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!

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 another CLOSURE announced for a Magic Kingdom attraction, a NEW food booth coming to the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of The Arts, and the opening of a NEW hotel! Let’s check it out.

BREAKING: Closure Announced For Yet Another Magic Kingdom Attraction

Quite a few attractions will be CLOSING in Disney World in 2025.

Some attractions will be closing permanently to make way for other offerings, like Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat, and TriceraTop Spin. But outside of the permanent closures, there will also be a few attractions that close for refurbishment… and now another one has been added to the list!

As expected, the Hall of Presidents has now been added to Disney World’s list of upcoming refurbishments. The show will close on January 20th to be updated, and there is currently no reopening date listed.

For those who don’t know, the Hall of Presidents is a show that features animatronics of every single United States president, telling the story of our country’s history. Whenever a new president is elected, the show will close to get updated with the animatronic of that person. The current president’s animatronic is always featured prominently at the front of the stage, and they get a speaking part during the show.

This closure will come after two other Magic Kingdom attractions close on January 6th, 2025 — Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Astro Orbiter. The former will be closed until 2026 while the latter will be closed until summer 2025.

Phew, so many closures announced and the new year hasn’t even started!

7 Disney World Rides That Will Permanently Close in 2025 — Click Here!

NEW Food Booth Announced for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts

Something NEW is coming to the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!

Each year, EPCOT hosts several seasonal festivals, including the Food and Wine Festival, the Flower and Garden Festival, the Festival of the Arts, and the Festival of the Holidays (which is happening NOW). These events always seem to brighten up the park — and we never get tired of snacking around the World Showcase. Well, from January 17th to February 24th, the Festival of the Arts will be BACK with some new and returning snacks and drinks. In fact, Disney just confirmed that a NEW food booth will be at the festival!

Over in CommuniCore Plaza, Disney recently started a new tradition during its seasonal EPCOT festivals. Each season, the kitchen near CommuniCore Hall transforms to match the theme of the current EPCOT festival. Right now, for example, this booth is called Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow, and it serves (you guessed it) holiday cookies. For the Festival of the Arts, EPCOT will host the Opening Bites Food Studio!

We still don’t have the official menu for this new food booth yet, but Disney hinted, “This menu is all about paying homage to the foods and drinks immortalized onstage.” Could we get some Broadway-themed bites? Maybe a Lion King or Aladdin snack? We can’t wait to see!

Speaking of new additions, Disney also revealed that a new Artful Photo Op is coming soon! These are basically giant recreations of iconic works of art that YOU can step inside. We know that a few returning favorites will appear, like Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-August Renoir and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Additionally, a new Artful Photo Op will debut starring Moana! This news comes just in time to celebrate the new movie, Moana 2.

We are so excited about what the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts has in store!

Learn more about the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts here!

A NEW Hotel Opened in Disney World and We’re Sharing EVERYTHING

The day has FINALLY come!

For months, we’ve been patiently watching as the new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, called Island Tower, has taken shape, and the time has finally come for us to step inside for the very first time. There are new dining options to explore, a new pool and splash pad, and of course, new rooms!

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of Island Tower is similar to the theming of the rest of the existing Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but it does have its own flair. Many fans aren’t big on the new look, while others have said they’ve loved it!

From the outside of the resort, we do agree with some guests who have said that the building looks a little plain, but we think the foliage and additional theming additions do help a bit.

Inside the building, you’ll find lots of stunning artwork in bright colors. These displays really help to bring the Polynesian vibe.

These pieces of art are especially prominent in the lobby area, with tall displays that fill the space. We could sit here and relax all day long!

But what about other offerings?

Dining

The new dining option at this tower is Wailulu Bar & Grill, which is a mix between a walk-up pool bar and table service restaurant. You’ll get to look at views of Cinderella Castle and Seven Seas Lagoon while you dine!

There’s an all-day lunch and dinner menu available, as well as on-the-go options for breakfast.

We’ll be sharing full reviews of the meals at this restaurant soon, so stay tuned to DFB! Their menu has some Polynesian inspiration.

On opening morning, there were already a few people at the bar to grab breakfast. This spot is likely going to be popular since it’s the building’s only dining location.

We ordered a few different grab-and-go options to start our morning. We’re really hyped to try the Pineapple-Coconut Bread!

But that’s not all!

Entertainment

While there’s a new fitness center available at Island Tower, there’s also a new pool and splash pad! This new pool is called Cove Pool and is complete with a sandy beach area, whirlpool spa, and gorgeous views of Seven Seas Lagoon.

There are plenty of spots to lounge near the pool. We could totally see ourselves spending a relaxing resort day out here!

Little ones can enjoy Moana’s Voyage, a splash pad boasting a full-size sculpture of Moana and her iconic canoe.

Seriously, your kids are going to love this splash pad! That Moana sculpture is SO accurate.

But what about the accommodations here?

Rooms

What do these new rooms look like at Island Tower though? That’s one of the most important aspects since it’s where you’ll be staying, right? We got to check them out for ourselves firsthand!

We stepped into one of the Deluxe Studios for a tour, and while the rooms are small, they pack quite a few offerings in the space. There’s both a queen bed and a Murphy bed that turns into a couch.

Since these are DVC rooms, you get a kitchenette, complete with a mini fridge and microwave. There’s a decent amount of cabinet storage.

The bathroom is fairly small, with a door to close off the toilet and shower. We love that blue water-like tile, though!

The vanity is actually hidden behind the door to the room. It’s the first thing you come to when you walk inside.

This hotel is absolutely beautiful and we are so excited to have it be a new addition to Disney World!

A SECRET Disney World Shortcut Has FINALLY Reopened

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! 

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