Banana Ball is coming to Walt Disney World in 2026, Cake Bake Shop has a special $200 Santa dinner, Gordon Ramsay is teaming up with Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney, and price increases hit California Grill at the Contemporary Resort — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Daily Recap (9/9/25)
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- The themed faux leather menus of The Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom have been replaced with plastic menus.
- A reimagined dessert party at Magic Kingdom features treats inspired by the lands of the park, and the food stations that have been set up match as well.
- It appears one major piece of the former Rivers of America at Disney World is now gone as crews continue to demolish the area that will become the future Piston Peak.
- A construction wall and scrim now blocks a portion of the interior Casey’s Corner seating space at Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT
- Disney has replaced the old and washed out posters in the Refreshment Outpost (also known as the African Outpost) at EPCOT.
- EPCOT has a limited-time croissant with a chocolate twist. We tried the giant-sized Parisian treat in Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the World Showcase.
- The entrance to Spaceship Earth at EPCOT has been repainted as part of a regular refurbishment.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The majority of Animation Courtyard closed to make way for new experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. More construction walls have been installed, blocking off most of the area.
Disney Springs
- Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs celebrated their 10th anniversary this week and will continue the celebration with special dishes for the next year.
- Gideon’s Bakehouse offers popular Frankenstein-inspired treats during the month of October. We visited the Disney Springs location to try the Bride of Frankenstein cake, which is only available on Sundays and Thursdays.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Crews are busy replacing the carpet and painting various areas of the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as the complete overhaul continues.
- Disney will raise pricing at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort starting next month.
- The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk will have a special Dinner With Santa Claus offering on select days this winter.
New Merchandise
- A new Mickey Mouse Ghost popcorn bucket has arrived at Disney Springs as a late addition to the Disney World Halloween offerings.
- Disney World has new MagicBand+ options, including Toy Story and Mickey Mouse Club. MagicBand+ bracelets allows guests to engage in unique experiences around property.
- A new Disney Vacation Club Member Minnie Mouse ear headband has arrived at Walt Disney World Resort.
- A light-up beer mug has arrived at Walt Disney World to make your viewings of Fantasmic! all the more magical.
- A new pair of novelty socks themed to the iconic Disney monorail system has now arrived at Walt Disney World.
- Kids can learn the way of water with new Avatar bath toys available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Other Walt Disney World News
- Banana Ball, the fan-favorite variation of baseball made famous by The Savannah Bananas, is coming to Walt Disney World in 2026.
- Pricing for 2026 Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT has been revealed.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
- A new experience is coming to the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland, and holiday props have arrived to prepare.
Downtown Disney District
- Chef Gordon Ramsay and Earl of Sandwich are teaming up to bring a new restaurant to Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort: Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby.
New Merchandise
- A large collection of Droid Depot merchandise just dropped at Disneyland, including apparel, home goods, and more.
- A holiday-inspired, double-sided holiday charm with a peppermint Mickey icon and more festive images by Pandora is now available at Disneyland Park.
Disney Store Merchandise
- Levi’s is teaming up with Disney and Pixar to bring us a Toy Story collection full of western wear, including a tote bag, jean jackets, a vest, and more.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida
- Shortly after our reporter noticed construction walls outside of Wicked: The Experience at Universal Studios Florida, Universal announced that the Mega Movie Parade will be on hiatus due to ongoing construction.
New Merchandise
- A new celestial-themed water light wand toy is now available at Epic Universe, fitting in perfectly with Celestial Park.
- The final Epic Universe-inspired Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholder-exclusive button has been revealed and will be available starting this week.
- A new collection of apparel and accessories by Faith in Chaos features Universal Monsters like Frankenstein’s Monster, Wolfman, Dracula, and more.
Other Universal Orlando Resort News
- Universal Orlando Resort announced the dates and details of their 2025 holiday offerings, including the return of the Universal Holiday Tour, Tribute Store, and more.
- Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholders can enjoy special perks, discounts, and exclusives during the 2025 holiday season.
Entertainment and Media
- Movie theaters have shared first looks at the Wicked: For Good novelties they will have for sale when the film hits theaters next month.
- Disney has resumed development on a possible live-action Tangled with Scarlett Johansson eyeing the role of Mother Gothel.
WDW News Today
- Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for the latest Disney Parks news, a game of Parktionary, rejected Storybook Land Canal Boats scenes, and more!
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!