We’re going Soarin’ Across America next year, Fourth of July will be a three-day holiday at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, and technical issues hit Walt Disney World — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Monday, October 20, 2025.
Daily Recap (10/20/25)
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- Among other festivities, the 4th of July fireworks will play across all three nights of the holiday weekend at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- As we inch closer to the holiday season at Disney World, several more dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party continue to sell out.
- Walt Disney World confirmed today that Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks will be presented for all Magic Kingdom guests on select dates.
EPCOT
- Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will debut a new version of Soarin’ next summer: Soarin’ Across America.
- Soarin’ Across America debuts next summer at Disney World and Disneyland, and Imagineers have shared a behind-the-scenes look at what they are accomplishing so far.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Harambe Market has closed for a months-long update, while Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks are permanently closed.
New Merchandise
- Walt Disney World shared a preview of new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! merchandise coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with the show’s opening next month.
- Wishes! Dream a dream! A new Walt Disney World T-shirt seems to reference former fireworks show Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams.
- Merry Menagerie is a holiday puppet performance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and new original artwork celebrating the seasonal offering will be available for a limited time — but would you pay $6,000 for it?
Other Walt Disney World News
- As one of the country’s busiest airports, Orlando International Airport plans to accommodate its growth with a bold plan to expand operations and make things easier for passengers.
- Wait time signs at Walt Disney World aren’t currently working due to technical issues.
- Tuesday’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage hit the Walt Disney World site in the afternoon, affecting dining reservations and other services. As of 7:55pm ET, the dining reservation system was working again.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
- Among other festivities, the 4th of July fireworks will play across all three nights of the holiday weekend at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- The Main Street, U.S.A. Starbucks in Disneyland has received new decorations referencing Disney stories and attractions.
- Snow is almost done falling on Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland and icicles have begun to appear, plus crews have started preparing for the “it’s a small world” holiday overlay.
- A portion of Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland Park is surrounded by construction walls, and we aren’t sure what they are for.
Disney California Adventure
- Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will debut a new version of Soarin’ next summer: Soarin’ Across America.
- Soarin’ Across America debuts next summer at Disney World and Disneyland, and Imagineers have shared a behind-the-scenes look at what they are accomplishing so far.
Downtown Disney District
- A concrete foundation has been added as crews work to build two new restaurants, which replace Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort.
Other Disneyland Resort News
- As Disneyland remains a popular destination for locals, Magic Key Passes frequently sell out for new purchases. However, current Key holders may renew.
Disneyland Paris
Walt Disney Studios Park
- Walt Disney Studios Park is being rebranded, and a “Final Take” farewell merchandise collection celebrates the end of an era and the magic of cinema.
Disney Cruise Line
- The Disney Destiny cruise ship has begun its two-week transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- The parents of the child who fell off a Disney Cruise Line ship this summer will not face child neglect charges.
Disney Store Merchandise
- A peppermint Spirit Jersey, Her Universe apparel, Dooney & Bourke bags, ear headbands, and more new Christmas merchandise has arrived in Disney Store’s online holiday shop.
- New Star Wars collectibles from DisneyStore.com include a DJ R-3X action figure and a miniature lightsaber hilt countdown calendar.
The Walt Disney Company
- Incredibles 2 comes to life inside Disney’s Cotino residential living community, and the Parr House replicates the film’s version.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida
- Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is back at Universal Studios Florida, and Universal has announced the dates for 2026.
Entertainment and Media
- Adam Driver has revealed in an interview with AP that he and Lucasfilm pitched a standalone Ben Solo movie to Disney and it was rejected.
- For America’s 250th anniversary next year, Disney will host a special fireworks broadcast on major networks and streaming platforms.
- Disney stands to lose $132M thanks to Tron: Ares bombing at the Box Office.
WDW News Today
New Soarin’ & More for America’s 250th, Arch Demolished at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!