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A guest tries stealing ears at Walt Disney World, the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Lounge is reopening next year, and all the new holiday novelties coming to Disneyland — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom The Plaza Inn Restaurant at Magic Kingdom has a few new seasonal offerings, and we tried them all. Keep reading to find out if you should, too. Over in Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom, holiday decor has come to the big top. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Santa Gertie is now decorated for the 2025 Christmas season at Hollywood Studios, including the Santa hat and ornament. With just a few days to go before Disney Jollywood Nights begins, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is almost completely decked out for the holidays. The new location and dates for the Santa Claus meet and greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been announced. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Surprise! Santa Claus is coming back to DinoLand USA in Animal Kingdom for the holiday season with a meet and greet at Restaurantosaurus. Nick and Judy from Zootopia 2 are meeting in Animal Kingdom earlier than expected ahead of the Better Zoogether show officially opening later this week. Walt Disney World Resort Hotels We now have a name and an opening date set for the new bar at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Today, the menu for The Perch, the new birdcage lobby bar set to open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, was released. The Disney Parks account shared that the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Lounge will be reopening in early 2026 after a five year closure. This is also reflected on the Walt Disney World website. New Merchandise The Passholder Buzz in My Disney Experience shared a preview of two Annual Passholder-exclusive merchandise items that will be available at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Two new Christmas Disney Gift Card designs are available at Walt Disney World Resort for the 2025 holiday season. Purchase Disney gift cards and receive a holiday pin as well. Choose from Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, and Stitch. Just in time for Zootopia 2 and Zootopia: Better Zoogether, Walt Disney World has new mystery boxes containing Zootopia character figurines. The United Kingdom Pavilion in EPCOT has new merchandise, including a collection inspired by the Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room. Disney has revived a retro Mickey letterman jacket originally available many years ago. First released at Disneyland, the jacket is now available at Walt Disney World. Other Walt Disney World News A Walt Disney World guest was caught stealing Mickey Ears after apparently deciding they were too expensive. American flags at multiple locations across Walt Disney World are currently at half-staff to honor the Former Vice President Dick Cheney. Disneyland Resort Disneyland Park Confectionery locations at Disneyland Resort now have holiday-themed cupcakes and cookies available. Disneyland Resort Hotels Disneyland has shared details for the character meals that will be available this holiday season, including dates and offerings. Plus, a new character meal will be available! New Merchandise Disneyland Resort has released the full list of new and returning holiday novelties that will be available during the 2025 season. Arribas Brothers is now offering mini glass Christmas trees with ornaments, as well as full-size ornaments for real trees at Disneyland. Disneyland released the dates and details of the release of the previously announced holiday zombie tiki mug. The release for Zootopia 2 is just a few weeks away, and if you’re looking to hit the theater in style, you can find new themed hats at Disneyland Resort. It’s almost Life Day and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland has a new series of merchandise honoring the holiday. The Expedition Mickey Mouse Collection, designed by voice of Mickey Mouse Bret Iwan, is now available at Disneyland. A new holiday-themed reusable tote bag is now available at Disneyland Resort. Other Disneyland News Disneyland Resort released the full list of holiday food and beverages coming this month. Disney Store Merchandise Toy Story 30th anniversary merchandise has arrived online at DisneyStore.com and other retailers, with some items available at Disney Parks. Zootopia 2 merchandise is now available online at Disney Store. Here is the full list with prices. Other Disney Merchandise Zootopia 2 toys are now available with McDonald’s Happy Meals. Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood has shared a new collectible medallion available with pre-sale tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026. Construction of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is coming along with additional structural elements added in recent weeks. Entertainment and Media Disney Parks has arrived in Fortnite for the first time ever with Disneyland Game Rush, which celebrates Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. Disney has posted a teaser indicating a Fortnite and Haunted Mansion crossover. Miss Piggy is finally getting her own movie, and her star power has already brought Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, and Cole Escola on board. WDW News Today What’s Leaving Disney World Next? Future Closures & Rumors | The WDW News Today Podcast: Episode 85 That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow! Lauren Stracner
