Author: waltdisneynews

WDWNT

Muppets, Moana, Groot & More Topiaries Arrive at EPCOT for Flower and Garden Festival

Muppets, Moana, Groot, and several more topiaries have arrived at EPCOT for the 2026 Flower and Garden Festival. Moana Located near the Port of Entry, you’ll find topiaries of Moana, Maui, and Pua on a sandy beach. A straw hut and foliage surround them. Groot Although the Groot topiary is up in World Discovery near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, he does not appear to be playing music yet. He holds a mix tape over his head. Kermit & Miss Piggy Kermit rides a bicycle, and Miss Piggy sits on top of suitcases for this topiary display. It’s located outside the Canada Pavilion where the Bambi topiary used to be. Princess Tiana Princess Tiana’s topiary is located in The American Adventure. Her green dress is made of flowers, and a large white water lily sits on her hip. Seven Dwarfs Once again this year, the Germany Pavilion has the Seven Dwarfs in topiary form. Notice the cute caterpillar! Snow White was previously installed. Geese Three geese topiaries are located in the Canada Pavilion. Mickey & Friends A large topiary display features Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale in a flower bed. A kite and basket accessories accent the space. It’s located in the middle of the walkway leading up to Creations Shop. Butterflies A pair of butterfly topiaries surrounded by pots of flowers has been installed near the

11 hours ago waltdisneynews
Read More
InsideTheMagic

Second ‘Jurassic Park’ Attraction Goes Offline at Universal Park Without Notice

Few theme park experiences capture cinematic immersion quite like stepping into Jurassic World. From the roar of distant dinosaurs to the towering park gates that welcome guests into a prehistoric adventure, the franchise continues to serve as a cornerstone of Universal’s storytelling across both coasts. At Universal Studios Hollywood, Jurassic World – The Ride stands as one of the park’s signature attractions — blending large-scale animatronics, projection technology, and a dramatic splashdown finale that has made it a must-do for thrill seekers and families alike. The attraction’s transformation from the original Jurassic Park version helped introduce a new generation of guests to the evolving franchise while maintaining the tension and wonder that defined the original films. Because of that balance between nostalgia and modernization, guests often view the ride as a reliable centerpiece of their park day. It’s the type of attraction visitors plan around — a headliner that consistently draws crowds and remains a major part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s identity. But even the most dependable attractions can experience unexpected moments that leave fans unsettled. Credit: ITM Krysten S. Guests Begin Noticing Something Is off as Another Jurassic Park Franchise Ride Quietly Goes Dark at Universal Visitors arriving at the Lower Lot recently encountered an unusual sight: the ride’s entrance inactive, team members redirecting guests, and wait time boards offering no clear explanation. For an attraction that typically

11 hours ago waltdisneynews
Read More
InsideTheMagic

Reports Show Zendaya May Play Luke Skywalker’s Wife in ‘Star Wars’

As the ever-expanding Star Wars universe continues to evolve, fans may witness Mara Jade stepping into a galaxy far, far away. Credit: Lucasfilm For decades, Mara Jade has remained one of the most beloved characters in Star Wars lore—despite never appearing on screen. Introduced in Timothy Zahn’s acclaimed “Heir to the Empire” trilogy, she played a pivotal role in the Expanded Universe, serving as the Emperor’s Hand before ultimately becoming a Jedi Master and marrying Luke Skywalker. But when The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, Mara Jade, along with many other Expanded Universe characters, was rendered non-canon. Mara Jade’s story spans multiple Star Wars novels and comics. Zahn’s “Heir to the Empire” (1991), “Dark Force Rising” (1992), and “The Last Command” (1993) introduced her as a former assassin under Emperor Palpatine, who later forged an unlikely alliance—and romance—with Luke Skywalker. Their story continued in the “Hand of Thrawn” duology, where they ultimately married, and the graphic novel “Union” (1999) depicted their wedding. The couple later had a son, Ben Skywalker, but tragedy struck when Mara Jade met her demise at the hands of her nephew, Jacen Solo, in “Sacrifice” (2007). Credit: Lucasfilm While elements of Thrawn’s original storyline have already been reworked into Disney’s Star Wars canon, Mara Jade’s fate remains unknown. However, in recent years, her potential return seemed more plausible than ever before. Grand Admiral Thrawn has long been a fan-favorite Star Wars villain, and Dave Filoni reintroduced him into

11 hours ago waltdisneynews
Read More
InsideTheMagic

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Confirms Return of DINOSAUR

Remnants of the DINOSAUR attraction have made a surprise return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park over the last few weeks, and they don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. This update comes just a few weeks after DINOSAUR and the remaining parts of DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closed to make way for a Tropical Americas-themed land. DinoLand U.S.A.’s Upcoming Transformation Credit: Disney At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney World Resort revealed that it was bringing to life a formerly blue-sky idea at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: a Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza. The land, which replaces DinoLand U.S.A., will feature two Encanto (2021)-inspired attractions, including an animal-themed carousel and a family-friendly experience inspired by Casita, the family’s lively home. As part of the new area, DINOSAUR will be reskinned into an Indiana Jones-inspired attraction–distinct from Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park. The first closures in DinoLand U.S.A. began in January 2025, including Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, TriceraTop Spin, and Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama (including the Fossil Fun Games). The Boneyard playground followed in September 2025. DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. welcomed their final Disney Park guests on February 1, 2026. Credit: Disney Construction crews have already rolled into Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, with the main Encanto attraction’s foundational structure already rising above the construction walls. Several props related to DINOSAUR have already been removed, including the cast skeleton of SUE, an iconic T. rex whose real skeleton is on display at the

11 hours ago waltdisneynews
Read More
WDWNT

Tropical Americas Drenched in Water for Fire Protection at Walt Disney World

In order to protect the area from fire, construction crews were drenching the land in Tropical Americas this morning, February 26. Tropical Americas As Tropical Americas is currently a construction site, a water supply must be available for fire protection. This morning we caught crews drenching the land beyond the walls that block off the area to guests. We could see the water actively shooting vertical in the area near Trilo-Bites (or at least that’s what it looked like from our viewpoint). The large structure in the middle of the photo above is the future Encanto-themed attraction. Workers have recently placed an American flag at the top. This “topping off” tradition signifies that vertical construction has reached its highest point. Elsewhere in the area, dirt piles continue to be moved around, and several excavators, additional heavy equipment, and workers can be seen. Besides the Encanto attraction, the land will see DINOSAUR be reimagined into an Indiana Jones ride, as well as a new carousel. Tropical Americas will open in 2027 and replaces DinoLand, U.S.A. Are you excited for this new area? Let us know on social media. For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The post Tropical Americas Drenched in Water for Fire Protection at Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.

11 hours ago waltdisneynews
Read More
WDWNT

Supposed Insiders Reveal Villains Land Might Now Be More Family-Friendly

The highly anticipated Villains Land in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has been the topic of much recent discussion. Now, TheWrap claims that sources in the know have said the project is changing gears to become more family-friendly. Villains Land Refocus Rumors According to TheWrap, the Villains Land’s focus has supposedly shifted. This would make the plan consist of a more family-friendly version of the devious development. For example, insiders have reportedly told the outlet that the original coaster meant to be Maleficent themed will instead be themed to The Emperor’s New Groove and be more like Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios than an intense coaster experience. However, the Maleficent theme would move to another attraction with an indoor water-based ride system with the scale and complexity of attractions like Radiator Springs Racers or Rise of the Resistance. Multiple sources have also told the outlet that there will be an Ursula spinner ride similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, as well as a dinner show themed to Hades instead of a Madam Medusa a la The Rescuers-themed restaurant. If there were plans for a restaurant themed to possible the least-known Disney Villain in Medusa, we here at WDWNT.com would be beyond shocked. The Scrapped Plans Sources have told TheWrap that Imagineers were informed in late 2025 that the previous plans for Villains Land were being redone. Just a few days ago, we debunked the rumor that the Villains Land plans were tossed for a bigger plan.

12 hours ago waltdisneynews
Read More
WDWNT

Sensational Six Walt Disney World Pitcher & Glassware Set by Crystal Arts Now Available

Arribas Brothers at Walt Disney World has a new glassware set featuring the Sensational Six with a pitcher and six cups. The set is available at Crystal Arts in Magic Kingdom. Pitcher & Glasses Set – $199 The pitcher and glasses all have blue accents and frosted artwork, but are otherwise transparent. Each cup features a different character, while the pitcher has an image of Cinderella Castle. The castle has the Walt Disney World wordmark below it. Pixie dust swirls around the towers, leading up to Tinker Bell above the castle. On the glasses are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck. They are all in their classic outfits, although they are not pictured in full color. Check out the crystal chess set released by Arribas Brothers at Walt Disney World late last year. Will you be taking this glassware set home? Let us know on social media. For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The post Sensational Six Walt Disney World Pitcher & Glassware Set by Crystal Arts Now Available appeared first on WDW News Today.

12 hours ago waltdisneynews
Read More