Stardust Racers returns for riders, the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion gets a much-requested queue update, and 13 is the lucky number for saucy chicken tenders all around Walt Disney World — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, October 3, 2025.
Daily Recap (10/3/25)
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- The Haunted Mansion queue at Magic Kingdom has been updated to address a recurring complaint from guests.
- Our reporter spotted a new display of framed antique barbershop implements on a wall in Emporium Shop.
- The Disney Eats Instagram shared a fantastical spread of desserts to be served at the new Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Check out our first look at some of the new dishes being served at this year’s Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic!
New Merchandise
- Previously only available at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Jack Skellington Gravestone Popcorn Bucket is now available for all guests to purchase at Walt Disney World.
- Animal Kingdom has a new “We are all connected in the great Circle of Life” collection, featuring vibrant colors and patterns.
- Limited edition and new merchandise for TRON has arrived at Magic Kingdom. Several items are for the upcoming Tron: Ares movie.
- A new Fort Wilderness ear headband is available at Walt Disney World.
- We spotted several pieces of new Star Wars merchandise in a few different locations around Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Other Walt Disney World News
- Time to try a little chicken tender(ness): Disney Parks Blog shared that 13 new sauced chicken strips are coming soon to Walt Disney World.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
- Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo has a distinctive new sign at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland.
Disney California Adventure
- Partysaurus Rex is now at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Park and he’s here to get the party started!
New Merchandise
- Disneyland has debuted several new Christmas ornaments, including Mickey Mouse, snowmen, Christmas trees, candy canes, and more.
- Lightning McQueen and Mater have been turned into small plush for create-your-own headbands at Disneyland Resort.
- New Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge apparel featuring droids, a new droid toy, and an Imperial Death Trooper helmet have arrived at Disneyland.
- Disneyland has new merchandise featuring Monsters, Inc. and Toy Story. Items include figurine sets and a baby onesie.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris
- As the skies darken over Disneyland Paris, a spooky new Halloween projection show comes to life on the facades of Main Street. Check out our photos and video.
Universal Orlando Resort
Epic Universe
- Universal has issued an official statement confirming the Stardust Racers reopening date.
- Sources were reporting that Stardust Racers is set to reopen tomorrow after over two weeks, when the roller coaster was closed due to an incident wherein a guest died shortly after riding.
New Merchandise
- Five Nights at Freddy’s and Terrifier candles, a HamiKuma plush toy, a Friday the 13th jersey, and more Halloween Horror Nights merch have arrived at Universal Studios Florida.
WDW News Today
Muppets Courtyard was “Underutilized”, Avatar Experience Closing Permanently
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!