Destination D23 2025 Recap: Castle Makeover, Carousel Update, Zootopia, Muppets & More

Sam and Greg are back live with another This Week at Walt Disney World, and the Disney Parks Update for September 2025 is already delivering big headlines for Disney fans. From the legacy of Disney castles to the latest popcorn bucket frenzy, there’s plenty to discuss. Add in the latest ride closures and refurbishments, plus early chatter about Walt Disney World’s 55th Anniversary in 2026, and you’ve got a show loaded with must‑knows. Disney Castles: Icons of Storytelling Nothing says Disney Parks like a castle. At the center of every resort worldwide, they remain timeless symbols of magic and storytelling. Following Disney’s new We Call It Imagineering video series on castles, fans are buzzing about how these icons continue to evolve. With the Cinderella Castle color scheme changes announced at Destination D23, this topic is top of mind for anyone visiting this fall. Tron Popcorn Bucket Frenzy If you thought the Figment bucket caused a frenzy, the Tron popcorn bucket has officially taken over Theaters. Walt Disney World’s 55th Anniversary Buzz The countdown is on. Walt Disney World turns 55 in 2026, and while Disney has yet to reveal full details, speculation is everywhere.   Could an update to Happily Ever After be part of the milestone? Time will tell, but we’ll be tracking every hint. Planning Your Fall 2025 Visit If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in Fall 2025, there’s lots to consider. Seasonal décor is arriving, Halloween events are in full swing, and some attractions are closing briefly while others debut enhancements. Our live show covers what’s gone, what’s new, what’s coming, and what you’ll want to ride one last time. Sam and Greg are live every Wednesday with the latest Disney Parks news. Join the conversation, ask your questions, and stay ahead on everything happening across Walt Disney World.  

The last two weeks brought big news at Disney Parks, and Sam and Greg are here to break it down. This rapid-fire catch‑up covers every major Destination D23 2025 announcement plus the latest Walt Disney World updates. From park transformations to film reveals, this episode gives fans everything they need to know. Highlights Cinderella Castle Makeover: Magic Kingdom’s icon will soon shine with a return to its classic blue and gray palette accented with gold. In addition, Imagineers are using durable paints to make sure the castle’s timeless look lasts.  Be sure to check out the full panel for more details. Carousel of Progress Update: A new Audio-Animatronic Walt Disney will take the stage, honoring Walt’s legacy with modern technology. This will be the attraction’s most meaningful update in decades.  We have the Full Creating the Happiest Place on Earth Panel. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will open on November 7, 2025, at Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life Theater, welcoming this new 4D show. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde star in the adventure, and guests can also enjoy new meet-and-greet opportunities. Big Thunder Mountain Reimagining: Returning in 2026, the classic coaster will undergo its largest reimagining ever. Fans can expect improved tracks, upgraded effects, and Rainbow Caverns scenes inspired by Walt’s original vision. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Reimagined: By 2026, guests will join Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem in the all-new Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, mixing humor and music for a high-energy ride. Disney Animation Announcements: Zootopia 2 premieres November 26, 2025. Hexed, a new original film, follows on November 25, 2026. Other projects include Avengers: Doomsday, Toy Story 5 (June 2026), The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 2026), Ice Age: Boiling Point (February 2027), and Coco 2, (planned for 2028). Walt Disney World Updates DinoLand U.S.A. Transformation: The land closes in February 2026 to make way for the new Tropical Americas, inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq-hfMoNKJ8  

This week at Walt Disney World, the magic is in full swing with festive fall updates, park surprises, and big announcements across the Disney universe. From brand-new dining questions to Halloween reveals, there’s plenty to explore in these Disney weekly updates. Disney Weekly Updates: Beak & Barrel Reservations… or Not? The buzz around the new Beak & Barrel has Disney fans talking. Rumors of opening reservations popped up. However, not everything may be as it seems. We’ll keep a close eye on this brand-new spot as it prepares to welcome guests, and we’ll share when reservations are available in our weekly Disney updates. Disney Weekly Updates: Halloween Hits Magic Kingdom Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom just got a little more festive. New Dumbo pumpkin decorations have joined the Halloween lineup, adding a whimsical touch to the fall celebration. In addition, spooky collectibles are arriving. Guests can now grab a Haunted Mansion sipper or the Stitch mummy popcorn bucket. Even better, Disney confirmed that Mother Gothel will appear at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Villains Take Over Bath & Body Works Halloween isn’t limited to the parks. In fact, Bath & Body Works has launched an all-new Disney Villains scent collection. It brings a wicked touch of Disney magic to your everyday routine. Fans of Maleficent, Ursula, and other iconic villains will want to check out this limited-time lineup. A Galaxy Rebuilt Over in the Star Wars galaxy, LEGO fans have something to celebrate. The LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy trailer has officially dropped, and it gives fans a first look at an epic new adventure. With a September release on Disney+, the trailer builds excitement for what’s sure to be a hit in the LEGO Star Wars collection. EPCOT Food & Wine and New PhotoPass Options Foodies, get ready. The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is almost here, and Disney has released the full foodie guides for this year’s event. New brews, dishes, and returning favorites make this a can’t-miss experience. Additionally, new Fall PhotoPass options are now available, offering guests fresh seasonal opportunities to capture magical memories throughout the parks. These Disney weekly updates make sure you don’t miss a single bite. Destination D23 Livestream Confirmed Looking ahead, Disney has confirmed a livestream for Destination D23. That means fans worldwide can expect updates, sneak peeks, and magical announcements as the event unfolds.  The Live stream will be in the D23 Gold Theater which requires a Gold Membership to join. Fozzie Even The Muppets joined the conversation this week. Fozzie Bear dropped his own playful acknowledgment of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster redo. Join Us Live Sam and Greg cover all of this and more LIVE on Sam’s Disney Diary. From park updates to Disney+ news, our Disney weekly updates bring you everything happening across the Disney universe.  

Pluto’s 95th Anniversary Merchandise It’s the dog days of August, and what better way to celebrate than with brand-new merchandise honoring Pluto’s 95th anniversary? The collection includes playful designs that highlight everyone’s favorite pup. It’s a fitting tribute for a character who has brought joy to Disney fans since 1930. Fantasmic! New Merchandise Greg spotted an incredible lineup of Fantasmic! merchandise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The highlight? A Maleficent dragon plush that captures the spirit of the nighttime spectacular. These items are expected to be popular with fans who love the show’s blend of Disney storytelling and pyrotechnics. Halloween Takes Over the Parks Halloween has already made its presence known across Walt Disney World. New merchandise has hit shelves, and Main Street, U.S.A. is fully dressed for the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of 2025. Expect pumpkins, festive banners, and spooky treats to kick off the season. Meanwhile, construction walls now line the pathway between Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and the Muppets Studio 1 store has been fully removed, marking a notable change at Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom Construction Updates Magic Kingdom is buzzing with changes. The Adventureland sign has disappeared, leaving fans curious about its return. The Rivers of America now sit drained, most likely for routine refurbishment. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin currently lists as “operations suspended,” raising questions about its reopening. In addition, new walls at the Transportation and Ticket Center point to more improvements ahead of the fall crowds. Destination D23 2025 Disney recently revealed the maps and full agenda for Destination D23. With so much on the schedule, fans are excited to see what announcements will unfold. We’ll highlight our most anticipated moments as the event draws closer. Entertainment News Highlights Beyond the parks, Disney rolled out big entertainment news this week: Vampirina is heading into live-action. The LEGO Princess Villains Unite trailer dropped, teasing a fun new crossover. ESPN & Fox One bundle. A first look at Wizards Beyond Waverly Place has been revealed. The live-action Lilo & Stitch is coming soon to Disney+.  Meanwhile, Electric Bloom has released another trailer, further building excitement. Final Thoughts From Pluto’s milestone celebration to fresh Halloween merch, park changes, and new entertainment projects, this week delivered a packed Disney news cycle. Stay tuned for more updates as we head toward Destination D23 and the fall season at Walt Disney World. And don’t miss our live recap—join Sam and Greg every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. ET for the latest news and happenings, including what’s new this week at Walt Disney World.  

Halloween has officially arrived at Walt Disney World, 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 Walt Disney World. Guests can explore elaborately themed displays, from the Magic Kingdom’s iconic Mickey pumpkin wreaths to resort-specific fall décor. Alongside the seasonal magic, 2026 Disney calendars have landed in the parks, giving guests an early start on planning their next Disney adventures. Disney Collectibles: Zootopia Coins & 2026 Calendars A brand-new addition to Disney’s “Better Together” series has arrived—collectible Zootopia coins. Featuring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other beloved characters, these coins are already becoming a favorite among fans. The 2026 Disney calendars, now available across the resort, showcase stunning park photography and key celebration dates. Park Updates: Galactic Starcruiser Signs & Muppet Courtyard Changes The Galactic Starcruiser experience may have ended, but its legacy remains visible—or at least it did. Disney has begun removing road signage pointing to the now-closed experience. Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Monsters, Inc. project is moving forward, starting with the removal of Stage 1 in Muppet Courtyard. Earnings Spotlight: Box Office Milestone & Major Media Deals Disney Q3 Earnings 2025 brought big news, including Lilo & Stitch crossing the $1 billion global box office mark. On the media front, ESPN announced landmark deals with the NFL and WWE, expanding coverage and cross-promotion opportunities. Disney also confirmed further integration of Disney+ and Hulu into a unified streaming experience, offering subscribers more content and convenience. Walt Disney World: ESPN 8 The Ocho Event While media deals dominated headlines, fans visiting the resort experienced ESPN 8: The Ocho live at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The event brought offbeat, high-energy competitions to Disney World, offering a unique sports experience for guests. Toy Story Popcorn Bucket & Passholder Magnet To celebrate the 30th anniversary re-release of Toy Story, a new popcorn bucket featuring Woody and Buzz Lightyear has debuted. Annual Passholders can also pick up a brand-new magnet design, adding to their exclusive collection of perks. Entertainment: Freakier Friday & Star Wars 50th Anniversary Disney’s Freakier Friday has officially hit theaters, offering a fresh twist on the beloved body-swap comedy. And for Star Wars fans, April 2027 will mark the return of Star Wars: A New Hope to theaters in honor of its 50th anniversary, timed perfectly with Star Wars Day. Special Events: Muppet 12K of Christmas & Beak and Barrel Opening RunDisney fans can look forward to the Muppet 12K of Christmas virtual race, complete with themed medals and merchandise. Over at the Magic Kingdom, the much-anticipated Beak and Barrel restaurant now has an official opening date, adding another dining option for parkgoers. From billion-dollar box office success to Zootopia collectibles and new dining experiences, Disney Q3 Earnings 2025 prove there’s never a dull moment at Walt Disney World. Which announcement are you most excited about? Let us know, and be sure to follow Sam’s Disney Diary for more Disney news, history, and park updates. https://youtu.be/3TKat-VXiyU  

As July 2025 comes to a close, Disney fans are treated to an exciting lineup of news and events. From not-so-spooky Halloween reveals to superhero encounters, here’s a look at the biggest updates this week. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Highlights Magic Kingdom is gearing up for the season with new entertainment, themed treats, and limited-edition souvenirs. The buzz centers around the highly anticipated popcorn bucket and sipper, already must-haves for collectors. ESPN 8: The Ocho Brings Free Fun The Wide World of Sports hosts ESPN 8: The Ocho, a quirky, free-to-attend sporting takeover. Expect offbeat competitions and plenty of fun, making this one of the most unique summer events. [caption id="attachment_74755" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] ESPN8 The Ocho 2025[/caption] Bourbon Steak Debuts at Walt Disney World Dolphin Greg was on-site for the grand opening of Bourbon Steak. This new signature dining location promises a refined menu and elegant atmosphere, making it a can’t-miss experience for food lovers. Avatar: Fire and Ash Trailer Wows Fans The first trailer for James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash left audiences speechless with breathtaking visuals and new creatures from Pandora. The film opens December 19, 2025. Disneyland Announces Holiday 2025 Details Disneyland shared its full holiday lineup, featuring festive décor, returning shows, and seasonal entertainment. It’s a perfect time to plan your holiday getaway. Construction Begins on Monsters, Inc. Project Walt Disney World has officially started construction on a new Monsters, Inc. project. While details remain limited, fans are eager to see what Pixar’s monsters will bring. Final Weekend for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Space Rangers have one last chance to defeat Emperor Zurg before Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closes August 4 for a major refurbishment, set to reopen in 2026 with new features.  Last Ride August 3, 2025. Disney+ August Lineup Revealed Disney+ is rolling out big titles this August, including Marvel Eyes of Wakanda, Chris Hemsworth's Limitless, and Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!! George Lucas Surprises at Comic-Con In a historic moment, George Lucas made his first-ever Comic-Con appearance, thrilling fans with his presence and adding excitement to the event’s biggest announcements, including a look at Ezra Bridger in Ashoka 2, Darth Maul Animation, and Disney Publishing. From spooky sweets to Marvel heroes, it’s a magical week for Disney fans everywhere. Catch the full video for an inside look at all the highlights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o71FnSdoXyI

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? Magic of Disney Animation returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2026! 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 Disney Starlight Parade officially debuted at Magic Kingdom, bringing dazzling new floats and an all-new original character, Whimsy, to Main Street, U.S.A. Greg was there for the early shows, and his full breakdown is in this week's video. Test Track Reopens and BDX Droids Debut Test Track is back! The attraction officially reopened to all guests, boasting updated visuals and effects while keeping its familiar design-your-car feature. Over at Hollywood Studios, BDX Box Droids made another appearance, although some performances were delayed due to Florida’s summer storms. Speaking of Hollywood Studios, more construction walls are now visible. Toy Story Land now features new construction walls near the restrooms—possibly signaling upcoming infrastructure work. Disneyland Turns 70 with Celebrations on Both Coasts Disneyland celebrated its 70th anniversary on July 17 with a full day of festivities. One of the highlights? A tribute to the Sherman Brothers playing inside Main Street Cinema. Even more magical: the official Disneyland 70th balloon completed its coast-to-coast flight, landing in California just in time for the anniversary.  Walt Disney: A Magical Life Opens. To mark the occasion, Disney+ released 17 new point-of-view ride-throughs, offering immersive experiences of classic Disneyland attractions in stunning 4 K resolution. It’s a subtle but strong message: Disney+ is becoming the go-to source for park content. Disney+ Highlights and Rapid Fire News In addition to the Disneyland POV collection, Disney+ dropped: Zombies 4 SHARKFEST content for Shark Week A new daily news program: What You Need to Know The return of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with brand-new episodes On the awards front, The Walt Disney Company earned 137 Emmy nominations, a huge haul across streaming and broadcast platforms. Foodies will appreciate the peach-flavored Dole Whip, which appeared on Dole Whip Day (July 17) at Disneyland. Over at Disney’s BoardWalk, Greg found a unique banana Nutella dog that might just be the most unusual snack this month. Marvel and More: Trailers, Concerts, and Popcorn Buckets A double dose of excitement with the release of the TRON: Ares trailer, complete with a new Nine Inch Nails soundtrack single, and the full trailer for Pixar's Hoppers ahead of its 2026 debut. The Descendants and Zombies: Worlds Collide concert tour kicked off in San Diego, featuring stars from both franchises. And in popcorn bucket news, Greg tracked down new offerings in the parks, and the biggest popcorn bucket ever! Finally, the Fantastic Four make their big-screen return this weekend. Stay tuned for Sam and Greg’s thoughts after opening night! Full video https://youtu.be/IriEsPIw4MA    

It’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. https://youtu.be/YZEvNV0IKVw 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. https://youtu.be/MPBbbC3hUTM 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

Sam and Greg are back, and it’s July 2, 2025—just in time for the Independence Day crowds! News and a Flashback. Test Track Previews Begin—Greg Was First in Line! After months of anticipation, Test Track previews 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 attraction's legacy while pushing forward with bold innovation. Hall of Presidents and Astro Orbiter Reopen Just in time for the Fourth of July, two Magic Kingdom staples are back. The Hall of Presidents has reopened with updated technology and refreshed show elements. Meanwhile, Astro Orbiter is once again spinning above Tomorrowland following its recent refurbishment. Big Thunder Mountain Surprise Entertainment Guests visiting Frontierland this week were treated to an unexpected entertainment moment near Big Thunder Mountain. Disney Live Entertainment is keeping the details under wraps, but it’s clear something new and interactive is on the way. Stay tuned! Hitchhiking Ghosts Join Build-Your-Own Mickey Ears In an exciting Haunted Mansion update, the Hitchhiking Ghosts have been added to the Build-Your-Own Mickey Ear lineup. These new custom options let you bring a ghostly flair to your headgear—just in time for the spooky season to begin.   Lilo & Stitch 2 Announced on 626 Day In animation news, Disney confirmed the development of Lilo & Stitch 2 on June 26, or “626 Day.” A teaser featured Stitch causing chaos at Walt Disney Studios, and fans are already speculating on what adventures are next for the beloved blue alien. Eat to the Beat 2025 Lineup Revealed This week also brought news from Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, including the first wave of Eat to the Beat concert lineup announcements. Disney confirmed the return of fan-favorite events like Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt and Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, bringing even more reasons to visit this fall.   Flashback: 1988's First-Ever Televised Fireworks To celebrate Independence Day, Sam and Greg revisit a piece of Disney Parks history: the first-ever televised Fourth of July fireworks at Walt Disney World in 1988. The patriotic broadcast set the stage for future celebrations and remains a nostalgic gem for longtime fans. Don’t Miss the Show Catch the full replay of This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE with Sam and Greg for even more updates, commentary, and behind-the-scenes magic. Whether you're planning a visit this weekend or just love staying in the loop, we've got you covered every step of the way.   Full Video Show here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfGfuphusk8    

It’s officially halfway to the holidays, 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. Create your own Christmas Tree Returns to Walt Disney World Coolest Summer Ever Brings New Surprises The Cool Kids Summer campaign is in full swing, and Frontierland is abuzz with activity. We spotted new characters joining the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, including rare appearances that surprised even longtime parkgoers. Over in Toy Story Land, guests will be glad to see new shade structures finally added near Andy’s Lunch Box — a much-needed relief in the Florida heat. Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom Updates Tomorrowland Astro Orbiter is nearing completion.   Flavors of Florida Kicks Off with a Culinary Preview Flavors of Florida is back at Disney Springs, and the 2025 edition kicked off with a flavorful media preview. We had a chance to check out offerings from The Edison, Terralina, and House of Blues — including new dishes and seasonal cocktails inspired by Florida’s fresh ingredients. If you’re planning to visit, keep an eye out for the new Shrimp & Grits, Pizza alla Vodka, and a colorful gator-themed beverage that’s already creating buzz. Big Thunder Rumblings and D23 Archives Celebration Over at Magic Kingdom, train cars were spotted on the Big Thunder Mountain tracks, fueling speculation about ride testing or possibly preparation for refurbishment. While Disney hasn’t confirmed anything officially, it’s a sign that more activity is happening behind the scenes. At Disney Studios, we got a sneak peek into Disney’s past as the Walt Disney Archives celebrated its 55th anniversary. The Archives team released a fantastical short film honoring the legacy of Walt’s vision and the importance of preserving Disney history. We even spotted a familiar face — Gongos Mickey, from the Muppet*Vision 3D pre-show — as part of the anniversary display. Major Road Projects Could Shape Disney’s Future Perhaps the biggest long-term news this week didn’t come from inside the parks but just outside them. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has officially opened bidding for two major infrastructure projects: the Western Way road expansion and a full redesign of the Buena Vista Drive interchange. These fully funded initiatives are designed to ease traffic flow into the resort’s western entrance — but they could also mean something much bigger. Could this signal a future park expansion or new resort area? Disney owns 160 acres nearby with improved access underway.  Speculation is growing about long-term plans, especially as road work begins. Sam analyzed access ramps and project maps, even comparing them to satellite images.  The results are intriguing and raise many questions. While Disney has made no announcements, these upgrades could open the door to major development. Video Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m_wRuGK8g0