Disneytheme parks are buzzing with exciting updates, from a stunning newMoanatopiary debuting at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival to fresh changes at Disney California Adventure’s World of Color Happiness show. As spring approaches,Disneyfans can expect vibrant additions, immersive experiences, and more magic unfolding at parks around the world.
New Moana Topiary at Epcot Features LED Feature
Disney World has unveiled a stunning newMoana 2topiary display at Epcotfor the 2025 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. The enchanting new arrangement greets guests at the park’s entrance, showcasing beloved characters from theMoanasequel in a vibrant, tropical setting. The display features a sandy “beach” surrounded by lush floral elements. Strings of purple and white flowers hang from torches adorned with red blooms, adding a whimsical touch to the scene. A quaint hut provides a backdrop to the character-filled display.
In the foreground, Moana is depicted in her updated outfit fromMoana 2. She strikes a confident pose, leaning on her oar, which is adorned with Maui’s signature. Alongside her, HeiHei balances comically on Pua’s head, adding a dose of charm and humor. Maui, complete with his iconic fish hook and intricate topiary tattoos, stands proudly on the opposite side of his animal companions.
The 2025 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival kicked off on March 5, bringing not only this impressiveMoanadisplay but also new gardens themed toInside Out 2. The annual festival is renowned for its vibrant topiaries, lush gardens, and mouthwatering food booths, offering guests a sensory-filled experience that celebrates the beauty of nature and the artistry of Disney.
Walt Disney Imagineering Shares Inside Look at Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern at Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney Imagineering has offered fans an exciting inside look at the progress of the new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Tavern coming to Magic Kingdom. The highly anticipated lounge, set to open in late 2025, promises to immerse guests in a swashbuckling atmosphere filled with nautical charm and magical surprises.
The sneak peek was revealed through an Instagram reel on the official Disney Imagineering account. Imagineer Montse guided viewers through the construction site, highlighting some of the key features of the upcoming tavern. One of the most thrilling reveals is the return of the iconic audio-animatronic Barker Bird, Peg-Leg Pete. From 1973 to 2006, the Barker Bird entertained guests outside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, inviting them into the adventure. Now, Peg-Leg Pete will take up a new perch within the tavern, adding a nostalgic touch for longtime Disney fans.
The video also offered a glimpse into the Captain’s Quarters, a cozy seating area where visitors can relax and enjoy the food and drinks the lounge will offer. The tavern, located next to the Plaza Del Sol Caribe Bazar (the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop), is taking over the former space of the Pirates League.According to the Disney Parks Blog, the tavern will “welcome pirates of all ages with a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub, and strike me colors, there may be more than a few mysterious and magical surprises in store!”
New Original Song Confirmed for World of Color Happiness At Disneyland
Disney California Adventure Park is set to unveil an all-new nighttime spectacular,World of Color Happiness, inspired by Walt Disney’s iconic opening day dedication: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!” This fresh installment of the beloved World of Color series will explore the theme of happiness through a colorful journey hosted by Joy and her fellow Emotions from Pixar’sInside Outand its sequel,Inside Out 2. The show will lead guests through a kaleidoscope of emotions, blending music and magic from a wide array of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios favorites. Audiences can expect to see nods toTurning Red,The Incredibles,A Goofy Movie,Tangled,Encanto, and many more beloved films.
World of Color Happiness will transform Paradise Bay into a vibrant canvas, using the series' signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog, and dramatic flame effects. The show is designed to be an interactive experience, encouraging guests to sing and dance along to a blend of classic Disney songs and fresh performances.
Boyz II Men will lend their smooth vocals to a new rendition ofRainbow Connection, while FITZ, the frontman of Fitz and the Tantrums, will debut an original song titledMakes Me Wanna Moveexclusively for the show. One of the standout features of this experience will be its immersive and playful pre-show, featuring The Muppets. Led by Joe the Legal Weasel, more than a dozenMuppetcharacters will set the stage through vivid projections and expressive fountains.
Anna and Elsa Will Rejoin the Paint the Night Parade
Disneyland Park is set to dazzle guests once again with the highly anticipated return of the Paint the Night parade as part ofDisneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebration. This beloved nighttime parade will light up Main Street, U.S.A., with over a million vibrant LED lights, bringing iconic Disney and Pixar stories to life in a spectacular display of color and imagination. At the heart of Paint the Night is Mickey Mouse, who uses his vivid imagination and the magic of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust to “paint” Disney dreams into reality. The parade will feature beloved characters from both Pixar and Disney Animation films, including favorites fromMonsters, Inc.,Cars,Toy Story,The Little Mermaid, andBeauty and the Beast.
The Paint the Night parade is known for its innovative floats, dynamic costumes, and captivating special effects, all set to unforgettable music and energetic performances. Fans will be delighted to see the return of Anna and Elsa on theirFrozen-inspired float, making its way down Main Street, U.S.A., for the first time since the parade’s original run.
As night falls, Disneyland will transform into a breathtaking canvas with the return of the fan-favorite nighttime spectacular, Wondrous Journeys. This captivating show pays tribute to the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios, celebrating the timeless classics that helped shape Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom. Guests will be taken on an enchanting journey filled with stunning artistry, heartwarming music, and powerful storytelling. The show brings to life cherished moments from beloved films such asHercules,The Princess and the Frog,Peter Pan,Frozen,Big Hero 6,Moana,Encanto, and many more, creating a truly magical experience for all ages.
