More Play in the Park merchandise has arrived at Disney World, showtimes were announced for daytime Christmas entertainment at Magic Kingdom, and guests can now purchase VIP Tours merchandise — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, December 20, 2024.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

Santa and Mrs. Claus wave from their festive sleigh in the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, surrounded by gifts and holiday ornaments, beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Walt Disney World has submitted their updated plans for the transformation of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), following the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI).
Walt Disney World has released the showtimes for two entertainment offerings normally exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that will be offered during Christmas Week 2024: “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”
The Swiss Family Treehouse closed on November 18, 2024, for a planned 1-month-long refurbishment, but it is still closed despite Disney’s expected reopening date of December 20.
Join Bryce for the latest photo report from Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

A collage of six themed park areas showcases a brick building, a fountain, and streets with colorful facades. Among the attractions are a building with large cartoon figures reminiscent of Hollywood Studios and an eerie warning sign that brings to mind the Tower of Terror.

Join Bryce for the latest photo report from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Hotel entrance decorated with green garland, white flowers, and hanging lamps. Two people are standing near planters.

The holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort and Christmas decorations have arrived at the new DVC Island Tower.

New Merchandise

Collage of Disney merchandise includes plush Mickey pillows, themed shoes, a blue backpack, and a white T-shirt, all featuring colorful Play in the Park designs.

Even more “Play in the Park” merchandise has arrived at Walt Disney World, including a new balloon pillow, rain jacket, Crocs, and more.
Walt Disney World now has exclusive VIP Tours merchandise for sale, including a Minnie ear headband, Loungefly backpack, and more.

Other Walt Disney World News

A chocolate ice cream bar on a stick is decorated with a lion cub face and green and yellow leaf shapes.

To celebrate the release of “Mufasa: The Lion King” today, December 20, 2024, new menu items inspired by the film are now available at select locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Universal Studios

(Sponsored Content) As 2024 winds down, we have many things to look forward to at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Orlando Resort

Directional sign with illustrations for Spider-Man, Cat in the Hat, and another attraction at Universal.

Universal Volcano Bay will close once again on December 21 and 22 due to “inclement weather” in the Central Florida area.
Universal Orlando Resort has new digital signs pointing from the security area to different parking garage sections.

Universal Studios Japan

J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan, revealed in a new interview that the park is exploring the use of parking lots for theme park expansion within the next decade.

WDW News Today

Bluey Coming to Disney Parks and Cruise Line, Stolen Walt Disney World Animatronic Documentary

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

The post Disney Submits Updated Plans for Transformation of Rivers of America & More: Daily Recap (12/20/24) appeared first on WDW News Today.

Disney Submits Updated Plans for Transformation of Rivers of America & More: Daily Recap (12/20/24)