If you missed the past week, here's what mattered: Disney's website briefly showed an AI search feature that wasn't meant to go public, Soarin' Across America got a detailed production documentary worth watching, and a baby giraffe named Ivy started greeting guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris. There was also enough merchandise, dining, and construction news to fill the rest of your reading.
AI Search Feature Surfaces — and Disappears — on DisneyWorld.com
An AI-powered search feature appeared on DisneyWorld.com on June 12, labeled "AI Overview" and tagged "Cast Preview" — a sign it wasn't intended for public view. It sat above standard search results and, when triggered, told users it was "still learning" and couldn't answer their query. A visible tooltip warned guests to verify details with a Cast Member. It was removed the same day.
The feature fits within a broader overhaul of Disney's planning and booking tools. Coming updates to the My Disney Experience app include Spanish-language translations, a redesigned homepage, a pre-arrival checklist, and improved search. The website is also getting a new vacation planning experience focused on comparing options and checking rates across dates. No launch date has been confirmed for the AI feature in its final form.
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Soarin' Across America: How It Got Built in Under a Year
Disney released a 20-minute behind-the-scenes episode of Disney Unscripted covering the full production of Soarin' Across America — from aerial filming across the country through ride programming, fan effects, scent design, and the final push to opening. The most striking detail: the entire show was produced in under a year, driven by the hard deadline of the United States' 250th anniversary.
Creative director Tom Fitzgerald describes the schedule as a record for the team. The video also covers how specific sequences were tuned — the Grand Canyon dip is a deliberate drop in the ride profile timed to a surge of wind, and the Alaska scene required the most fan work of any segment. Composer Bruce Broughton discusses his new arrangement of Jerry Goldsmith's original score, mixed directly from the suspended carriages. If you want to understand what's actually running at EPCOT right now, this episode is worth the 20 minutes.
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Baby Giraffe Ivy Is Now on Kilimanjaro Safaris
Masai giraffe calf Ivy made her savanna debut at Animal Kingdom this week and is now visible on Kilimanjaro Safaris alongside her mom, Willow. Born in April, she already stands 7½ feet tall and weighs close to 300 pounds — up from 120 pounds and just under six feet at birth. She joins an established herd that includes Tucker, her half-brother born in 2025.
Masai giraffes are listed as endangered, with around 30,000 estimated remaining in the wild. Disney participates in the AZA Species Survival Plan to support a healthy captive population. Ivy is out during normal park hours.
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Logo Mania Merchandise Collection Launches June 12
A new merchandise collection called Logo Mania launched at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort on June 12, covering more than 120 items across six color themes. Each theme has a signature park element — a balloon, a monorail, a tiki bird — and spans apparel, accessories, plush, home goods, and more.
Two of the six collections are Walt Disney World exclusives: Parks After Dark (fireworks as the signature element, aimed at late-night guests) and Popcorn on Main Street (a limited-time release centered on Magic Kingdom's main entrance). The Park Hopper orange collection is also limited-time at both resorts. If you're interested in those, don't wait.
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Monsters, Inc. Coaster Track Arrives on Property
The first coaster track sections for the Monsters, Inc. flying door coaster have arrived at Walt Disney World, spotted in the EPCOT staging area and visible from the Skyliner gondola. The curved steel pieces are consistent with a suspended coaster system — vehicles hang beneath the track rather than sitting on top of it. Support columns are already installed vertically at the Hollywood Studios construction site.
Track installation on-site is likely the next major visible milestone. Disney has not announced an opening date for Monstropolis.
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New Permit at Indiana Jones Theater May Connect to Project Fedora
Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit for signage installation at the Indiana Jones Theater at Hollywood Studios this week. The vendor — Kentavo — has a history of themed signage work with WDI, and the filing is notable because WDI filed it directly, separate from the Facilities Asset Management notices tied to the nearby Project Fedora construction activity.
Sources tell WDWMAGIC that Project Fedora may be an Indiana Jones-themed play structure aimed at younger guests — consistent with its small 202-square-foot footprint and location near the stunt show exit. Nothing has been confirmed by Disney.
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Sam Eagle Popcorn Bucket Is This Summer's America 250 Collectible
A Sam Eagle popcorn bucket is coming to both coasts as part of the America 250 celebration. Disneyland gets it June 30. Walt Disney World has no date yet, though Disney has confirmed it's arriving later this summer. The bucket features The Muppets' most patriotic character at a podium with bunting, Uncle Sam hat, and a stars-and-stripes lanyard strap. Limit is two per person per transaction, available while supplies last.
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Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue Gets a New Camp Mug Starting June 15
A navy blue enamel camp mug is coming to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness starting June 15, as part of the America 250 celebration. It comes with your choice of alcoholic beverage while supplies last. One side carries the Fort Wilderness logo; the other has a badge-style Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue graphic. No pricing has been announced.
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Grand Floridian Café Closing July 19 for Refurbishment
Grand Floridian Café has a confirmed last day: Sunday, July 19, 2026. The restaurant will run its full brunch and dinner schedule that day before closing through October for a refresh. Starting July 20, brunch moves to Cítricos at the same resort, keeping the same 7:30am to 2pm daily hours. Disney hasn't confirmed which menu items will transfer.
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La Poutinerie Opens at EPCOT's Canada Pavilion on July 1
La Poutinerie, hosted by Air Canada, opens at EPCOT's Canada Pavilion on July 1 — Canada Day — replacing the former Refreshment Port, which closed in January. The menu launches with two poutine options: the classic Québec version at $10.99 and a smoked meat Montréal version at $12.49. Canadian beers, a frozen Spiced Apple Mule, and other drinks round out the menu.
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Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party 2026 Now Bookable
Bookings are open for the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party, available across all 38 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights starting August 7. Two options are available: Tomorrowland Terrace viewing at $124 per adult, and Plaza Garden viewing at $99 per adult — the same dessert buffet, different fireworks spots. A valid Halloween Party ticket for the same night is required and sold separately.
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