🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | August 2025 Archive

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🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of August 27, 2025

Surprise — we’re coming to you a little early this week! Since we’ll be heading to Walt Disney World tomorrow for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 🎃 and the opening weekend of the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 🍷, we wanted to get the latest news out before we head into the parks. That way you’ve got everything you need to follow along while we’re sharing live updates straight from Disney.

🎃 Halloween Horror Nights Kicks Off This Weekend!

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 34 officially begins Friday, August 29, 2025, bringing 48 nights of haunted houses, scare zones, shows, and spooky eats. This year’s lineup includes 10 haunted houses (like Fallout, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and WWE’s Wyatt Sicks), four immersive scare zones, and the all-new “Deathly Afraid” no-scare necklace for guests who want a little less intensity.

👉 First-timer or nervous about the scares? Check out our HHN Tips & Tricks for Newbies for strategy on houses, food, and survival until 2 a.m

.👉 Ready for the full lineup, shows, and food menus? Our Complete HHN 2025 Guide has every detail you need.

 Want the full scoop on the park? Check out our Universal Studios Florida Park Guide for rides, shows, and planning tips.

🍷 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Opens This Weekend!

It’s finally here — the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off on Thursday, August 28 and runs through November 22. With 35 Global Marketplace booths, new dishes (like Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli and Buffalo-style Dumplings), live concerts, scavenger hunts, and plenty of sips, this is EPCOT’s biggest festival of the year.

We’ll be in the park for opening weekend to bring you real-time photos, reviews, and planning tips — so keep an eye on our guide as it updates!

✨ Get all the details in our 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Guide and plan your route with our Festival Map.

Food & Wine is the perfect excuse to explore EPCOT, but the World Showcase is packed with year-round dining, entertainment, and cultural details you won’t want to miss. 🌍 Take a deeper look in our EPCOT World Showcase Guide.

🎃 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Full Swing

Halloween season is here! MNSSHP is lighting up Magic Kingdom on select nights through Halloween with trick-or-treating, character meet & greets, Boo-to-You Parade, fireworks, and exclusive party-only snacks. Even if you’ve been before, every year brings new magic — and we’ve got all the details in our 2025 MNSSHP Guide plus a full rundown of this year’s spooky treats in our Party Food Guide.

Want the full scoop on what to ride, when to ride it, and what not to miss at Magic Kingdom?👉 Check out our Magic Kingdom Ride & Attraction Guide

🚨 Spaceship Earth Refurbishment Begins

EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere, Spaceship Earth, officially closed on August 25, 2025 for an extended routine refurbishment. While Disney hasn’t announced specific details, permits suggest work may include technical and structural improvements, updates to effects, and ride system maintenance. The attraction is expected to reopen later this year. In the meantime, we looked back at the ride’s rich history—from its narrators and unforgettable “burning Rome” scent to its newest enhancements like the Points of Light and GEO 82 lounge.

➡️ Read our full deep dive here

From thrills to World Showcase classics, we’ve got your EPCOT day mapped out.👉 Explore our EPCOT Ride & Attraction Guide

Destination D23 Weekend Preview

Image Credit: Disney

This weekend, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World plays host to Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney, running Friday–Sunday, August 29–31, 2025. Though the event has increased in size compared to years past, fans will notice a key difference — there is no dedicated Parks & Resorts panel this time. That familiar standalone presentation has been replaced this year, with the Walt Disney Studios Showcase taking over its former slot.

Given the comprehensive slate of announcements Disney made just last week, we’re not expecting any earth-shattering news about the parks. That said, surprises are always possible, and we’ll be live-blogging straight from Walt Disney World throughout the weekend to share any updates or buzz that comes out of Destination D23.

✨ Want to jump into all the big announcements from last week and see what’s on the horizon? Check out our What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and Beyond guide for opening timelines, new attractions, and the latest Disney updates.

🍂 ICYMI: Visiting Disney in Fall 2025

Thinking about a trip this August, September, or October? Our updated Fall at Disney World guide covers it all—from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates to EPCOT Food & Wine Festival tips, plus what to expect with crowds, weather, and refurbishments. Read the full guide ➝

Not sure when the best time to visit Disney World is? 🏰 Our When to Go landing page pulls together all of our seasonal guides and planning advice so you can compare crowds, weather, and events at a glance.

See you at the parks,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim

🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of August 23, 2025

It’s been a huge week for theme park updates! From the Muppets hijacking Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster to Big Thunder Mountain’s glowing Rainbow Caverns, Disney dropped plenty of sneak peeks into the parks of the future. Over at Animal Kingdom, Judy and Nick are gearing up for their Zoogether Day debut, while Magic Kingdom fans got their first look inside the pirate-themed Beak & Barrel Tavern.

Meanwhile, Universal said goodbye to an icon as Rip Ride Rockit played its last tunes, and Disney shuffled Extended Evening Hours with a rare Animal Kingdom twist. To top it all off? Halloween landed early at Disney Springs with Jock Lindsey’s frightfully fun bar makeover.

Let’s dive into all the highlights 👇

🎢 Sneak Peeks & Upcoming Changes at Disney

The Electric Mayhem is Coming to Hollywood Studios 🚀

Ready for some Muppet magic and high-speed hijinks? Our newest post dives into the full story behind Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, arriving at Hollywood Studios in 2026! Inside, you’ll find:

• A story-driven guide to the new experience—from the missing Electric Mayhem to Scooter’s mad dash to get them back in the spotlight.

• A peek at concept art featuring Scooter, the penguin engineers, plus Miss Piggy and Kermit in screen cameos—set in a chaotic, loveable preshow scene.

• The grooviest Pixie Dust Pro Tips around—for the perfect photo, spotting hidden Muppet Easter eggs, and riding smart once the coaster reopens.

• A handy timeline, a lighthearted “Rumor Check” to separate fun chatter from official news, and why this retheme truly matters.

Reimagined pre-show for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Staring the Muppets. Image Credit: Disney

Get the full lowdown—and perhaps a little Muppet mayhem inspiration—over on the blog: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Muppets Reimaging.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Reimagined for 2026

Magic Kingdom’s beloved runaway mine train is getting a serious glow-up! When Big Thunder Mountain reopens in 2026, it'll do so with a richer storyline, a dazzling Rainbow Caverns scene (think glowing gems, phosphorescent pools—and yes, hundreds of bats!), and a deeper dive into the wild legend of Barnabas T. Bullion. While you wait, you can explore the full breakdown of changes, concept art, and lore-packed storytelling in our full post—Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens in 2026.

Updated Big Thunder Mountain concept art. Image Credit: Disney

Want the full scoop on what to ride, when to ride it, and what not to miss at Magic Kingdom?👉 Check out our Magic Kingdom Ride & Attraction Guide

🦊 Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Opens November 7 at Animal Kingdom

It’s official — Zootopia: Better Zoogether! debuts November 7, 2025 inside the Tree of Life Theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new 4D show brings Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and friends together for “Zoogether Day LIVE!” with music, comedy, and performances from across Zootopia’s biomes. Plus, Judy and Nick will meet guests nearby in their updated Zootopia 2 looks. 🎉

Zootopia: Better Zoogether meet and greet. Image Credit: Disney

👉 Read our full post for all the details: Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Opening November 7, 2025

Learn which rides are worth rope-dropping, plus the best trails, shows, and hidden gems.👉 Dive into our Animal Kingdom Ride & Attraction Guide

🏴‍☠️ First Look Inside Beak & Barrel Tavern

After a bumpy start with ADR snafus and even a few system crashes, reservations for Magic Kingdom’s upcoming pirate lounge, the Beak & Barrel Tavern, finally went live—and now Disney has given us our very first sneak peek inside! The newly released photos reveal richly themed spaces like The Mess dining hall, the skull-shaped Cursed Bar anchored by the enchanted rum bottle, and the debut of Rummy the parrot, Captain Merry Goldwyn’s cheeky first mate. Disney even shared a reel of Rummy singing from his perch, giving fans a taste of the tavern’s playful, story-driven vibe.

Sneak Peek at the interior of The Beak and Barrel Tavern in the Magic Kingdom. Photo Credit: Disney

👉 See all the photos and details in our updated Beak & Barrel Tavern guide »

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re new to Disney dining, ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations) are how you book table-service meals at Disney World. You can make them right in the My Disney Experience app or on the Disney website—get the full step-by-step in our 2025 Disney Dining Reservations Guide ».

🎡 Universal Orlando Updates

Rip Ride Rockit’s Farewell

🎢 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has rocked its final tunes! The iconic coaster, beloved for its vertical launch and personalized soundtracks, has officially closed as of August 18, 2025, marking the end of a 16-year ride at Universal Studios Florida Nostalgic fans toasted the ride’s send-off with last spins, themed T-shirts, and guitar picks—while others couldn’t wait to move on Now, with construction walls already going up, rumors are swirling: Universal may be prepping a brand‑new Intamin thrill coaster, possibly opening around 2027

Rip Ride Rockit in Universal Studios Florida closed on August 18, 2025

👉 See our full recap and what might be replacing Rip Ride Rockit » Read more

Planning a visit? Get the full scoop in our complete Universal Studios Florida Guide »

🎃 Seasonal Updates

✨ Extended Evening Hours Shuffle for October

Disney just announced a late-fall switch: Animal Kingdom will replace EPCOT for Extended Evening Hours in late October 2025. While EPCOT usually hosts most Monday nights, the after-hours perk is shifting to Animal Kingdom for those dates—giving deluxe resort guests extra time to enjoy favorites like Flight of Passage after dark.

Animal Kingdom Tree of Life

The new line up of Extended Evenings for October:

🌟 Hollywood Studios

• Wednesday, October 1, 2025 — 9PM–11PM

• Wednesday, October 8, 2025 — 9PM–11PM

• Wednesday, October 15, 2025 — 9PM–11PM

• Wednesday, October 22, 2025 — 9PM–11PM

• Wednesday, October 29, 2025 — 9PM–11PM

🌐 EPCOT

• Monday, October 6, 2025 — 9PM–11PM

• Monday, October 13, 2025 — 9PM–11PM

• Monday, October 20, 2025 — 9PM–11PM

🦁 Animal Kingdom

• Monday, October 27, 2025 — 6PM–8PM

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you were planning on Remy’s or Frozen during those nights, double-check your dates and adjust—this is a rare chance to experience Pandora in the quiet of an extra-hours evening.

Want to know more about which Disney Resort Hotels qualify for this perk? Check out our full 2025 Extended Evening Hours Guide »

🎃 Spooky Season Takes Flight at Disney Springs

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar has unveiled its first-ever Halloween makeover, now through November 4, 2025! The vintage aviation lounge has been transformed with pumpkin scarecrows, glowing Jack-O’-Lantern clusters, and retro black-cat décor—setting the scene for a cozy yet spooky night out.

Sneak Peek of Jock Lindsey's Hanger Bar Halloween overlay. Photo credit: Disney

On the menu: nine brand-new seasonal bites and sips, including Alien Invader Sliders, Phantom Dumplings, Zombie Eye Bites, and chilling cocktails like the Skull of the Dead and Pumpkin Patch Old Fashioned. Family-friendly pick? The non-alcoholic Snake Egg Surprise.

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Swing by before sunset for easier seating—and snap some eerie-chic photos before your evening park time.

👉 Get the full seasonal scoop in our Fall at Walt Disney World Guide »

🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of August 15, 2025

There’s no such thing as a slow week in the parks, and this one proved it! From spooky debuts at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 🎃 to the full 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival menus 🍷, plus fresh entertainment, dining drama, and even Universal’s splashy nighttime comeback 🌋—we’ve got all the biggest updates you’ll want to know before your next trip.

Here’s what’s making headlines across Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando this week:

🎃 What’s New at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2025

Spooky season has officially kicked off at Walt Disney World, and this year’s MNSSHP is full of fresh surprises. Here’s what’s new for 2025:

✨ Party Highlights

• Jack Skellington & Sally Revamped: Both have updated looks, making their Town Square Theater meet-and-greet even more popular.

• ZOM-BEATZ BASH Dance Party: A brand-new dance party inspired by Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires brings music and energy to Tomorrowland.

• Storybook Circus Transformed: The land has a spooky circus overlay with themed décor, a DJ ringmaster, circus performers, and new character greetings. Pluto greets at the entrance, while Daisy and Goofy meet inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow.

• Mother Gothel Debuts: She’s part of the Market Street welcome and also takes her place on the Villains float in the Boo-To-You Parade.

• Updated Treat Trails: With two new stops in Storybook Circus (Fantasyland Train Station and Dumbo), there are 14 treat trails total this year, and some are even handing out full-sized candy bars.

🎉 Parade Updates You Can’t Miss

The Boo-To-You Parade has had some lineup changes and fresh touches in 2025:

• Mother Gothel joins the Villains float, replacing Jafar, who now walks ahead of it.

• All four Country Bears are back! In past years, only Big Al and Wendel appeared — this year Liver Lips and Shaker return too.

• The Poultry Prancers and Horace Horsecollar are gone, slimming down the Halloween Hoedown unit.

• New skeleton dancers add extra energy to the street-level performance.

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If seeing the villains is a priority, stake out a spot for the 11:15 PM parade. It’s usually less crowded, and you’ll get a better view of the full villain lineup.

👉 You can find all these details and more in our Ultimate 2025 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide — complete with an updated party map and downloadable cheat sheet! 🎃👻

🍷 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Menus Are Here!

Get your forks (and tasting cards) ready—the full lineup for this year’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festivalhas officially been announced, and it’s packed with delicious surprises. Over 35 Global Marketplaces are serving up everything from returning fan favorites like the Canada booth’s filet mignon and Brazil’s pão de queijo, to adventurous new sips and bites, including the brand-new booth opening later in the season.

We’ve pulled together the complete 2025 Food & Wine Festival Menu Guide, organized by EPCOT neighborhood, with tips, personal recommendations, and all those [NEW] items you’ll want to try first. Plus, we’ve marked Emile’s Fromage Montage-eligible dishes with 🧀 so you can cheese-crawl your way around the park. And don’t miss our updated 2025 Festival Map & Cheat Sheet to help you plan your tastiest stroll yet.

📖 Read the full 2025 Food & Wine Festival Menu Guide »

⚠️ ADR Snafu at Disney World

Booking day for The Beak and Barrel didn’t go as planned. On August 14, Disney’s online dining system crashed right before ADRs were set to open, leaving guests unable to make reservations. Disney has since confirmed that bookings will not reopen until sometime the week of August 18—but they haven’t given an exact date yet. So if you’re hoping to score a spot at Magic Kingdom’s first pirate lounge, keep those alarms set and check back daily until reservations officially “set sail.”

👉 For a full look at the pirate-themed lounge—menu, tips, and backstory, plus any ADR opening updates—check out our Beak and Barrel Magic Kingdom Guide.

EPCOT This Week — Fresh Faces & Construction Vibes

This week at EPCOT, we’re seeing both dazzling new entertainment and behind-the-scenes updates!

“Acrobatico!” Launches at EPCOT’s France Pavilion

A brand-new live acrobatic show, Acrobatico!, has just premiered at the France Pavilion this week. Expect jaw-dropping feats of balance and athleticism—performers are seen stacking chairs high and delivering gravity-defying routines that are sure to enchant guests strolling through this charming World Showcase locale

Fresh Look for The Seas Pavilion Entrance

Also debuting this week: the entrance to EPCOT’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion gets a sleek update. The new signage prominently highlights the “Seabase Aquarium,” offering a refreshed welcome to one of the park’s most beloved marine experiences.

In the Japan Pavilion, the popular Garden House sake kiosk has closed unexpectedly as of August 11, now encircled by construction walls. Guests are being directed to the Mitsukoshi Department Store’s indoor sake bar instead. Construction appears linked to earlier walls installed nearby—and permits suggest a future Gashapon Kiosk, hinting at a capsule-toy-themed surprise in the works

🌐 Want the full picture of what EPCOT has to offer? Our EPCOT Attractions Guide breaks down all the rides, shows, and experiences across the park’s four neighborhoods.

Minnie Van Airport Service Expands to Deluxe Resort Guests

Minnie Van Airport Service Expands to Deluxe Resort Guests

Starting Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Minnie Van Service—Disney’s whimsical rideshare option through Lyft—will now offer direct transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) for guests staying at Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa hotels. Previously, only Club-level guests could book this perk.

• Cost: $199 each way or $398 round trip

• Capacity: Standard Minnie Vans hold up to six passengers and include two car seats; accessible versions seat five, with one car seat and space for two mobility devices

• How to Book: Reserve through the Lyft app from select Walt Disney World locations—just choose “Minnie Van” as your ride.

  
  

🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This is a fun alternative for larger families or those wanting to start the magic just a little bit earlier, making the trip to MCO part of the Disney experience instead of just a travel chore.

🚗 Planning your ride to or from the airport? Our full MCO to Disney World Transportation Guide compares all your options — from buses and shuttles to private cars and Minnie Vans.

💦 Volcano Bay Nights Returns This Fall

Universal’s tropical water theme park is about to get even splashier after dark! Volcano Bay Nights is coming back every Friday in September and October 2025 (Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31). This separately ticketed after-hours event transforms the park into a glowing beach party, complete with select attractions, live DJs, beach games, and DreamWorks character meet-and-greets — all under the stars. 🌺

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Tickets aren’t on sale yet, so keep watch if you want to snag your spot for this limited-capacity nighttime splash fest!

🌋 Want to know more about Universal’s water theme park? Check out our complete Volcano Bay Guide with tips, attractions, and planning hacks for your splashy day in the sun.

Image Credit @Universe

✨ In Case You Missed It…

• Traveling with the littlest Mouseketeers? We’ve updated our Disney with Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers Guide — now packed with fresh insights on navigating the parks with small children, top attractions for their age, stroller and break tips, and more planning pixie dust.

• Curious about maximizing ride time when not everyone wants to ride? Check out our refreshed Rider-Swapping FAQ, now streamlined with step-by-step instructions, digital pass updates, Lightning-Lane guidance, and common snafus (plus how to avoid them).

🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of August 8, 2025

Spooky season may be creeping in early, but this week’s Disney and Universal news is anything but scary — unless you count haunted houses, lightning strikes, and pirates serving rum in the Magic Kingdom. 🏴‍☠️✨

From the opening date of Disney’s first-ever in-park lounge to the full Halloween Horror Nights 2025 lineup, big attraction changes, and a peek at what’s coming to Walt Disney World through 2026, there’s a lot to unpack. We’ve even got a front-row view of Cinderella Castle taking a direct lightning hit (don’t worry — the castle’s just fine).

Here’s everything you need to know from the week of August 8, 2025, plus guides and tips to help you plan your next park day like a pro.

⚡ Lightning Strikes Cinderella Castle — Captured on Camera

On August 5, guests at Magic Kingdom watched in awe as a bolt of lightning struck the tallest spire of Cinderella Castle around 6 PM. The dramatic moment sent a resounding boom through the park—and even made the hair stand on end for one witness.

An AllEars.net reporter happened to be filming when the strike hit, capturing both the blinding flash and the thunderous sound.

🎥 Watch their footage below (courtesy of AllEarsnet Instagram):

And while storms can certainly be a thrill, the biggest buzz (pun intended) in the parks right now is happening in Adventureland…

🏴‍☠️ The Rum Is Finally Here!

Magic Kingdom’s first-ever lounge is about to set sail. The Beak and Barrel opens August 29 in Adventureland, bringing pirate lore, themed cocktails, shareable bites, and even a parrot named Rummy to the park. We’ve got the full scoop—menu highlights, reservation tips, and why this is a historic first for Disney’s most iconic park.

👉 Read the full Beak and Barrel guide here »

Image credit @Disney

But Adventureland isn’t the only place getting something new — Tomorrowland has big changes on the horizon, too.

🚀 Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Closing for 2026 Reimagining

On August 4, 2025, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom took its final spin — for now. This longtime Tomorrowland favorite is undergoing a major reimagining and will return in 2026 with upgraded ride vehicles, always-on color-coded blasters, interactive targets, and a brand-new training scene featuring a robot sidekick named “Buddy.”

We’re taking a look back at the ride’s 50+ year history in this show building — from Eastern Air Lines’ If You Had Wingsto the aviation-themed Delta Dreamflight — plus sharing Disney’s confirmed updates and the juiciest rumors about what’s next.

👉 Read our full Buzz Lightyear Reimagining Guide

And Buzz’s big refresh is just one of many changes on the way…

✨ What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025, 2026 & Beyond

From brand-new lands like Villains Land and Piston Peak to the return of The Magic of Disney Animation, a Zootopia takeover at Animal Kingdom, and reimagined favorites like Test Track 3.0, the next few years are bringing massivechanges to every park.

We’ve rounded up everything confirmed so far — opening dates, concept art, behind-the-scenes details, and our own “boots on the ground” updates from the parks.

📅 Whether you’re planning a trip next month or just daydreaming about 2026, this is your one-stop guide to what’s new — and what’s next — at Walt Disney World.

👉 Read the full guide here

Concept Art Images @Disney

And while Disney’s looking toward the future, Universal Orlando is gearing up for its biggest event of the year right now…

🎃 Full Halloween Horror Nights 2025 Lineup Revealed!

The fog has officially lifted—Universal Orlando has confirmed the entire Halloween Horror Nights 34 lineup!

Image credit @Universal

This year brings 10 haunted houses, including the brand-new WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks, terrifying IPs like Fallout, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Jason Un1v3rse, plus immersive originals like Gálkn: Monsters of the North and Grave of Flesh. Add in the return of Death Eaters to Diagon Alley, four scare zones, two live shows, the Museum of Antiquities–themed Tribute Store, and updated Stay & Scream early entry procedures—this is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious HHN seasons yet.

👉 Read the full HHN 2025 Guide here »

🍷 ICYMI: Our New Disney World Signature Dining Guide

Looking to add a little extra sparkle (and maybe some truffle butter) to your next Disney trip? ✨ We’ve rounded up our top picks for signature dining — the restaurants that serve up next-level food, magical atmosphere, and unforgettable experiences. From Victoria & Albert’s elegance to fireworks views at California Grill, this guide will help you plan a meal worth dressing up for.

👉 Read the full Signature Dining Guide here »

🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of August 1, 2025

Spooky season is creeping in fast—and the magic is already in full swing at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando! From brand-new Halloween snacks and party merch to early fall decor and special overlays, there’s a lot to get excited about this week.

We’re rounding up all the latest updates, plus new planning tools, festival news, and insider tips to help you get the most out of your upcoming trip. Let’s dive in! 👇

👻 Halloween is Beginning to Haunt the Walt Disney World!

🎃 New MNSSHP Snacks & Spooky Merch Just Dropped!

This week, Disney released the full lineup of frightfully fun food and drink offerings for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025—and we’re dying to try them all! From Pumpkin-Spiced Funnel Cake Sundaes and Chipotle Barbecue Pork Mini Corn Dogs to the return of fan-favorite Jack & Sally Cake Pops, this year’s party menu features over 45 exclusive treats.

🧁 We’ve broken it all down by land, tagged each item with [NEW for 2025] and [All-Day] labels for easy planning, and sprinkled in helpful tips for mobile ordering and must-try bites.

👉 🕸️ View the Full 2025 MNSSHP Food & Drink Guide »

🛍️ Party-Exclusive Halloween Merchandise

Disney also revealed a first look at the 2025 MNSSHP-exclusive merch, and it’s full of spooky style:

• 👻 Glow-in-the-dark T-shirt perfect for trick-or-treating

• 🎃 Halloween Loungefly backpack with a detachable pumpkin coin purse

• 🧥 Ghostly Spirit Jersey featuring Mickey & Minnie in their spookiest looks

• 🧙 Hocus Pocus pins, bat-wing mugs, and other frightfully fun collectibles

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Popular items like the Loungefly bags and Spirit Jerseys often sell out fast—shop early, especially on opening nights and weekends!

🎟️ → Get the full scoop in our 2025 MNSSHP Ultimate Guide »

🎃 Halloween & Fall Prep Begins -Main Street Fall Decor Arrives

Spotted this week: pumpkins popping up on Main Street, U.S.A.! 🎃 It might seem early, but Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off in less than two weeks, so spooky season is officially creeping in.

🛒 Halloween Merchandise Hits Disney Springs & Resorts

In addition to party-exclusive items, general fall and Halloween merchandise is now available throughout Disney Springs and resort shops. From plushies and ears to home decor and themed snacks, now’s a great time to get your Halloween haul started.

Haunted Mansion Spirit Jersey Photo Credit @Disney

Halloween at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Disney Springs is rolling out a spooky surprise this fall: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will be transformed into a haunted, Halloween‑themed outpost — think Jock Lindsey’s Halloween Bar! Expect festive overhead decorations, creepy autumn touches, and a themed cocktail menu featuring concoctions like the Pumpkin Patch Old Fashioned, Spice Pear Potion, and Creepy Mudslide. Based on the teaser — a jack‑o’‑lantern tumbling into a bed of leaves with the caption “Something’s brewing…” — guests are eagerly awaiting the full reveal. Keep an eye out for updates as fall approaches!

🧚‍♀️→Click here to read more about all of the fun Fall happenings around Walt Disney World

🥐 Bonjour, Brunch Lovers! New EPCOT Festival Buffet Just Announced

Ready to start your EPCOT Food & Wine day with buttery croissants, smoked salmon, and bottomless mimosas? 🍾 We just updated our 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Guide with all the details on a brand-new Parisian breakfast buffet at Chefs de France!

✨ This limited-time brunch runs Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 5–Nov. 22, and it’s definitely one to book early if you want a magical, crowd-free start to your festival day.

🧚‍♀️  → Click here to our updated EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival guide complete with our Newly Updated 2025 Food & Wine Festival Map.

🔁 ICYMI: This Week’s Blog Highlights

🎭 NEW: Epic Universe Character Guide + Free Map

!Ready to meet Mario, Toothless, Peach, and even Dracula? Our brand-new Epic Universe Character Guide is live! 🐉🍄🧛

✔️ Exact meet-and-greet locations✔️ Roaming character tips✔️ Interaction do’s & don’ts✔️ FREE printable character cheat sheet + map

Many of the characters in Isle of Berk, Ministry of Magic, and Dark Universe aren’t just standing in one place—they’re part of the story unfolding around you. Think roaming Stormtroopers in Galaxy’s Edge, but with dragons, monsters, and magical wizards.

👉 Read the full guide here to grab the Epic Universe Character Map and take the magic with you!

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Some of the best character moments happen when you least expect them—this guide helps you know where to look.

🗺️ Make Trip Planning a Breeze! Don’t forget to check out the rest of our fan-favorite free downloadable cheat sheets and maps for Walt Disney Worldand Universal Orlando. From park touring strategies to character maps and party guides, we’ve got you covered!

👉 Browse All Downloads Here »

🔎 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 News Roundup – July 2025

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Lyn, Bren, and Kim