Dog Days of August: Pluto's 95th, Fantasmic! Dragon Plush, Rivers Drained, and More Disney News

Pluto's 95th Anniversary Merchandise

It's the dog days of August, and what better way to celebrate than with brand-new merchandise honoring Pluto's 95th anniversary? The collection includes playful designs that highlight everyone's favorite pup. It's a fitting tribute for a character who has brought joy to Disney fans since 1930.

Fantasmic! New Merchandise

Greg spotted an incredible lineup of Fantasmic! merchandise at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The highlight? A Maleficent dragon plush that captures the spirit of the nighttime spectacular. These items are expected to be popular with fans who love the show's blend of Disney storytelling and pyrotechnics.

Halloween Takes Over the Parks

Halloween has already made its presence known across Walt Disney World. New merchandise has hit shelves, and Main Street, U.S.A. is fully dressed for the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of 2025. Expect pumpkins, festive banners, and spooky treats to kick off the season. Meanwhile, construction walls now line the pathway between Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and the Muppets Studio 1 store has been fully removed, marking a notable change at Hollywood Studios.

Magic Kingdom Construction Updates

Magic Kingdom is buzzing with changes. The Adventureland sign has disappeared, leaving fans curious about its return. The Rivers of America now sit drained, most likely for routine refurbishment. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin currently lists as "operations suspended," raising questions about its reopening. In addition, new walls at the Transportation and Ticket Center point to more improvements ahead of the fall crowds.

Destination D23 2025

Disney recently revealed the maps and full agenda for Destination D23. With so much on the schedule, fans are excited to see what announcements will unfold. We'll highlight our most anticipated moments as the event draws closer.

Entertainment News Highlights

Beyond the parks, Disney rolled out big entertainment news this week: Vampirina is heading into live-action. The LEGO Princess Villains Unite trailer dropped, teasing a fun new crossover. ESPN & Fox One bundle. A first look at Wizards Beyond Waverly Place has been revealed. The live-action Lilo & Stitch is coming soon to Disney+.  Meanwhile, Electric Bloom has released another trailer, further building excitement.

Final Thoughts

From Pluto's milestone celebration to fresh Halloween merch, park changes, and new entertainment projects, this week delivered a packed Disney news cycle. Stay tuned for more updates as we head toward Destination D23 and the fall season at Walt Disney World. And don't miss our live recap—join Sam and Greg every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. ET for the latest news and happenings, including what's new this week at Walt Disney World.