Liberty Belle and Tom Sawyer Island Close, Haunted Mansion Merch, Railroad Shuttle & Holiday Previews – July 9, 2025
Release Date: 07/09/2025
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Halloween has officially arrived at , and this year’s celebrations are bigger than ever. From festive park decorations to must-have merchandise and major entertainment news, there’s something for every Disney fan to enjoy. And in the business world, Disney Q3 Earnings 2025 showcased box office milestones and significant media moves. Halloween Decorations Transform Walt Disney World Pumpkins, autumn garlands, and spooky touches now adorn Main Street, U.S.A., signaling the start of the Halloween season at Guests can explore elaborately themed displays, from the Magic Kingdom’s...
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As July 2025 comes to a close, Disney fans are treated to an exciting lineup of news and events. From not-so- Halloween reveals to , here’s a look at the biggest updates this week. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Highlights Magic Kingdom is for the season with , , and limited-edition souvenirs. The buzz centers around the highly anticipated and sipper, already must-haves for collectors. ESPN 8: The Ocho Brings Free Fun The Wide World of Sports hosts , a quirky, free-to-attend sporting takeover. Expect offbeat competitions and plenty of fun, making this one of the most unique summer...
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It’s been a busy stretch across both coasts, and we’re catching up on two weeks of Walt Disney World updates in one packed episode. The biggest headline? ! Disney has officially announced plans for a new version of the classic attraction, and concept art has already surfaced. We'll be watching this one closely. [caption id="attachment_74591" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Meanwhile, Walt Disney World has seen a flurry of updates. After surprise previews on July 18 and 19, the officially debuted at Magic Kingdom, bringing dazzling and an all-new original character, , to Main Street,...
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It’s a , , and week at the parks! are back for the July 9, 2025, episode of with fireworks, construction walls, holiday announcements, and a farewell to two Magic Kingdom classics. July 2025 Disney World Closures: Liberty Belle & Tom Sawyer Island Two longtime staples of Magic Kingdom have officially taken their final voyages. The and are now closed to make way for Walt Disney World’s newest expansion: and Villains Land. have gone up across Frontierland, and if you’re riding the monorail, keep your eyes open—early staging work has already begun and is visible. Thanks to ,...
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Sam and Greg are back, and it’s July 2, 2025—just in time for the ! News and a Flashback. Test Track Previews Begin—Greg Was First in Line! After months of anticipation, have officially launched at Epcot. Greg was among the first to experience the reimagined attraction. This new version features updated ride systems and a fresh storyline, honoring the while with bold innovation. Hall of Presidents and Astro Orbiter Reopen Just in time for the Fourth of July, two Magic Kingdom staples are back. has with updated technology and refreshed show elements. Meanwhile, Astro Orbiter is once...
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It’s , and the summer season is heating up across the Walt Disney World Resort. From new characters and construction updates to seasonal food events and even some big infrastructure news, a lot is happening this week. Let’s dig in. Coolest Summer Ever Brings New Surprises The is in full swing, and with activity. We spotted new characters joining the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, including rare appearances that surprised even longtime parkgoers. Over in , guests will be glad to see new shade structures finally added near Andy’s Lunch Box — a much-needed relief in the Florida...
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Elio, Test Track, Disneyland 70th Videos – This Week at Walt Disney World The Walt Disney World June 18 update is packed with big headlines: , , and . This week blends theatrical premieres, attraction reopenings, and digital experiences for Disney fans everywhere. Elio Takes Over Disney Springs and Hollywood Studios With premiering in theaters this weekend, Disney is going all-in on the intergalactic fun. At themed backdrops, photo ops, and limited-time treats celebrate the film’s debut. Over at Hollywood Studios, has temporarily taken over the . Guests can watch an extended sneak...
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This week brought emotional farewells and new beginnings, as Disney fans witnessed the closure of Muppet Vision 3D and saw fresh concept art for both coasts. As part of the WDW Weekly Update, here’s what unfolded. Muppet*Vision 3D Officially Closes. It’s official: its doors at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sam and Greg take a final stroll through the attraction, sharing behind-the-scenes views and paying tribute to the classic. Alongside video highlights and personal memories, we break down the —including Fozzie’s “banana cream pie”, Sam Eagle’s patriotic finale, and Statler and...
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Breaking news from Magic Kingdom! Disney has officially revealed , the Cars-themed expansion set to replace both Tom Sawyer Island and the After decades of tranquil views and historical charm, the area will officially close on . This marks a significant shift in the Magic Kingdom landscape and the end of an era for one of Walt Disney World’s most scenic and nostalgic locations. More Breaking News: New Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket at Epcot In a surprise addition just before press time, Epcot debuted a brand-new sending collectors racing to the park. The colorful balloon-style bucket has...
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info_outlineIt’s a red, white, and blue week at the parks! Sam and Greg are back for the July 9, 2025, episode of This Week at Walt Disney World with fireworks, construction walls, holiday announcements, and a farewell to two Magic Kingdom classics.
July 2025 Disney World Closures: Liberty Belle & Tom Sawyer Island
Two longtime staples of Magic Kingdom have officially taken their final voyages. The Liberty Belle Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island are now closed to make way for Walt Disney World’s newest expansion: Piston Peak and Villains Land. Construction walls have gone up across Frontierland, and if you’re riding the monorail, keep your eyes open—early staging work has already begun and is visible. Thanks to @bioreconstruct, we even have aerial images that show the impressive scale of what’s coming next.
As these classic experiences fade into the past, guests have been spotting a few mysterious new doors around the construction zone. Are they functional? Themed? Or just a bit of Disney magic teasing what’s to come? Time will tell.
Fourth of July in the Parks
No better time to be at Walt Disney World than Independence Day weekend, and Sam and Greg celebrated in true patriotic fashion.
July 2025 Disney World Holiday Season Preview
Walt Disney World has released full details for the upcoming 2025 holiday season. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom with festive overlays and new entertainment. EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is also back, bringing seasonal flavors and the Candlelight Processional to World Showcase from November 28 to December 30, 2025. And at Hollywood Studios, Disney Jollywood Nights continues its new holiday tradition with glitz, glam, and retro-inspired fun.
Ticket sale dates and event specifics were announced, providing planners with ample time to prepare for the season.
Haunted Mansion Merch & Small World Update at Disney World
New Haunted Mansion merchandise has materialized across the parks, with spooky styles perfect for any foolish mortal. These items are arriving just in time to celebrate Halloween-in-July vibes, offering apparel, accessories, and collectibles inspired by everyone’s favorite ghostly retreat.
And starting July 17, 2025, It’s a Small World will debut its emotional final verse. Originally penned by the late Richard Sherman as his last gift to Disney, the verse will premiere as part of Disneyland’s 70th celebration and will also be added to the Walt Disney World version of the attraction.
Railroad Shuttle & Monsters Inc. Land Construction at Disney World
A new phrase is circulating—literally. Guests have begun to notice a "shuttle" operating on the Walt Disney World Railroad. This temporary change allows continued access while construction expands around the train’s path, particularly as work intensifies in Frontierland.
Over at Hollywood Studios, the staging work for the long-rumored Monsters Inc. Land is moving fast—and it’s massive. Cranes and steel are already visible behind the current Pixar Place area, giving us a peek at what might be the next big immersive land.
And Don’t Forget…
The new gold medallions at the Transportation and Ticket Center have caught our eye, adding another small touch of Disney detail. And speaking of touches, the Muppets 70th celebration continues—with even more collectible magnets now available across the parks.
It’s been a huge week, and we’re just getting started. Be sure to catch the full video episode of This Week at Walt Disney World for all the photos, footage, and fun—only on SamsDisneyDiary!
Catch the full show here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPa1qDh-69k&t=10s