Epcot

Spaceship Earth Closed in EPCOT: A Refurbishment, Upgrade, or Perhaps More?

Spaceship Earth Closed in EPCOT: A Refurbishment, Upgrade, or Perhaps More?

As of August 25, 2025 Spaceship Earth, the iconic “giant golfball” of EPCOT, closed down temporarily for a refurbishment. While all attractions at Walt Disney World need regular maintenance, there is a question as to whether this closure is simply for regular, ongoing maintenance, or will the attraction that has us “thanking the Phoenicians” be getting an upgrade or two?

Imagineer That! Hosted by Tom Morrow 2.0 Makes a Return

Imagineer That! Hosted by Tom Morrow 2.0 Makes a Return

Walt Disney Imagineering has brought back Imagineer That!, a short-form educational video series originally produced for the Disney Channel. The revived version features the return of Tom Morrow 2.0, a character introduced in the early 2000s as a host and mascot at EPCOT’s Innoventions. The new series debuted on the official Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel on August 24, 2025.

Disney’s Pirate Tavern Opening – Will The Beak and Barrel Sink Magic Kingdom Family Fun?

Disney’s Pirate Tavern Opening – Will The Beak and Barrel Sink Magic Kingdom Family Fun?

Walt Disney World has announced that The Beak and Barrel, a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern is set to open in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland on August 29, 2025.

This isn’t just another themed eatery—it’s a dedicated pub emphasizing cocktails, beers, and wines, marking a significant escalation in the park’s long-evolving relationship with alcohol. Once envisioned by Walt Disney as a wholesome, booze-free haven for families, Disneyland and the subsequent Magic Kingdom park constructed after Walt passed away maintained a strict no-alcohol policy. 

Test Track Crash Injures Four Guests During Cast Member Preview at EPCOT

Test Track Crash Injures Four Guests During Cast Member Preview at EPCOT

Just weeks before its grand reopening, EPCOT’s newly updated Test Track has already made headlines for all the wrong reasons. During a Cast Member preview on July 1st, a Test Track crash occurred when a ride vehicle slammed into a set of foam sliding doors that failed to open properly. Four guests were injured in the impact and received treatment on-site. Fortunately, none required hospitalization—but the timing couldn’t be worse for Disney as it gears up to relaunch the ride to the public later this month.

Test Track 3.0 to Reopen Without Virtual Queue, Marking a Major Disney Shift

Test Track 3.0 to Reopen Without Virtual Queue, Marking a Major Disney Shift

When Test Track 3.0 opens at EPCOT on July 22, 2025, it won’t just be debuting a refreshed ride experience—it will also mark a notable change in how Disney handles its most in-demand attractions. The reimagined version of the fan-favorite ride is the first new or updated Walt Disney World attraction to launch without a virtual queue since Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which opened shortly before the 2020 lockdowns began.

Disney World Summer Crowds are Already Crashing But The Fourth of July and Beyond May Be Much Worse

Disney World Summer Crowds are Already Crashing But The Fourth of July and Beyond May Be Much Worse

Walt Disney World is facing one of its slowest summer seasons in recent memory, as a confluence of economic pressures, waning international tourism, and increased competition from rival theme parks continues to depress attendance. According to industry analysts and park watchers, the Disney World summer crowds that traditionally pack the Orlando resort have thinned significantly—and all signs point to an even steeper decline following the July 4th holiday.

Disney World Summer Crowds are Already Crashing But The Fourth of July and Beyond May Be Much Worse

More Outlets Confirm Reports of Plummeting Walt Disney World Crowd Levels This Summer — Worst June Since 2021 Lockdowns

For weeks, That Park Place and the WDW Pro YouTube channel have been reporting that Walt Disney World crowd levels are far lower than expected this summer. Now, respected data tracker TouringPlans.com has echoed the same findings, calling this one of the slowest Junes Disney has seen in over a decade outside of the 2020 closures and 2021’s limited attendance lockdown reopening.