This Week at WDW LIVE | Destination D23 Recap: Castle Makeover, Big Thunder Update, Muppets Coaster

We’re LIVE with Sam & Greg for a packed two weeks of Disney Parks news and updates. Destination D23 2025 brought announcements for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Animation, and more — and we have the full recap plus the latest park news.

Destination D23 2025 Highlights:
• Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom is getting a full makeover with a return to its classic blue and gray palette accented with gold. The project uses durable, weather-resistant paints to preserve the castle’s timeless look.
• A new Audio-Animatronic Walt Disney is coming to the Carousel of Progress, honoring Walt’s legacy with modern technology.
• Zootopia: Better Zoogether! replaces “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” in Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life Theater. Opening November 7, 2025, this 4D show features Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde along with new meet-and-greet opportunities.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is undergoing its largest reimagining ever. Returning in 2026, the ride will feature improved track, upgraded effects, and new Rainbow Caverns scenes inspired by Walt’s original vision.
• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is being reimagined as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. Guests will join Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem for a high-energy ride debuting in 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Zootopia 2 is set to release in theaters on November 26, 2025. Disney Animation also announced a new original film, Hexed, coming November 25, 2026.
• Additional studio news includes Avengers: Doomsday, Toy Story 5 (June 2026), The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 2026), Ice Age: Boiling Point (February 2027), Coco 2, and Incredibles 3 (planned for 2028).

Walt Disney World Updates:
• DinoLand U.S.A. will close in February 2026 to make way for the new Tropical Americas land inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.
• TRON Lightcycle / Run will feature a limited-time TRON: Ares overlay beginning September 15, 2025, including new visuals and a Nine Inch Nails soundtrack.
• Muppet*Vision 3D closed in June 2025, but the Muppets return in a big way with the new coaster reimagining.
• Seasonal events including Jollywood Nights 2025 and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party add fresh entertainment, merchandise, and treats this fall.

Sam and Greg break down all the major Disney Parks updates, share fan reactions, speculate about what’s next for Imagineering, and answer questions live. Whether you are planning your next trip or just love Disney news, this week’s show has everything you need.

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