Extra, extra, read all about it! Seriously, we’re sure Disney World hasn’t had a wink of sleep because it has dropped so many new updates this week. If you’ve missed out, this is your chance to catch up!

Cinderella Castle

I’m back again with another round of WHAT’S NEW UPDATES AT DISNEY WORLD, a rundown on all the epic news and updates that happened at Disney World this past week. This week, we got the 4-1-1 on a NEW lounge coming to Magic Kingdom, a HUGE expansion for a Disney World Hotel, and the FULL LINE-UP of EPCOT Festival of the Arts Disney on Broadway Concert Series. PLUS, we got some BIG news about the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Let’s check it out!

An Update About the Monsters, Inc. Land Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney shared some HUGE news about the Monsters, Inc. land that will be located in Hollywood Studios. After months of Disney fans deliberating where it will be going, Disney officially confirmed its location. The new land will be taking over the Muppets Courtyard area. While the announcement didn’t include a closing date, we will soon be saying goodbye to Muppet*Vision 3D, Pizzerizzo, and more to make way for this new land.

©Disney

Along with the announcement of the location, Disney also released that there will also be a brand-new theater show coming to the Monsters, Inc. Land. The show will be replacing Muppet*Vision 3D. We don’t know much more about the show though. While Muppets Courtyard is being rethemed, The Muppets won’t be completely disappearing from Hollywood Studios. They will just be moving somewhere else…

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster RETHEME Announced

There are some big changes coming to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! Along with confirmation of the location of the Monsters, Inc. Land, Disney also announced that The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The Muppets will be the star of the show on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and will be teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.” 

©Disney

This will be the first Disney ride to feature The Muppets. The retheme will bring laughter, screams, and some new tunes to this iconic roller coaster. We will also be getting lots of Muppets merchandise on Sunset Boulevard. Disney hasn’t announced yet when this retheme will happen though. 

SNEAK PEEK at an Exclusive NEW Lounge Coming to Magic Kingdom

There are some exciting changes coming to Magic Kingdom!

Magic Kingdom

It was announced a while back that Frontierland’s Shootin’ Arcade would close and become a new lounge for DVC members. Since then, we’ve been watching the construction on the former attraction closely, to see if we could get any hints as to what the new lounge will look like.

Frontierland Shootin’ Aracade is behind walls now

But now, Disney has shared a sneak peek at the space, which will be called McKim’s Mile House. It’s set to be open by the summer of 2025, so those planning trips for the latter part of next year may get to check it out. The concept art features lots of wood decor, several pieces of frontier-inspired art, and a large fireplace.

©Disney

In case you’re wondering about the name, a Mile House was a term used during the Gold Rush to mark a building that was a mile from an important destination. Many mile houses were used for stagecoach stops or places to get refreshments. And the name of the building? Likely a homage to Disney Legend Sam McKim, who designed the Disneyland souvenir maps, issued between 1958 and 1964.

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade

We can’t wait to learn more about this destination and get details about when it will open. We’ll make sure to keep you updated as more information comes through.

Click Here to Learn More About Magic Kingdom Changes!

A Disney World Hotel Just Shared HUGE Expansion News!

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin could very well be one of our favorite off-property hotels, although technically, it IS on property — it’s in the EPCOT area of Disney World. Now, we’re always telling you why we recommend looking into a stay there, and now we’ve got some big news about the hotel to share: the resort is expanding!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin just recently broke ground on this expansion, which will add an additional 120,000 square feet of event space to its current meeting and convention space. Joining the hotel for the groundbreaking ceremony were executives from Tishman Realty and MetLife, as well as Marriott International and Disney World. Oh, and a certain mouse was also on hand to help the Swan and Dolphin mark the occasion.

©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

This will be the first major expansion to the resort’s meeting space since 2003. It will add a new two-story building to the hotel’s existing convention space and will use the resort’s original Michael Graves design as inspiration with lots of natural light, modern touches, water themes, and warm, wooden color schemes.

Swan Resort lobby

This will give the Swan and Dolphin a massive 469,000 square feet of meeting space total between its three hotels (the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve). It’s part of a $275 million project that will also go towards meeting space and room upgrades. The new space is expected to be finished in 2026.

We can’t wait for what the future awaits for this fabulous hotel!

3 Reasons Why We Stay at the Swan and Dolphin Hotel Again and Again in Disney World

BONUS: FULL LINEUP Announced for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Disney on Broadway Concert Series

We’ve got an important update for you about one of our favorite EPCOT festivals!

©Disney

Visiting EPCOT’s seasonal festivals during your trip to Disney World could be the highlight of your vacation. When Disney announced the dates of the upcoming Festival of the Arts for 2025, we didn’t get too many details about its entertainment offerings beyond that. However, it seems Disney is finally ready to share more exciting news about one of its popular festival offerings.

It gets hot in Disney World

One of the best offerings at EPCOT while attending the Festival of the Arts is getting to see some of the brightest stars from Broadway perform right before your eyes. The festival’s Disney on Broadway series brings these performers front and center, singing their iconic songs from popular Disney musicals like Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and more.

©Disney

Disney just announced the coming year’s lineup of amazing live performers who have graced the Broadway stage in these productions, including some who originated their roles. Let’s take a look at who you can expect to attend (and when) this coming year:

©Disney

But that’s not all! Disney’s latest update on this offering confirms that a popular option of the festival will be returning in 2025. If the idea of dinner and a show makes you want to sing, check out the Disney On Broadway Dining Packages!

Dinner Package Entrance

With this option, you can choose to enjoy a meal from one of 15 participating EPCOT restaurants and enjoy guaranteed priority seating at one of the Disney on Broadway Concerts that night. Booking for these dining packages will begin on December 18th and will be available to book on the Disney World app or through Disney World’s website.

Time for the show!

The fun doesn’t stop there! Food Studios will also be returning this year, giving art critics and gourmands alike a chance to enjoy a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. More updates soon on what those menus will look like for this year’s upcoming festival!

2024 Vibrante Vivido Encanto Cocina food booth

The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine will also be returning, allowing you to take a walk on the tasty side as you enjoy delicious eats around EPCOT.

2024 Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine

Use your Festival Passport to look for these special menu items, track your progress by collecting a stamp after each purchase, and once you’ve enjoyed at least 5 of the 7 dishes, bring your stamped Festival Passport to the Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie.

Animation Academy at the American Gardens Theater will be returning daily at 12:30 and 1:30PM, allowing you the chance to learn to draw Disney characters from featured Disney artists like Luke Consolo, Matthew Dewater, Justin Dring, Will Gay, and more!

2024 Animation Academy

Visual Art in Performance is returning to the World Showcase Plaza. This special offering will only take place Thursday through Sunday during the festival, and it’s your chance to watch an artist paint a Disney character in mere minutes!

Painting done while you watch — 2022

Other exciting offerings like music through harmonious musical performances daily in the World Showcase Plaza…

2024 Festival of the Arts live music

…as well as chalk art galleries will be located along the bridge to the World Showcase!

2024 Chalk Art

A festival-exclusive merch collection has also been teased! Festival fans can expect a new Lug bag design…

©Disney

…festival pin…

©Disney

…shirt…

©Disney

…and ear headband all featuring our favorite flying dragon, Figment!

©Disney

There’s so much to see and discover during EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, and we’re getting so excited that it’s drawing closer with each day (pun intended).

Decoding Disney World’s NEW Test Track Announcement

Of course, that’s not all that happened! There are plenty of things that happen every single day at Disney World. Check out EVERYTHING by clicking through the links below! Our reporters and writers keep these pages updated with all the latest things that take place in the parks — from merchandise drops to new menu items. See for yourself!

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

Looking for more big Disney World news? Click here! 

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What do you think of these big Disney World updates? Let us know in the comments!