Disney Discussions Weekly Recap for the Week of 1/26/25
This week was a slow news week but, Disney gives us details on Valentine’s snacks, a new Disney+ Christmas movie, and the fate of the Galactic Starcruiser.
Welcome to the 21st edition of our Disney Discussions Weekly Recap. The week was crazy, so I couldn’t post about our trip. Look for that in the coming weeks.
This week was a slow news week, but Disney gives us details on Valentine’s snacks, a new Disney+ Christmas movie, and the fate of the Galactic Starcruiser.
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This Week’s Disney News 🐭
Walt Disney World News 🏰:
🏨 Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ Hotel to Be Converted to Offices for Future Walt Disney World Projects - TheWrap
This is sad. I’m surprised they haven’t done anything to make this a half-day or one-day experience. But I guess with all the work happening and going to happen, they need offices, and this was available.
🚜 Monsters Inc. Land Updates: New Permit, and Fresh Paint on Old Structure at Disney's Hollywood Studios - WDWMAGIC
The mystery of the steel structure between Muppet*Vision 3D and Mama Melrose's has taken a turn. It's recently been painted light blue, a departure from its rusty red. As seen in the park, Disney uses this color to blend structures into the sky. A new Notice of Commencement (NOC) for construction was filed earlier this week. This site has hosted themed meet-and-greet experiences, including characters from Disney•Pixar's Cars and Phineas and Ferb. However, it's within the area for the new Monsters Inc. Land, signaling progress on the redevelopment into Monstropolis.
‘Celebrate Soulfully’ Offerings Return to Disney Parks to Celebrate Black History Month 2025 - WDWNT
First Piece of New Track Placed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom - WDWNT
The first section of track has been installed as work continues on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. It will reopen with some new magic in 2026. A villains-themed land is also planned, suggesting the refurbishment is in preparation for that expansion.
🐅 Bakso the Sumatran Tiger Cub Draws Big Crowds at Disney's Animal Kingdom - WDWMAGIC
Bakso, the Sumatran tiger cub, is a must-see attraction. Guests on the Maharajah Jungle Trek face wait times up to 20 minutes as crowds gather to see him in his new habitat.
🎶 Who's Performing at EPCOT's Garden Rocks 2025? Full Artist Lineup Revealed - WDWMAGIC
2025 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Garden Rocks Concert Series Performer Lineup
March 7-8 – Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of Boston
March 9-10 – Air Supply – 50th Anniversary Celebration
March 14-15 – Blue October
March 16-17 – Rick Springfield
March 21-22 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
March 23-24 – 38 Special
March 28-29 – Jason Scheff, longtime singer of Chicago
March 30-31 – TBD
April 4-5 – THE ORCHESTRA Starring ELO and ELO Part II Former Members
April 6-7 – Sugar Ray
April 11-12 – Simple Plan
April 13-14 – Jo Dee Messina
April 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice
April 20-21 – A Flock of Seagulls
April 25-26 – Taylor Dayne
April 27-28 – 98 Degrees
May 2-5 – Plain White T’s
May 9-10 – Jon Secada
May 11-12 – Maverick City Music (NEW)
May 16-17 – The Spinners
May 18-19 – The Pointer Sisters
May 23-24 – The Outlaws (NEW)
May 25-26 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
May 30-31 – The Cat Empire (NEW)
June 1-2 – We The Kingdom (NEW)
❤️ Walt Disney World Extends Park Hours for Valentine's Day Week 2025 - WDWMAGIC
Disney's Animal Kingdom
February 9, 14, 15: Closing extended from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
February 14–15: Early entry begins at 8:00 am, moved up from 8:30 am.
Magic Kingdom
February 9–10: Closing extended from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
February 13: Closing extended from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
February 14: Early entry begins at 7:30 am, moved up from 8:30 am.
February 14–15: Park opening moved to 8:00 am, with closing extended to 11:00 pm.
Disneyland News:
❤️ Disney Eats: Valentine’s Day Foodie Guide 2025
Some yummy-looking treats are coming to WDW and Disneyland for February.
🚂 Disneyland Railroad & Monorail Reopening Dates Announced -WDWNT
Both classic attractions will reopen on March 7, 2025. The Disneyland Railroad and Monorail have been closed since early this month, with the Railroad’s closure being the second of four planned three-month refurbishments, each targeting a different track section.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Cannons Functioning Again at Disneyland - DAPSMAGIC
The cannons in the final scene of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland are now operational. They move and fire as guests drive underneath with a droid, trying to escape the First Order. Hopefully, this fix will also come to Walt Disney World.
Disneyland “it’s a small world” Closed for Another Multi-Month Refurbishment - WDWNT
New walls surround the “it’s a small world” facade as the attraction is closed for a lengthy refurbishment. No reopening date has been announced, but it is expected to return in the spring.
Muppet News 🐸 :
Muppets Appear in Booking.com Super Bowl Commercials - DAPSMAGIC
Booking.com has enlisted the Muppets this year to demonstrate how it helps everyone find exactly what they need. The ads feature Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Statler, Waldorf, and Gonzo!
No Closing Date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Leaving Disney’s Hollywood Studios Without the Muppets - WDWNT
Despite the recent news of MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo closing this summer to make room for the new attraction, there has been no announcement regarding a closing date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
Disney Cruise Line News 🛳️ :
Star Wars BDX Droids Sail on the Disney Wish Cruise Ship - WDWNT
Imagineering’s “Star Wars” BDX droids recently set sail aboard the Disney Wish. The official Disney Parks social media accounts shared a video.
Disney Entertainment News 🎬:
Jonas Brothers to Star in New Christmas Movie for Disney+ in 2025 - WDWNT
A Jonas Brothers Christmas comedy film is coming to the Disney+ streaming service in time for Christmas 2025.
Disney Announces Release Date for ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Official Trailer - WDWNT
A trailer will air on “Good Morning America" on February 4, 2025. A teaser was shown at D23 2024, but the footage was never released. It’s unclear if the trailer will be the same or feature new footage.
Disney Discussions Recent Archive:
🧚 Pixie Dust ✨
Fun Facts: 📬
Did you know that during the construction of Disneyland in the early 1950s, Walt Disney created an apartment for his family above the Fire Department on Main Street? A lamp in the window served as a signal for staff to know when he was present, and it now remains lit in his memory. You can also take a tour of both Main Street and the apartment.
📸 Magic Shots of the Week:
We all have favorite photos from our Disney vacations. I will share one of mine each week, but I would also love to include yours! Please email your Disney photo to photos@disneydiscussions.com, and I’ll feature it in a future weekly recap.
🌟 Disney Tip of the Week:
🍨 Want a Beaches and Cream Sundae but didn’t get reservations? There’s a walk-up window where you can order ice cream. “But Tony, the No Way Jose sundae is not on the walk-up menu!“ Well, all you have to do is ask, and you shall receive, in exchange for money