Walt Disney World News Roundup | September 2025 Archive
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Sep 28, 2025
- 15 min read
🔎 Looking forOur Current Pixie Press?
🔎 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:
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of September 27, 2025
It’s been another busy week in the World! From a galaxy far, far away shifting meet & greet spots, to a brand-new Tron overlay lighting up Tomorrowland, and even a peek at holiday magic on the horizon — there’s plenty to catch up on. In this week’s roundup we’re covering:
The permanent closure of Star Wars Launch Bay and where to now find Darth Vader and Chewbacca
A first look at this year’s Jollywood Nights merchandise
Dates and details for Disney After Hours 2026
The latest Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is completely sold
Plus a brand-new Tron: Ares overlay at Magic Kingdom
And don’t miss the ICYMI section, where we’ve updated our Hollywood Studios character guides and downloadable cheat sheets with all the latest changes. Let's dive in.
🚀 Star Wars Launch Bay & Disney Junior Dance Party Close at Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios said goodbye to two longtime Animation Courtyard staples this week. Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Junior Play & Dance! both had their final day of operation on September 24, officially closing on September 25, 2025.
The closures are part of a larger reimagining of the Animation Courtyard into a new land inspired by The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Launch Bay will be transformed into The Magic of Disney Animation, opening in 2026 with interactive exhibits, a short film, character greetings, and a whimsical Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area for kids.
The former Disney Junior space will also debut a brand-new show in the coming years.
Don’t worry — The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents will remain open during construction. And for families with little ones, the Disney Junior Play n’ Dine breakfast at Hollywood & Vine is still running, with characters like Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, and Roadster Goofy.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If Disney Junior meet-and-greets are high on your list, book the Hollywood & Vine breakfast to guarantee face time with your little one’s favorite pals — or check our Hollywood Studios Character Guide for all the current character locations.
With Launch Bay closed, fan-favorite Star Wars characters have already shifted to new homes:
Darth Vader now meets guests in the Star Tours extended queue.
Chewbacca greets travelers in a shaded alcove beside the Millennium Falcon in Galaxy’s Edge.
✨ Editor’s Note: We’ve already updated all of the guides and helpful posts on our Hollywood Stuios Planning Hub to reflect these closures and character changes, so you can plan with the most up-to-date information.
🎄 Jollywood Nights Merch Sneak Peek
Disney just dropped a first look at the 2025 Jollywood Nights exclusive merchandise — and the spotlight is on none other than Ollie the Gingerbread Man, the dapper cookie who’s quickly becoming the face of this Hollywood holiday celebration. From a Spirit Jersey and Loungefly backpack to a festive mug and ornament, this year’s lineup is all about Ollie’s charm. 🍪✨
👉 We rounded up the full merch preview and Ollie’s backstory in our latest post: First Look at Jollywood Nights 2025 Merchandise & Ollie the Gingerbread Man.
Planning to attend? Don’t miss our Jollywood Nights Guide for event details and our Character & Shows Map + Cheat Sheet to plan your night of glitzy holiday fun.
✨ Disney After Hours 2026 Dates Announced
Disney confirmed that After Hours events are returning in 2026 at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. These late-night parties bring smaller crowds, short wait times, and free snacks — plus extras like Disney Enchantment fireworks at Magic Kingdom and roaming characters at Hollywood Studios. We’ve updated our printable After Hours cheat sheets with all the 2026 dates and details, and you can dive into the full scoop (tickets, hours, rides, and whether the splurge is worth it) in our Disney After Hours 2026 Guide.
⚡ Tron: Ares Overlay Now Live
Magic Kingdom’s TRON Lightcycle / Run has switched into its new “Tron: Ares” overlay, which debuted September 15. The ride now features darker, moodier lighting with a red-tinged glow and story elements tied to the upcoming Tron: Ares film. Guests can expect an edgier vibe than the classic blue grid aesthetic. We are super pumped to see this on our October trip!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Hop in the stand by queue or purchase a Lightning Lane to ride after dark — the new red lighting packs way more punch once the sun goes down.
🎃 MNSSHP 2025 Officially Sold Out
Every single date for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025 is now sold out! If you already have tickets, you’re in for one of the spookiest (and sweetest) nights of the year at Magic Kingdom.
✨ Still planning your visit? Don’t miss our complete 2025 MNSSHP Guide for ticket details, parade times, costumes, and strategies — plus our free MNSSHP Map & Cheat Sheet to help you navigate the night like a pro.
🌊✨ Coming Up Next Week
This Disney Girl is setting sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise — which means next week’s news post will look a little different! Instead of our regular Walt Disney World roundup, we’ll be kicking off a brand-new series: “A Disney Girl Goes on Royal Caribbean.” I’ll be sharing first-hand cruise tips, comparisons to Disney Cruise Line, and plenty of pixie-dusted planning advice from onboard. Don’t miss it! 🚢✨
🔎 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
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of September 20, 2025
From holiday sparkle to unexpected headlines, this week’s news has it all. Disney just revealed the star-studded narrator lineup for EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional 🎄, while Florida residents scored brand-new ticket and hotel deals to make those holiday visits a little more magical. Over at Animal Kingdom, we said goodbye to a true icon — Gino the gorilla — whose legacy of conservation and connection will live on 🐵.
Universal’s Epic Universe faced heartbreaking news following a guest incident, reminding us how important it is to pause and extend compassion. Meanwhile, Hollywood Studios quietly brought back some nighttime projection magic 🌙, and Disney Springs had a headline that sounds straight out of a heist movie (yes, it involved scuba gear).
Grab your cocoa (or something stronger if you’re thinking about that robbery 😅) and let’s dive into this week’s updates from the parks.
✉️ This Week’s Magic at a Glance:
🎄 Candlelight Narrators Announced (Sept. 18, 2025)
Disney just unwrapped one of the biggest holiday reveals of the year — the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Candlelight Processional narrators! This season’s lineup brings a mix of first-time stars like Constance Wu, Jennifer Garner, Brie Larson, and Henry Winkler alongside returning favorites including Brendan Fraser, Jordan Fisher, and Gary Sinise. The beloved tradition runs nightly from November 28–December 30 with three performances at America Gardens Theatre. Dining Packages open October 14, offering guaranteed seating.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Dining Packages for Candlelight sell out fast — especially when big-name narrators are announced. Book as soon as reservations open on October 14 to secure your spot.
👉 See the full lineup and festival details in our EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2025 Guide. and do not miss our newly updated Festival of the Holidays map and cheat sheet.
🚨 Epic Universe Incident
Sad news out of Universal Orlando this week: a guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at the new Epic Universe park and later passed away. The roller coaster remains closed while officials complete their investigation. Our hearts go out to the guest’s family, as well as to the Universal team members impacted by this tragedy.
You can find more details in the Local news coverage here.
🐵 Farewell to Gino the Gorilla
This week, Disney’s Animal Kingdom said goodbye to Gino, the beloved western lowland silverback who had lived at the park since opening day in 1998. Gino passed away at the age of 44, leaving behind 14 offspring and a lasting legacy in global gorilla conservation through the Species Survival Plan. Known for his steady leadership and the way he connected with guests along Gorilla Falls, Gino’s presence will be deeply missed.
Read our full tribute here ➡️ Remembering Gino the Gorilla.
👉 Explore more: Baby Animals at Animal Kingdom Guide | Animal Kingdom Attractions Guide | Animal Kingdom Tours Guide
🎟️ New Florida Resident Deals
Florida locals just scored two sweet perks for the fall-holiday season:
Disney released a new 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket starting at $70 per day ($210 total before tax). The ticket is valid at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom (sorry, Magic Kingdom not included) for visits October 5 – December 23, 2025. Guests can upgrade with Park Hopper or Water Park add-ons, but a theme park reservation is still required.
Holiday Room Offer for Florida residents at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Standard rooms at All-Star Sports start around $129/night + tax, with similar seasonal savings available at higher-tier resorts. Valid most nights November 16–29 and December 12–25, 2025. Rooms are limited; proof of Florida residence is required.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Combine both deals by staying during one of the valid room-offer windows and using the 3-Park Ticket. If you can pick travel dates around mid-November or mid-December, you might snag both room savings and discounted tickets, while avoiding some of the biggest crowds later in the holidays.
👉 See all current discounts: Walt Disney World Discounts & Deals
🌙 Nighttime Show Quietly Returns at Hollywood Studios
✨ Big changes are lighting up Hollywood Studios after dark! With no formal announcement, Disney Movie Magic has quietly returned to the schedule at the Chinese Theatre, featuring a 10-minute projection tribute to Disney’s live-action films, followed by Wonderful World of Animation’s animated journey through Disney and Pixar history.
On top of that, Fantasmic! is adjusted its showtimes to 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. starting September 18, giving guests a brand-new way to plan their evenings. We’re thrilled about the lineup — though we can’t help wishing Disney would also bring back Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular!
👉 Get the full story in our update: Disney Movie Magic Returns to Hollywood Studios Nighttime Lineup
Disney Springs Restaurant Robbery
A bizarre late-night heist at Disney Springs: just after midnight on Monday, September 15, a man in a wetsuit reportedly slipped into Paddlefish, grabbed cash while staff were counting the day’s take, and then put on scuba gear and swam away. No injuries were reported. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating; early reports put the haul at “thousands of dollars,” with some outlets citing between $10,000 and $20,000 was taken. Update (Sept 20, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not announced an arrest in the Paddlefish robbery; the investigation remains active.
👉 For more about Disney Springs dining & beyond (plus safer adventures!): Disney Springs Guide
🔎 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
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of September 13, 2025
✉️ This Week’s Magic at a Glance:
✨ The magic never slows down at Walt Disney World — and this week proves it! From holiday teasers (including our brand-new Jollywood Nights Map & Cheat Sheet to help you plan your glam night out) to nearly sold-out Halloween parties and big changes at Disney’s BoardWalk, there’s plenty to catch up on. We’re also sharing fresh guides, updated tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at how even our own trip hiccups turned into magical memories. Because at Disney, sometimes the best stories come from the moments you didn’t plan.
So grab your cocoa (or pumpkin spice latte 🎃☕️), settle in, and let’s dive into this week’s news, updates, and planning hacks from the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Sometimes the best Disney memories are born when everything doesn't go according to plan!
In Pivot: The Trip Where Everything Went Wrong (and We Still Had an Amazing Time). we share how unexpected hiccups—missed rides, weather curveballs, and last-minute changes—led to new adventures, closer moments, and memories that shone even brighter than any itinerary could promise.
Ever feel the way we did - like your Disney trip has a mind of its own? Our updated post, Replanning on the Fly: What to Do When Things Go Wrong at Disney World, is an essential companion to trips like ours. It's all about staying nimble when plans unravel—from sudden rainstorms to unexpected ride closures—and turning retries into magical memories. You'll find tips on redirecting your day with minimal stress, seizing off-plan opportunities, and keeping the fun flowing when the itinerary flips.
Plus, our post What to Do If You Get Sick or Hurt at Disney World is an absolute must-read for every traveler. It’s packed with real, compassionate advice—where to go if you’re under the weather, resources at your fingertips, and how to rest and recover without losing the magic.
These stories showcase a core belief of ours: travel isn’t always perfect, but with a little flexibility, practical know-how, and a sprinkle of pixie dust, even the unplanned moments can become the most magical ones.
🎄 Walt Disney World Holiday Teaser
Mark Your Calendars for September 16! Disney’s official pages now include a “check back September 16, 2025” notice for more holiday details — expected updates include reservation openings for Jazzy Holidays at Brown Derby, lounge experiences, and more specifics for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
In the meantime, we’ve updated our Disney’s Jollywood Nights 2025 Guide with the latest dates, prices, and entertainment — plus launched a brand-new Jollywood Nights Map & Cheat Sheet so you can start planning your glam holiday night at Hollywood Studios. ✨
Promenade Fine Art Gallery Closing October 19 at Disney’s BoardWalk — Location to Move Soon
The beloved Promenade Fine Art Gallery, located between the BoardWalk lobby and the Screen Door General Store at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, is closing its doors on October 19, 2025. But Disney fans can rest easy—Promenade isn’t disappearing. The gallery will be relocating to a new venue, though specific details are still under wraps. In the meantime, art lovers can still visit Promenade at its other Florida locations - inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or in St. Petersburg.
This move comes amid a series of transformations sweeping through the BoardWalk area, including the earlier closure of Jellyrolls and refurbishments at nearby deluxe resorts. Stay tuned as we keep an eye out for announcements about Promenade’s new home!
Want to keep up with all the latest offerings at Disney Resort Hotels? Explore our Resort Hotel Extras post — it’s your go-to for updates on hotel perks, new services, and more.
MNSSHP Update: Mostly Sold Out — Stay in the Know!
Hot off the broom: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is nearly sold out! If you’ve been holding off grabbing your tickets—now’s the time to act fast before your favorite dates vanish.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve been steadily updating our MNSSHP guides and map to reflect all the latest details—entertained offerings, new snacks, parade times, ride hours, and more. Week after week, we’re keeping everything fresh so your MNSSHP adventures are smoother than a ghost's glide.
Ready to get spooky-smart? Check out our:
Ultimate Guide & Tips — all the must-knows for getting the most out of your Halloween Party Night
Food Guide — the sweetest (and spookiest) party treats you’ll want to try
Map & Cheat Sheet — quick, at-a-glance maps and hacks to maximize every minute of MNSSHP
Don’t let sold-out dates spook you—arm yourself with the most up-to-date info and make magic happen!
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | Week of September 6, 2025
✉️ This Week’s Magic at a Glance:
We’re back from our whirlwind Disney trip—and let’s just say, things didn’t exactly go according to plan. Between weather, crowds, and a few surprise hiccups, we had to pivot more than once. But with our flexible brains switched on, we still managed to make plenty of magic and had a fabulous time.
🌟 Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more soon about what went sideways, how we problem-solved on the fly, and what we learned along the way.
In the meantime, here’s the latest news you don’t want to miss from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando this week:
🍷 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Kicks Off in Style
The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival opened to packed crowds and plenty of foodie buzz this past weekend—and we were there soaking it all in! From bold new flavors and cozy fall décor to live music at Eat to the Beat, opening weekend was a true celebration of everything we love about EPCOT festival season.
We’ve updated our 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Guide with fresh photos, first-hand booth reviews, our festival favorites (and one miss!), plus new details on scavenger hunts, delayed booth openings, and the Fromage Montage prize. 🍰🧀. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll definitely want to check out our guide for the latest insider tips and updates.
Disney Announces DINOSAUR Closing Date
It’s official: DINOSAUR will take its last lap on Feb 1, 2026, with Restaurantosaurus, the Dino Institute Shop, and Restaurantosaurus Lounge closing as well on Feb 2. We reprogrammed a Time Rover to revisit CTX, the 2000 rename, and the 2016 glow-up—plus we’ve got farewell-ride tips and what’s coming in Tropical Americas (Indiana Jones + Encanto) in 2027.
Read more here: Farewell to DINOSAUR: A Look Back & What’s Next.
Learn which rides are worth rope-dropping, plus the best trails, shows, and hidden gems.👉 Dive into our Animal Kingdom Ride & Attraction Guide
🦕 Goodbye to the Boneyard
The Boneyard officially closed on September 1, marking the next big step toward Animal Kingdom’s upcoming Tropical Americas expansion. Earlier closures happened back in January, and now this latest change has also brought a shuffle in walking routes. If you’re heading to DINOSAUR or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond, expect detours and new pathways through Dinoland U.S.A.
We’ve updated all of our Animal Kingdom Maps and Cheat Sheets to reflect these changes, so you’ll have the latest routes and tips at your fingertips.
Biggest Destination D23 Announcements
✨ Destination D23 2025 brought a whole wave of surprises for Walt Disney World fans—and some of these updates are truly game changers. From long-awaited upgrades to beloved classics like Carousel of Progress and Cinderella Castle, to bold new expansions and overlays at Magic Kingdom, Disney gave us a clear glimpse into the future of the parks and resorts. Here’s a look at the biggest announcements you’ll want to know about.
👑 Cinderella Castle Makeover
Cinderella Castle is set to shine in a whole new (but familiar) way. A new paint scheme will restore the castle to a more classic look with grays, creams, deep royal blues, and gold accents designed to shimmer under the Florida sun. Disney is using UV-resistant, automotive-grade paint so the finish lasts longer and looks even better. No official start date yet, but fans are thrilled to see the castle return to its timeless elegance.
👉 Read more about the upcoming changes and explore the history in The Changing Looks of Cinderella Castle.
🦹 Villains Land at Magic Kingdom
Disney Villains Land, first announced in 2024, is still in the planning stage—but Destination D23 2025 gave us a sneak peek at the creative process. Imagineers shared an early “idea board” and revealed that the design will be inspired by Art Nouveau and Modernisme architecture. They’re calling the look “conjured architecture”—swirling, dramatic facades that capture the essence of Disney’s most iconic bad guys. Land prep is already underway near Frontierland, but fans shouldn’t expect to explore this dark corner of the kingdom until closer to 2030.
🎡 Carousel of Progress Update
One of the biggest surprises at Destination D23 was news that Carousel of Progress is getting some love after more than 30 years. Imagineers revealed that a brand-new Walt Disney animatronic will join the show in the opening scene, paying tribute to Walt’s vision of progress and innovation. They also hinted that the rest of the Carousel family could see future upgrades with more lifelike movements and refreshed tech.
⚡ TRON: Ares Overlay
Beginning September 15, 2025, TRON Lightcycle Run will take on a fiery new look with the TRON: Ares overlay. The Grid will glow in red and orange, and the ride will feature an all-new Nine Inch Nails soundtrack that feels more intense and edgy than ever before. It’s unusual for Disney to re-theme a marquee ride so soon after opening, making this a must-see limited-time experience.
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
👻 HHN 2025 is Officially Underway
Halloween Horror Nights kicked off this weekend at Universal Orlando, and opening-night reviews are already rolling in! Early rankings put Terrifier and The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks at the top of the scare list, with El Artista earning rave reviews for its gothic beauty. Fallout and Five Nights at Freddy’s are drawing plenty of buzz, though fan opinions are split.
👉 Dive into our full Halloween Horror Nights 2025 Guide for ticket details, all 10 haunted houses, scare zones, and our roundup of this year’s house rankings and fan favorites.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If Terrifier is on your must-do list, pack a poncho—yes, there’s a wet path inside!
Want to dive deeper into Universal Orlando? Check out our full Universal Orlando Guide for everything you need to know about the parks, tickets, and tips for planning your visit.
✨ ICYMI: Blog Updates
🎟️ MagicBand+ FAQ Updated for 2025: We’ve refreshed our MagicBand+ FAQ with the latest pricing, features, and tips for using your band in the parks. If you’ve been wondering whether to upgrade, this guide has all the answers.
👶 Disney Stroller Rentals: What You Need to Know Planning to bring little ones to the parks? Our Stroller Rentals FAQ now includes a full breakdown of Disney vs. third-party rental options, restrictions, and Pixie Dust Pro Tips for navigating the parks with wheels.
🗺️ Make Trip Planning a Breeze! Don’t forget to check out 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!
🔎 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,
Lyn, Bren, and Kim
Comments