Disney World, oh Disney World, how you keep changing! The theme parks are expanding in so many ways, it’s almost hard to keep up with it all. (Don’t worry, we said almost.)

Each week, we like to do a weekly round-up post of the biggest Disney news from each week, so you never have to miss a single thing. This week, Disney had some major updates from new characters to construction progress, and we’re sharing it all right here.

2025 has been a year of growth and change for the Disney theme parks. Even with the year coming to a close, Disney is in no way slowing down. In reality, they’re hard at work focusing on projects that will change how we see the parks!

First Look at a New Character

Starting off strong, Disney’s Christmas present to us all was a first look at a new character! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is currently closed for a big refurbishment that will include new ride vehicles, targets, and a scene featuring a new character named Buddy.

Disney showed us our first up-close look at Buddy and even gave us some more insight about the canon Toy Story character. Buddy is a support bot at Star Command, and she helps us to get ready for our mission by making sure blasters are calibrated, ensuring our star cruisers are ready to go, and giving us the chance to have some target practice 

She has a youthful energy that’s trapped inside her big, robot body. They also shared that she has feelings of play and excitement that you get when you go on an adventure with your hero! Disney even pointed out an “If You Had Wings” attraction nod on Buddy’s base.

She will be featured in the brand-new scene when the attraction reopens sometime in 2026.

FIRST LOOK at the CHANGES to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Disney World

Monsters, Inc. Coaster Construction Progress

In addition to every other change around the resort, Disney is also working on a Monsters, Inc. inspired land over in Hollywood Studios. This land will feature a roller coaster inspired by the famous door scene from the movie.

The new land is replacing Muppets Courtyard (sigh) and part of the Cast Member parking at Hollywood Studios. Thanks to @bioreconstruct on X, we’ve been able to keep up with the construction of this massive coaster through aerial photos. The newest update for the coaster is that the concrete floor has been poured! 

Like anything in life, you have to start building from the ground up, so this is a really exciting update about the building the coaster is going to be in. You can tell based on the size of the vehicles next to the floor that this ride is going to be massive!

Disney hasn’t shared an opening timeline for the new land, but it seems like construction is coming along nicely.

Monstropolis — Monsters, Inc. Land Coming to Disney World’s Hollywood Studios

New Cast Member Costumes

Disney World Cast Members got some new costumes this week! Parking Cast Members began wearing new costumes earlier this year, ditching the old yellow and white for dark blue shorts or pants and a white shirt. This week, the Cast Members debuted a brand-new shirt that is complete with sketched Disney vehicles! 

We are obsessed with the attention to detail on the new shirts. We spotted the Kilimanjaro Safaris truck, the TRON ride vehicle, Herbie the Love Bug, and more.

Not only are the costumes a fun way to shake things up for the Cast Members, but they also contribute to increased safety and ease in the parking lots. That green will shine on the dark asphalt, so the Cast Members are more visible to guests driving in. It will hopefully cut down on any directing confusion!

FIRST LOOK: NEW Cast Member Costumes Debut in Disney World!

Castle Repaint Timeline

Finally, Disney shared when the Cinderella Castle makeover will begin! The castle is saying goodbye to its current pink color scheme to return to its classic blues, grey, and gold. This change was announced at D23, but this week, they confirmed the makeover will begin in January 2026. 

The project will begin with draining the moat around the castle, and then painting will begin. Cranes for the project should be lowered by 12 PM (noon) each day at the latest, so photos shouldn’t be too disrupted.

There will be some minor adjustments to the “Let The Magic Begin” welcome show, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, and the Happily Ever After fireworks starting January 28th. Disney hasn’t stated exactly what these adjustments will be just yet, but they should be minimal.

Disney World Is Trying to Fix a Major Issue in 2026…And We’re Curious If It’s Gonna Fly

This week had some big updates for the future of Disney World! Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more.

7 Hotel Changes Hit Disney World in 2026

 

Tell us what you’re most excited about in the comments!