Ep. 62 - Disney News Monday!

• 2025 Candlelight Processional Narrators (EPCOT)

  • Dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025 

  • Showtimes: 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 8:15 PM nightly 

  • Narrator lineup highlights: • Constance Wu (Nov 28-29)  • Jordan Fisher (Nov 30–Dec 2)  • Jennifer Garner (Dec 3–4)  • Ashley Eckstein, Ralph Macchio • Leslie Uggams, Henry Winkler, Lauren Daigle (all NEW for 2025)  • Gary Sinise, Brendan Fraser, Luis Fonsi, Joel Smallbone, Brie Larson, Sheryl Lee Ralph 

  • Note: eight new celebrity narrators — a high turnover for a single year 

  • Dining packages: available and guarantee seating 

  • Tips: arrive early, plan around popular narrators, check standby vs package seating

  • Caution: narrator/dates subject to change 

• The Muppet Show is Returning (Disney+ Special 2026)

  • Disney officially announced a revival special on Disney+ for 2026 to mark the 50th anniversary 

  • Sabrina Carpenter is named as a special guest star

  • This is a one-off event initially, potentially acting as a test for bringing Muppets back full-time 

  • Legacy Muppet performers (Bill Barretta, Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, etc.) will be part of the cast 

  • Discussion point: expectations vs risk — will fans embrace a modern Muppet Show?

  • Tie-in: Muppets are also making their way into the parks (Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster retheme) 

• Disney After Hours Returns for 2026

  • Disney has confirmed that After Hours events will return in 2026 at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT

  • Dates & details: • Magic Kingdom: Jan 12–Jul 27, 2026 • DHS: Jan 14 start, and multiple dates through Sept 12, 2026 • EPCOT: similar schedule, 9:30 PM–12:30 AM event windows and park entry starting at 7 PM 

  • Benefits: Limited capacity, lower wait times, special character pop-ups 

  • Ticketing: • Guests staying at select Disney hotels (Resort, Swan & Dolphin, Shades of Green) get early access starting Oct 9, 2025  • Public ticket sales begin Oct 14, 2025 

  • Strategy tips: enter early, plan your attractions, check which rides are open

  • Caveat: not all attractions or character experiences guaranteed

• Star Wars Launch Bay Closure / Disney Animation Return

  • Star Wars Launch Bay at Hollywood Studios permanently closed on September 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM 

  • It has been replaced (or to be replaced) by returning “The Magic of Disney Animation” reimagined experience in 2026 

  • The closure ends a decade of the exhibit, meet-and-greet, collectibles, and lore displays

  • Discussion: what’s lost / what’s gained? How this fits into Disney’s shifting focus toward immersive experiences