Disney Discussions Weekly Recap for the Week of 12/15/24
This week, Disney has some Bluey news, opens a new DVC resort, and reveals a few more refurbishments for 2025.
Welcome to the 18th edition of our Disney Discussions Weekly Recap.
This week, Disney has some Bluey news, opens a new DVC resort, and reveals a few more refurbishments for 2025.
I’m unsure what the next few weeks will bring regarding the newsletter. I’ll send out the January 2025 Monthly look ahead. I may not send a recap next week or the week after, depending on the news. If not, I’ll send a post about planning my WDW trip from January 12th to January 19th.
Thank you all for subscribing to and reading this newsletter. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year!
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This Week’s Disney News 🐭
Walt Disney World News 🏰:
🛰️ Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom Closing for Months-Long Refurbishment - WDWNT
The Tomorrowland ride will be closed starting January 13, 2025. Disney plans to reopen Astro Orbiter in the summer of 2025.
🚧 Disney Submits Updated Plans for Transformation of Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom - WDWNT
Walt Disney World has provided its revised plans for transforming Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) in response to the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI). The 23-page RAI response letter details Disney's replies to each comment from SFWMD regarding the project; however, no significant alterations to the plan are evident in these documents.
🌴 Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Resort Officially Opens to Guests at Walt Disney World - WDWMAGIC
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows has proudly unveiled its newest feature, the Island Tower, which opened its doors to guests today, December 17, 2024. This launch represents the latest resort expansion, providing Disney Vacation Club Members and guests with fresh accommodations and amenities inspired by the South Pacific's stunning beauty and rich culture.
🚶Walkway Connecting Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Magic Kingdom Reopens with Island Tower Opening - WDWMAGIC
The much-anticipated walking path at Disney's Polynesian Resort has reopened with the grand opening of the Island Tower on December 17, 2024. Guests can now freely stroll between Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, offering an extended pedestrian route that links key locations along the Seven Seas Lagoon.
🇺🇸 Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom Closing in January for Trump Update - WDWNT
The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom will close in late January for an update likely coinciding with Donald Trump's inauguration. He will be the first animatronic to be repositioned to center stage.
🎨 5 New Artful Experiences at the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts - Disney Parks Blog
The five new experiences are:
Once Upon A Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway in CommuniCore Hall
Opening Bites Food Studio just outside at CommuniCore Plaza
New Artful Photo Op - voyage alongside our favorite seafarer featuring Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana.”
Festival Merchandise - a brand new, art-themed collection of merchandise dedicated to our favorite imaginary dragon, Figment
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
🏠 ‘Celebracion Encanto’ Now Full-Time Offering at EPCOT - WDWNT
Walt Disney World has officially made “¡Celebración Encanto!” a full-time entertainment offering at EPCOT.
Disneyland News:
👻Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Debuts New Music by Ego Plum for Expanded Outdoor Queue - WDWNT
🎫 Walls Down at New Disneyland Entrance Tapstiles, Digital Signage Added - WDWNT
Approximately a year ago, in December 2023, permits were submitted for modifications to the parks’ entrances featuring new tapstiles. Work at Disneyland Park began in November 2024, and now that the walls have come down, guests can see the new system. The board above the entrance is now digital, while the tapstiles still operate on an analog system, necessitating manual changes.
🚂 Disneyland Railroad to Close for Refurbishment in Early 2025 - WDWNT
The Disneyland Railroad will close on January 13th, 2025, and remain shut for much of Spring, aiming to reopen before the 70th anniversary celebration begins on May 16th, 2025.
💦 New Single Rider Queue Opens at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland - WDWNT
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland has introduced a new single-rider queue that operates differently than the prior Splash Mountain single-rider line. A new third queue for single riders has been established at the main entrance. This queue allows guests to skip the standard line while featuring many of the same props and story elements. It connects to the old single-rider waiting area at the exit.
Disney Entertainment News 🎬:
🐾 First-Ever ‘Bluey’ Animated Feature Film Releasing in 2027 from Disney and BBC Studios - WDWNT
💰 Disney Back On Top – Only Studio to Make $2B Domestically in 2024 - WDWNT
This marks the second time since 2019 that Disney has broken the $2B barrier.
Disney Cruise Line News 🚢:
📺 Disney+ Subscribers: Kids Sail for 50% Off on Select Disney Cruise Line Voyages - WDWMAGIC
Guests aged 17 and under sail for half price when accompanied by two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom on select cruises aboard the Disney Wish, Disney Dream, and Disney Wonder.
Bluey Coming to Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line in 2025 - WDWMAGIC
Walt Disney World is preparing to introduce Bluey. Although Disney has not disclosed specific details about what Bluey will offer at Walt Disney World, it has assured fans of unique experiences. These may feature character meet-and-greets, interactive activities, or live performances like those scheduled for Disney Cruise Line voyages from Australia and New Zealand. On those cruises, families will engage with Bluey and her sister, Bingo, participating in games and dance parties that reflect the show's lively essence.
Muppets News 🐸 :
Four Characters from “The Muppets” Headed to “Fall Guys” - LaughingPlace
Disney Discussions Recent Archive:
🧚 Pixie Dust ✨
Fun Facts: 📬
Over 200 sunglasses are turned into Lost and Found daily in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Sunglasses and hats are considered among the most commonly lost items at theme parks.
Disney estimates that since Walt Disney World opened in 1971, it has found over 1.65 million pairs of missing sunglasses!
Lost and Found Cast Members collect over 6,000 cell phones, 3,500 digital cameras, 18,000 hats, and 7,500 autograph books every year!
📸 Magic Shots of the Week:
So, I now have an almost life-size Donald Duck in my house.
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:
Get VIP Fireworks Views without a Dining Package
You can view the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). The soundtrack plays through speakers, creating an uncrowded and romantic atmosphere spot.
At Epcot, visit the second floor of the Japan Pavilion’s Mitsukoshi store for clear views.