Halloween at Walt Disney World might look a bit different than you’d expect. The parks are well known for holiday celebrations and the infamous rotation of Epcot festivals. But, most of the big “spooky” moments of fall live inside Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. A paid, limited capacity event at Magic Kingdom. Outside of that, offerings are pretty light.

Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a festive trip. It just means you need a bit of a plan. September is a sweet spot for visits with lower crowds, party dates, after hour events and EPCOT’s Food & Wine running. There’s no shortage of things to do and see, it just may not all come with jack-o-lanterns and candy.

Don’t worry, there are tons of treats still.

How Halloween Works at Walt Disney World

Across the resort, the season shows up in three main ways: décor pockets, rotating snacks and drinks, and a heavy merch push. Magic Kingdom carries the most visible daytime décor along Main Street, while EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the resorts add a much lighter touch

The real seasonal draw is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. Exclusive parade, fireworks, trick-or-treating, and ride overlays live inside the event. It’s definately a lot of fun, and we go into all the details in our annual MNSSHP Guide. For day guests and non-party nights, think “fall flavor” more than “full Halloween takeover.”

Sort of a pumpkin spice flavored La Croix.

Magic Kingdom During the Day

Magic Kingdom feels the most seasonal of all the parks even during the day without party tickets. The heart of decor is Main Street; covered in carved pumpkins on balconies and ledges. Scan the windows for tiny gags and themed displays. And don’t miss my personal favorite – the pumpkin people of Main Street.

Treats change each year, but you can count on at least a few Halloween-leaning sweets and sips. Seasonal sundaes, specialty cold brews, and a spicy-sweet Dole Whip option to kicks up the heat! Most of the specialty food items have a spooky theme, feature a classic fall ingredient, or an unexcepted spice.

Sadly, there are no Halloween fireworks or Halloween parade outside of the party. But you can still sneak a peak of the fireworks from outside of Magic Kingdom – more on that below.

EPCOT in the Fall

EPCOT isn’t “Halloween” forward, but it pairs well with the season. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs through the fall, bringing evening energy and plenty of bites. Many of which feature festive fall flavors. If you want a little more themed fun with low effort, try Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit.

A Halloween inspired scavenger hunt around World Showcase and nearby areas. Purchase your map at most gift shops around the park, find the character pumpkins, and collect a small prize.

Hollywood Studios Halloween Touches

The marquee seasonal piece at Hollywood Studios is Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood & Vine, where characters appear in fall-themed looks. This is an ideal for families looking to meet characters with a (not so spooky) twist. It’s not our favorite dining location on property, or even at Hollywood Studios, but it’s a fun experience and if you love a good character meal – this is for you.

Animal Kingdom in October

Animal Kingdom has the lightest Halloween footprint. That’s not a bad thing. It can be a restful park day in the middle of a busy trip. Enjoy cooler mornings, abundant shade, and animal trails. Some of the animals may receive pumpkin treats for enrichment around the season, which is a cute nod if you happen to catch it.

Because the park often closes earlier than the others, it’s a great opportunity to spend the evening on some non-park activities. Or catch the Halloween Party fireworks from a secret lookout!

Disney Springs After Dark

Disney Springs is your flexible, low-stress seasonal hub. Several spots rotate in Halloween desserts and sips. It’s easy to sample one or two, browse the stores, and find seasonal merch to your hearts desire. Or until your credit card declines, as the case may be. If you’re hunting for a specific pair of ears or a coveted Mickey Halloween Wreath, you’re in the right spot.

Use Disney Springs on your non-park night or after an early-close park like Animal Kingdom. Parking is free, live music is common, and the vibe is lively without the ride-chasing pressure.

Make-Your-Own Halloween Fun

Even though Disney World may not go full out for spooky season, you can still create a great Halloween evening without entering the party.

Watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the park

You can see the show from several spots around Seven Seas Lagoon. The Transportation & Ticket Center offers a wide view with easy exits after. The Polynesian Village Resort beach is a favorite for the atmosphere; music is often piped in, and you can grab a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai beforehand. And they even have a Pumpkin Spice Flavor!

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, book California Grill at any time of day and bring your receipt to use the observation deck. You won’t see the castle projections from these locations. But the fireworks and music still feel special and very “Halloween at Disney.” Plan to arrive early, expect some resort parking limits, and use monorails or boats as needed. This one is not for the timid or those afraid of heights!

Lean into Disney-Inspired Outfits

Since adults can’t wear costumes during the day, use color stories and character-adjacent looks. Sometimes known as Disneybounding.

Go Ursula-inspired with a black tennis dress and a violet cardigan.
Add a gold shell pendant, black sneakers, and a bold red lip. Or think Hades-inspired with charcoal bottoms, a smoky gray top, and a teal overshirt or scarf.
Add black sneakers, an electric-blue hat or scrunchie, a skull pin or chain, and cool-toned makeup.

Keep fabrics breathable and shoes practical; Florida did not get the sweater-weather memo. Need ideas? browse the PDP Disney-Inspired Outfits archive and build a few mix-and-match looks that photograph well and pack light.

Resorts Round-Up

Honestly, resorts are such an under represented destination on a Disney World trip. Most guests are focused on in-park activities like rides and shows. But there is so much to do around Disney, even without a park ticket.

Most resorts add small touches for Halloween, rather than full events. You’ll often find Movies Under the Stars with seasonal picks, a craft or two, and light décor. As well as a seasonal sweet treat.

Ask at your resort’s recreation desk what’s on during your stay. It changes, and times can shift with weather.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground deserves a full detour if you like home-grown festivities. Guests staying here decorate campsites and cabins, and you’ll often see creative golf cart designs cruising the loops near Halloween.

There’s actually a golf cart parade and a campsite decorating contest close to the holiday. There are some ingenious golf cart designs! In recent years, restrictions have tightened up due to the popularity and only campground guests are allowed in for most of October. Book early if you’d like to be part of the festivities!

In past seasons, Fort Wilderness also offered Return to Sleepy Hollow, a special experience with the Headless Horseman. It hasn’t run for several years, but we’re holding out hope it returns!

Practical Planning Tips

This is the Pixie Dusted Planner after all.

When to go

September is the best balance of crowds, weather trends, and event layering. Early October stays workable. Halloween week gets insane. If your dates are fixed, build in more buffer time and avoid “must do everything” thinking.

How to use party days without party tickets

Magic Kingdom closes early on party nights, so many guests avoid the park altogether for the day. Use those mornings for a low-crowd experience: rope drop, stack two to three headliners, enjoy a snack, and then hop to another park or move toward your fireworks viewing plan. It turns what could be a short day into a strategic win.

Reservations and logistics

If you want Minnie’s seasonal dine, book Hollywood & Vine early. For Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, pick up your map when you arrive at EPCOT so you can slot it where it fits. For lagoon fireworks, give yourself travel padding. Boats and monorails can stack up after the show. If you plan a dinner at California Grill, request a time near fireworks, but know seating is not guaranteed for the exact window.

Weather and comfort

Afternoons stay hot and sticky well into October. Pack for sun and sweat. Strategize outdoor time early and late, and use shows or lounges to cool off mid-day. See our Rainy-Day Packing guide if storms roll in; fall squalls happen.

Budget sanity

It’s easy to nickel-and-dime a holiday trip with “just one more treat.” Pick your must-try snacks before you go, set a per-day treat budget, and stick to it. Our Budget Hacks guide has simple guardrails that keep spending in check while still letting you enjoy the special stuff.

Outfits that work all day

Build a few Disney-inspired outfits that breathe. Think cotton tees, airy skirts or shorts, and sneakers you trust. Add a seasonal accessory at night to freshen photos. Browse the PDP Disney-Inspired Outfits archive if you want plug-and-play looks.

Halloween at Walt Disney World is lighter outside of the paid party, but you can still build a great seasonal trip. Start with realistic expectations. Layer in a few smart moves: a Main Street photo ops, a few special treats, EPCOT’s scavenger hunt, and a fireworks plan outside Magic Kingdom. Add one resort detour or a Springs evening, and finish the look with Disney-inspired outfits you can wear all day.

If you do want the full parade and fireworks inside the park, read our MNSSHP Guide for the strategy. Otherwise, use these ideas to make the most of the season you already have planned. It’s your vacation. It should feel fun, easy, and a little bit spooky—without chasing every single pumpkin in the state of Florida.

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We’ve known for a while that something big was coming to this part of the park—Disney shared long-range plans at D23 last year—but this is the first time we’ve seen concept art, heard the name, and been given a timeline. And the timeline is fast.

We’re Gaining Piston Peak, But Losing a Core Piece of Magic Kingdom

Piston Peak looks incredible. It’s rugged and scenic, styled after a national park in the American West. The land will feature a high-energy off-road rally ride with trackless vehicles racing through geysers, red rock cliffs, and waterfalls. It’s a departure from the polished nostalgia of Cars Land, and something that will bring real scale and visual drama to the back half of Magic Kingdom.

But to make room for it, Disney is clearing out one of the park’s most iconic spaces.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat has been circling the Rivers of America since 1973, offering a peaceful ride through trees, past old fort structures, and alongside the park’s last big stretches of undeveloped shoreline. It wasn’t thrilling, but it was magic in the quietest way—steam rising off the engine, the bell echoing over the treetops, and families leaning on the railing, just taking it all in.

Tom Sawyer Island was one of the last places kids could really explore. They sprinted across bouncing barrel bridges, ducked into caves, scrambled through the fort, and vanished into corners of the park that felt wild and unscripted. It was messy, and loud, and full of laughter echoing off the trees. You couldn’t mobile order it. You couldn’t Lightning Lane it. It was something you found—and claimed.

Disney is calling this expansion the biggest change to Magic Kingdom since New Fantasyland. That’s true. But it’s also the biggest removal of opening-era atmosphere the park has ever seen.

What the Concept Art Tells Us About the New Land

Now that we’ve seen the concept art for Piston Peak National Park, we finally have something to dig into—and while Disney hasn’t confirmed many details, there’s a lot we can glean just by looking closely.

For starters: it looks like they’re not filling in the entire river. The front section, including the current Liberty Belle dock, is still there. And that’s a big deal. If that river stays, there’s a real chance the Liberty Belle sticks around too—maybe not sailing in circles, but parked permanently as a set piece, a scenic corner, or even home to something new. A Tiana meet and greet with the bayou cliffs in the background? That’s the kind of vibe this space could absolutely deliver.

The main ride—the off-road rally Disney teased—is all over the right side of the land. You can clearly trace the ride path as it winds through rocky formations, skims past waterfalls, and punches right through clusters of erupting geysers. It’s big. It’s bold. And it’s built for visual drama. This isn’t tucked into a back corner—it is the back corner.

Just past the entrance, right in the center of the land, is a set of ranger station-style buildings, all pitched roofs and forest green details. It feels like the heart of the story, and likely where the main queue kicks off. Behind that is a round fenced area, which could be anything from a setpiece to a staging zone for the ride. It’s probably not another attraction, but it’s clearly part of the layout in a meaningful way.

But what really stands out is the giant hollowed-out tree stump tucked into the center-left of the land. It’s got visible pathways leading up to it and seems to have a full footprint to itself—which makes it a strong contender for the land’s second attraction.

It doesn’t scream thrill ride. It feels slower, more story-based. Maybe a small theater show, maybe interactive. Something with characters. It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s unique—and in a land that’s otherwise dominated by vehicle tracks, this could be where the storytelling slows down a bit.

There’s no obvious second ride track, no rollercoaster tucked behind a mountain, no clear showbuilding for a high-capacity dark ride. So this might not be a headliner, but it looks intentional—and if the design matches the rest of the land, it could still be something special.

All of this is guesswork, of course. But what we’re seeing here isn’t just a rushed IP overlay or a flat expansion shoved into leftover space. Piston Peak looks layered. It looks big. And if it delivers on what this artwork is suggesting, it could become one of the most visually immersive lands Disney has built in years.

Big Changes Are Happening Across Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom isn’t the only part of the resort in motion.

Tomorrow, June 7, marks the final day of Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show—Jim Henson’s final project—will close as Disney prepares to transform Grand Avenue into a Monsters, Inc. themed area. While we’re hopeful the Muppets will find a new home, for now, it’s goodbye.

At Animal Kingdom, plans continue to move forward on Tropical Americas, which will replace DinoLand U.S.A. The new area will feature Encanto and Indiana Jones, with a retheme of the existing DINOSAUR ride expected. The carnival games and dino-themed play area are no more, and this new direction will shift the park’s tone toward IP-driven experiences.

And Over at Disneyland…

The changes aren’t limited to Florida. This week, Disneyland Resort announced the upcoming closure of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! at California Adventure, which will make way for a full Avatar-themed land. The project is expected to break ground soon and open in phases.

Disney also confirmed the first-ever Coco attraction, coming to Pixar Pier, and revealed plans for a 6,000-space parking structure to accommodate the expected increase in attendance as the resort expands.

Both coasts are in motion. Big IP. Big environments. Big turnover.

So what do you think the second attraction in Piston Peak will be? Drop your guesses in the comments.

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It’s finally here! Disney World has been teasing the debut of two new shows at Hollywood Studios for nearly a year, and today’s the day! And one of them is going on Lightning Lane MultiPass.

We’ve been eagerly awaiting Villains: Unfairly Ever After since it was first announced all the way back in September of last year. The 10-minute show features takes place in the Sunset theater, past the entrance to Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster.

Watch on as three classic characters attempt to explain their side of the story. The Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror kicks it off explaining that the villains have been struggling to escape. Cruella Deville, Captain Hook, and Maleficent then each take to the stage for a musical performance you won’t forget. And when it’s all over, you get the final say on who gets gets to stay.

But that’s not all – Disney is also breathing life into Animation Courtyard an area of the park that’s primarily used for character meets and has been neglected for far too long.

The Little Mermaid Musical Adventure is a completely revised and updated version of Voyage of the Little Mermaid which previously ran for over 30 years before shutting down with the parks in 2020. It’s a musical stage retelling of the movie featuring both live performers and a cast of impressive puppeteers.

With the addition of cutting age projection technology, Disney is able to create an immersive stage environment that makes you feel as though you’re under the sea. What’s even more exciting is this show is being added to Lightening Lane, giving guests more tier 2 options to choose from.

For those not familiar, Lightning Lane is Disney World’s paid skip-the-line service that let’s guests book a return time for fast access to some of the most popular rides and attractions. Check our our Full Guide to Lightening Lane at Hollywood Studios.

We’re legit so excited to see both of these shows and it’s great to see more new things going into Hollywood Studios. This park is a lover letter to showbiz, so it’s wonderful to see more of the biz brought in to the park.

How do you feel about Disney reviving this classic, and brining Villains into the fold?

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Our favorite season is creeping up like a ghost in the night, in all its pumpkin-spiced glory. And guess what? It’s bringing a cauldron full of magic right back to the beloved Magic Kingdom! Yes, the wonderfully wicked Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular is brewing its way back to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Hocus Pocus fans, get ready to run amuck, amuck, amuck!

Straight from the crypt, err, I mean the @OfficialDisneyAuditions Instagram account comes the eerie but thrilling casting call. The Sanderson Sisters have officially punched their return ticket and Winifred, Mary, and Sarah are ready to pull some more tricks out of their hats.

The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular has been a Halloween party staple for many years, but we’re thrilled to see this early indication that it’s returning again. It’s one of things that makes MNSSHP completely unique (even Oogie Boogie Bash can’t compete!).

This is just the first of many announcements we’re expecting to hear about Disney‘s Halloween plans this year. So, make sure to sign up for you newsletter to get the latest information on the parties and when tickets go on sale.

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The float in focus? It’s a glistening star-studded dream, featuring the adventurous Asha, her sidekick Valentino, and the mischievously cute Star.

Not only does this nighttime parade promise enchantment from “WISH,” but it’s also a whirlwind tour of beloved Disney realms. Expect to see Tinkerbell trying to keep Peter Pan in line, the enchanting antics of Mirabel and her magical family from Encanto, and Elsa keeping things cool, because what would a parade be without a flurry of Frozen magic?

Now, what is “WISH,” you ask? Released in 2023, Wish is set on the fictional island of Rosas. Where wishes are currency, every 18-year-old hands over their heart’s desire to the enigmatic King Magnifico. But like any Disney flick worth its pixie dust, things aren’t what they seem.

Asha is fierce, she’s got dreams, and she may have a slight authority issue. When the mask slips on King Magnifico it’s up to Asha to shake things up—breaking out of her comfort zone and diving headfirst into an adventure.

This is one parade that promises to bring the magic in a big way. With its mix of cutting-edge technology and signature Disney storytelling, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is set to light up Magic Kingdom and hearts to infinity and beyond!

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While I don’t have a solution for out-of-pocket spending on Souvenirs (yet!), there is an option that can help curb the cost of all those succulent snacks. Or at least make it sting a little less. And what’s better than a pre-paid dining plan at Disney? Free dining at Disney.

What is a Disney Dining Plan?

The Disney Dining Plan is an optional add on for your Disney World vacation that allows you to, essentially, pre-pay for your meals. There are 2 tiers available, Quick Service which runs about $59 per night per adult and Standard which will cost around $97.79 per night per adult.

Kid’s plan typically run about 30% less, but the exact cost isn’t important here because you’re going to get it for free.

Quick Service Dining Plan

With the Quick Service Dining Plan each person in your party will receive:

• (2) Counter Service meals per night
• (1) Snack per night
• (1) Refillable Drink Mug per stay (it’s good your entire stay)

But you don’t have to use them all in that order. If your family of 4 is staying for 4 nights, you’ll have a grand total of (32) quick service meal credits and (16) snack credits. These credits can be used at any time – splitting breakfast because your group starts the day light, cool. Want to use all your snack credits tasting around an Epcot Festival? Awesome! (and highly recommend)

Standard Dining Plan

Now if you were to upgrade to the Standard Dining Plan each member of your group would receive:

Don't Miss! Best Quick Service at Epcot

• (1) Counter Service meal per night
• (1) Table Service meal per night
• (1) Snack per night
• (1) Refillable Mug per stay

Not only do you unlock table service dining including some of the most iconic restaurants in the parks, but you can stack credits for special experiences. The especially expensive restaurants with fine dining, character meets, and dinner shows actually cost 2 Table Service credits per person. Which can be a great way to hack the system as many of these special occasion fancy-pants places are cheaper on credits than they would be out of pocket.

How to Get Free Dining On Your Next Trip

The Disney Dining Plans can be a great way to rein in vacation spending as it sort of forces you to stick to the plan. However, the upfront cost of these plans tends to be more expensive than if you would have simply paid at the time of service. It really depends on what your plans look like and there are plenty of strategies to get your money’s worth.

But it doesn’t matter, because Disney is offering free dining for select vacation packages in 2025. And we love to see it.

Vacation packages (meaning hotel and park tickets are booked all together) of 3 night’s and 3 days with park-hopper, or more, are eligible for this promotion for stays starting between May 27 to June 26 and July 7 to August 6. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel and buying tickets for your group during those dates, you can probably score this deal.

What’s the Catch?

The Free Dining promotion is one of our favorites for booking a trip, especially for families traveling all together. But, it can’t be combined with any other offers and is running concurrently with several big room discounts. You’ll want to price out both options, and any others you’re eligible for, before booking.

Folks staying off property, booking through a third party (including a DVC rental), or not purchasing tickets (sorry AP’s) will not be able to steal this deal. Again, sometimes these alternatives can be cheaper so double check. It’s actually a great case to make for using a travel agent when booking your trip, because they’ll know the ins and outs and how to get you the best deals.

Which Dining Plans Are Included?

You ask the best questions! With the Free Dining Promotion the type of dining plan (quick service or standard) depends on which hotel you’ve booked. The Standard Plan is offered for stays at any of the Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resorts. While the Quick Service plan is offered at Moderate and Value resorts.

So there you have it, free dining at Disney that can help you save a bit on a 2025 trip. Have you ever used a Disney Dining Plan before, if so would you do it again?

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Check out the Complete Guide to Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival!

Oh, and there’s a nightly concert that’s included with your regular park ticket.

What is Epcot Flower and Garden Festival?

Every year Epcot is transformed into a vision of life and celebrations for the Flower and Garden Festival. The year the even takes place March 3 through June 2, 2025. As with all Epcot festivals the park will be home to dozens of food service kiosks with their own unique themes; from a celebration of bees to a fully plant based menu.

These Outdoor Kitchens offer sample sized portions of artisan foods. Each menu is designed around different aspects of nature and conservation, and incorporates how a variety of cultures harness the power of gardens around the world. In a word, it’s awesome. Personally, it’s one of my absolute favorite festivals because it has the most plant-based options (duh, it’s a plant festival) but also because of the decor.

More than 25 character themed topiaries can be found throughout Epcot during the festival. And they are gorgeous! The full list hasn’t been released for this year (be sure to sign up for our e-mail newsletter to keep up with the latest news), but here are some of the best we’ve seen in years past.

Garden Rocks Schedule

But, it just wouldn’t be an Epcot fest with a performance schedule and Garden Rocks never disappoints. Each weekend the America Gardens Theater hosts a popular performer for park guests to enjoy.

And by popular I mean for us millennials who played them full blast on cassettes with all the windows rolled down in our 1996 Chevy Cavalier.

Here’s everyone you can catch during the 2025 Flower and Garden Festival

• March

• April

• May

• June

• March 7 & 8 Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of Boston
• March 9 & 10 Air Supply
• March 14 & 15 Blue October
• March 16 & 17 Rick Springfield
• March 21 & 22 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
• March 23 & 24 38 Special
• March 28 & 29 Jason Scheff, Lead Vocalist of Chicago
• March 30 & 31 TBD

• April 4 & 5 THE ORCHESTRA starring Elo and Elo Part II Former Members
• April 6 & 7 Sugar Ray
• April 11 & 12 Simple Plan
• April 13 & 14 Jo Dee Messina
• April 18 & 19 Mike DelGuidice
• April 20 & 21 A Flock of Seagulls
• April 25 & 26 Taylor Dane
• April 27 & 28 98 Degrees

• May 2, 3, 4, & 5 Plain White T’s
• May 9 & 10 Jon Secada
• May 11 & 12 Maverick City Music
• May 16 & 17 The Spinners
• May 18 & 19 The Pointer Sisters
• May 23 & 24 The Outlaws
• May 25 & 26 Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
• May 30 & 31 The Cat Empire

• June 1 & 2 We the Kingdom

2025 Garden Rocks Dining Packages

Each band, or performer, does 3 shows per night at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm. But even with all these times, some of the bigger names can pull massive crowds. The outdoor theater can hold quite a few folks, but I’d recommend lining up 45 minutes to an hour before the show you’d like to see. Possibly even earlier for bands like Sugar Ray and 98 Degrees.

If waiting in long lines isn’t your thing though, there is another option: Dining Packages. A selection of eateries around the park offer one price deals that include a meal and reserved seating for a performance on the same day. Booking opens tomorrow 1/29/2025.

Important Information

As with most things in life, these dining packages come with a few terms and conditions. In this case the biggest ‘but are that you may not get to choice which performance time you’ll get with your reservation.

And while you’ll have guaranteed seating, everything is on a first come first serve basis. So, if you really want to relive the dreams of your youth in the front row – consider lining up 20-30 minutes before the show. It’s not perfect, but with a shorter wait and guarantee that I’ll be able to sit down after a long day at Disney it’s worth it.

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Why is MuppetVision 3D Closing?

One of Walt’s founding philosophies was that Disney parks would never be finished. It was always intended that they would grow and change to meet the needs of the fans of the time. The closure of MuppetVision 3D is just that; making way for change.

We first learnt of the upcoming Monstropolis land headed to Hollywood Studios back in August at the 2024 D23 Parks showcase. And to say it looks amazing would be an understatement! What Josh D’maro failed to mention at that time, however, is where the land would be placed.

Two pieces of concept art were shared from Imagineers that looked like the new area could go into Animation Courtyard or Grand Avenue. Many thought that the company was undecided or had flip-flopped between the two areas. But we were certain Monstropolis would take over Animation Courtyard.

Animation Courtyard

I was completely convinced the new land would replace Animation Courtyard, because there’s really nothing there currently. Pre-pandemic the area was home to The Littler Mermaid stage show and an animation themed gift shop – but little else.

But the Little Mermaid show never returned after the parks re-opened. And today the Animation Courtyard is little more than a Meet and Greet area for Disney Jr. characters like Doc McStuffin’s and Fancy Nancy. You can also meet a selection of Intergalactic Stars at the Star Wars Launch Bay – although it really doesn’t make any sense to have them here when Galaxy’s Edge is right there.

Regardless, Disney World has opted to leave this empty and deserted portion of the parks in place. There is currently a performance in the works that is expected to debut this summer at Hollywood Studios, however. So, there’s that.

Muppet Vision 3D and Grand Avenue

Just a few months after D23 Disney announced some of the worst news for Muppet fans – Monstropolis would replace Grand Avenue and MuppetVision 3D would be closing to make way for a new experience.

Change is inevitable but this is just painful. For those that are not familiar with the lore and history of Jim Henson and the Muppets, you may not know that MuppetVision 3D was Jim Henson’s last project and the last time he portrayed Kermit, before his untimely death in 1990.

MuppetVision 3D is so much more than a simple film played in a traditional theater, or a quick way to escape the Florida heat (or rainstorm). It’s one of the first immersive and interactive experiences of it’s kind. From Statler and Waldrof’s parade of insults, to the practical effects around the room, to Sweetums coming out into the audience to search for Bean Bunny after he’s run off.

The audience, the theater, everything becomes part of the set and part of the show. There’s nothing quite like it.

So, When is it Closing?

Alas, despite it’s historical significance and captivating culture the final showing of MuppetVision 3D will be on June 7, 2025 as well as PizzeRizzo. Mama Melrose’s will close on May 10, 2025.

Disney has shared previously that they are looking for ways to preserve the experience. And the Muppets will have a new home, replacing Aerosmith, at Rockin’ Rollercoaster. We’ve seen speculation that the nearby Sunset Boulevard Theater – which would be awesome. As of this writing, however that building is earmarked for the Villains show coming this summer.

Sadly, it looks like this may be our last chance to visit these favorite furry friends, in all their glory.

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Still I cannot believe that we’re talking about an upcoming Villains show and land in this, the year 2025. Dream really do come true kids. And now we’ve been gifted a sneak peak of what we can expect.

Disney recently shared limited details, and concept art, for the show which will give some of our favorite bad guys (and girls) a chance to tell their side of the story. The article specifically names Cruella de Ville, Captain Hook, and Maleficent.

Side note: where is the Captain Hook origin movie?!

At the end of the show, it seems, guests will be called to determine the fate of it’s stars in what is described as “a delightfully wicked finale filled with dozens of the most infamous evildoers,” indicating that we may get to see a few more stars than listed.

Looking at the concept art we can clearly see our three main stars center stage. But Hades and Jafar are also present, each standing on their own balconies on opposite sides of the stage.

The stage is dressed with picture frames, and possibly glass or mirror fragments along the sides, which display a host of villains! Among them are Ursula, Ratcliffe, Dr. Facilier, Mother Gothel, Frollo, Pain & Panic, The Queen of Hearts, Yzma, Hans, Madame Mim, and Madame Tremaine – all of which we have seen as costume character in the parks.

Most shows at Disney last between 20 and 45 minutes. While I do expect this one to be on the longer side, I don’t see them telling more than 3 or 4 stories during that time. If you look at the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular though, they manage to fit twelve bad guys into a much shorter 15 minute span.

I think what we’ll end up seeing is some of the portraits being interactive and chiming in at key points in the show. The finale will likely bring out additional characters but how many and which ones – that’s anybody’s guess. It could very well be that the concept art show is the finale and those additional characters are Hades and Jafar.

One thing we do know for sure; Villains are come to Disney World in a big way and we can’t wait! The show is likely intended to test guest perception and gauge just how much evil doing fans are comfortable with. Which will give us a taste of the direction Imagineering may be heading in for development of the all new Villains Land for Magic Kingdom.

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The latest offering in Disney World’s growing collection of skip the line services, Lightning Lane Premiere Pass, is now available for purchase to all guests. Premiere Pass began as an exclusive offering for guests at Deluxe Disney resorts October 30th, 2024 and later expanded to all Disney property resort guests November 11th, 2024.

Starting today, January 21, 2025, all guests visit a Disney World park are able to purchase this premium skip the line pass. But, what exactly is Premiere Pass and how much will you need to fork out?

What is Lightning Lane Premiere Pass?

Lightning Lane is the latest line hopping service offered by the parks as a way for families to minimize standby waits and maximum their time – ideally by shopping, dining, and generally spending more money if Disney has their way. There are now three different types of Lightning Lane passes that can be purchased.

Multipass is the most familiar of these chooses. It allows guests to make one purchase to access the Lightning Lane queue for most attractions within the park of their choice. They are then able to book return windows for when they’ll be able to use those Lightning Lanes and skip the standby wait. FastPass, later FastPass+, laid the foundation for this service that introduced limited pre-booking offers in addition to an upcharge usually between $15 and $25 per guest per day.

Check out our Complete Guide to Lightning Lane Multi-pass!

Next we have the SinglePass; available for select attractions at each park for an additional price. Pricing varies but typically falls $12 and $24 per attraction per person. The Lightning Lanes for these attractions are not available through Multipass. They include:

• Rise of the Resistance (DHS)
• Tron (MK)
• Seven Dwarves Mine Train (MK)
• Cosmic Rewind (Epcot)
• Flight of Passage (AK)

Which brings us to the Premiere Pass with a jaw dropping price range between $119 and $429 per person per day. What, you might ask, is worth more than twice the cost of admission (which is not included)?

Guests who purchase Premiere Pass have on demand access to the Lightning Lane of each included attraction, once per day. Basically, you get to ride whatever you want whenever you want with no line. And the included attractions are everything included in Multipass and Singlepass. There are some rules, of course, namely that it can only be used in one park per day and only works on each attraction once.

Lightning Lane Premiere Pass Cost

If you too are wondering who would possibly purchase this and also what in the world to they do for work, allow me to explain that Premiere Pass has routinely sold out since the initial rollout. Personally, I’m still grappling with the $20 price tag for Multipass. I can’t even fathom shelling out $400 – for a single day. For. One. Person.

But…I can see how it could be worth the price, in a few very specific situations. Animal Kingdom, for instance, only has 6 rides in the entire park right now. Thanks to ongoing construction and an emphasis on shows and wildlife exhibits, guests can pretty easily accomplish everything in a single day. The Premiere Pass here starts at just $119, but even that would be a waste.

Magic Kingdom on the other hand is the most popular theme park in the world with more than 17 million guests visiting each year – it’s busy. The more popular attractions regularly have waits over 2 hours, and there are more of them. Space Mountain, Tron, Seven Dwarves, Peter Pan, and Tiana’s Bayou are just some of the headliners bound to show up on your wish list.

Multipass offers a huge benefit and can help make a big dent in your Magic Kingdom to-do list. But, to be able to walk up to any of the attractions whenever the mood strikes? Now that sounds magical. Premiere Pass doesn’t just help you skip the line, it gives you more time. Time before your trip that would be spent researching and planning, time in the parks that you don’t have to constantly play Lightning Lane slots, time in your schedule to book dining reservations without having to worry about return windows!

Whether all that time saved is worth the very high cost, is up to you. It is a luxury product after all, it’s meant to provide an improved experience.

Does that experience encroach on that of other guests by directly driving longer than necessary standby lines? Probably, but that’s another story for another time.

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