Disney News | Big Thunder Mountain Reopens | Fall Updates
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This episode of Imagination Skyway delivers a comprehensive update on major Disney World developments for the fall and beyond. The highlight is the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom, featuring a completely new steel track for a smoother ride, updated vehicles, and a reduced height requirement from 40 to 38 inches—matching Slinky Dog Dash. The episode also previews Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026, with Stitch hosting a dynamic dance party in Tomorrowland, the return of beloved shows like the Boo to You Parade, and ticket sales beginning May 5th for resort guests and May 12th for the public. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is set to return from August 27 to November 21, 2026, with fan-favorite menu items and activities like Remy's Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt and Emile's Fromage Montage. Special recognition is given to Disney’s ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish, including the rededication of the Wish Lounge at Magic Kingdom and the celebration of Paxton, a six-year-old wish recipient. The episode also reveals new details about the upcoming Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a nature-themed resort on Bay Lake with lake houses, a lazy river, and immersive design inspired by Bambi, Pocahontas, and Brother Bear. Finally, Disney is expanding its ferry fleet for the first time since 1976, with a new 120-foot vessel named the Meg Gilbert Crofton, honoring a longtime cast member and set to sail in 2027.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened with a new steel track, smoother ride, updated vehicles, and a lowered height requirement to 38 inches.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026 returns with Stitch hosting a themed dance party and tickets going on sale May 5th for resort guests.
Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival runs August 27–November 21, 2026, with returning favorites like Gyoza’s of the Galaxy dumplings and Kirschwazer tort.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge is under construction near Wilderness Lodge, featuring lake houses, a lazy river, and nature-inspired design with characters from Bambi and Pocahontas.
The new ferry boat Meg Gilbert Crofton, honoring a longtime cast member, will join the fleet in 2027, marking the first expansion since 1976.
Big Thunder Mountain Reopens
“The new track seems so smooth. And that's not surprising. I've been on the updated version at Disneyland, and I remember how different that felt...”
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026
“After getting his paws on Lilo's costume trunk, every accessory he tries on will spark a theme swap and keep the party playfully unpredictable all night long.”
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2026
“You're going to get the return of Remy's Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt because Maggie, Emily, and I love doing a good scavenger hunt around World Showcase.”
Disney’s Make-A-Wish Week of Wishes
The episode honors Disney’s 45-year partnership with Make-A-Wish, including the rededication of the Wish Lounge at Magic Kingdom and the story of six-year-old Paxton, a wish recipient.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge: New Nature-Themed Resort
“The general theme of Lakeshore Lodge is connecting guests to the beauty and magic of nature. That's its promise, and it is still slated to open in the summer of 2017.”
“I was humbled to learn that my name would be on this new ferryboat. It means so much to be recognized by the cast members I had the privilege of working with for so many years.”
“Whether they're stepping into immersive adventures, meeting beloved characters or seeing their biggest dreams come to life, each wish is a powerful reminder that true heroism is found in bravery, hope, and heart.”
“After getting his paws on Lilo's costume trunk, every accessory he tries on will spark a theme swap and keep the party playfully unpredictable all night long.”
Host
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
other
Disney Lakeshore Lodge
other
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
other
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
other
Make-A-Wish Foundation
organization
Walt Disney Imagineering
organization
Meg Gilbert Crofton
person
Stitch
other
Disney Parks Blog
media
Paxton
person
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