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Disney Parks Podcast Show #871- Disney New For The Week Of May 19, 2025

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #871- Disney New For The Week Of May 19, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates, California Grill Cast Members Celebrate 30 Years  and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom from August 15–October 31, 2025, with trick-or-treating, themed shows, characters, and early entry starting at 4 PM.

  • Event highlights include Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, fireworks hosted by Jack Skellington, and a Zombies 4-inspired dance party.

  • Tickets go on sale May 15 for select hotel guests and May 22 for the general public, with discounts for Annual Passholders and DVC Members.

  • California Grill celebrates 30 years of fine dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, spotlighting longtime cast members and their legacy of guest relationships.

  • EPCOT Food & Wine Festival runs from August 28–November 22, 2025, with 35+ food marketplaces, a cheese trail, scavenger hunt, live concerts, and themed boat ride additions.

  • The Beak and Barrel, a pirate-themed tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, will feature animatronic bird Rummy, magical decor, and themed dining spaces.

  • Hollywood Gardens Restaurant opens at Disneyland Paris offering American fare in a redesigned World Premiere area, soon to become Disney Adventure World.

  • New Disney resort planned in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island will be Disney’s first Middle Eastern park, blending local culture with immersive, tech-enhanced experiences.

  • Fort Wilderness bus routes are changing due to construction; Orange and Purple routes are now combined, possibly increasing travel times within the resort.

  • Toy Story Midway Mania gets 70th Anniversary upgrades with high-point targets (up to 7,000 points), available from May 16, 2025, through summer 2026.

  • The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure is likely joining Lightning Lane when it opens May 27, giving guests an option to skip lines via Multi Pass.


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    Listen to the Episode Below (0:44:05)

    Disney Parks Podcast Show #870- Disney New For The Week Of May 5, 2025

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    Disney Parks Podcast Show #870- Disney New For The Week Of May 5, 2025

    In today’s show, we have news about Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World, Meet the Super Amazing Red Guardian Now at Avengers Campus, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

    Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

    • Cool Kid Summer kicks off May 27 at all 4 Disney World parks with parties, games, crafts, and new shows.

    • Florida Resident tickets start at $60/day; special summer deals include 50% off kids’ tickets and up to 30% off resorts.

    • Free water park entry on check-in day + extra resort perks for guests.

    • Red Guardian now appearing at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure.

    • Tokyo Disneyland may get Incredibles and Up-themed areas as part of 2035 expansion plans.

    • Grand Avenue at Hollywood Studios closes starting May 10 to make way for a Monsters, Inc. land.

    • Fort Wilderness recreation schedule changes in July (Segway + archery).

    • STK Orlando unveils enclosed terrace with views and private event options.

    • D23 Gold members get $500 off qualifying Disney Vacation Club purchases through 2026.

    • New 15-year DVC financing option offers lower monthly payments, but higher total interest.

    • Disney Starlight parade likely debuts in July, as Cast Member blockouts extended through July 19.


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      Listen to the Episode Below (00:42:49)

      Disney Parks Podcast Show #869- Disney New For The Week Of April 28, 2025

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      Disney Parks Podcast Show #869- Disney New For The Week Of April 28, 2025

      In today’s show, we have news about Marvel Day at Sea and Pixar Day at Sea Return to Disney Cruise Line in 2026, Disney World 2026 One-Day Ticket Prices Announced:, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

      Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

        • Marvel Day at Sea: Launches from Galveston, Texas, in January 2026 aboard Disney Magic with Marvel-themed entertainment and activities.

        • Pixar Day at Sea: Returns on Disney Fantasy from Port Canaveral, Florida, in January 2026, featuring Pixar-themed dining and activities.

        • Free Disney World Dining Plan for Kids: Available for children (ages 3–9) in 2026 when adults purchase a dining plan, additional resort perks, and free water park admission starting summer 2026.

        • New Lightsaber Building Experience: “Reclaimed and Reforged” theme at Savi’s Workshop (Walt Disney World and Disneyland) starting May 4, 2025, featuring customizable lightsabers.

        • V.I.Passholder Days at EPCOT: From May 14 to July 31, 2025, with a Passholder lounge, special discounts, and exclusive perks for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders.

        • Disneyland’s New Cold Brew Coffees: Three new cold brew drinks, including Strawberries & Cream Cold Brew and Banoffee Pie Cold Brew, launching April 30, 2025.

        • Lightning Lane Update: There have been adjustments to Lightning Lane usage for faster Standby lines, with minimal changes in wait times for Lightning Lane users.

        • Disney Auction for LA Fire Relief: Disney is auctioning rare animation artifacts with proceeds supporting animators affected by the 2025 wildfires, contributing $15 million to fire relief.

        • 2026 Disney World One-Day Ticket Prices: New prices have been released, ranging from $119 to $199, depending on the park. Peak pricing occurs during spring break, and prices are lower in the off-season.

        • Disneyland Paris Pass Renewal Offer: A 15% discount and free exclusive lanyard for Disneyland Pass renewals within 30 days of expiration.


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        Listen to the Episode Below (0:39:38)

        Disney Parks Podcast Show #868- Disney New For The Week Of April 21, 2025

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        Disney Parks Podcast Show #868- Disney New For The Week Of April 21, 2025

        In today’s show, we have news about new details on the Disney Destiny cruise ship, updates about Disney Lakeshore Lodge, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks podcast.

        Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

        • Victoria & Albert’s at Grand Floridian has retained its MICHELIN Star for over 20 years.

        • Capa at Four Seasons Orlando keeps its Michelin Star, led by Chef Malyna Si, Florida’s only female Michelin-starred chef.

        • Pride Lands dining show aboard Disney Destiny features Lion King-inspired entertainment and African-fusion cuisine.

        • De Vil’s lounge offers Cruella-themed cocktails in a fashion-forward piano bar setting.

        • The Sanctum is a Doctor Strange-inspired lounge with interactive magical mixology.

        • Edna Á La Mode Sweets serves character-themed desserts with fun photo ops on Disney Destiny.

        • The new “Disney Hercules” stage show debuts on Disney Destiny, and it features updated music, costumes, and puppetry.

        • Loki, Cruella, Dr. Facilier, and Maleficent headline villain-themed experiences aboard Disney Destiny.

        • Smugglers Run ride updates coming May 22, 2026, including Grogu, The Mandalorian, and new destinations.

        • Disney Lakeshore Lodge construction is underway near Fort Wilderness; opening is planned for 2027.

        • Stitch’s meet-and-greet at Disneyland Paris now uses a virtual queue system.

        • Additional Paris characters (Mickey, Olaf, Princesses, Star Wars) will join the virtual queue soon.

        • Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a year-long event starting June 28, 2025.

        • “Friendtastic!” parade and “Momentous” nighttime drone/fireworks show featured in HKDL celebration.

        • The new Sorcerer Mickey-themed guest room will open at Tokyo Disney Ambassador Hotel on October 13, 2025.


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        Listen to the Episode Below (0:42:05)

        Disney Parks Podcast Show #867- Interview With Theron Skees – Former Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering

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        Disney Parks Podcast Show #867- Interview With Theron Skees – Former Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering

        Theron Skees, former senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, has spent his career infusing brand stories and narrative into theme parks, destination experiences, and organizations worldwide. Leading projects worth billions of dollars, he now applies his 30+ years of experience as the founder of The Designer’s Creative Studio. By using Narrative Experience Design to transform customers into engaged audiences, drive business growth, and enhance brand equity, Theron emphasizes that story and experience are core values, not just add-ons, in shaping an organization’s identity.

        Find Theron at these websites:
        https://www.designerscreativestudio.com

        https://creatingmemorableworlds.com

        https://leagueofextraordinarystorytellers.org

         


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        Listen to the Episode Below (0:59:28)

        Disney Parks Podcast Show #866-Disney New For The Week Of April 14, 2025

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        Disney Parks Podcast Show #866-Disney New For The Week Of April 14, 2025

        In today’s show, we have news about New Details for Lion King Ride Coming to Disneyland Paris, New details about Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby Renovation, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

        Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

          • 🦁 A Lion King-themed water ride is coming to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris in 2026, featuring:

            • Iconic scenes and songs from the 1994 film

            • A 52-foot drop and 120-foot Pride Rock

            • Cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics and special effects

          • 🦁 The ride is part of a new Lion King land with themed dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets(construction starts Fall 2025)

          • ❄️ Disney Adventure World will also feature:

            • World of Frozen and Adventure Way

            • New “Up” spinning carousel and Rapunzel Tangled Spin

            • Grand opening in 2026

          • 🎬 A new park entrance opens May 15, 2025, themed to Hollywood, with new dining, shopping, and entertainment in World Premiere Plaza

          • 🌳 The expansion will double the park’s size, reimagining 90% of Walt Disney Studios Park, including:

            • Over 1,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs

            • New themed areas like Toy Story Garden

          • 🏨 Disney Sequoia Lodge will be fully refurbished in 2026 with forest-themed Disney touches

          • 🏕️ Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows are getting character upgrades (like Donald Duck themes), bookable starting June 12, 2025

          • 🛍️ Disney Village gets a major update:

            • New shops: Disney Glamour, Disney Style, Deco by Disney (open April 19)

            • New Disney Wonders store in late 2025

            • Dining upgrades: Petite Rosalie, new McDonald’s, Casa Giulia Italian Restaurant (2026), and a revamped Sports Bar & Lounge

          • 🎆 New shows and festivals:

            • Tales of Magic nighttime spectacular launched in 2024

            • Disney Music Festival (April 19 – Sept 7, 2025) with 12 musical experiences across all lands

          • 🏨 Grand Floridian Resort is completing a multi-year renovation:

            • Refreshed lobby, staircase, and front desk

            • New Victorian-inspired furnishings and carpeting

            • A new birdcage-style lobby bar with woodwork, stained glass, and murals

          • ⚓ Starting December 2025, the Disney Fantasy cruise ship will debut:

            • New 2-story Fantasy Tower Suite inside the funnel (sleeps 8, 2,030 sq ft)

            • New venues: Ramone’s Cantina, refreshed Senses Spa, Hercules-themed Concierge Lounge, and new Edge tween club

          • 📺 Disney+ subscribers can book summer 2025 hotel discounts:

            • Rooms start at $99/night for stays June 29 – July 31, 2025

            • Valid at select Disney Resort hotels with proof of active subscription

          • 👕 Walt Disney World revealed new Custodial cast member costumes:

            • Modern blue-and-white design with practical features

            • Part of a broader wardrobe refresh initiative

          • 🐰 For Easter 2025:

            • Meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom (through April 20)

            • Chocolate egg displays at top resorts

            • EPCOT Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt returns

            • Special Easter merchandise and extended park hours

          • 😈 New stage show “Unfairly Ever After” opens May 27 at Hollywood Studios:

            • Stars Cruella, Maleficent, and Captain Hook

            • Interactive audience voting and a Magic Mirror narrator

            • Dozens of virtual villains via LED screen technology

          • 🤖 Star Wars BDX droids debut later this year at Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World:

            • More expressive, lifelike droids like Grek

            • Free-roaming with gestures, light effects, and show integration

          • 🥩 Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina replaces Shula’s Steakhouse at Dolphin Hotel in mid-2025:

            • Elevated dining with premium beef & seafood

            • 10th Bourbon Steak location and 3rd in Florida

        A lot of exciting new offerings and events across Disney locations!


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        Listen to the Episode Below (0:47:39)

        Disney Parks Podcast Show #865-Disney New For The Week Of April 07, 2025

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        Disney Parks Podcast Show #865- Disney News For The Week Of April 07, 2025

        In today’s show, news about New Airport Luggage Transfer Service Piloting at Select Disney Resorts, New Show, Character and More Entertainment Coming to Disneyland Resort This Spring, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

        Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

        1. Downtown Disney Expansion:

          • Lululemon will open a store offering athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories in the former ESPN Zone.

          • Nectar Life will bring vegan, plant-based bath products, launching with a pop-up store this spring.

          • Bopo Go! will open a boba tea café inspired by Asian convenience stores, offering bubble teas and snacks.

          • Two new restaurants by Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori:

            • Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon (steakhouse).

            • Pearl’s Roadside BBQ (North Carolina-style barbecue).

        2. New Airport Service:

          • Starting April 3, Disney Resort guests can drop off luggage at Orlando International Airport for direct delivery to Southwest Airlines.

          • Available at select Disney Resorts for guests with flights departing after 1 p.m.

        3. Water Park News (Walt Disney World):

          • Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks will open May 21–September 7.

          • H2O Glow After Hours returns at Typhoon Lagoon, with tickets available.

        4. New Entertainment at Disneyland:

          • New show: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! from May 16.

          • Meet-and-greet with Rex from Toy Story on June 1.

          • Returning events: Pixar Pals Playtime Party and Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast from May 23.

        5. New Treats at Disney’s Pop Century Resort (April 4):

          • New ice cream and dessert offerings like sundaes, shakes, and cake bars.

        6. Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (Nov 14–15, 2025):

          • Unlimited tastings from 23 restaurants, live music, and celebrity chef appearances.

        7. D23 Event – A Goofy Movie 30th Anniversary Tour:

          • Themed events and screenings of A Goofy Movie from May 3–August 28, 2025, in over 20 U.S. cities.

        8. Monsters, Inc. Land Construction Delay:

          • The construction of a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been delayed, though it is still expected to move forward soon.

        A lot of exciting new offerings and events across Disney locations!


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        Listen to the Episode Below (0:39:58)

        Disney Parks Podcast Show #864-Disney New For The Week Of March 31, 2025

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        Disney Parks Podcast Show #864- Disney New For The Week Of March 31, 2025

        On today’s Disney Parks Podcast, we have news about the Opening dates for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure, among other things.


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        Listen to the Episode Below (0:25:40)