food IS a theme park
No Magic Kingdom day is complete without a magical viewing of the iconic fireworks show, Happily Ever After!
Magic Kingdom
However, you need to pay attention because the start time is changing again!
Is Disney’s most recently opened international resort about to expand with a second theme park?
Shanghai Disneyland
Since before the Shanghai Disney Resort even opened back in 2016, Disney aficionados have speculated on whether a second theme park was coming to the first resort complex to bear the company’s name in mainland China (The Walt Disney Company actually ONLY owns 43 percent of the resort. The majority 57 percent is held by Shanghai Shendi Group, a joint venture of three companies owned by the Shanghai government). Now, a possible leak MAY give a clue as to Shanghai’s second gate.
The former Muppets Courtyard at Hollywood Studios is being turned into Monstropolis from Monsters, Inc., and it looks totally different now!
Muppet*Vision 3D
For reference, this is what the Muppets Courtyard looked like before it closed last June. Now, a warning for Muppets fans, brace yourselves. We’re totally not crying from behind our screen right now!
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in June, you’ll want to hear about this change.
Sunset Blvd
This could impact your trip to Hollywood Studios. Here’s everything you need to know.
There are a few things at Disney World that feel eternal. Cinderella Castle. Mickey waffles. That one family argument happening in the middle of the walkway for absolutely no reason. And, of course, Spaceship Earth.
Spaceship Earth
That giant silver sphere is still one of the most gorgeous icons in all of Walt Disney World, and it is still the gentle EPCOT classic that takes you from the Stone Age to the computer age. But in 2026, it’s also giving off a little “vintage beauty who maybe needs a spa day, a nap, and a very patient maintenance team” energy.
We’ve had an interesting week in Disney World, although granted, EVERY week is pretty interesting when you spend it at Disney World.
Sweet Potato Ice Cream Sandwich
First, we tried a sweet potato ice cream sandwich, then we watched lines get longer and longer for a NEW viral snack in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (and we get it, because that snack is AMAZING), and we found out that Refreshment Port in EPCOT is being reimagined into La Poutinerie and will now be hosted by Air Canada. A LOT going on. Well, we also saw some changes happening on Disney World restaurant menus, so we’re going to break those down for you now.
Over the last 40+ years, EPCOT’s World Showcase has become beloved for its authentic architecture, themes, and cuisine representing the cultures of the countries each pavilion represents…. which makes it surprising that the United Kingdom Pavilion is lacking a spot for afternoon tea, given its importance to British culture.
Rose & Crown Pub
However, some Disney Adults are taking matters into their own hands.
One of the most fun things about EPCOT is that all around World Showcase, you can find unique souvenirs from all around the world.
Mitsukoshi Department Store
While some of them are Disney-themed, many of them aren’t, and so it makes for a fantastic find if you grab something that’s truly from that country, but just happens to be sold in Disney World. One of our favorite stores in the entire area is Mitsukoshi in the Japan Pavilion. This store has been in existence since 1673, and we love taking a look inside and finding all the fun, special souvenirs we can find. Yesterday, however, we saw something that made our jaws drop — it was a gorgeous necklace…being sold for THOUSANDS of dollars.
It’s been a big week in Disney World for rides, restaurants, and everything in between, and we’re here to keep you updated on it all!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom
A Magic Kingdom ride officially reopened this past week, and we got the official reopening date for another! As if that wasn’t enough, we also got a big update about a long-closed spot in EPCOT, and, while it’s not as joyous, we also know about another pool closure coming to a popular hotel. Sounds like a lot? Don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple — here are all the closures you need to know about this upcoming week, along with all the most recent updates we have for each one!
Okay, we’re going to admit that we’ve got some Disney World news that might just make you cry.
We see a manatee; we fall in love
So, one of our favorite things to do in EPCOT is visit The Living Seas with Nemo and Friends and head on over to the aquarium, where you can see all kinds of sea life, including turtles, seahorses, stingrays, and more. Well, one of our favorite creatures to see is the manatees, and y’all…we fell in LOVE with a manatee named Mermaid that we first saw in March. Well, we have a huge update to share about her!
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