food IS a theme park
Major changes are coming to Southwest Airlines soon — and fans are NOT happy about the change.
©Southwest Airlines
Starting on January 27th, Southwest will require travelers to choose a seat assignment, or one will be assigned for them. This is a stark difference from the airlines’ long-standing “open seating” policy, which essentially allowed anyone to sit in any seat on the plane when boarding. We asked you for your thoughts on the changes, and you did not hold back!
Updates all around Disney World have begun. Disney is bringing us new lands, new attractions, new themes at existing attractions, and so much more. We’re so excited for what the upcoming years have in store for us at the Disney World parks! Over the past couple of years, Disney has made so many announcements regarding these changes, but there was one that we were particularly happy to hear.
Frozen Ever After
While the bulk of the changes are happening at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, EPCOT cannot be left out. We haven’t forgotten about the exciting announcement regarding problem-solving changes headed to an EPCOT ride that is in dire need of them.
The world of flying with Southwest is about to change for good on January 27th, 2026, because the airline will now have assigned seating for all of its flights.
©Southwest
Many people are still reeling over this change, and we know it’s going to take some time for us to get used to it as well. To help make the switch, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the new seating options. While there still isn’t first class or business class, there are now three different types of seats on your flight, and it’s important you know the difference between them so you can choose the best one for you!
If you have ever strategically checked in exactly 24 hours before a Southwest flight, this is something you need to know.
Southwest at MCO
Southwest Airlines is about to make a pretty big change, and it matters if you’re already thinking ahead to trips in 2026, including that Disney World vacation you swear you are just “casually” planning. The airline is officially moving away from its famous open seating policy, and that shift starts January 27th, 2026. We’re not here to panic you, just to make sure this does not catch you off guard later.
We have some good news if you are a fan of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This nighttime spectacular features effects, stunts, pyrotechnics, dancing water, and iconic music. It is popular for a reason, and it is an excellent way to end a day in Hollywood Studios.
Fantasmic!
So what’s the good news?! Well, there are additional showtimes that will be available for Fantasmic! on some popular days. Currently, the show is running once or twice per night, but from December 27th to December 31st, and on January 2nd and 3rd, there will be THREE showtimes.
Are you flying to Disney World, Disneyland, or somewhere else soon? Well, if you’re flying Southwest Airlines, you’re probably aware of all the big changes the airline has made to its business this year.
Southwest at MCO
For example, checked bags no longer fly free and come with an additional fee. You might have also noticed that there will now be assigned seats on Southwest, which starts on January 27th. However, if you’ve opened the Southwest app, you might have noticed some upgrades that will make your flying experience easier.
If you’re heading to EPCOT this week, you’ll notice a big change on one of the park’s most popular attractions.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Disney has confirmed that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is closed starting today, November 10th, through November 13th for a quick refurbishment, and yes, that means it’s also temporarily gone from the Lightning Lane lineup. The ride will reopen on November 14th with a major update to its experience. Here’s what’s going on, why the closure is happening now, and how it’ll impact your EPCOT plans over the next few days.
Magic Kingdom is changing… a LOT. This year, we said goodbye to Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island so Disney could build Piston Peak, a brand new Cars expansion in Frontierland. Disney has also started to build a brand-new land in Magic Kingdom dedicated to Disney Villains (and we cannot wait!).
©Disney
However, some Magic Kingdom rides are also changing and should debut with the new changes in 2026. So let’s discuss those changes and think ahead to other future changes the park might need.
Disney just announced that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be closed from November 10th through 13th for some BIG updates.
EPCOT
The ride will be getting enhanced digital visuals, as well as clearer imagery projected in 2D (no more 3D, y’all!). There will also be new props and lightning enhancements in both the queue and on the ride that will be added over the next few months. NEW STUFF, y’all!
There is a LOT of construction happening right now in Magic Kingdom. A new Villains land is being built. A new Cars area is also being built. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is getting some huge updates, as is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Sir Mickey’s
However, one popular Magic Kingdom shop is also going to be getting some changes. Disney has filed a new permit for Sir Mickey’s — and it could have something to do with some changes coming to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
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