Guide has even more pics, plus more details about the decorations at the different resorts, and all the holiday events, entertainment, treats, planning tips for the 2025 holiday season.
🎟 New Discount Walt Disney World Ticket and Disney Cruiseline Deals Announced this Week
Disney+ Spring Ticket Deal
Disney just launched a brand-new Spring 2025 Disney+ Subscriber ticket offer for Walt Disney World — perfect timing for those early-spring trips. If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, you can save on select date-based tickets this spring — and this one stacks beautifully with those lighter crowd windows between Spring Break and Summer.
You can get all the deets at our 2025–2026 Walt Disney World and DCL Discounts & Ticket Deals post.
Disney Cruise Line New Half-Deposit Offer
Disney Cruise Line just dropped a new Half-Deposit Offer for select sailings from March 2026 through May 2027 — so you only pay 50% of the normal deposit when you book. This is one of the easiest ways to lock in your dream stateroom now — without the full upfront cost.
If you’re thinking about your next cruise, don’t miss our new cruise planning hub to help you compare cruise lines and choose the perfect sailing.
Want help planning a holiday visit? Or a last-minute winter escape? I’d love to help you design a trip that fits your vibe and your budget. Pop over to Book with Bren to get started.
🎄 Universal Orlando Holiday Entertainment Schedule Released
Universal Orlando has officially published the 2025 holiday entertainment lineup — including the return of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Grinchmas, festive sets from Celestina Warbeck, and holiday harmonies with The Frog Choir in the Wizarding World. And do not forget Ginchmas! Holiday décor is already up across all three parks, and seasonal treats are rolling out park-wide.
We’re now pulling all of this into a dedicated Universal Orlando Holiday Guide — coming this week. Universal Orlando Planning Hub
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of November 1, 2025
The holiday handoff has officially begun at Walt Disney World! Halloween is wrapped and we’re rolling straight into peppermint season — with major attraction news, party updates, foodie reveals, and the first wave of details for end-of-year celebrations. Plus a Disney and Formula 1 partnership for the Los Angles Grand Prix, Soarin' updates, and Universal continues to beta test a new single ride Express Pass - everything new this week across the parks (and what we’re watching next 👀).
🏁 Disney × Formula 1 Hits the Strip at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix!
Disney and Formula 1 are teaming up for a high-speed twist on the magic—on November 22, 2025, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will feature special Disney entertainment including Mickey & Friends in the pitlane, a performance from the Disneyland Band, and an exclusive merchandise line launching in early November.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Hubs and College Boy are revving their engines over this Disney × F1 crossover—and honestly, same! 🏁 Between the Mickey-in-the-pit merch and all the limited-edition race gear, this is one collection we’ll be watching closely (and probably racing to grab before it sells out). 🏎️✨
✈️ NEW: Soarin’ Across America Coming to EPCOT Next Summer
Disney has officially announced that Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT will receive a major update in Summer 2026— with a brand-new film called Soarin’ Across America. This limited-time version celebrates the United States’ 250th birthday and will feature newly filmed aerial footage of U.S. landmarks and natural wonders, captured with advanced drones and helicopter rigs by Walt Disney Imagineering.
Disney is already signaling more 250th anniversary “moments” for 2026 beyond Soarin’ — so expect more announcements park-wide as we get closer to January
📌 Read our full deep dive — including how Soarin’ was originally engineered and why it first opened at California Adventure — here: Soarin' Across America to Take Flight in Epcot
Universal Express Update
Universal’s new “Express Pass — Single Attraction” test continues expanding beyond Revenge of the Mummy and Skull Island: Reign of Kong — we could see this evolve into a full, app-based pay-per-ride system similar to Disney’s Lightning Lane Single Pass. (We’ll keep tracking which attractions get added next.
Want to know more about Universal Orlando inclusing park guides, resort hotels, and the latest deets on Express Pass? Head to out Universal Orlando Planning Hub.
🎁 Holiday Magic Ahead!
Now that Halloween has wrapped up, the holidays are twinkling into view! ✨ Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights are starting in a week, and party dates are selling out! Make sure you check out our party guides to find out the latest sold out dates for both parties!
🎄 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Foodie Guide Unwrapped!
🎅 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is kicking off soon, bringing back festive parades, snowfall on Main Street, and all-new treats. Disney has officially revealed the full 2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party food lineup, and it’s packed with nearly 40 new treats! 🍪✨ From the Hot Cocoa Cookie made with DOVE® Chocolate Pieces to the Peppermint Snowman Shake and savory favorites like the Holiday Turkey Burger, this year’s offerings look extra merry (and Insta-worthy).
We’ve rounded up every party-exclusive snack, drink, and cookie crawl stop—plus daytime treats you can enjoy without a party ticket.
👉 Read the full guide here: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025 Food Guide
🎁 2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Map & Cheat Sheet — with updated cookie strolls, character locations, and showtimes
🎄 2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Guide — packed with insider tips and planning advice
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Holiday party tickets often sell out faster once Halloween ends—grab yours early to lock in your preferred date!
✨ Disney’s Jollywood Nights 2025: New Characters, Shows & Updated Map!
Hollywood Studios is getting even more glamorous this season! Disney has just released the full 2025 Jollywood Nights lineup, confirming the return of Holidays in Hollywood, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, and Glisten!—plus a few sparkling new surprises.
Among the highlights: Chewbacca celebrating Life Day, Miguel from Coco, Bing Bong, and Partysaurus Rex all join the party lineup for the first time! The official ride list and showtimes have been confirmed too, along with a peek at this year’s Ollie-the-gingerbread-themed merchandise. We have updated our 2025 Disney Jollywood Nights Guide with all of the newly released information so you can plan your festive party night.
We’ve also refreshed our Jollywood Nights Ultimate Character & Entertainment Map with the newest 2025 layout—now featuring confirmed character locations, show schedules, entertainment zones, and Pixie Dust Pro Tips to help you plan the perfect festive night at Hollywood Studios.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Bookmark both our Jollywood Nights 2025 Guide and the 2025 Jollywood Map and Cheat Sheet - they’ll keep you on top of every character spot, showtime, and holiday treat update as Disney adds more seasonal magic!
🎆 Ring in 2026 at Walt Disney World!
Disney has officially released the fireworks schedule for New Year’s Eve 2025 at the parks. At Magic Kingdom, the beloved Fantasy in the Sky show will launch on December 30 & 31 at 7:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.
Over at EPCOT, the long-running show Luminous: The Symphony of Us will fire off at 6:30 p.m. with the “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” finale taking place at 11:54 p.m. on December 31.
🎇 Watching for New Year’s Eve Dessert Parties
Now that the NYE showtimes are confirmed, the next piece we’re waiting on is whether Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will offer New Year’s Eve dessert parties or fireworks dining packages. Historically, these drop mid-November — so we’re keeping a close eye on Disney’s dining portal and will update the moment they go live.
✨ We’ll continue monitoring for any additional updates (show-viewing locations, special ticketing, or dining packages) and will share the moment you need it. Make sure to keep up with all the Walt Disney World holiday information over at our Walt Disney World Hoilday Guide.
🎆 Want to see how all the parks celebrate the season? Check out our full Walt Disney World Holiday Guide 2025 for resort decorations, EPCOT festival details, and can’t-miss seasonal events across all four parks.
🔎 Looking for Past Updates?
Our Pixie Dust News Roundup is updated weekly with the latest Disney & Universal park news. If you’d like to catch up on earlier weeks, check out our monthly archives:
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
