Progress or pruning? Walt Disney World drained a river, killed an island, and parked the Liberty Belle for good. In return, we’re promised Cars in Frontierland, villains with European flair, a red TRON, glowing caverns in Big Thunder, and the Muppets driving a limo across Hollywood. Toss in Zootopia, a castle makeover, and a new pirate pub, and you’ve got one busy WDW news update.
This Just In!
As part of the ongoing transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the all-new Tropical Americas area in Animal Kingdom, Dinosaur will permanently close on February 2, 2026 (meaning your last day to ride will be February 1).
The dino-themed jeep ride will be replaced by an Indiana Jones attraction, and since Dinosaur and Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland share the same ride vehicles and track, that’s not a big surprise.
In addition, The Boneyard play area in DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closed today, and while we’re said to see it go, we’re happy to report that Tropical Americas will have its own kids play area when it opens in 2027.
And now, read on my friends… read on…
Carousel of Progress Update
A great big, beautiful update is on the way for Carousel of Progress—and it starts with Walt himself.
Disney revealed at Destination D23 that an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney will soon serve as the attraction’s new host, introducing the show in a manner similar to Disneyland’s new Walt Disney – A Magical Life presentation. No debut date has been announced.
“The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future,” said Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Of course, fans haven’t forgotten the lukewarm reception of the Disneyland figure, which many criticized as looking not-quite-right. That makes this update a second chance to refine Walt’s likeness in both parks. If Imagineering can strike the right balance, it could refresh the attraction rather than distract from it. Most importantly, this update gives the attraction a new lease on life.
Did You Know?
Carousel of Progress was originally built for the 1964 New York World’s Fair before moving to Disneyland in 1967. It was later relocated to Walt Disney World, where it opened in 1975 and still spins today.
Rivers of America Run Dry
It finally happened. On July 6, 2025, Disney drained the Rivers of America to make way for a new Cars-themed Frontierland expansion at Magic Kingdom. Along with the river, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle riverboat are now officially gone.
Concept art suggests the new land will feature water elements, but the decision to bulldoze the park’s original river system remains baffling. Imagineers could have reworked the geography—keeping the river and even building one of the new attractions on the island, a strategy successfully used with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Paris.
It’s not just armchair Imagineers saying so… real former Imagineers Eddie Sotto and Jim Shull have both sketched out alternatives that kept the Rivers intact while still making room for Cars and the upcoming Villains land.
#WDI take NOTES~!! @boss_angeles ( Eddie Sotto former Sr VP of concept Design ) and @JimShull ( 33 yrs Imagineering) (inspired by Eddie) stepped up to the plate and delivered extremely helpful ideas for integrating Rivers of America, CARS Land and (new)Villains Land pic.twitter.com/8dEoM6pfYi
— Matthew L McCoy (@MLMcCoyEXP) March 10, 2025
Here’s what the river looks like now:
And here’s a look back at what we lost:
Villainous Details
Disney is moving ahead with its long-rumored villains-themed land “Beyond Big Thunder” at Magic Kingdom, and the creative team has been globe-trotting for inspiration. Imagineers have studied the ornate Art Nouveau architecture of Paris and Barcelona, working with historians to shape a new design style they’re calling Conjured Architecture—a blend of real-world history and fantastical wickedness.
But here’s the question: Disney movies already gave us iconic villain lairs and hideouts we’ve been dying to visit—Ursula’s cavern, Maleficent’s castle, Dr. Facilier’s voodoo parlor. So why reinvent the wheel with an “inspired by” land instead of letting fans step directly into the worlds they know? Disney’s track record with Galaxy’s Edge, Pandora, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure shows a pattern of building adjacent-to-the-movie settings rather than the ones fans actually dream about.
What do you think? Would you rather step into the real villain lairs from the films, or are you excited to see Imagineering’s alternate take on their worlds?
Drink Up, Me Hearties!
The Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Beak and Barrel tavern opened on August 29th in Magic Kingdom, with a detailed back story and menu of innovative drinks and snacks, including the much-talked-about Kraken’s Catch, a unique cold salad with marinated octopus tentacles, olives, bell peppers, avocado, and Piquillo pepper-almond foam.
Would you try the Kraken’s Catch? Let us know in the comments below!
The new pub is a glorious themed space.
Read our full review of Walt Disney World’s newest watering hole here:
Tron is Turning Red
To commemorate the October 12th premiere of the third film in the Tron franchise, TRON Lightcycle / Run will be getting a red-hued Tron:Ares overlay, including music from the soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails.
Beginning September 15, the attraction canopy’s familiar blue lighting will be red and orange lighting effects, which along with music from the movie’s soundtrack, will “drive the experience between the Grid and reality, creating a fully immersive, futuristic symphony of light, speed, and sound.”
Learn about the history of the Tron franchise here:
New Magic Coming to Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in 2026, with some new magical touches.
The storyline for the E-Ticket attraction dates back to America’s first major gold rush, when Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) member Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold and founded the Big Thunder Mountain Company; however Barnabas quickly found himself in a battle with the forces of nature as unexplainable things started happening in his mines. No matter how hard he tried, Big Thunder fought back, and when the attraction reopens passengers who board the runaway trains will learn that the wilderness is even wilder than they remembered.
Some of the new magic coming to Big Thunder Mountain will be seen when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling)… and while the Rainbow Caverns are beautiful, they’re also hiding something menacing within the mountain.
Curious about the Society of Explorers and Adventurers? Check our our guide here:
The Beginners Guide to Disney’s Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A)
Happy Zoogether Day!
Zootopia: Better Zoogether officially opens November 7 in Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life Theater, just in time to hype up the release of Zootopia 2 on November 26.
The new 3D show celebrates Zoogether Day, where Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde (voiced once again by Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman) join forces with a slick new character—Heidi Howler, a wolf host of the Zoogether Day LIVE! broadcast. Expect plenty of fur, fluff, and fast-talking banter.
Outside the theater, Judy and Nick—sporting their updated looks from Zootopia 2—will greet guests in a dedicated “Zoogether Day Gathering Spot” on Discovery Island.
Fun Disney Parks Fact: Mayor Winddancer in Zootopia 2 is voiced by Patrick Warburton (yes, the same guy who narrates Soarin’).
The Muppets Take Over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
We knew the Muppets would be moving across Hollywood Studios Park to take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but we now know a bit more about the reimagined attraction.
Outside, the giant guitar in the courtyard is being repainted with a wacky Muppet makeover—think piano keys and a golden “key” in honor of a certain band leader.
Inside, the pre-show has gone full Muppet. G-Force Records is now under new ownership (thank Scooter’s uncle, J.P. Grosse), and the Electric Mayhem are rehearsing instead of actually heading to their concert. Scooter’s frantic, the band’s jamming, and somehow we’re still expected to make it across town in time.
That’s where Muppet Labs steps in—with a souped-up limousine ride straight through Hollywood landmarks, each with a delightfully Muppet-y twist. Translation: hang on, it’s going to get weird.
Monsters Inc. Moves In, Muppets Move Out
While the Electric Mayhem are gearing up to rock their new roller coaster home, the rest of the Muppets aren’t so lucky. Hollywood Studios’ Muppets Courtyard is being bulldozed to make room for a Monsters, Inc.–themed land.
That means the end of Muppet-Vision 3D, PizzaRizzo, Mama Melrose’s, and the whole quirky corner of the park. Stage One Company Store is already rubble, and walls are closing in on the rest. From Baseline Tap House, diners now have a clear view straight to the back of the demo site—a strange, almost unsettling new perspective of the park.
Disney’s choice is puzzling. Unlike Disneyland, where every square foot counts, Walt Disney World has vast open space. So why not keep the Muppets and add Monstropolis? Instead, the two franchises are being swapped out like incompatible roommates.
This & That
You know we always have a little more to share…
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary
The Halloween season doesn’t completely take over the Orlando parks like it does in Anaheim, but the heart of the spooky celebration is the separately ticketed after hours Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, with remaining party dates on September 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, and October 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.
Walt Disney World Halloween Guide 2025 🎃 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party & Beyond
Castle Makeover
Cinderella Castle will be getting a new color scheme… well sort of. The iconic 189-foot Magic Kingdom castle will be receiving a new color palette inspired by her original appearance, including shades of gray, cream, blue, and hints of gold to enhance the architecture.
Cinderella Castle’s makeover will take place at some point “in the future” (no date has been announced).
Zombie Holidays!
A new zombie holiday mug will be available at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian Resort this holiday season in two versions (gold and red thread).
Disney Lakeshore Lodge
The newest Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property at Walt Disney World Resort is Disney Lakeshore Lodge. Located on the shore of Bay Lake between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness, the new resort will feature both hotel rooms and DVC villas.
Check out our guide to learn more about Disney Vacation Club:
MiceShots
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away debuted at Magic Kingdom on July 20, 2025. Here’s a look at this gorgeous new nighttime parade.
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Let’s Hear From You!
We’ve covered a lot — and some of it’s bound to stir debate.
What do you think about losing the Rivers of America (and with it, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle) to make way for a Cars-themed expansion? Worth the trade, or a misstep that erases too much history?
And what about Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s Muppet makeover? Would you have preferred a more modern band to replace Aerosmith, or is the Electric Mayhem the perfect chaotic fit?
Sound off in the comments — we want to know where you stand on any or all of the topics above!
My sincerest thanks to Mike Kindrich for making the long trek to Orlando to gather these photos for us!