Edition: Week of July 17, 2025

From secret speakeasies to high-tech droid encounters, here’s everything you need to know about what’s new (and next) at Disney and Universal.

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🍹 Disney World & Disneyland Updates

EPCOT’s Hidden Lounge: GEO‑82

Disney’s latest adult-exclusive offering, GEO‑82, quietly opened inside Spaceship Earth. This chic speakeasy features curated cocktails, chef-driven bites, and a paid Fireworks Experience ($179 pp) for stellar Luminous views. Reservations open 60 days out — and spots are tight. YouTube

Pirate Tavern Opens in Magic Kingdom

Say hello to The Beak and Barrel, Adventureland’s new pirate-themed tavern serving drinks and appetizers with a nautical twist. With strict time limits and two-drink maximums, this is Disney’s first public tavern — and guests are intrigued. the disney food blog

Disney Starlight Parade Debut

Magic Kingdom’s new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, soft-opened July 18 and launches officially on July 20. Running nightly at 9 PM & 11 PM, it’s the first new parade since 2016 and comes with dazzling LED costumes, floats, and original music. practicallyperfectpd+2Wikipedia+2the disney food blog+2

New Walt Animatronic at Disneyland

In celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” premiered on July 17 at the Opera House. The 17-minute show features a life-like Audio-Animatronic Walt, sharing his story alongside archival artifacts. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will rotate with the new presentation later in the year. The Walt Disney Company+2Wikipedia+2Wandering In Disney+2

70th Birthday Celebration Highlights

Disneyland’s Celebrate Happy! campaign is in full swing — continuing through summer 2026. Key experiences include the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, Paint the Night Parade’s return, Wondrous Journeys fireworks, the Tapestry of Happiness projection show, Pixar celebrations, and special merchandise. A Jonas Brothers song accompanies the festivities. People.com

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🏗️ Disney Construction Watch

• Frontierland Transformation: Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Belle closed on July 7, making way for Piston Peak National Park, Magic Kingdom’s largest ever expansion, themed to Planes: Fire & Rescue. practicallyperfectpd+1Wikipedia+1
• Test Track 3.0 re-launches July 22 at EPCOT, featuring a fresh design, new music, and Lightning Lane access. Extended evening hours for resort guests begin July 28. practicallyperfectpd

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🤖 Galaxy’s Edge Is Getting Smarter

The highly anticipated BDX droids (Red, Grek, Oskar, Besh) began roaming Galaxy’s Edge on July 16. Guests can catch them interacting and responding in real time through August 30, adding a new level of immersion to Batuu. Wikipedia

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🎢 Universal Orlando & Epic Universe

Epic Universe Update

After opening May 22, Epic Universe continues drawing attention. Attendance remains steady at ~16,000 per day, well below early hype—but great for guests enjoying shorter queues. Universal has filed new permits for Project 915, likely representing future dining and immersive expansions around the Celestial Park hub. wftv.com+11Wikipedia+11nypost.com+11

New Meet & Greeting: Toothless

To celebrate the How to Train Your Dragon land, a Toothless meet-and-greet plus themed shop is now open near the Lost Continent at Universal Orlando. screamscape.com+7insideuniversal.net+7thesun.co.uk+7

Halloween Horror Nights 2025

Orlando’s scare lineup includes six iconic houses: Jason Un1v3rse, Fallout, El Artista: A Spanish Haunting, Hatchet & Chains, Dolls, and Grave of Flesh. Full dates and scare zones still pending. Hollywood’s edition features Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America. insideuniversal.netscreamscape.com

Hollywood’s Fast & Furious Coaster

Universal Studios Hollywood has confirmed Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will open in 2026. The ride features 360° rotating vehicles and 72 mph launches—already turning heads in fan forums. insideuniversal.netscreamscape.com

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📊 This Week at a Glance

Park	Highlight Summary
EPCOT	GEO‑82 speakeasy, Test Track relaunch July 22
Magic Kingdom	New Starlight Parade, pirate tavern opens, Frontierland overhaul
Disneyland	Audiobot Walt show, 70th anniversary festivities
Galaxy’s Edge	BDX droids roaming daily through Aug 30
Epic Universe	Low summer crowds, expansion permits filed
Universal Orlando & Hollywood	Toothless meet‑and‑greet, HHN 2025 lineup, new coaster confirmed

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🧠 Insider Takeaways

Disney is doubling down on premium offerings and immersive nighttime experiences that encourage guests to stay later—and indulge more. Universal is building quietly but confidently, expanding Epic Universe while crowds remain manageable.

With big announcements around the corner and holiday trips soon on the horizon, this is a pivotal moment to plan visits, buy tickets, or just savor what’s new… before more changes hit.