Sams Disney Diary

SamsDisneyDiary
  • 4.0 (4)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. NOV 5

    Zootopia Preview, Jingle Cruise Returns & Christmas Arrives at Walt Disney World This Week November 5, 2025

    Zootopia Takes Center Stage November 5, 2025, brought huge excitement across Walt Disney World. Greg shared his first impressions of Zootopia: Better Zoogether, now in previews at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Guests can meet Nick and Judy and grab the new Zootopia popcorn bucket.  Lots of Zootopia Merch Dropped. Fort Wilderness & the Halloween Parade Before saying goodbye to spooky season, Greg captured incredible video from the Fort Wilderness Halloween Parade,. It once again delivered creativity and charm from resort guests. Construction at Disney's Lakeshore Lodge continues nearby. It shows clear signs of progress for this upcoming DVC property. Christmas Arrives Across the Parks Overnight, Main Street U.S.A. transformed for the holidays. The Christmas spirit has spread further than ever. Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Storybook Circus all showcase new decorations. They include Dumbo-themed holiday touches. At Magic Kingdom, the Jingle Cruise is officially sailing again, while Astro Fizz in Tomorrowland adds a sweet sparkle to the season. Disney's Hollywood Studios is fully dressed for Jollywood Nights, complete with an updated stage and lighting for the returning "Glisten" ice skating show. Popcorn Buckets, Treats & Trailers Popcorn collectors have plenty to chase this week, from festive holiday designs to exclusive Zootopia releases. Holiday snacks and drinks have been announced across all four parks. It's the perfect preview for the season ahead. We also covered new trailers for the Jonas Brothers' holiday special and the return of Prep and Landing,. Both add to Disney's festive streaming lineup. Universal Minute: Wicked Takes Over In Greg's Universal Minute, Wicked is everywhere. From Emerald City Eats to themed merchandise and meet-and-greets, Universal Orlando is embracing the musical's magic just in time for the film's release. Popcorn buckets, limited treats, and exclusive photo ops make it one of the most immersive crossovers Universal has pulled off yet. Be sure to catch "This Week at Walt Disney World" with Sam and Greg, live every Wednesday, streaming on YouTube and Facebook. Don't miss the latest Disney Parks news, updates, and surprises each week!

    1h 10m

  2. OCT 30

    Christmas Comes Early to Walt Disney World: Food, Popcorn Buckets & Disney+ Surprises: This Week at Walt Disney World

    Christmas Comes Early at Walt Disney World Halloween might be over, but at Walt Disney World, the holidays arrive fast. During our October 29 live show, we covered everything from gingerbread popcorn to the latest updates on Disney+. The parks are already transforming for the Christmas season, and Disney fans have plenty to look forward to. Festive Food Highlights Both Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights are back with more treats than ever.  We walked through every new offering—from Santa Hat Brownie Sundaes to the Jolly Jam Slider—and shared our favorite returning classics, including the Festive Beignets and Christmas Gertie Cookie. Popcorn Bucket Mania Popcorn fans have reason to celebrate. The newest additions include a Zootopia 2 bucket, the highly anticipated Back to the Future bucket, and a gingerbread popcorn flavor that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. We also shared updates from Muppets Courtyard, well, what was Muppets Courtyard. Disney+ and Streaming Updates Beyond the parks, we dove into several streaming headlines. The big one: Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres on Disney+ on November 5.  Freakier Friday is also heading to Disney+.  Here is the full list of programming coming to Disney+ in November 2025. Parades, Football, and More Fun The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade filming is due in early November. Over on ESPN, the Monsters, Inc. Fun Day Football event returns, blending sports and storytelling in only-Disney fashion. Between holiday parades, sports mashups, and streaming premieres, Disney is truly in celebration mode. Be sure to catch "This Week at Walt Disney World" with Sam and Greg, live every Wednesday, streaming on YouTube and Facebook. Don't miss the latest Disney Parks news, updates, and surprises each week!

    1h 1m

  3. OCT 22

    Disney World Updates October 2025: Archway Removed, Remy Update & Celebrate America Announced

    Disney World Updates and Big Changes Across the Parks Construction continues around Disney World, and guests are noticing major updates. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the iconic entrance animation courtyard archway is gone, marking a significant visual change to the park. Inside Walt Disney Presents, One Man's Dream, new models showcase the future of Disney World. Models include Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, Monstropolis inspired by Monsters, Inc., and Piston Peak, a nod to Planes: Fire & Rescue. Disney is clearly teasing where the next wave of park storytelling will take us. Holiday Season Arrives Early at Disney World The holiday spirit has already arrived at Disney World. Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise is now available across the parks, featuring new designs and limited-edition collectibles. Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll 2024[/caption] Over at Disney Springs, the Christmas Tree Stroll returns with more trees, more magic, and a few surprises waiting to be discovered. Meanwhile, at EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is back online early, reopening ahead of schedule after a brief refurbishment.  And at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Jollywood Nights opening day is officially sold out, signaling strong holiday demand this season. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure Update at EPCOT Guests visiting EPCOT's France Pavilion will notice a major change at Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. The ride will operates in 2D, dropping its former 3D visuals. The new presentation will offer a brighter, sharper, and easier-to-watch experience, eliminating the need for glasses and improving clarity for all guests. Celebrate America 250: Disney's Biggest Patriotic Event Yet In a surprise announcement, Disney World revealed a company-wide "Celebrate America" event.  The celebration begins on Veterans Day 2025 and continues through July 4, 2026, honoring America's 250th anniversary. Highlights include the return of Soarin' Across America, themed entertainment, and patriotic tributes across Disney Parks worldwide. Special merchandise, limited-time food, and new nighttime spectaculars will help mark this historic event. EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2026 Announced Mark your calendars — the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts returns in January 2026, running for 39 days. The festival celebrates creativity through food, performance, and art.  Disney will reveal returning favorites and new culinary booths later this year. Zootopia: Better Zoogether and New Drone Testing The excitement around Zootopia: Better Zoogether continues as new merchandise drops ahead of the attraction's debut. Sharp-eyed fans also spotted a drone show test over Golden Oak, sparking speculation about a new nighttime experience coming to Disney Parks. Disney+ Update: LEGO Frozen Operation Puffins Over on Disney+, fans previewed LEGO Disney Frozen: Operation Puffins for the first time.  The new animated short continues the Frozen legacy with humor, heart, and puffin-powered fun. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live! It's another exciting week filled with park updates, streaming news, and behind-the-scenes changes shaping the future of Disney World.  Join Sam & Greg Live for This Week at Walt Disney World — your weekly source for Disney World October 2025 updates, rumors, and reactions. Watch the full show now on Sam's Disney Diary YouTube Channel and subscribe for the latest park updates and more.+

    1h 11m

  4. OCT 1

    Zootopia 2 Final Trailer & Tron: Ares Next Week! Disney Parks Closures & Expansions (Oct 2025)

    The countdown is on! Disney just dropped the final trailer for Zootopia 2.  Plus, Tron: Ares speeds into theaters and IMAX next week—here's everything you need to know. In the parks, major changes are underway: the Star Wars Launch Bay is permanently closed, and the Animation Courtyard is undergoing a reimagining. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is getting a  Muppets-themed refresh at Hollywood Studios. After-hours events are returning in 2026 at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. We'll also talk about Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party selling out for the season, plus Huluween's spooky streaming lineup, and New Ravensburger Puzzles .  New Kingdom Hears Mages Staff available for Pre-Order.

    55 min

  5. SEP 24

    Disney Drops Huge Updates: Launch Bay Farewell, Holiday Lineup & Star Wars News, and More Updates

    From anniversaries and holiday announcements to attraction closures and new partnerships, Disney fans had plenty to talk about this week. Here's the latest news and highlights from across the parks, Disney+, and beyond. Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration Disneyland marked its 70th anniversary in style. ABC aired a two-hour primetime special filled with archival footage, celebrity appearances, and tributes to the park, which opened in 1955. The milestone reminded fans that Walt's original dream continues to inspire after seven decades of storytelling and innovation. Epcot Holiday Updates: Candlelight Processional & Storytellers The holidays are set to sparkle at Epcot. Disney revealed the official Candlelight Processional lineup and released the Festival of the Holidays Storytellers Guide. Guests can now plan their visits around seasonal entertainment and cultural traditions that make the holidays at Epcot so unique. The Last Day of Star Wars Launch Bay September 24 marked the final day of operation for Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We took one last look at the exhibit, exploring its changing displays and highlighting the original concept art that once helped shape the experience. During his farewell walkthrough, he finally uncovered a hidden Mickey Easter egg that had long been overlooked by guests. The space will now prepare for its next chapter, with a brand-new experience set to debut in 2026. New Walt Disney World Ambassadors Introduced Walt Disney World announced its newest Ambassadors, who will represent the resort through 2026. Continuing a tradition started by Walt himself, the team will serve as official storytellers and community leaders, bringing the magic of Disney to cast members and fans worldwide. Santa Claus Finds a New Spot at Epcot Santa Claus will meet guests in a new location at Epcot this season. Families can look forward to catching the jolly old elf while enjoying the park's global holiday celebrations. Star Wars News: Teaser Trailer & LEGO Special A new teaser trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu gave fans a first look at the duo's upcoming 2026 theatrical release. We break down our favorite Easter eggs from the trailer and what they could mean for the future of the saga. On Disney+, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy is set to premiere, promising plenty of humor and brick-built adventures. Kingdom Hearts Pins Arrive at Disney Parks Collectors and gamers have something to celebrate. Exclusive Kingdom Hearts pins are making their way to U.S. Disney Parks, combining the magic of Disney with the video game series. Jollywood Nights 2025 Merchandise Revealed Disney's Hollywood Studios just unveiled the first wave of Jollywood Nights 2025 merchandise. Fans attending this year's event will find festive apparel, accessories, and collectibles inspired by the glamorous holiday celebration. Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man Surprise at World of Disney An unexpected crossover made headlines this week as Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man appeared at World of Disney. The limited drop caught fans by surprise, bridging the worlds of Marvel and the iconic trading card game. Disney Partners with Topps and Major League Baseball In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Disney announced a new partnership with Topps and Major League Baseball. Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck will appear in authentic MLB uniforms representing all 30 teams in the 2025 Topps Chrome® Disney Trading Card Set. Collectors can find the cards at Topps.com, select retailers, and hobby shops nationwide. Animal Kingdom Construction Over at Animal Kingdom, construction has officially gone vertical, offering the first visible signs of the park's next expansion. The Boathouse Duck Wins Fans The new The Boathouse Ceramic Duck Sipper is one of the best deals if you enjoy collecting popcorn buckets and sippers from Disney. You can pick up the Duck Sipper at The Boathouse in Disney Springs for $25.00, and if you have a Disney AP or DVC, you can use your discount. Prep & Landing Returns with a New Project Holiday favorite Prep & Landing is coming back. Disney confirmed a brand-new installment, Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol, bringing Wayne, Lanny, and their chaotic holiday missions back to screens after more than a decade. Don't Miss This Week at Walt Disney Catch our complete discussion, video highlights, and live chat replay on Sam's Disney Diary YouTube. We dig deeper into every story—from hidden Mickeys to Star Wars Easter eggs—and share what's next for Disney fans everywhere.

    1h 12m

  6. SEP 17

    Breaking Muppet News! the Adventureland Sign Returns, TRON Aries, Morimoto Asia 10 Years & More

    Breaking News: The Muppet Show is Back! Disney fans have been buzzing all week—Disney+ confirmed that The Muppet Show is officially returning with a brand-new special produced by Seth Rogen and guest star Sabrina Carpenter. The special will also serve as a backdoor pilot for more Muppets magic. It's a huge nod to Disney nostalgia, and we'll be watching closely for how this plays into the Parks' 70th anniversary celebrations for the Muppets themselves. Adventureland Sign Shines Once Again After a brief refurbishment, the Adventureland sign at Magic Kingdom has returned. Guests walking through the park entrance into Adventureland will once again pass under the timeless archway, a true symbol of Disney storytelling and exploration. The fresh paint details give it new life while preserving its vintage charm. TRON Lightcycle Run Gets the TRON: Ares Overlay TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom has transformed with the brand-new TRON: Ares overlay. In celebration of the upcoming film TRON: Ares, debuting October 10th, the attraction now pulses with striking red and orange light trails instead of its classic blue. The canopy, load area, and Lightcycles all reflect the movie's aesthetic, while the soundtrack has been updated with a powerful new score that mirrors the film's energy. Announced at Destination D23 and launched this week, the overlay is a limited-time experience that gives fans a preview of the world of TRON: Ares while riding one of Magic Kingdom's most thrilling attractions. Morimoto Asia Celebrates a Decade at Disney Springs Disney Springs' Morimoto Asia is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The Pan-Asian restaurant, founded by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, marked the milestone with a special anniversary event and the debut of its new Passport to Morimoto Asia program. Guests can earn stamps toward unique experiences, from chef meet-and-greets to curated trips. The celebration solidifies Morimoto Asia's status as a dining icon at Walt Disney World. New Flavors and Fun at Space 220 Over at EPCOT, Space 220 Restaurant introduced new menu happenings, including specialty dishes inspired by seasonal flavors. Disney teased more limited-time offerings coming soon, keeping this out-of-this-world dining experience fresh for both repeat visitors and first-timers. Disney Parks Introduces Villain Tiaras Just in time for Halloween season, Disney unveiled a collection of villain-inspired tiaras. Featuring designs based on Maleficent, Ursula, and the Evil Queen, these tiaras have already become a fan-favorite collectible, blending fashion with Disney Villains' wicked style. Sweet Cause: The Cocoapizzie Cookie at Pizzapointe At Disney Springs' Pizza Ponte, guests can now indulge in the limited-time Cocoapizzie cookie. More than just a treat, proceeds from each purchase support cancer research. It's another example of how Disney food offerings combine magic, flavor, and community support. Florida Blue Lounge Returns to EPCOT Food & Wine Festival The Florida Blue Lounge is back at EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival. Offering a quiet, air-conditioned escape for Florida Blue members, this lounge has become a yearly tradition for many festival guests. Its return adds yet another layer to EPCOT's festival experience. A Computer Nerd Recreates the Muppets' 70th Set In a fan-driven highlight, a Disney "computer nerd" meticulously recreated the set of The Muppet Show for its 70th anniversary using modern design tools. The tribute is a love letter to Jim Henson's original vision and has captured the attention of fans across social media.

    1h 3m

  7. SEP 10

    Disney Castles, Tron Popcorn Bucket & Disney World Updates: September 10, 2025

    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 mustâ€'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.

    1h 2m

  8. SEP 3

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

    The last two weeks brought big news at Disney Parks, and Sam and Greg are here to break it down. This rapid-fire catchâ€'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

    1h 10m
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

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.

Information

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

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