Disney World News: Animal Kingdom Closure, Test Track Opening, New Epcot Meet & Greet, and More!

Animal Kingdom Transformation

• 🏗️ DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom is undergoing a transformation into Pueblo Espironza.
• 📅 The Boneyard play area will close permanently on September 1st, 2025, with construction for the new land beginning the next day.
• 🍽️ A new quick-service location, hosianda, will be one of the largest in Disney World, likely replacing Restaurantosaurus.
• 🎢 The new land will feature an Encanto attraction and a new carousel, with Dinosaur being replaced by an Indiana Jones ride in 2026.

Epcot and Magic Kingdom Updates

• 🚗 Test Track in Epcot, closed since June 17th, 2024, will reopen with reimagined features on July 22nd, 2025.
• 🌟 Early previews for Test Track will be available for cast members, annual passholders, DVC members, and more.
• 🎆 A new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away, will debut at Magic Kingdom on July 20th, 2025, with nightly showings at 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
• 🏰 The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom has received an upgrade with new groundwork.
• 🎇 Disney's Celebrate America, a Fourth of July concert in the sky will take place at Magic Kingdom on July 3rd and 4th, replacing Happily Ever After on those nights.

Resort and Cruise Line News

• 🏊 Stormalong Bay, the pool at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club resorts, has reopened after maintenance, along with Hurricane Hannah's poolside bar.
• 🚢 The Disney Adventure cruise ship will debut the first-ever World of Disney store at sea, along with a National Geographic store and a Duffy and Friends shop.
• 💰 Disney Cruise Line has updated its payment options, requiring only a 10% deposit to hold a reservation for 3 days.
• 🏊 Fort Wilderness Resort's Meadow Swimming Pool is being expanded and will include new zero-entry areas, a deck, a tennis court, and pickleball courts.

New Dining and Merchandise

• 🧀 Smiling Crocodile in Animal Kingdom now features a menu focused on mac and cheese, with options like buffalo chicken and garlic smoked sausage.
• 🍟 Hurricane Hannah's at Yacht and Beach Club has introduced new loaded crab fries, praised for their generous crab meat and bisque.
• ☕ The Caramel Macchiato Blondie is now available at Connections Cafe in Epcot.
• 🥗 Connections Eatery in Epcot has added a Peruvian salad and a Belgian Lotte shake to its menu.
• 🥩 Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina is set to open at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort on July 26th, with reservations now open.
• 🍪 A Little Mermaid cookie pie is available at The Market at Ale & Compass at Disney's Yacht Club Resort.
• 🥨 Regal Eagle Smokehouse in Epcot now offers Brew Master fries with beer cheese sauce.
• 🌸 Flavors of Florida festival at Disney Springs runs from June 27th to August 10th, featuring over 90 limited-time dishes.
• 🧑‍🍳 Disney Springs is also hosting a free culinary series with chefs on select Friday nights.

Summer Events and Offers

• ☀️ Disney World is promoting Cool Kids Summer with new entertainment, attractions, and maps available in the My Disney Experience app.
• ⛳ Mini golf courses at Disney's Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens are available without reservations.
• 💍 Disney Weddings is offering discounts for Summer 2026, including 50% off ceremony savings and complimentary resort room stays for weekday bookings.
• 🛍️ New Mickey Mouse quilted bags, including a shoulder bag and tote bag, have been released online.