Disney CEO Bob Iger and former Imagineer Joe Rohde shared thoughts about the California wildfires, and the wildest ride in the wilderness had some track removed. All this and more on today’s recap for Thursday, January 9, 2024.
Daily Recap for January 9, 2024
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is officially closed for its extended refurbishment and new narration about it has debuted on the Walt Disney World Railroad.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for refurbishment earlier this week and work is well underway on the attraction, with portions of the track already moved and props tagged.
EPCOT
- Walt Disney World has shared a first look at the Annual Passholder-exclusive merchandise for the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, featuring none other than Figment.
- Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a new permit to install signage as construction on the new Test Track 3.0 continues at EPCOT.
- Les Vins de France, a wine bar in the France Pavilion at EPCOT, is currently closed.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has officially closed for its annual refurbishment. During our visit to the park, we saw that the ride’s flume has been drained.
New Merchandise
- The range of characters available as Blissful Buddies plush has now been expanded to include Stitch, Mei, Pua, and more.
- And now, the eighth wonder of the world — a brand new Jungle Cruise tumbler, now available at Walt Disney World!
Other Walt Disney World News
- Disney Vacation Club Members are entitled to special Moonlight Magic events in Disney parks throughout the year, and while we previously announced the event dates, we now have the registration dates.
Disneyland Resort
- A new Chip ‘n’ Dale souvenir sipper has debuted at Disneyland. We first discovered the sipper at the Refreshment Corner.
- Brand new Disneyland billboards have debuted on the resort’s tram route near the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure.
Walt Disney Company
- Disney CEO Bob Iger and Former Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde took to social media to share their thoughts on the destruction caused by the California wildfires and condolences to those affected.
Universal Studios
Universal Orlando Resort
- Construction crews continue to make progress on the Universal Studios Store expansion. A roof overhang structure has been added to the building’s facade.
- Food booths have started to arrive around Universal Studios Florida for Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.
Universal Studios Hollywood
- Universal Studios Hollywood has announced an extension to its temporary closure due to the California wildfires.
WDW News Today
$130 PERFUME DRINK?!? Tom Tries The Aristocats Scat Cat Lounge
That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!
The post Bob Iger, Joe Rohde Share Thoughts on California Wildfires, Railroad Changes & More: Daily Recap (1/9/24) appeared first on WDW News Today.
