Walt Disney World had a modestly-major (is {that a} contradiction?) information week with a number of bulletins containing idea artwork, particulars, dates and extra as a part of its Play ‘n’ Preview occasion, forward of the larger Vacation spot D23. A few of the extra consequential updates fell by way of the cracks, so we’re breaking down the large bulletins and masking what we view as key takeaways…and why.
There have been additionally a number of conspicuous omissions that have been not shared that in any other case would’ve been logical suits for the shows. On this case, we’re largely speaking about dates. The one announcement on this entrance is the Zootopia: Higher Zoogether opening date & particulars, which doesn’t make this checklist of key takeaways as a result of there’s probably not a lot to say. It’s the most important information from the occasion, however is kind of as anticipated–simply a few weeks early. (Maybe much more than that, relying on the period of previews.)
Extra notable is the dearth of timelines about all the pieces else on the horizon in 2026. No particular dates, and never even any seasons. Anyway, right here’s the information that caught out to us, a few of which flew beneath the radar among the many bulletins…
Cool Child Summer time Returns in 2026
“Cool Child Summer time” is the brand new summer season occasion at Walt Disney World aimed toward households with young children. Throughout this particular occasion, there are new experiences in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom from Could 27 by way of September 1, 2025. These embody DJ-fueled dance events, shock character appearances, hands-on actions, and extra.
In asserting that Cool Child Summer time would return in 2026, Imagineer Michael Hundgen didn’t present any further particulars or dates. He did, nonetheless, share his household’s experiences throughout Cool Child Summer time. Hundgen is the Portfolio Govt Artistic Producer for Walt Disney World, and having a Florida-based head Imagineer who really experiences the parks along with his younger household as a daily visitor is a large asset. Disneyland has benefited tremendously from this dynamic over the a long time.
Let’s be actual: Cool Child Summer time was nothing particular this 12 months. It strikes me as an “occasion” that was thrown collectively in a short time as Walt Disney World tried to market to households and fight mainstream media reviews that Walt Disney World was “turning its again” on center class households. Regardless of this, I noticed tons of households partaking within the actions–Animation Courtyard felt like a lifeless mall that was somewhat-alive for the primary time in years.
I’m cautiously optimistic about Cool Child Summer time getting a sophomore season. Hopefully the inaugural 12 months was a studying expertise, and it returns larger and higher subsequent 12 months. I may see it being a Jollywood Nights form of state of affairs, with 12 months two providing a marked enchancment over the primary.
With extra time, I hope extra emphasis is positioned on the cool facet of Cool Child Summer time, as there are such a lot of inventive methods for Walt Disney World to assist friends beat the summer season warmth. Once more, we’ll level to the “Get Moist!” journey enhancements and leisure Tokyo Disney Resort has executed for years.
Robin Williams “Misplaced Boy” Character Returns
Though Walt Disney World didn’t make any new bulletins concerning the upcoming ‘Magic of Disney Animation’ attraction, they did launch a brand new poster teasing the return of the late Robin Williams’ Misplaced Boy character from the unique attraction’s brief movie, Again to Neverland, that debuted in 1989.
In Again to Neverland, Williams performed a Disney-MGM Studios visitor chosen from the group by Walter Cronkite to undergo the animation course of and be became a personality to enter the world of his favourite movie. Because the title suggests, Williams heads to Neverland (as a Misplaced Boy) and battles Captain Hook.
Again to Neverland really predates Aladdin, wherein Williams starred because the voice of the Genie. Though it’s come to be related to Aladdin, the vacationer costume Genie wears on the finish of the movie is definitely a nod to Williams’ stereotypical vacationer apparel worn in Again to Neverland. Williams’ Misplaced Boy was additionally featured within the As soon as Upon a Studio brief movie launched in honor of the Walt Disney Firm’s a centesimal Anniversary.
Walt Disney World already introduced {that a} movie is coming to the Magic of Disney Animation, and truthfully, we hope it’s only a revival of Again to Neverland. Though As soon as Upon a Studio is improbable and one thing glorious might be executed in that model–and that’s in all probability what is going to occur–Again to Neverland nonetheless holds up.
In contrast to different celebrities who seem in theme park points of interest as check-cashing or contractual obligation workout routines, Robin Williams (unsurprisingly) gave it his all and is his quintessential bigger than life, hilarious self. Captain EO made a comeback after Michael Jackson’s demise, and so ought to this.
New Buzz Lightyear Area Ranger Spin Automobiles
Walt Disney World additionally shared a primary have a look at the brand new ‘star cruiser’ journey automobiles for Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin. As you possibly can see, the brand new automobiles take a look impressed by Star Command, which is completely on-theme for Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin.
This can be a good glow-up. The earlier journey automobiles have been originals, courting again a long time and serving faithfully to prior iterations of the flight-centric points of interest which have occupied this house. Additionally of be aware is that these journey automobiles have real-time video shows for scoring, and they don’t max out at 999,999. (Imagineers mentioned the scoring is limitless, to which we are saying, problem accepted.)
Though it’s not new-news, Imagineering reiterated that every journey car will now embody handheld blasters for higher intention, serving to friends to attain much more factors. These enhanced blasters may also embody an always-on laser and are available in two completely different colours per star cruiser, along with new lighting, sound and vibration results, so gamers know the place they’re aiming all through the mission.
The static Z targets discovered within the attraction right now will probably be upgraded with new know-how that may permit them to react and light-weight up when hit. It additionally opens the door for a number of different concepts Imagineers take into consideration.
Equally vital right here was the dearth of updates a couple of reopening date or season for Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin, suggesting it’s not earlier than Spring Break. We anticipate the reimagining will take for much longer than that, and will probably be one of many choices for Cool Child Summer time 2026. Anticipate an even bigger reveal and extra surprises on the horizon.
New Rainbow Caverns Scene in Massive Thunder
For round a 12 months, Disney has been promising “new magic” in Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad. We now know that one such occasion of that is when the trains rattle their manner underground to spectacular pure caverns filled with phosphorescent swimming pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (those on the ground) and stalactites (those on the ceiling). Plus, a whole lot of bats!
The Rainbow Caverns are lovely, true to their title with a scene that’s extra vibrant than earlier than. However then a flash of lightning reveals that they aren’t as pleasant as they first seem. That menacing rumble from deep throughout the mountain could also be an indication that we aren’t welcome and shouldn’t enterprise deeper.
I’m a sucker for good lighting, and this has the potential to be a pleasant plussing to Massive Thunder. However truthfully, I even have a “that’s it?” response to this information. I’m conscious that the entire level of this mission is the observe alternative. That’s the majority of the funds and what’s taking so lengthy. However that isn’t precisely marketable, and Imagineering has perfected a ton of know-how–projection mapping, lighting, bodily results, and so forth–over the past decade since BTMRR was redone at Disneyland.
My hope and expectation was that Walt Disney World’s model of the journey would comply with the template of the Disneyland model, whereas additionally pulling from the playbook of Jungle Cruise at Tokyo Disneyland and different extra lately enhanced basic points of interest. Hopefully that’s nonetheless the plan, with larger and higher reveals on the horizon. It doesn’t make a lot sense for Disney to low cost out on enhancing the present scenes, as no matter cash spent there’s considerably lower than the observe alternative mission as an entire, however what’ll see the outsized return.
No Massive Thunder Reopening Date
Takeaways are as a lot in what was not mentioned as what was revealed. On this case, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad not getting an official reopening date or perhaps a season suggests one in every of two issues.
The primary is that it’s not as shut as many followers are hoping. Definitely not as quickly as a shock Christmas 2025 return, which was additional bolstered by reference to its 2026 return. Even when this have been monitoring for January or February, my hunch is that we’d’ve obtained an “early 2026” timeline.
The second is {that a} larger reveal is deliberate for Massive Thunder sooner or later. One that may embody the reopening season, extra idea artwork of different enhancements, and particulars concerning the restoration and refurbishment. That is the kind of subject that will’ve been excellent for Vacation spot D23. It’s truthfully odd that there’s not a devoted ‘Disney Mountains’ panel with an emphasis on BTMRR, particularly provided that Tiana’s Bayou Journey and TRON Lightcycle Run (each mountain-adjacent) have opened lately.
Zootopia Meet & Greet at Animal Kingdom
Not solely will you see Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde at Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, however the pair will probably be greeting friends at Discovery Island close to the Tree of Life on the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot.
You’ll discover Judy and Nick sporting new seems from Zootopia 2, and so they’ll be delighted to present you a hug and shake your paw.
Zootopia: Higher Zoogether is opening proper earlier than DINOSAUR and the remainder of Dinoland shut. A part of the explanation that DINOSAUR hasn’t closed already might be as a result of Animal Kingdom can’t afford to lose yet one more attraction. Even so, that is swapping an E-Ticket thrill journey for a present. Animal Kingdom goes to want all the assistance it will possibly get in 2026, and “extra meet & greets” and fast hits aimed toward households might be the perfect repair.
Audio Animatronics in Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets
Through the pre-show of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets, you’ll be welcomed contained in the recording studio, the place you’ll discover the Electrical Mayhem are cranking out some significantly rocking tunes. Together with the best penguin audio engineers, we’ll see Scooter doing his finest to persuade Electrical Mayhem to cease jamming and get to their more and more stressed followers.
As might be fairly apparent, this pre-show occupies the very same house as the present Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith. It even makes use of the identical model, with the Electrical Mayhem Band on the opposite facet of the recording studio “glass” by way of a big display. Additionally showing on separate screens flanking the primary one are Kermit and Miss Piggy.
What’s much less apparent is that Scooter and the penguin audio engineers are Audio Animatronics! This can be a large win for an attraction that we beforehand anticipated to be an environment friendly and cheap mission–a “no dough” reimagining that was a ardour mission for Imagineers, versus a well-funded one. Disney has already teased that there are extra reveals in retailer for RnRC, so we hope that this implies much more modifications from a present perspective.
Electrical Mayhem Performs on Board Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster
With the assistance from our associates at Muppet Labs and a really quick limousine, we’ll take a twisting, turning, and screamingly enjoyable street journey throughout Hollywood to succeed in the live performance in time throughout the journey expertise of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets. Alongside the street, the long-lasting surroundings and landmarks of Tinseltown will function a Muppet twist.
All through the very quick limousine journey, you’ll hear the Electrical Mayhem enjoying among the most iconic, rockin’ hits in your ears to maintain the music and adrenaline pumping. Walt Disney World additionally teased that G-Power Information may launch a live performance setlist quickly.
The massive takeaway right here is that Electrical Mayhem will play covers of hit rock music. It gained’t be their music (as some followers hoped), and it gained’t be common rock music (like Cosmic Rewind, and as we anticipated). That is someplace in between.
I’m personally excited for this, as I believe it opens the door for humorous interludes, and I take pleasure in Electrical Mayhem. I additionally suppose the Muppets are at their finest when reinterpreting others’ materials. I’m additionally a bit of nervous, as I’m unsure if the typical visitor response will probably be as sturdy. Regardless, nice to see Imagineering take an even bigger swing and get the funds and autonomy to do one thing extra formidable with the RnRC reimagining.
No RnRC Dates
This isn’t vastly surprising, as Walt Disney World’s typical strategy is asserting cut-off dates as a part of ‘visitor expertise updates’ which are added as web site alerts and distributed to media and journey brokers. This isn’t nearly desirous to not announce “dangerous information” at press conferences, it’s additionally about giving an opportunity to inform impacted Forged Members in order that they don’t discover out information about their jobs at a splashy occasion.
In any case, it’s powerful to announce a gap date or season for Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets with out sharing the time limit for Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith. My guess is that the time limit will probably be shared someday in September, in all probability alongside a ‘visitor expertise replace’ that reveals extinction dates for DINOSAUR and the remainder of Dinoland.
Tom Morrow 2.0 Returns
Walt Disney Imagineering has launched the primary episode of Imagineer That! with Tom Morrow 2.0, its Audio Animatronics host, on YouTube. Throughout this collection, you’ll hear straight from the inventive minds designing Disney’s theme parks. Tom Morrow 2.0 will ask your questions and cracking a joke or two alongside the best way.
Throughout his reintroduction, Disney teased that viewers ought to preserve their eyes peeled throughout every episode: “You by no means know what you may spot within the background.” Which means that Easter Eggs for previous tasks and teases about future ones will probably be featured. The subsequent episode of Imagineer That! comes out September fifteenth.
This can be a reboot of interstitials hosted from EPCOT by Tom Morrow 2.0 that aired on Disney Channel within the late Nineteen Nineties and early 2000s. Friends may additionally meet Tom Morrow 2.0 at Innoventions in EPCOT, the place he served as a mascot of types for the interactive displays till 2007.
I solely vaguely bear in mind Tom Morrow 2.0 from Innoventions and by no means noticed the Disney Channel interstitials, however I used to be stunned to study there’s quite a lot of Tom Morrow 2.0 lore. He later matter an look in Sew’s Supersonic Celebration, and canonically, now belongs to Robo-Mart, the mother or father firm of X-S Tech, the evil company within the extinct Alien Encounter that was changed by Sew’s Nice Escape. It’ll be attention-grabbing to listen to how Imagineering reacquired Tom Morrow 2.0 from Robo-Mart. Maybe a robotic swap by way of Purchase ‘n Massive?
That is solely a YouTube collection and never an in-park presence for now, however it could be improbable if Tom Morrow 2.0 additionally discovered his option to CommuniCore Corridor. Walt Disney Imagineering has an amazing robots program, and it’s nice to see that on full show with characters like Tom Morrow 2.0, in addition to HERBIE in Tomorrowland at Disneyland and the BDX Droids in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
It will be improbable for a few of these robotics to have a everlasting, indoor dwelling. Walt Disney World didn’t announce any meals cubicles or programming for CommuniCore Corridor, however apparently I’m the one one who thinks this can be a doubtlessly massive deal. I don’t really count on a Tom Morrow 2.0 takeover, however something to place lipstick on CommuniCore Corridor could be very welcome. And it could be becoming for a revival of the Audio Animatronics, following a reboot of his collection on YouTube and of CommuniCore at EPCOT!
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Your Ideas
What are your ideas about this information? Happy to see Cool Child Summer time get a second likelihood, or ought to Walt Disney World do a special summer season occasion? What a couple of return of Robin Williams within the Magic of Disney Animation? Predictions about as but unannounced opening & cut-off dates? Agree or disagree with our evaluation of the information? Listening to your suggestions—even whenever you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!