DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Animal Kingdom Attraction Closure Date; Full Concert Line Up for Flower & Garden; Lounge Closing; Special Valentines Day Treats; 2026 Cruise Itineraries Released & More
February is here, and things are happening at Walt Disney World! A baby Sumatran tiger has made his debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek and is drawing large crowds of guests trying to catch him. Another closure date has been announced for an attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and a surprise closure announcement was made for a lounge at Disney’s BoardWalk. We also got news of the full lineup for the EPCOT Garden Rocks Concert Series, a look at special treats for Valentine’s Day, and Disney Cruise Line announced its 2026 summer itineraries. Learn about these stories and more in this week’s Disney news roundup.
1 – Closing Date for Animal Kingdom Attraction Announced
A lot of changes are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. One of those is a new show in the Tree of Life Theater. Zootopia: Better Zoogether was announced in August 2024, and we now have the closing date of It’s Tough to be a Bug. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn the closing date for It’s Tough to be a Bug at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
2 – Full Concert Series Announced for 2025 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
The Flower and Garden Festival is only a few weeks away! One of the more popular offerings is the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Disney has announced the full lineup for this year’s series. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for the lineup for the 2025 Garden Rocks Concert Series.
3 – Disney Unveils Special Treats for Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and Walt Disney World is celebrating with limited-time treats that will be available across the resort! Learn more at the link below!
4 – Jellyrolls Announces Closure at Disney’s BoardWalk
A long-time fixture at Disney’s BoardWalk, Jellyrolls, the dueling piano bar, has announced that it is moving to a new location in spring 2025 on its official social media channels.
“After nearly thirty years on Disney’s BoardWalk, Jellyrolls is making a move! Come celebrate with us into the spring season and keep your eyes on our social media for exciting new updates!”
Disney has not offered any additional information about its exact closing date and what might be taking its place. We’ll update you with more information as it is released.
5 – 2026 Summer Itineraries Announced for Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line invites families on unforgettable summer adventures to new and favorite ports of call around the world during the 2026 season. With a soon-to-be expanded eight-ship fleet, there will be more Disney Cruise Line itineraries to choose from than ever before. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn more about the 2026 summer itineraries with Disney Cruise Line.
6 – Bakso, Sumatran Tiger, Makes Debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Bakso, a Sumatran tiger cub born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in September 2024, made his official onstage debut on Maharajah Jungle Trek on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Guests can now visit the trek to watch him continue to grow alongside his mom, Sohni. Bakso may not be in his habitat during all operating hours as his keepers are allowing him to choose when he wants to join his mom in the habitat.
Over the past several months, keepers have watched him reach important milestones. From his very first check-up to his adventures with mom – he has grown up before their very eyes. Even fans watched as he grew, played, learned and snuggled with mom. Since announcing his birth, fans have been able to tune in weekly to watch a little bit of his time backstage on the Disney Parks YouTube channel in a series titled Tiger TV Tuesdays. Every Tuesday, Bakso got a little bit bigger and a lot smarter as he got ready for his big debut day!
This special day is made possible by the unwavering commitment of the animal care experts who have spent the last several months caring for baby Bakso. Their passion for this tiny tiger is inspiring, and a true testament to the incredible care given to all animals in the park. Bakso is a beacon of hope for this dwindling species and represents incredible efforts made in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to bolster endangered and threatened species populations in managed care.
With less than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, Bakso is just one example of Disney’s work with the AZA that has helped strengthen the critically endangered Sumatran tiger population and the genetics of the species worldwide. While the health and wellbeing of the animals in our care is incredibly important to us, caring for their wild counterparts is key. The Disney Conservation Fund has provided support to 15 organizations working with communities to protect tigers and their habitats since 1995.
7 – New Disney LA Strong T-Shirts Support California Fire Relief and Rebuilding Efforts
The January LA fires were devastating for many. Disney, with its ties to the Los Angeles area, has done a number of things to help the region, including a 15 million donation by the Walt Disney Company. They are also encouraging others to donate to the recovery and have announced LA Strong T-shirts. Learn more below.
Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Nicole Ray:
In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that have impacted Los Angeles, Disney has created new t-shirt to support those impacted. More than just a t-shirt, this design is a reminder that even in the darkest times, communities can unite and rebuild.
“It was devastating to witness the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires, especially knowing so many of our colleagues and their families call this area home,” said Tasia Filippatos, president of Disney Consumer Products. “The Disney LA Strong shirt represents our collective show of support for the community and is a powerful reminder that, together, we have the strength to rebuild and heal.”
Impact on the Community
For each Disney LA Strong t-shirt sold in the U.S. through December 31, 2025, Disney will donate $25 to the American Red Cross. These donations will help those affected by the California wildfires during 2025, providing much-needed relief like food, shelter, emotional support, and recovery assistance today and in the coming months.
The Story Behind the Design
The Walt Disney Company’s roots are deeply intertwined with the Los Angeles community, making the destruction caused by these wildfires especially heartbreaking. The idea for the Disney LA Strong t-shirt emerged from the desire of Disney employees to give back and show support to those who have been impacted by the fires.
The design is minimalist yet meaningful: the iconic Mickey Mouse, is paired with bold, straightforward LA Strong lettering in either black or white. It’s a tribute to the Los Angeles community’s resilience—their strength, spirit, and ultimately their ability to rise from adversity.
Relief Efforts Across Disney
The Disney LA Strong t-shirt is one of the many ways The Walt Disney Company is supporting relief efforts in the community. Last month, the company announced a $15 million commitment for immediate response and rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area, along with donation drives hosted by Disney VoluntEARS to collect more than 200,000 essential items for impacted individuals and families.
Learn more about the company’s work to support its community and employees in the LA area in the aftermath of the wildfires.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now – February 24 – EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Click here for the eleven things you don’t want to miss at the 2025 Festival of the Arts.
Click here for the menus for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts.
Now Open! – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Click here for details on a new, unique PhotoPass ops for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom.
Coming to Walt Disney World
15 Changes Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and Beyond
2025 – Reimagined ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Click here for more on the upcoming Little Mermaid show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
D23 Horizons Projects Announced for Walt Disney World
Click here to learn more about the Villains’ land coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here to learn more about the Cars expansion in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!
Click here to learn more about Tropical Americas Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the new nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the lounges coming to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT!
Click here to learn more about Test Track reopening in 2025.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Now Open – Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – DCL’s Newest Private Island
Click here for an overview of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and what you need to know.
Click here for the menus for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Disney Treasure – Now Sailing
Click here for an overview of the Disney Treasure.
Click here for Dining on the Disney Treasure – What You Need to Know.
Upper Deck Fun on the Disney Treasure – What You Need to Know.
Visit the links below to view our Instagram Story during our Preview Cruise to get a look at the Disney Treasure:
Itineraries in 2025-2026
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Line’s Early 2025 Itineraries.
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Lines’ summer 2025 itineraries.
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 itineraries; now booking!
Click here to learn more about the 2026 summer itineraries with Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Destiny – Sailing November 2025
Click here for “Everything New Coming to the Disney Destiny Sailing in 2025.”
Click here for an overview of what you can expect on the Disney Destiny.
Click here for all the details on the upcoming Disney Destiny, sailing in 2025.
Click here for “Discover the Disney Destiny Day 1 – Your Own Heroes Journey.”
Click here for “Discover the Disney Destiny Day 2 – Villains.”
Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2025!
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2025.
D23 Horizons Announcements
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