Disney World News: New Restaurants, Park Changes, Hotel Deals & More

Disney's Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard Transformation

• 🎨 Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios is set to undergo a major transformation, inspired by the Walt Disney Studios lot.
• ✍️ The area will become a new interactive space called Star Wars Launch Bay, opening in 2026, where guests can draw characters and explore animated experiences.
• 🧜‍♀️ The Little Mermaid, a musical adventure will continue, while Disney Junior Play and Dance has been extended until September 25th.
• 🚀 Star Wars Launch Bay will close on September 25th, 2025, to make way for the new animation-themed area.

New Dining Experiences and Reviews

• 🥩 Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina has opened at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, offering a modern American steakhouse experience.
• 🍟 Complimentary fry flights (truffle, herbed, paprika) are a unique starter, and the black truffle bread is highly recommended despite the price.
• 🦞 The main lobster pot pie is an indulgent, tableside-served experience with a generous amount of lobster.
• 🍰 Desserts include warm beignets with various dipping custards and a key lime Napoleon with a balanced tartness.
• 🌮 New menu items at Tiffins include seared yellowfin tuna, passion fruit hamachi crudo, and coconut ube cauliflower soup.
• 🍔 Crockett's Tavern at Fort Wilderness now features house-smoked beef brisket sliders and highly-rated burnt ends macaroni and cheese.

Disney Deals and Sweepstakes

• 🎟️ For a limited time, new annual pass purchases include a complimentary Disney e-gift card, ranging from $25 to $100 based on the pass tier.
• 🏨 Teachers can access exclusive summer rates at Disney Springs hotels, with prices as low as $93 per night through September 1st.
• ✈️ A Disneyland 70th Anniversary vacation sweepstakes is being offered through Disney Plus, with a grand prize including airfare, park tickets, and a VIP tour.

Disneyland Resort Holiday Preparations

• 🎄 The holidays at Disneyland Resort will begin November 14th, 2025, featuring returning favorites like Snope Fall on Main Street, Holiday Fireworks, and the Christmas Fantasy Parade.
• 🏠 Holiday overlays will be applied to attractions like It's a Small World and Haunted Mansion.
• 🍽️ Mickey's Christmas Carol Feast, a new character dining experience, will debut at Storytellers Cafe.

Other Park Updates and Tips

• 🌊 The Watermelon Dole Whip with chamoy and chili lime spice at Typhoon Lagoon is a unique sweet and spicy treat.
• ⛈️ Visitors should prepare for hot weather and potential storms in Disney World, remembering to stay hydrated.
• 🐠 Diver lockout chamber demonstrations have returned to the SeaBase in Epcot, occurring once daily.
• 🎁 Annual passholders have until July 31st to meet Dopey in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot.