4 BIG Disney Announcements You Missed This Week

Some days we find ourselves asking, “What ISN’T changing in Disney World?” The popular theme parks have begun a major overhaul that means lots of bittersweet moments and exciting updates.

©Disney

Magic Kingdom is developing two brand-new lands, Hollywood Studios is moving the Muppets to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to make way for monsters, and Animal Kingdom is saying goodbye to DinoLand. To keep up with the ever-present changes, we do a weekly round-up of Disney news so you don’t miss a thing! Let’s dive into this week’s changes.

We’re diving right in with the biggest changes this week, from snack stands to attraction closures, so buckle your seatbelt from right to left, put your hands up, and enjoy the ride.

New Snack Stand

A new spot to snack has appeared in Disney World! Over at Disney’s Boardwalk resort, the old Funnel Cake Stand has transformed into something new. During our stop by, the new stand didn’t have a name just yet, but it did have a menu!

The new snack stand!

The Boardwalk Snack Stand (as named by our team) opened at 4 PM when we stopped by, but that is subject to change. We spotted items like popcorn, ice cream, pretzels, and even Saltwater Taffy Popcorn! It’s giving a classic boardwalk vibe.

The menu

We, of course, had to put some of the items to the test, but we had quite a bit to say! You can read our full review of the new stand below.

SURPRISE! A New Snack Stand Just Opened on Disney’s BoardWalk

Seasonal Water Park Pass Returns

Next up, a Disney World ticket reappeared this week! Water park seasonal passes are BACK for the Disney World water parks! For adults, these tickets are only $89 per adult and $83 per child.

Typhoon Lagoon

These passes give you nearly unlimited access to whichever Disney World water park is open while the pass is valid. Disney has two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, and they alternate which one is open throughout the year. The passes are valid until May 9th, 2026, so don’t hesitate if you want to splash in the sun.

Blizzard Beach

The passes will feature blackout dates from March 28th, 2026, until April 5th, 2026, so plan accordingly! If you’re a water park fan, but aren’t splurging for a Disney World Annual Pass plus add-ons, this is a great option. The pass also comes with a few new perks, so it might be a great last-minute Christmas present.

Disney World Adds 2 NEW Exclusive Perks for Seasonal Park Pass

Trader Sam’s Walk-Up Wait List

If you love a themed lounge in Disney World, we have MAJOR news. Trader Sam’s in Disney World is a hugely popular lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort that is super detailed, features elements of Imagineering, and even has interactive Cast Members! The bar has an indoor section called the Grog Grotto and an outdoor section called The Tiki Terrace.

A past tiki mug from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Now, Disney has made it easier to get a seat inside this lounge because A Walk-up Waitlist has officially been added for Trader Sam’s in the My Disney Experience app! The bar recently expanded its hours from 3 PM to 12 AM to 11 AM to 12 AM, so this is just another addition that makes things even easier.

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Previously, the only way to get into Trader Sam’s was to go to the bar and put your name on the physical waitlist with one of the Cast Members who works there, but now, you’ll be able to join the waitlist from the My Disney Experience app — as long as you’re within range. Typically, that means you need to be somewhere on the Polynesian hotel property.

Lines at Trader Sam’s

We have literally rope-dropped this spot in the past to avoid hours-long wait times, so this is a great addition to the bar. It is important to note that after 8 PM, the bar becomes exclusive to guests aged 21+. This spot is small, fun, and a must for lots of Disney fans. (Us included!)

It Just Got SO MUCH Easier To Go to Trader Sam’s at Disney World!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Closure

We aren’t done just yet! Finally, we’re ending on the most bittersweet news there is. Disney finally confirmed that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will close to say goodbye to Aerosmith on March 2nd, 2026. The last day to rock to the sounds of the classic attraction will be on March 1st, 2026.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

If you love the coaster itself, no worries! The ride itself is sticking around, just with some new theming. The Muppets are taking over in Summer 2026, and Disney has shared that it will be “fueled by the tasty tunes of the Electric Mayhem and the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets.” VIP Guests will be given a tour of G-Force Records, which is now being managed by the Muppets after Scooter’s uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse, bought the studio.

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Disney also shared, “Along with the finest audio engineers (all penguins, of course), we’ll see Scooter doing his best to convince Electric Mayhem to stop jamming and get to their increasingly restless fans. But will it be enough time to get the band and the town and onstage on time?” They’ve even teased that Scotter will be an animatronic along with a few others throughout the attraction.

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We can’t wait to see when this coaster will open, but we will seriously miss getting those backstage passes from Steven Tyler.

Everything We Know About Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

As we’re getting closer and closer to 2026, we’re gearing up for some hard goodbyes and exciting announcements. If you want to make sure you’re up to date with the latest and greatest Disney World news straight from the theme parks, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more.

5 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in January

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