Update on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Changes: Daily Recap on August 21, 2025
Disney has unveiled the initial concept artwork for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, which will undergo changes to its opening scene, and a Disneyland Resort staff member took to social media to highlight the challenges of the Disability Access Service in today’s daily recap for Thursday, August 21, 2025.
At Walt Disney World, visitors got a glimpse of the signage for The Beak and Barrel, the newly established Pirates of the Caribbean tavern at Magic Kingdom. Extending the coverage, Disney released a video offering an extensive preview of the array of food and drink options soon to be available at The Beak and Barrel in Magic Kingdom. Moreover, with the recent introduction of The Beak and Barrel, additional spaces adjacent to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction have been repurposed to enhance the bar area, including the outdoor courtyard.
Looking ahead to alterations in attractions, Disney revealed the new ride vehicles that will be part of the refurbishment of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom. Exciting news surrounds the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom next year, complete with a fresh beginning. Additionally, after a prolonged display period in Magic Kingdom, the Liberty Square entrance sign to Frontierland vanished yet again following a month of visibility.
Transitioning to EPCOT, a media event highlighting the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival provided a sneak peek at this year’s commemorative merchandise. Attendees at the event also got an exclusive first look at a new prop and two upcoming Magic Shots for the festival. Adding to the culinary spectrum, a delightful new treat, the Caramel Apple Crisp Pie, has made its debut at Karamell-Küche in EPCOT, prompting us to dive into a review of this tiny delight.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a fresh poster unveiling heralded the comeback of The Magic of Disney Animation attraction, reintroducing a beloved character from the attraction’s original short film. Disney also disclosed the preliminary designs, specifics, and logo for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As Disney further unveiled, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a dazzling Tree of Life performance set to mesmerize visitors.
Shifting focus to broader Disney news, the anticipated return of Cool Kid Summer to Walt Disney World in 2026 was confirmed by Disney. In a separate development at Disneyland Resort, a former Cast Member took to social media platforms to outline the issues pertaining to Disability Access Service at Disney Parks following his resignation.
Additionally, Disneyland Resort debuted new racer-style apparel inspired by Disney Princesses, Minnie Mouse, and the parks, courtesy of Her Universe. In another theme park setting, Universal Orlando Resort dismantled a segment of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit track at Universal Studios Florida and introduced the charming M3GAN popcorn bucket just in time for Halloween Horror Nights 2025. Embracing the Halloween spirit, Universal Studios Hollywood disclosed the forthcoming Chainsaw Man: The Chaos for Halloween Horror Nights 2025.
Noteworthy among recent launches is Universal Horror Unleashed, an unprecedented year-round Halloween Horror Nights experience now accessible at Las Vegas’ Area15. Visitors are invited to embark on a comprehensive tour of this unique attraction. In the entertainment domain, The Muppets are set to feature in a series of shows alongside magician Rob Lake on Broadway for a limited run this holiday season. Moreover, Fortnite partnered with Universal Studios Japan to introduce an original Prop Hunt map to the popular online game, permitting explorations of a digital Universal Studios Japan while evading Hamikuma and zombies.
In case you missed it, an internet-exclusive comedy show about Disney Parks, featuring the latest Disney Parks news, WDWNT: The Match Game, and a significant announcement about the program’s future, is scheduled for tonight. That concludes today’s Daily Recap, and we eagerly anticipate your return tomorrow.