The arch that used to stand at the entrance of Animation Courtyard was demolished overnight, shoppers can get a free LEGO set at the Disney Store online with purchase, regular tickets are sold out for Magic Kingdom on New Year’s Eve, and the live-action Ariel meet and greet is moving — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Saturday October 18, 2025.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• It’s going to be a busy New Year’s Eve in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and all regular ticket types have already sold out for the day.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• The live-action Ariel meet and greet is temporarily moving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to a new location starting later this month.
• The first night of Jollywood Nights 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World has officially sold out.

• As seen in a new aerial image, Disney is in the process of building a new food kiosk in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• The iconic arch that used to stand at the entrance to Animation Courtyard has been completely demolished at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, seemingly overnight.

Disney Springs

• This weekend, CRISLU collectors have a chance to meet the brand’s creative director and browse recently released pieces at a Halloween jewelry trunk show in Disney Springs.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• A large tree that previously blocked theme park views from several rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has now been removed.

New Merchandise

• Hinting at “cooler” days to come, even more winter wear is arriving at Walt Disney World. The latest additions include classic jackets and puffy sweatshirts with the resort logo.
• A pearly blue ear headband featuring a sequin-covered bow has arrived at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, though we expect it will soon arrive at other locations around Walt Disney World.

• Toy Story is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and a new Buzz Lightyear figure has landed at Disney World just in time.
• Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me! New Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired youth apparel featuring Mickey and Friends dressed as pirates is available at Walt Disney World.

Disneyland Resort

New Merchandise

• A new color changing mug featuring icons of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is now available.
• Disneyland Resort has a new Haunted Mansion snow globe and a Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie shirt.
• Disney California Adventure has a new T-shirt featuring the Incredicoaster of Pixar Pier.

Disney Store Merchandise

• For a limited time, online shoppers can get a free LEGO Classic Animation set with any Disney Store purchase of $130 or more.
• A new quack-tastic Donald Duck ear headband is available online from the Disney Store.

• Disney and Vera Bradley are collaborating once again, and this new collection features a ski weekend with Mickey and friends.

The Walt Disney Company

• During the Disney Dreamlight Valley showcase, we learned that the next update features a new storyline that will finally allow players the opportunity to befriend a fan-favorite Disney Princess. Plus, get a look at the 2026 roadmap.

Universal Orlando Resort

CityWalk

• Universal CityWalk Orlando will present special Back to the Future 40th anniversary screenings at the Cinemark movie theater.

New Merchandise

• Wa-hoo! See every Mario-themed merchandise item (with prices) that you can buy from 1-UP Factory in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe.

WDWNT

• Think you’ve kept up with all the latest Disney and Universal news this week? Let’s find out with our Top 5 Stories of the week.

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

Gretchen