It was a milestone week here at The Main Street Mouse! Walt Disney World turned 55, the hype for Avengers: Doomsday kept building, and Disney’s top leaders had plenty to say. If you missed anything, here’s your catch up on the biggest stories from the past seven days.
Happy 55th Anniversary, Walt Disney World!
On October 1, Walt Disney World celebrated 55 years of magic. We said a special thank you to fans and took a look at how the resort grew from Magic Kingdom and two hotels into the vacation kingdom we know today. We also looked back at the five years since the 50th anniversary and what’s next, which have brought more than 70 new or refreshed experiences. Ahead of the big day, Disney released new 55th anniversary merchandise modeled by opening day Cast Members, and it’s available now while supplies last.
There was another birthday to celebrate at Walt Disney World this week, too. Bakso the Sumatran tiger turned 2 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and his care team made sure he had a special day on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Avengers: Doomsday Hype Hits a New Level
Avengers: Endgame Encore opened at No. 1 with an $86 million global debut, proving fans are more than ready for the next chapter. With Avengers: Doomsday arriving December 18, the Russo Brothers started teasing big things. Marvel also released the best “Silence Your Phones” PSA you will ever see, and Pop Secret teamed up with Marvel Studios for Avengers: Doomsday popcorn, complete with limited edition packaging and a sweepstakes for a trip to New York City.
On the series side, the new VisionQuest trailer reunites Vision with his son as Ultron returns, with Paul Bettany and James Spader back in their iconic roles.
Disney Leaders Get Candid
Disney’s leadership made headlines at Bloomberg’s Screentime conference in Los Angeles. Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden addressed the company’s recent layoffs, calling the cuts “extremely painful.” She also responded to rumors that Disney could buy Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite. At the same event, former Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said selling Star Wars to Disney was “what George wanted.”
Another former Disney leader was in the spotlight as well. Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s memoir, Behind the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth, hit shelves this week, and it sounds like it has plenty to say.
Disney Cruise Line and Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge News
Mark your calendars! Disney Cruise Line is revealing everything about the Disney Believe on October 7 during a livestream on Disney Parks’ social channels at 4:30 p.m. EST.
We also got a first look at Branch & Brush and the grand lobby at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge before reservations open to all guests on October 8.
The Holiday Season Is Already Arriving
It may still be October, but the holidays are coming fast! A Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up opens at Disney Springs on October 7, and a new Disney and Hallmark collection is on the way next year. Disney also shared another sneak peek at this year’s holiday merchandise, and that Mickey wreath is a must.
Planning a festive Walt Disney World trip? Hilton Orlando’s Holiday Suites are back for 2026. Spirit Christmas is opening a Florida location near Walt Disney World this month. And for something darker, Johnny Depp plays Scrooge in the new Ebenezer trailer.
New Souvenirs and Delicious Eats
Collectors had plenty to get excited about this week. The Pirate Parrot Mug is sailing into The Beak & Barrel at Magic Kingdom soon, and a new Be Our Guest Goblet is coming to Be Our Guest Restaurant. Annual Passholders can look forward to a new Mickey Mouse magnet for renewals, inspired by Main Street, U.S.A.
For foodies, Enzo’s Hideaway Bootlegger’s Dinner returns with Flor de Caña Rum at Disney Springs this November. And since October is National Pizza and Pasta Month, we shared how to celebrate at EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion.
Spooky Season Is in Full Swing
Michele faced her fears and reviewed Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando, making it through all five haunted houses for the first time. Out west, Halloween Time has arrived at the Disneyland Resort hotels with seasonal décor, themed dining, and character experiences through October 31. And if you’re staying in, we rounded up every Halloween treat coming to Disney+ and Hulu for Huluween 2026.
Big Streaming and Movie News
Toy Story 5 is now streaming on Disney+, and the numbers are incredible. Soccer superstar Lionel Messi is also coming to Disney+, as the first teaser for Messi and the Giants debuted ahead of its Summer 2027 premiere.
On the big screen, Prey director Dan Trachtenberg is set to direct a new Disney film inspired by Sleeping Beauty. Disney’s Frozen Fan Fest kicked off with new products, content, and experiences building toward Frozen 3 in November 2027. LEGO fans can also look forward to the new LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer launching on Disney Store.
Around Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando launched its 2027 Annual Pass, starting at just $14 per month with no down payment. Merlin Entertainments is offering free admission for military, veterans, and first responders at LEGOLAND Florida, SEA LIFE Orlando, and Madame Tussauds from October 1 through November 30. Over at Universal, CityWalk is bringing the Wicked Oztacular Spectacular and a Traitors: New Blood bar to Orlando this fall.
That’s a Wrap!
What a week! Which story was your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to come back next week for more from The Main Street Mouse!
Missed Last Weeks Update: TMSM Weekly Recap: The Biggest Disney and Entertainment Stories of the Week (September 20 to 26)
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