It's a red, white, and blue week at the parks! Sam and Greg are back for the July 9, 2025, episode of This Week at Walt Disney World with fireworks, construction walls, holiday announcements, and a farewell to two Magic Kingdom classics.
July 2025 Disney World Closures: Liberty Belle & Tom Sawyer Island
Two longtime staples of Magic Kingdom have officially taken their final voyages. The Liberty Belle Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island are now closed to make way for Walt Disney World's newest expansion: Piston Peak and Villains Land. Construction walls have gone up across Frontierland, and if you're riding the monorail, keep your eyes open—early staging work has already begun and is visible. Thanks to @bioreconstruct, we even have aerial images that show the impressive scale of what's coming next.
As these classic experiences fade into the past, guests have been spotting a few mysterious new doors around the construction zone. Are they functional? Themed? Or just a bit of Disney magic teasing what's to come? Time will tell.
Fourth of July in the Parks
No better time to be at Walt Disney World than Independence Day weekend, and Sam and Greg celebrated in true patriotic fashion.
July 2025 Disney World Holiday Season Preview
Walt Disney World has released full details for the upcoming 2025 holiday season. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom with festive overlays and new entertainment. EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays is also back, bringing seasonal flavors and the Candlelight Processional to World Showcase from November 28 to December 30, 2025. And at Hollywood Studios, Disney Jollywood Nights continues its new holiday tradition with glitz, glam, and retro-inspired fun.
Ticket sale dates and event specifics were announced, providing planners with ample time to prepare for the season.
Haunted Mansion Merch & Small World Update at Disney World
New Haunted Mansion merchandise has materialized across the parks, with spooky styles perfect for any foolish mortal. These items are arriving just in time to celebrate Halloween-in-July vibes, offering apparel, accessories, and collectibles inspired by everyone's favorite ghostly retreat.
And starting July 17, 2025, It's a Small World will debut its emotional final verse. Originally penned by the late Richard Sherman as his last gift to Disney, the verse will premiere as part of Disneyland's 70th celebration and will also be added to the Walt Disney World version of the attraction.
Railroad Shuttle & Monsters Inc. Land Construction at Disney World
A new phrase is circulating—literally. Guests have begun to notice a "shuttle" operating on the Walt Disney World Railroad. This temporary change allows continued access while construction expands around the train's path, particularly as work intensifies in Frontierland.
Over at Hollywood Studios, the staging work for the long-rumored Monsters Inc. Land is moving fast—and it's massive. Cranes and steel are already visible behind the current Pixar Place area, giving us a pe
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