Disney Discussions Weekly Recap for the Week of 1/05/25
This week, Disney finally releases the Festival of the Arts menu, some pool closings, and hints at the Simpsons coming to a Disney theme park.
Welcome to the 19th edition of our Disney Discussions Weekly Recap.
This week, Disney finally releases the Festival of the Arts menu, some pool closings, and hints at the Simpsons coming to a Disney theme park.
Welcome to our new subscribers! When you get this, I’ll be on a plane headed to Walt Disney World. Because of that, there won't be a weekly recap next week, but I’ll do my best to put together a recap of my trip with some lessons learned.
If you are enjoying Disney Discussions — The Free Disney Newsletter, please share it with your Disney-loving friends and family.
This Week’s Disney News 🐭
Walt Disney World News 🏰:
🍽️ EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Foodie Guide 2025 - Disney Parks Blog
🏊 Disney's Grand Floridian Courtyard Pool Closing for Refurbishment Through Late February 2025 - WDWMAGIC
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will close its Courtyard Pool, adjacent whirlpool spa, and Courtyard Pool Bar from January 13, 2025, through late February 2025 for routine maintenance on the Courtyard Pool building.
I wish I had known this before our trip 😀, but the weather is not conducive to swimming anyway. Plus, their other pool is still open.Feature Pool at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Closing for Maintenance Starting Mid-January 2025 - WDWMAGIC
🎥 Permit Filed to Install New Projectors at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom - WDWNT
The notice of commencement addresses 1305 Monorail Way, the location of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland. The general description is “Install projectors.”
Disney's Guest Survey Hints at Future Simpsons-Themed Lands and Park Experiences - WDWMAGIC
The questionnaire asked guests what offerings they would like to hear more about from Disney's franchises, explicitly focusing on The Simpsons and other properties. Two multiple-choice options stand out, suggesting Disney is gauging interest in theme park developments: Character Meet & Greets at Disney Theme Parks and New Lands or Attractions at Disney Theme Parks.
🛸 Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Testing Modified Single Rider Line for Groups of Two at Disney's Hollywood Studios - WDWMAGIC
A modified version of the single-rider line is being tested. It allows groups of two to enter the line together and ride in the same cockpit.
RunDisney has released the 2025 – 2026 calendar of events, offering a first look at some upcoming race dates.
First Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Track Piece Removed at Magic Kingdom - WDWNT
Disney Files Permit for 'Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After' Stage Work at Hollywood Studios - WDWMAGIC
The permit lists InterAmerica Stage as the contractor. InterAmerica Stage is a longtime Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) partner known for its work on complex staging and performance systems.
Disneyland News:
‘Story Time with Deadpool’ Quietly Closes at Disney California Adventure -WDWNT
“Story Time with Deadpool” debuted last summer to coincide with the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” It took place in Hollywood Land near Avengers Campus, with Deadpool on a small stage retelling Disney classics with help from Wolverine. The show was supposed to be a limited-time show for the summer, but a “Holiday Special” version continued through December.
Disney Cruise Line News 🛳️ :
Disney Cruise plans new smaller design for 3 ships after 4th Wish - SeaTrade Crusie News
Disney Cruise Line has announced that between 2027 and 2031, it will introduce four new ships—one Wish-class ship in 2027 and three vessels from a new class designed to accommodate 3,000 passengers. These three ships, slated for delivery between 2029 and 2031, will have a weight of 100,000 gt; they are smaller than the Wish and Dream classes but larger than the Wonder and Magic. The ships will utilize a variety of fuels and are expected to be among the most energy-efficient in the industry.
Disney Entertainment News 🎬:
Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery call off plans to launch Venu sports streaming service - CNBC
Muppets News 🐸 :
New MuppetVision Sam Eagle Mug at Walt Disney World - WDWNT
Muppets on the Bridge of the Disney Treasure:
Disney Discussions Recent Archive:
🧚 Pixie Dust ✨
Fun Facts: 📬
In 2025, Walt Disney World offers free water park entry on the first day of your resort stay. Get the details here:
Disney World Free Water Park Day in 2025: Everything You Need to Know -Dis Trips & More
📸 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.