Sams Disney Diary

SamsDisneyDiary
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Walt Disney World is the one location where my entire family can find something to smile about. No matter the age, no matter who is with us, you will find an adventure. Sam's Disney Diary is simply a way for me to capture and share the memory or those adventures in the magic. I hope you enjoy.

  1. FEB 18

    Frozen Ever After Update, Flower & Garden Blooms & Beyond Big Thunder Progress

    This week at Walt Disney World, February 18, 2026, Greg became one of the first guests to experience the updated Frozen Ever After, now featuring new animatronics. The refreshed scenes add improved movement, facial detail, and lighting enhancements that noticeably elevate the attraction's finale. The update signals Disney's continued investment in existing attractions while larger park expansions continue around the resort. Mardi Gras at Port Orleans Over at Disney's Port Orleans Resort, Mardi Gras celebrations added festive color and energy. The resort's New Orleans inspiration makes it a natural fit for seasonal décor, specialty food, and lively atmosphere. EPCOT Transitions to Flower & Garden As Festival of the Arts winds down, EPCOT is already shifting toward the next season. Early Flower & Garden topiaries and blooms are appearing throughout the park, signaling the start of another transformation. The quick seasonal turnover highlights how EPCOT constantly evolves throughout the year, giving returning guests something new each visit. Beyond Big Thunder: First Track Elements Revealed New construction images from Beyond Big Thunder reveal the first visible elements of Cars Land track design. The progress confirms that the next major expansion in Magic Kingdom is physically taking shape. These early structural pieces provide the clearest look yet at how the area will expand beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Changes Inside Villains Land Work continues inside Villains Land, with visible adjustments and groundwork shaping the future expansion. While Disney has not released final attraction details, movement on site suggests steady forward progress. Monstro Rises at Hollywood Studios At Hollywood Studios, the new Monstro facade is beginning to take shape. The visible exterior progress gives guests their first real glimpse of how the updated Animation Courtyard area may look once complete. You Can Get Married in the Haunted Mansion In a surprising Disney detail, couples can now host weddings inside the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. The announcement blends gothic atmosphere with Disney fairy-tale flair, offering one of the most unique wedding venues on property. Mandalorian & Grogu Trailer Sparks Buzz The latest Mandalorian & Grogu trailer dropped, and the reaction was immediate. The footage signals major cinematic momentum for Star Wars and reinforces Disney's continued investment in the franchise. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From attraction updates and seasonal transitions to construction milestones and Star Wars hype, it was another packed week of Disney conversation. Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park updates, expansion progress, and fandom moments come together.

    1h 7m

  2. FEB 11

    Disney Super Bowl Strategy, Villaintines Day & Live from Disney's BoardWalk

    Live from Disney's BoardWalk For the week of February 11, 2026, Sam and Greg went live on location from Disney's BoardWalk at Walt Disney World. The setting brought great atmosphere and real park energy, even if a few technical difficulties cut the show slightly short. The experience delivered valuable lessons, and yes — more live broadcasts from the parks are coming. The Big Game Is Over — MVPs to Disneyland The Big Game is in the books, and as tradition holds, the MVPs are heading to Disneyland. That moment always sparks conversation, but this year the focus went deeper. Sam and Greg broke down Disney's Super Bowl advertising investment and where the company chose to spend its dollars. The message was clear — This is the Way. Disney leaned into its strongest brands and signaled where it sees growth and long-term storytelling momentum. Villaintines Day and Valentine's Day at Walt Disney World Walt Disney World prepared for two back-to-back celebrations. Villaintines Day on February 13 brought a darker twist to the season, while traditional Valentine's Day festivities followed across the parks and resorts. From themed treats to couples celebrating in the parks, the atmosphere blended playful villain energy with classic romance. D23 Tickets on Sale in April Another major announcement: D23 tickets go on sale in April. Sam and Greg discussed what fans should expect, how quickly events can sell out, and why planning ahead matters for major Disney fan gatherings. Muppet Backlash and AI Allegations Online discussion swirled around alleged AI usage connected to Muppet content. Sam and Greg reacted to the backlash, separating speculation from confirmed information while discussing why authenticity matters so much to longtime fans of The Muppets. Live Show Lessons and What's Next Although the broadcast ended earlier than planned due to technical issues, the experiment was a success. Broadcasting live from Disney's BoardWalk added energy and spontaneity that studio shows simply cannot replicate. The takeaway is simple: expect more live, on-location shows from Walt Disney World in the future. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From Super Bowl strategy and MVP traditions to Villaintines Day, D23 news, and Muppet discussions, it was another conversation-filled week. Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where Disney news, park culture, and fan conversation come together.

    41 min

  3. FEB 5

    Disney World Updates: New Leadership, Dinoland Gone, and The Muppet Show Returns

    It's Frozen at Walt Disney World This week at Walt Disney World felt more like winter than Florida. Cold temperatures settled across the resort, creating an unusual backdrop for park visits. While the chill surprised many guests, it also gave the parks a very different vibe, especially with lighter crowds and brisk evenings. A New Era of Disney Leadership Begins One of the biggest Disney stories in years officially became reality. Josh D'Amaro has been named the new CEO of The Walt Disney Company, while Dana Walden steps into the role of Chief Operating Officer. [caption id="attachment_79292" align="aligncenter" width="1180"] Sam and Greg reflected on how quickly this moment arrived, especially after previously speculating about future leadership. The conversation focused on what this leadership team could mean for the parks, creative direction, and long-term strategy across the company. Dinoland U.S.A. Is Officially Gone A major chapter at Disney's Animal Kingdom has closed. Dinoland U.S.A. has been removed from all park maps, and the final rides on DINOSAUR are now over. For many fans, this marks the end of an era tied to the park's opening-day identity. Greg shared his reactions as the attraction officially closed, while the conversation quickly turned toward what comes next. The focus now shifts to Tropical Americas, the next major transformation coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom. With Dinoland gone, the future of the area is officially underway. Character Meet-and-Greets Move Around the Parks As construction reshapes parts of Walt Disney World, some familiar experiences have relocated. Greg tracked down new locations for character meet-and-greets, including Chip and Dale, giving guests updated options for character photos and interactions. These changes highlight how the parks continue to adapt while larger projects move forward. Park News from Both Coasts and Beyond The show also covered a wide range of additional park news. At Disneyland, Savannah Banana Days are back, bringing high-energy fun and fan excitement to the West Coast. [caption id="attachment_71019" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Savannah Bananas Come to Disneyland on May 28[/caption] Back in Florida, Zootopia Annual Passholder magnets are now available at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Meanwhile, Disney confirmed that Toy Story 5 activations are coming to the parks, adding even more Pixar presence for fans to enjoy. Greg also took the conversation outside the Disney bubble, sharing highlights from Universal's Mardi Gras celebrations, offering a quick look at what's happening across Central Florida theme parks. Popcorn Bucket Watch Continues No week would be complete without a fresh batch of popcorn buckets. New designs continue to appear at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, showing no signs of slowing down. Among the highlights is the new Disney California Adventure Pixar Pal-A-Round popcorn bucket, joining an already crowded lineup of collectibles. As always, Greg broke down what's new and what fans are lining up to buy. The Muppet Show Returns — and It's a Big Deal One of the most exciting moments of the week is the return of The Muppet Show. Sam and Greg both agreed that this comeback deserves time and attention, and it's a topic they plan to revisit in depth. Along with the show's return, the ongoing Missing Muppets series continues. This week added another character to the list of Muppets who didn't make the 70th Anniversary magnet set, keeping the conversation alive and growing. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From freezing temperatures and leadership changes to park closures, popcorn buckets, and the return of the Muppets, it was another packed episode. Join Sam and Greg every week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where Disney news, park changes, and fan conversation come together.

    1h 1m

  4. JAN 29

    Disney World Updates: Leadership Changes, DINOSAUR's Final Days, and What's New this Spring

    What's Next: Lucasfilm Leadership Shakeup and the Disney CEO Question This week on This Week at Walt Disney World, Sam and Greg opened with one of the biggest conversations in Disney fandom right now — the leadership shakeup at Lucasfilm. They broke down what the changes could mean for Star Wars storytelling, upcoming films, and Disney+ projects. From there, the discussion naturally expanded to a larger question: who could be next in line to lead The Walt Disney Company? With Disney once again approaching a leadership transition, long-term creative direction and stability are clearly top of mind for fans. What's Next: DINOSAUR Closes and Dinoland U.S.A. Ends An emotional milestone arrives at Disney's Animal Kingdom this weekend. DINOSAUR, the last remaining attraction from Dinoland U.S.A., is officially closing. [caption id="attachment_75442" align="aligncenter" width="1321"] The exterior of Dinosaur in DinoLand U.S.A., where the Time Rover adventure begins inside the Dino Institute[/caption] Greg plans to be in the parks for one final ride, marking the true end of an era. For many guests, DINOSAUR represents opening-day memories and the original vision of Animal Kingdom. Its closure signals a major shift as the park prepares for what comes next. What's New This Spring at Walt Disney World With spring travel season approaching, Sam and Greg took time to review what guests should expect right now at Walt Disney World. Construction walls are up across multiple parks, and understanding what's changing helps set realistic expectations. Here's a park-by-park look at the major projects currently underway: Disney's Animal Kingdom: Construction continues on Tropical Americas, transforming the former Dinoland area. Disney's Hollywood Studios: Work is progressing on Monsters Inc Land, reshaping the park's future layout. Magic Kingdom: Large-scale projects include Villains Land and Cars-themed development, signaling the next generation of expansion. While construction is visible, the long-term payoff points to some of the biggest changes Walt Disney World has seen in years. What's Next: Attractions to Watch Beyond Spring Looking ahead, several high-profile attractions remain on the radar. Sam and Greg discussed openings that could arrive later this year, pending official announcements. These include: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, expected to reopen after refurbishment Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, also anticipated to return this spring or summer Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, one of the most talked-about reimaginings coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios While dates remain unconfirmed, these attractions continue to shape trip-planning conversations. Greg's Popcorn Bucket Corner Returns No episode would be complete without Greg's Popcorn Bucket Corner, and this week delivered plenty of surprises. New finds include: A Lilo & Stitch Sweethearts popcorn bucket spotted at Disneyland A new refillable popcorn bucket at EPCOT Theater-style popcorn buckets and hoppers tied to non-Disney properties, including GOAT, Pokémon, Iron Lung, and Sinners Greg broke down what's new, what's collectible, and what fans are actually buying right now. Missing Muppets #3: Another Character Left Off the List The show wrapped up with week #3 of the ongoing Missing Muppets series — spotlighting characters who didn't make the 70th Anniversary magnet set. Sam and Greg debated which Muppet was left off this time, why the omission surprised fans, and how the list keeps growing. The segment continues to blend nostalgia, strong opinions, and a lot of fun, with more Missing Muppets still to come. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From leadership changes and emotional goodbyes to construction updates, popcorn buckets, and Missing Muppets, it was another packed episode. Join Sam and Greg every Wednesday for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park news, Disney history, and fan conversation come together each week.   Note: Next week's show will be a special Thursday night edition, airing February 5, 2026, with a deeper look at what's new and what's next at Walt Disney World.

    1h 6m

  5. JAN 22

    Festival of the Arts, Disneyland Handcrafted, Star Wars, Lorcana & Missing Muppets

    Disney kicks off another busy week as Disneyland Handcrafted premieres on Disney+ tomorrow, February 22. The documentary celebrates the craftsmanship and creative vision behind Disneyland, while a special featurette highlights director Leslie Iwerks and her deep Disney roots. At the same time, Star Wars fans have plenty to talk about. Disney dropped a surprise teaser for Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, and the reaction was immediate. The teaser sparked widespread discussion across the fan community, setting the tone for a big week in the Star Wars universe. EPCOT Festival of the Arts Is Officially Open The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is officially underway, and Sam and Greg are both in the middle of the action. EPCOT is filled with art, music, and food studios as the festival comes to life across the park. This year's festival highlights include: The return of Once Upon a Stage inside CommuniCore Hall, featuring Disney on Broadway performances Festival merchandise, including the popular Figment popcorn bucket, now owned by both Sam and Greg Interactive scavenger hunts throughout EPCOT Disney Lorcana Takes Over the Festival One of the biggest surprises of the festival has been the overwhelming popularity of Disney Lorcana. While Sam focused on the artists and live performances, Greg tracked the explosion of Lorcana trading across EPCOT. The Illumineer's Lounge in Morocco has quickly become a central hub for completing cards, trading, and connecting with other fans. Greg breaks down what this surge in Lorcana activity means for Disney Parks and how it could shape future festival experiences. DVC Moonlight Magic and Park Milestones Away from EPCOT, Greg also reviewed DVC Moonlight Magic at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The event delivered exclusive access, low waits, and a noticeably chilly evening. Elsewhere around Walt Disney World, several milestones and updates stood out: The Living Seas celebrates its 40th anniversary Annual Passholders received a new Zootopia-themed magnet Disney announced the Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup Bringing Darth Vader into Galaxy's Edge A long-running fan question continues to surface: how do you bring Darth Vader into Galaxy's Edge without breaking the land's timeline? Disney's answer arrives through storytelling. The new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge – Echoes of the Empire comic series bridges eras, allowing iconic characters to appear while preserving the land's narrative integrity. Greg explains why this approach works and why it opens new doors for Galaxy's Edge storytelling. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From Festival of the Arts highlights and Star Wars reveals to trading cards, magnets, and milestone anniversaries, it was another packed episode. Join Sam and Greg every Wednesday for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where Disney news, fandom, and fun come together each week.

    1h 13m

  6. JAN 15

    Festival of the Arts Opens as Disneyland Handcrafted and Star Wars News Break

    Disneyland Handcrafted Premieres with Red Carpet Event Disney kicked off the week with the premiere of Disneyland Handcrafted, now streaming January 22nd on Disney+. Greg attended the red carpet media event and shared firsthand reactions from the celebration. The documentary highlights the artistry, craftsmanship, and creative vision behind Disneyland. One standout feature focuses on Leslie Iwerks, the film's director, whose deep Disney roots help frame the story with both history and heart. This special featurette adds meaningful context to the documentary and makes it a must-watch for Disney fans. EPCOT Festival of the Arts Opens This Week The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts officially opens this week, and the park is ready. Greg shared images showing EPCOT's final preparations as the festival returns. Inside CommuniCore Hall, Once Upon a Stage is back, bringing performance and storytelling to the center of the park. Around World Showcase, Food Studios are in place, including the return of Imagination Station, signaling another strong year for festival food and creativity. Then came breaking news during our live show. Greg revealed the first look at the 2026 Figment popcorn bucket, which dropped during the broadcast. As expected, Figment fans reacted instantly, making this one of the most talked-about reveals of the night. Seasonal Merchandise Arrives Across the Parks Along with festival prep, Valentine's Day merchandise has arrived at Walt Disney World. New designs are already hitting shelves, giving guests early options for seasonal gifts and collectibles. Meanwhile, Greg may have taken popcorn collecting to a new level. Yes, a five-gallon popcorn bucket made its appearance, and no, that is not a joke. Breaking News: Galaxy's Edge Expands at Disneyland In major breaking news from the parks, Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge is expanding to include additional Star Wars eras, characters, and experiences. Disney confirmed that characters such as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker will be included, opening the door to a broader timeline within the land. Some fans questioned whether expanding beyond the sequel era could dilute the original concept. However, the verdict from our discussion was clear, at least from my side — this is all good. The expansion allows more fans to connect with Star Wars in a way that feels personal, nostalgic, and inclusive. Muppets 70 Continues: Who Didn't Make the Cut? We wrapped up the show by launching a new segment focused on the Muppets that should have made the 70th Anniversary magnet set. While the collection is now complete, several fan-favorite characters were left out. Our collection will spotlight those missing Muppets and explore where they appeared in classic Muppet history. And yes, the magnet discussion continues to grow. All That and More from Sam & Greg Live From festival previews and streaming premieres to surprise merchandise drops and major Star Wars news, it was another packed episode. Join Sam and Greg every Wednesday for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where Disney news, history, and fun come together each week. Watch the full episode now on Sam's Disney Diary, and subscribe so you never miss what's next.

    1h 11m

  7. JAN 9

    Disney World Updates January 2026: New Year Trips, Big Announcements, and Park Changes

    Happy New Year from Disneyland and Walt Disney World The new year started on both coasts. Sam rang in New Year's Eve at Disneyland, while Greg spent the holidays at Walt Disney World. As a result, this week's show covered a wide range of park experiences and major Disney World updates. At Disneyland, the 70th Anniversary Celebration set the tone for the trip. The resort felt familiar, yet noticeably different, especially when compared to Walt Disney World. The Rivers of America area now stands out even more, given its recent closure back east. Breaking Disney News and Streaming Updates Disney opened the year with several major announcements. Most notably, Disney officially announced a live-action Tangled film, instantly becoming one of the most talked-about stories of the week. Meanwhile, new content continues to arrive on Disney+. Avengers: Doomsday trailers keep dropping, fueling speculation. At the same time, TRON Ares is now streaming, expanding the TRON story beyond the parks. Looking ahead, Disneyland Handcrafted arrives on Disney+ on January 22, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry that shaped the original park. Festival of the Arts and a Disney Legend Returns Disney Parks released the Foodie Guide for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, and anticipation is already building. The festival begins soon, and food, art, and performance once again take center stage. Adding to the excitement, Tony Baxter will appear at the festival. His presence connects EPCOT's creative future with its rich history, making this year's event especially meaningful for longtime fans. Cool Kid Summer Returns to Disney World One of the biggest Disney World updates for 2026 is the return of Cool Kid Summer. This year's lineup blends nostalgia with new energy across multiple parks. Highlights include: GoofyCore Hall, bringing bold visuals and playful vibes Muppets Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, continuing the Muppets takeover Bluey experiences expanding family-friendly offerings Soarin' Across America, returning as part of the Celebrate America celebration Updates coming to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin A new look at Jessie's Roundup at the Diamond Horseshoe Together, these additions position summer 2026 as one of the most character-driven seasons Disney World has seen in years. Classic Disney Returns and Farewells Begin Disney also confirmed that Must Do Disney is back, once again featuring Stacie. For many fans, this marks a welcome return to a familiar planning tradition. [caption id="attachment_8643" align="aligncenter" width="1075"] Must Do Disney October 2009 with MNSSHP and Epcot Food and Wine Festival[/caption] At Magic Kingdom, the painting of Cinderella Castle has begun, signaling routine upkeep ahead of busy seasons. However, not all news brought celebration. Every Muppet reference has been removed from Muppet Courtyard, officially closing the door on that era. Additionally, Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom closes permanently on February 1, making now the final window to experience the attraction. Elsewhere, Sprinkles unexpectedly closed all locations, surprising many Disney Springs regulars. Muppets 70: The Magnet Mystery Solved The Muppets' 70th Anniversary magnet set is finally complete. During the show, Sam and Greg reviewed the full collection and revealed who made the cut. Then came the surprises. Several Muppets were left off the list, which sparked a deeper look at the new Muppet Show trailer. By matching the magnets to the opening sequence, the missing characters became clear. And yes, Greg really did buy a new refrigerator just to fit all 70 magnets. Join Us Live Every Wednesday From Disneyland trips to major Disney World updates, the new year is already moving fast. Join Sam and Greg every Wednesday for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where the conversation continues with news, history, and a lot of Disney fun. Watch the full episode now on Sam's Disney Diary, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss what's next.

    1h 18m

  8. 12/17/2025

    Festival of the Arts Preview, Magic Kingdom Updates & Happy Holidays We will see you in 2026

    December 10, 2025 marked our final live show of the year, and it was a packed one. From park construction updates and major Disney milestones to box office records and streaming news, the conversation highlighted just how much Disney packed into 2025. Monsters, Inc. Funday Football Returns We kicked things off with Monsters, Inc. Funday Football, which continues to blend sports and storytelling in a way only Disney can. The crossover remains a fan favorite and adds another layer of fun to ESPN's football coverage. Construction Updates at Magic Kingdom Over at Magic Kingdom, construction walls remain in place as work continues across several areas. Most notably, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad scaffolding has come down, signaling visible progress as the attraction moves closer to its planned spring reopening. Each update brings the park one step closer to a refreshed Frontierland experience. Santa Returns to Swan and Dolphin Santa is once again set to vacation at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, continuing a popular holiday tradition at the resort. Seasonal décor, special appearances, and festive surprises make it a favorite stop for guests during the Christmas season. Walt Disney World Steam Trains Turn 100 This week also marked a major milestone as the Walt Disney World steam trains turned 100 years old. These historic locomotives remain a beloved part of Magic Kingdom, offering both transportation and a living piece of Disney history. Festival of the Arts Details Revealed New details were shared for EPCOT's upcoming Festival of the Arts, including the return of Brush with the Masters. The fan-favorite living art experience once again brings classic paintings to life, adding creativity and charm to the festival. Zootopia 2 Crosses $1 Billion At the box office, Zootopia 2 officially crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide. The milestone confirms the film as one of Disney Animation's biggest successes and reinforces the franchise's lasting appeal. Blockbusters Return to Theaters in 2026 Disney also announced that Star Wars: A New Hope and Avengers: Endgame will return to theaters in 2026. The re-releases give fans a chance to experience these films on the big screen once again. Streaming & Media Highlights On Disney+, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 officially arrived, expanding the growing franchise. Over on Apple TV+, Fraggle Rock welcomed its first snowfall in a new holiday special, adding to the seasonal streaming lineup. Meanwhile, Hallmark confirmed it is producing a holiday movie set at Walt Disney World as part of its 2026 lineup. Bluey Hits the Road Family audiences have even more to celebrate as Bluey's live stage show begins touring across the United States. The popular series continues to grow beyond the screen, reaching fans nationwide. Popcorn Buckets & Muppet Magnets No year-end show would be complete without collectibles. New popcorn buckets continue to appear, including a SpongeBob-themed bucket generating buzz. And of course, the collection has grown to nearly 70 Muppet Magnets, closing out 2025 on a familiar and fun note. A Holiday Goodbye As we wrap up an incredible year, we want to say thank you to everyone who tuned in, commented, and shared the show. Sam and Greg will be taking a holiday break and will return live on January 7, 2026. Until then, we wish you and your family a happy holiday season and a magical start to the new year. Watch the Replay You can catch the replay of our December 10 episode now. Join us live every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. Eastern for This Week at Walt Disney World when we return on January 7, 2026.

    1h 7m
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About

Walt Disney World is the one location where my entire family can find something to smile about. No matter the age, no matter who is with us, you will find an adventure. Sam's Disney Diary is simply a way for me to capture and share the memory or those adventures in the magic. I hope you enjoy.

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  • Creator
    SamsDisneyDiary
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2011-2025 SamsDisneyDiay.com (Contact Sam@SamsDisneyDiary.com)
  • Show Website
    Sams Disney Diary