MickeyBlog News for October 6th, 2025
This past week, Disney’s Hollywood Studios performed the ol’ character shuffle.
Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom celebrated a birthday, and EPCOT provided a surprise announcement.
Cinderella Castle
I’ll catch you up to speed in the latest edition of MickeyBlog News.
Characters, Characters Everywhere
In calendar 2025, Hollywood Studios has undergone several dramatic changes.
The park has closed two themed lands: Muppets Courtyard and Animation Courtyard.
In addition, Hollywood Studios has ended classic experiences like Muppet*Vision 3D and Star Wars Launch Bay.
That last one proves particularly important, as it’s been home to a bevy of character greetings.
Final Look at Animation Courtyard
Thankfully, Disney has viewed the changes as an opportunity to reinvigorate the park.
Hollywood Studios has done a character greeting shuffle with several characters.
Also, the park has added four classic Disney characters to the rotation.
At the Chinese Theatre, you can interact with Mary Poppins and Pinocchio.
This must be a Plus One deal, as they’ve both brought along a friend, too.
You can hang out with Bert and Jiminy Cricket while you’re in the area as well.
The park has also moved Darth Vader to a new spot, one that makes perfect sense.
You’ll find the Sith Lord menacing park guests at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue!
As part of this shuffle, Donald and Daisy have moved to Echo Lake. They’re not the only ones to move, either.
You’ll now find Pluto along with Max and Goofy at Grand Avenue. Once you’re done there, you have other options.
Chip ‘n’ Dale are hanging out near The Hollywood Brown Derby. So, most of your favorites have moved.
The sole exception is the Disney Jr. crew, but you can meet them at Hollywood & Vine’s breakfast character meal if you like.
Fancy Nancy at Hollywood & Vine Breakfast
Overall, the reconfigured Hollywood Studios provides plenty of great options for park guests.
Oh, and there’s a new juggling act (?!) that has debuted here, too.
Happy Birthday, Magic Kingdom!
Photo: Disney
This story hasn’t gotten the same hype as it did four years ago, but you’re about to understand why.
Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World just celebrated their 54th anniversary on October 1st.
Cinderella Castle
Obviously, that milestone doesn’t possess the same grandeur as Disney World’s 50th birthday.
That’s why the Walt Disney World 50 party lasted for 18 months. Still, this was a big day.
54th Anniversary Pin
Disney officials knew it, too. They handed out 54th anniversary commemorative pins.
Obviously, those were in high demand, but there was plenty of other stuff happening at the park that day.
Long story short, a good time was had by all. And I’ll even tie these two stories together!
Magic Kingdom wasn’t the only one celebrating a birthday on October 1st.
Mary Poppins herself, Julie Andrews, turned an impressive 90 years old.
She’s still nine years behind Bert himself, Dick Van Dyke, though. In fact, that gap’s about to spread.
JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images
Van Dyke will celebrate his centennial birthday on December 13th, just two months from now!
Apparently, working on Mary Poppins made its stars immortal. They’re a combined 189 years old!
Disney Miscellany Part I
We’ve got several other stories to cover. So, I’ll go fast here.
In an unexpected move, Spaceship Earth will reopen this month! That’s a bit earlier than anticipated.
Spaceship Earth
Specifically, you can ride the best theme park attraction in the world – you heard me – on October 25th.
Disney has remained cagey about this particular refurbishment, but you may want to lower your expectations.
With the ride coming back so soon, Disney couldn’t have done that much to it. I think?
Come on, Disney! Surprise me with some long overdue tech improvements!
On the Disney dining front, the entire system went down on Disney World’s 54th birthday. Awkward.
Fortunately, the incident only lasted a few hours, which isn’t bad by tech industry standards.
Speaking of Disney World, you can save up to $250 per night on 2026 vacation packages right now.
You should speak with a MickeyTravels agent immediately before the deal expires.
Remember that these Diamond Earmarked vacation planners provide their services free of charge!
Circling back to EPCOT, something else has already reopened. It’s CommuniCore Hall and Plaza!
CommuniCore Hall
MickeyBlog’s reporters provided you with a first look at the new, more understated interior.
The one Disney World park we haven’t mentioned yet is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
CommuniCore Hall
Well, something has changed there, too, but it’s good news, especially for DINOSAUR fans!
With the ride currently counting down to extinction, Disney has photo overlays to the on-ride pictures.
Photo: Disney
We had a trip scheduled for the end of this month, and it kills me that we had to cancel.
I’m a DINOSAUR superfan. Yes, we exist. And we’re right! It’s a fantastic ride.
Disney Miscellany Part II
Sticking with Animal Kingdom for a moment, Cast Members just added umbrellas in an odd place.
No, there’s not a new show coming to the former KiteTails stadium, at least not as far as we know.
However, this place has turned into a popular sitting spot at the park.
So, it’s a nice touch by Disney to add a bit more comfort to guests hanging out here for a while.
Also, while we just entered October, Thanksgiving isn’t too far away from today.
Those of you vacationing at Disney World during the holiday should read about these meals.
Photo: Center Watch
One other thing you should know about Disney vacations is that trip insurance prices have increased.
Despite this fact, I’d still suggest that you buy it. Doing so just saved my nephew.
Photo:Disneycoupon.jpg
He was supposed to be at Disney World this week, but a family issue arose.
He got his money back thanks to trip insurance. It definitely falls into the bucket of, “Better to have it and not need it…”
Photo: vecteezy.com
On the Disney resort front, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort is gonna need a bit more time.
Over at Disney Springs, we learned a bit more about that engrossing Paddlefish robbery.
Finally, just because it’s awesome, here’s Josh Gad exploring the Haunted Mansion.
Have a great week, my many loves.
Photo: MickeyBlog
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
