Disney BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Alright, let’s roll out the red carpet and dive straight into the past few days’ Disney whirlwind. Over at Disney+, the new Pixar film *Elio* is dominating the global streaming charts, according to Mouse Planet. The story of a space-obsessed kid accidentally hailed as Earth’s ambassador is resonating with families and critics—some are even calling it Pixar’s best original since *Coco*. Hot on its heels, the live-action *Lilo & Stitch* is pulling in big numbers, proving Disney’s remake machine still has plenty of fuel. These two are the talk of the streamer as we roll into late October.

But the real buzz is in the parks. Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing its most ambitious transformation in years, with construction on the Encanto-themed area now visibly rising, as noted by Disney Tourist Blog. The show building is going vertical, and while the whole Tropical Americas land (including Encanto, Indiana Jones Adventure, and a Pueblo Esperanza village) isn’t expected to open until 2027 at the earliest, insiders are watching for whether the critter carousel and retail spaces might debut ahead of the big-ticket attractions—potentially as soon as late 2026. Meanwhile, DinoLand USA is quietly fading into history: Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks have already served their last, and DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus will close in February 2026 to make way for the new land. According to Disney Tourist Blog, the pace of construction is brisk, though opening dates remain fluid.

On the guest experience front, EPCOT’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is getting a major overhaul—out with the 3D glasses, in with a sharper 2D presentation. MickeyBlog was first to report that Disney is responding directly to guest feedback about motion sickness, a move seen as part of a broader push under Josh D’Amaro to refine and “plus” attractions across the parks. Other rides, like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, are also in refurbishment, signaling that guest comfort is now a top priority.

In less magical news, Walt Disney World has seen its third guest death this month, as noted by WDWNT. Details are sparse, but the park’s emergency protocols—including changes to water taxi services—are under scrutiny. Over in the world of collectibles, the Disney Lorcana trading card game dodged a legal bullet, per MickeyBlog. Upper Deck’s lawsuit over alleged intellectual property theft ended with Ravensburger and Disney unscathed, though the courts are still holding one former Upper Deck employee accountable. Disney’s legal team remains as formidable as ever.

Looking ahead, Disney is gearing up for its grandest patriotic celebration yet: the “Disney Celebrates America” event marking the 250th anniversary of the US. According to The Walt Disney Company, the festivities will span from Veterans Day 2025 through July 4, 2026, featuring reimagined Soarin’ attractions, patriotic entertainment, and a massive $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families. Sectors across the company—parks, media, merchandise—are aligning for what will surely be a historic marketing and storytelling blitz. Sam’s Disney Diary adds that EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth reopened early, and holiday merchandise is already flying off shelves—Christmas might be weeks away, but the Disney machine never sleeps.

On the business side, Disney’s new Disney Vacation Club resort, Lakeshore Lodge, continues its slow but steady rise, per DVC News, and the Grand Floridian lobby just unveiled a sleek new birdcage bar and lighting scheme—luxury, updated. Rochelle Knock was also named vice president for Disney+ and networks in Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a quiet but strategic staffing move as Disney+ eyes global growth.

Social media? Not much explosive, but fans are chattering about drone tests over Golden Oak (potential new nighttime spectacular?), new Frozen LEGO shorts on Disney+, and the sudden...