WDW Daily News

By: Disney Destinations

June 11, 2026

At Walt Disney World, we’re celebrating a season full of baby animals, big milestones, and heartwarming moments happening behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Our Masai Giraffe Herd Just Got Cuter 

                 

June 11, 2026

Our Masai giraffe calf Ivy, born in April, has made her savanna debut and can be seen by guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris alongside her mom, Willow!

Already weighing nearly 300 pounds and standing about 7½ feet tall, Ivy is growing quickly and showing off her curious personality as she observes the herd and explores her surroundings.

May 1, 2026

It’s a girl! Earlier this month, a female Masai giraffe calf was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, arriving at approximately 120 pounds and standing nearly six feet tall. Her mom, Willow, has been right by her side helping her curious calf get the hang of life as they bond and settle in together.

While she may be small now (by giraffe standards!), her arrival is a big moment for her species. Masai giraffes are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimated 30,000 remaining worldwide.

Through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, Disney works with experts to help care for giraffes and support a healthy population for generations to come.

Behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the animal care team is keeping a close eye on her growth and milestones. “She’s already had her first checkup and is doing great, so mom is happily in charge,” said Bri, an animal keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “Right now, she’s rarely far from her side, following her around the barn, exploring her surroundings and learning something new every day.”

For now, the calf is spending time backstage with mom Willow, but before long, guests will be able to spot her stretching her long legs on Kilimanjaro Safaris as she joins the rest of the herd this summer, including fan favorite Tucker (her half‑brother!) who was born in 2025. 

More New Arrivals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

And our newest giraffe calf isn’t the only one stealing hearts this spring. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, several other baby animals have arrived, and they’re already making a big impression. A male nyala calf named Parker is settling into his new home.

Nyala calves are born with white stripes and spots that help them blend into tall grass, and as he grows, Parker will develop a darker coat and the iconic spiral horns that make male nyalas so distinctive.

 Fun Fact

• Male and female nyalas look completely different, making them one of the savanna’s most unique antelope species.

“We’ve been welcoming new baby animals to the lodge since its opening more than 25 years ago, so our team knows exactly how to prepare them for life on the savanna — from gradual introductions to space and sounds to watching how they respond to mom and their new environments,” said Mel, an animal keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. “Even with all that experience, no two arrivals are ever the same.”

You may already recognize these little ones. Red river hog piglets Mason, Cooper, and Phillip, born to mom Clementine, plus Demi, who was born shortly after to mom Persimmon, are starting to explore their savanna habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. They’re already full of personality as they stick close to their moms and discover their new home.

And last but certainly not least, Mabel, the first Ankole calf born at Walt Disney World in more than 20 years, is thriving under the care of Disney’s expert animal care team. Though she’s small now, Mabel will one day grow the striking, sweeping horns that make Ankole cattle such an unforgettable sight.

Bringing Conservation to Life for Guests

While these young animals are currently spending time backstage — bonding with their mothers, growing stronger, and receiving round-the-clock care — it won’t be long before they make their debut on the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge this summer. Spotting a young animal exploring its habitat creates unforgettable moments for guests and sparks curiosity, connection, and appreciation for wildlife.

These exciting milestones reflect Disney’s ongoing commitment to conservation around the world through the Disney Conservation Fund. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $141 million to community conservation programs to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience.

Thanks to the passion and expertise of cast members, these newest arrivals help bring conservation stories to life for guests every day — and we can’t wait for you to meet them.

Hot diggity dog, this year marks the 250th anniversary of America! To celebrate, Disney Chefs from sea to shining sea have put together a delicious selection of bites and sips. And these treats are red, white, and blue-tiful.

From the new Fourth of July Beignets at Walt Disney World Resort to the Clarabelle Cow Caramel Apple at Disneyland Resort, there’s plenty of star-spangled sweets and eats to enjoy. And who can forget about the iconic Sam Eagle Bucket coming to both resorts this summer

Now take a look at dishes that have been 250 years in the making!

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Available starting June 15
Location: Scat Cat’s Club Café and Lounge

New! Fourth of July Beignets

Cinnamon sugar-dusted beignets with marshmallow sauce and apple pie filling

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Check out some photos of Dublin specific merchandise at the Disney Store in Dublin, Ireland.

By: Disney Destinations

May 28, 2026

There’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow on the way for Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. For the last 60 years, this passion project of Walt himself has served as a powerful reflection of optimism, innovation, and family over time.

Yet while the themes have always stayed the same, the most performed stage show in the history of American theater has taken several forms over the years. So, before we talk about what’s next for this beloved attraction, let’s take a look back at its evolution.

The Evolution of Carousel of Progress

To understand the full history of Carousel of Progress, you have to go all the way back to the 1950s. As Walt Disney set his sights on expanding Disneyland, he envisioned an extension of Main Street, U.S.A. called Edison Square.

The square would be anchored by Harnessing the Lightning, a walkthrough drama exploring how electricity and technology transformed the lifestyle of the American family. While Edison Square was never built, the groundwork was laid for a show centered on a powerful idea: technology would continue to evolve, but people would stay the same.

When work began on the Disney shows for the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, Walt and his team of Imagineers reworked the Harnessing the Lightning concept into the smash hit of the Progressland pavilion — Carousel of Progress.

The fair marked the debut of the attraction’s iconic rotating theater system, as well as its equally iconic anthem by songwriters and Disney Legends Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. It was an enormous success and a project deeply personal to Walt. It captured his overarching spirit of optimism while reflecting his hands-on creative direction, down to details as specific as how Uncle Orville’s toes should wiggle in the bathtub.

Following its run at the fair, Walt brought the show to Disneyland, where it opened in 1967 with several updates, including a refreshed Act Four (now set in Progress City, a community of tomorrow based on Walt’s vision for EPCOT). At the time, no one could have known that this finale would become a sign of things to come, as Carousel of Progress made its way to Walt Disney World in 1975.

In its time at Magic Kingdom, the attraction has continued to evolve, through new scripts, voice actors, time periods, and even full scene updates. The attraction even featured a new theme song, “The Best Time of Your Life,” which stood in for “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” for the attraction’s first two decades of operation in Florida. You can still hear the tune playing as background music throughout Tomorrowland today. The attraction’s last major update was back in 1993, which included an updated finale scene and the return of the original Sherman Brothers’ song.

Keeping Walt’s Vision Alive

Carousel of Progress was designed to celebrate change, not to stand still. As Imagineers, we now have the great responsibility of keeping Walt’s ideas of innovation and forward-looking spirit alive as we continue building the attraction’s future together. So where are we heading?

Guests may remember that last year we announced that guests will soon be able to see Walt Disney himself in the attraction, made possible through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology. Walt is in a scene inspired by the 1964 special “Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair,” which is where he first introduced the idea of Carousel of Progress and shared his enduring belief in the power of progress to shape a better tomorrow.

The team is having a lot of fun sourcing and replicating many of the props seen in that special, like the prototype Tiki bird, the Tower of the Four Winds model, a doll from “it’s a small world,” and so much more.

This once unimaginable opening moment will set the stage for the next era of storytelling for our American family and their lovable dog.

New Decades Coming to Carousel of Progress

In addition to adding Walt Disney to the very attraction that bears his name, Imagineers will also be updating all the scenes to new time periods, where we’ll get to see what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to as they navigate ever-changing technology in new decades.

One of our main goals for this update was to keep the attraction relatable for today’s audiences by featuring eras in which our guests have personal connections. Lots of our team grew up during these decades themselves, so it’s been a real trip down memory lane to revisit the music, fashion, technology and experiences that helped shape our history all reflected in this family’s story.

Act 1 – the 1960s

When the show first opened at the World’s Fair, its story began by looking back about 60 years to the dawn of the new century. Now more than six decades later, this new iteration mirrors that idea, starting 60 years back from today in the 1960s.

In the summer of 1969, our Carousel family, along with millions around the world, gather around the television to witness one of humanity’s greatest achievements: the historic moon landing. Filled with awe, the moment captures the spirit of innovation and possibility that has always been—and always will be—at the heart of Carousel of Progress.

Act 2 – the 1980s

It’s the ‘80s, where everything bigger is better, and things keep on getting bigger! We pick up with the family on Halloween Night of 1985, and for the first time ever, Sarah is taking center stage. She’ll share how all the new appliances and gadgets are making life easier for the whole family.

Speaking of John, we’ll find him out on the porch handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, and poor Uncle Orville can be found in the bathroom with “no privacy around here!”

Act 3 – The New Millennium

With the ‘90s drawing to a close, our Carousel family is preparing to ring in the new millennium on New Year’s Eve 1999. Amid the excitement of the countdown to 2000, a new thing called the Internet is bringing John, Sarah, Jimmy and Patty – and the world – closer together than ever before.

And, not everyone is making it to midnight. Grandpa has already nodded off before the big countdown, while Grandma sneaks the TV over to wrestling when no one’s looking.

Act 4 – The Possible Future

As we reach the end of our show, we see the family one last time in the distant future, in a home off planet. From a helpful robot assisting with everyday tasks to space travel, the scene imagines a future where extraordinary innovation has become part of life and proves that a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.

To help bring this new finale to life, Imagineers looked back at original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench, drawing inspiration from his imaginative vision of the future.

First Look at New Attraction Poster

We’re also excited to share a first look at our new attraction poster that pays homage to the original Carousel of Progress poster created for its Magic Kingdom debut. Just like the attraction itself, the design reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going.

When Will These Changes Happen?

To prepare for the next version of this ever-progressing attraction, the Carousel of Progress will be temporarily unavailable beginning July 6, 2026. We expect the attraction to reopen in 2027.

We can’t wait to share more of the incredible work the team is doing in the coming months as we carry on Walt’s vision, introducing the showto an entirely new generation of fans while honoring its history and heart. We could not be more optimistic about the beautiful tomorrow on the way!

May 20, 2026

If you thought Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets was just a high-speed thrill, think again. The volume is being turned waaaay way up for Muppet fans (and for fans of going zero to 60 in 3 seconds) as guests race across town to the biggest, loudest, most psychedelic The Electric Mayhem concert of their life. But, my groovy friends, it’s not just about the destination… It’s also about the journey to get there.

The reimagined G-Force Records building at the end of Sunset Boulevard is less like a line and more like backstage access to The Muppets’ greatest hits. From the moment guests step into G-Force Records (now under the new management of Muppet real estate tycoon, J.P. Grosse), they’re surrounded by Muppets memorabilia, props, visual gags, and more — and of course, The Muppets themselves.

Blink-and-you’ll-miss-it references are layered with Muppet nods at every turn, showing the care and dedication that Walt Disney Imagineering put into curating everything. And yes, many items from Muppet*Vision 3D have made it inside,

Here’s a VIP look at some of the Easter eggs fans will find along the way to the concert.

Gallery Case Room

Upon entering G-Force Records, guests are treated to an in-progress gallery case, lovingly curated by Yolanda the Rat.

• A moi-focused tribute to Miss Piggy featuring one of her iconic looks, a pink and green polka dot dress with a matching hat.
• The Muppets Studios recently donated Kermit’s original banjo, of “The Rainbow Connection” fame, to the Walt Disney Archives. While the original banjo is safely tucked away, Imagineers recreated it for display.
• And it wouldn’t be G-Force Records without a nod to those who rock the loudest, The Electric Mayhem. Both Floyd and Janice’s guitars on display are originals from The Muppet Show.

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May 20, 2026

Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world.  

That was the heart and premise of the Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” and soon, it will inspire a brand-new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, this upcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is getting ready to bring the wonder of animation to life like never before. 

Join The Fun at Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Starting May 26, the Clubhouse is calling and you’re on the guest list! Inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, this live show turns into a feel-good celebration where you don’t just watch the fun… you help make it happen.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to kick off the big bash, but when their friends are nowhere to be found, the party turns into a playful search mission. With music leading the way, you’ll clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds — and before you know it, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join in to bring the Clubhouse celebration to life.

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May 1, 2026

For almost three decades, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has been a celebration of nature, storytelling, and adventure coming together in unforgettable ways.

You can feel the magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom through the savannas of Africa, the Himalayan peaks of Asia, the floating mountains of Pandora – The World of Avatar, and soon, the lush rainforests of Tropical Americas! 

A New Natural Wonder to Explore at Animal Kingdom

When it opens in 2027, the new land will represent one of the most culturally rich regions on the planet. From the northern reaches of South America, through Central America, and into parts of Mexico, this is a part of the world where nature doesn’t just surround communities — it shapes them.

And ancient cultures are still present in everyday life. Explorers and curious travelers continue to fall in love with the region and all there is to discover.

During the 2024 Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, we shared that Tropical Americas will be home to Pueblo Esperanza when it opens at Animal Kingdom. Just as you stroll through the Port of Harambe in Africa, or wander the Kingdom of Anandapur in Asia, you’ll get to experience Pueblo Esperanza, a town with its own history, vivid culture, and of course, vibrant nature.

Welcoming Tropical Americas Home

Imagineers have long dreamed of adding a land inspired by this region to Animal Kingdom. In fact, earlier concepts of potential park expansions imagined guests journeying into an ancient Maya temple and exploring a lush rainforest… sound familiar?

Of course, ideas at Walt Disney Imagineering never fully disappear; they evolve and inspire new experiences. Mix in the enchanting world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, the beloved escapades of Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones, and a region where the power of nature entwines with human stories… and you get Tropical Americas, courtesy of a team of Imagineers continuing a grand tradition of bringing imagination to life.

Inside Imagineering’s Research Trips for Tropical Americas

From the very beginning of this project, Imagineers knew the story of Tropical Americas needed to be grounded in the real world. Just like the Imagineers of yesteryear did when first building Animal Kingdom and the exciting additions that have opened since, our team embarked on several research trips to learn more about the region’s culture, customs, architecture, and folklore.

Imagineers always want to tell Disney stories from a place of curiosity and humility, and these trips allow them to go beyond simply re-creating the areas that inspire them. Recently, a small group took a trip to Honduras where they met with Maya artists whose life’s work is carving and recreating intricate details found throughout the Copán site, one of the most extraordinary and well-preserved cities of the ancient Maya civilization.

Together, they traveled through the lush mountain valleys to the very quarries that have supplied this region for centuries. They experienced firsthand the striking red and green stones native to the landscape. Witnessing this artistry was a breathtaking moment, made even more meaningful knowing that the same materials that built Copán will find their way to Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom to be crafted by carvers using time-honored techniques.

The team also traveled to Colombia to immerse ourselves in the places and cultures that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” which will be represented in the first-ever Encanto attraction at a Disney park.

There, guests will be invited to celebrate Antonio’s new gift: the ability to talk to animals. And along the way, they’ll learn that no matter what their special gifts or abilities are, they’re all part of the “familia” of all living things. During the research trip, the team met with many of the people and visited many of the places that the original “Encanto” filmmakers first visited in researching Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning film.

They also gathered first-hand experiences to ensure Pueblo Esperanza feels like a real, lived-in town true to the region—from the colors and materials of town plazas to hues of haciendas in varying light to the way buildings respond to the climate and terrain.

These journeys are not just about where they go, but the insight, inspiration, and deeper understanding that shapes every detail they bring back. Imagineers travel because there is always more for us to learn, and each experience brings us closer to telling these stories with authenticity and care.

April 28, 2026

Planning a Halloween on the High Seas cruise early isn’t just smart, it’s kind of the fun part. This beloved Disney Cruise Line celebration blends cozy fall vibes with playful Halloween surprises and, of course, a generous sprinkle of Disney magic.

From glowing decor and themed entertainment to costumes and trick-or-treating at sea, Halloween on the High Seas is packed with festive details that turn your voyage into a floating fall celebration. Here’s everything Guests need to know before setting sail.

What is Halloween on the High Seas?

Halloween on the High Seas is Disney Cruise Line’s delightfully fun, not‑so‑scary take on the holiday. For select sailings, some of the ships get an autumnal makeover complete with festive décor, themed entertainment, special character appearances, and plenty of sweet surprises along the way.

It’s Halloween done the Disney way with immersive, story‑driven fun that’s welcoming for guests of all ages.

Ships with Halloween on the High Seas:

• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Dream
• Disney Wonder
• Disney Magic
• New! Disney Destiny
• Disney Wish
• Disney Treasure

Which Disney Cruise Line Sailings Include Halloween on the High Seas?

Halloween on the High Seas takes place on select Disney Cruise Line sailings during the fall, typically from September through October. Not every fall cruise includes the celebration, so if Guests are planning a seasonal sailing, look specifically for itineraries marked Halloween on the High Seas when booking.

Tip:

By updating the search filters to include Halloween on the High Seas as a selected experience, you’ll see every available sailing that includes this festive event.

The Pumpkin Tree Tradition: How Disney Cruise Line Brings Halloween to Life

Every Halloween on the High Seas celebration begins in the ship’s Grand Hall or Atrium, where a very special Pumpkin Tree appears as if by magic. Each Disney Cruise Line ship has its own Pumpkin Tree, complete with a name, a personality, and a story that helps set the tone for the season.

As the celebration unfolds, guests may experience storytelling moments, glowing gourds, and a Halloween atmosphere that feels equal parts cozy, whimsical, and enchanted. It’s one of those “you’ll know it when you see it” moments—and an instant favorite for photos.

The Halloween trees for the Disney ships are:

• Reap on the Disney Magic
• Bog on the Disney Wonder
• Grim on the Disney Dream
• Muckelbones on the Disney Fantasy
• Boo on the Disney Wish
• Ginger on the Disney Treasure

Show off Your Disney Costumes

Yes, this is your moment to shine and become your favorite superhero or villain.

Guests of all ages are invited to dress up during Halloween on the High Seas, whether that means full Disney‑inspired flair or a favorite comfy costume that still feels festive.

Think playful, family‑friendly, and easy to move in so you can dance, explore, and grab a treat or two. For more information, be sure to review the official Halloween on the High Seas costume guidelines on the Disney Cruise Line website for all the details.

Entertainment Checklist: Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, Who’s Behind the Curtain, and More

When Halloween arrives at sea, the entertainment gets an extra touch of mischief and magic. A guest favorite is Mickey’s Mouse‑querade Party, where Disney characters appear in Halloween costumes and invite everyone to celebrate with music, dancing, and lots of smiles. Guests can also take part in hands-on activities, including mysterious crafts and seasonal games, each with their very own Halloween twist.

Those setting sail on the Disney Wish will find an additional interactive experience with “Who’s Behind the Curtain?” featuring Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus.

Where to Find Characters in Halloween Costumes

Find special character appearances around the ship, featuring festive costumes you’ll only see during the season.

Who to look out for:

• Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
• Goofy
• Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
• Pluto
• Chip and Dale

Character locations and times can be found in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, making it easy to plan the perfect meet‑and‑greet moment.

Trick-or-Treating at Sea

Yes, trick‑or‑treating happens onboard!

Guests can follow a festive path around the ship, collecting treats from designated locations and soaking in the Halloween atmosphere along the way. It’s especially popular with younger cruisers, but honestly, this is one of my favorite experiences as well.

Specialty Food and Beverages for Halloween on the High Seas

Halloween tastes better at sea. During the celebration, select dining locations and lounges may offer specialty desserts, festive treats, and themed beverages inspired by the season. From cute sweets to creatively crafted sips, these limited‑time offerings add an extra layer of fun to onboard dining.

Discover More Cruise Line Fun

Halloween on the High Seas is just one example of how Disney Cruise Line turns every voyage into a story worth sailing through. With immersive entertainment, imaginative dining, one‑of‑a‑kind décor, and unforgettable experiences for all ages, there’s always something magical waiting onboard.

April 28, 2026

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival provides endless opportunities to enjoy bites and beverages from around the world, so guests never have to choose just one. And today, we have a whole spread of details to share so you can prepare for the 2026 festival.

Ahead of opening day, we’re serving up the festival dates along with an early look at returning activities and experiences that make this a must-do (and eat) event each year. Let’s dig in!

2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Dates

Get ready to sip and stroll through the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, where mouthwatering global marketplaces meet live performances, activities, and more. The fun and flavor-filled celebration of worldly cuisines has been a fan-favorite festival since 1996, with every year bringing new surprises and returning classics.

The festival will run from August 27 to November 21, 2026. This is the perfect period as the sun is setting on summertime and the fall festivities are just creeping in at Walt Disney World.

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The 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates will run from August 7 to October 31. The party runs only on specific weekend or weekday nights, so be sure to consult the calendar of dates when planning a trip.

2026 Party Dates

• August 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
• September 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29
• October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31

Planning Tip: To help conjure your fiendish pursuits, note that in August, party dates occur on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This is also true for September with the addition of one Thursday date on September 24. In October, ghouls can descend upon Magic Kingdom every Thursday; most Fridays, Sundays, most Tuesdays; and Saturday on Halloween.

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