This Week in Disney News – A New Disney Animated Film in 2016, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Rehab, and the Sorcerer’s Hat is Leaving the Studios

sorcerershat2It’s been another week full of news at the Disney Parks and we’re here to recap the biggest stories for you.

Walt Disney World

The biggest news around the World this week happened on Friday when Disney officially announced that the iconic Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would be removed in early 2015.

There is no word if anything will replace the hat – or if it will find a new home in another location at the Studios. We can just add it to the growing list of attractions and other things that are no longer at the Studios.

With all the news of things closing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’re happy to report that something new is arriving next month! The stars of Disney’s Big Hero 6 – Hiro and Baymax – will be setting up shop at The Magic of Disney Animation. Guests can start meeting the dynamic duo in mid-November.

And over at the Magic Kingdom, the two-year-old attraction Journey of the Little Mermaid is set to close in February for a short-term refurbishment.

Disney Parks announced that the Glow With the Show ears that debuted last year will become part of the new glow merchandise line, Made With Magic. The line also includes a glowing Minnie Mouse headband, Sorcerer Mickey’s wand, and Mickey Mouse’s glove.

Speaking of things that glow – the winter holiday season kicks off November 5 at the Magic Kingdom when Queen Elsa lights up Cinderella Castle for the first time (in forever).

Walt Disney World Hotel News

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel announced a multi-year $125 million renovation project. When the project is over every room in the hotels will be redesigned and will feature the famous Westin Heavenly Bed. Renovations are expected to last until at least 2016.

Walt Disney Animation News

The Walt Disney Animation Studios announced the next animated film – Moana – will be released in 2016, which is two years earlier than the original release date. The film is a CG-animated comedy-adventure that tells the story of a spirited teenager on a mission to fulfill her ancestor’s quest.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival News

The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is still going strong and our friends at the Disney Food Blog recently had a chance to visit the Chocolate Experience ‘From Bean to the Bar’ in the Festival Marketplace. The exhibit is home to some stunning chocolate sculptures created by Walt Disney World pastry chefs.

The upcoming week marks the end of the Halloween season at Walt Disney World and by November 5 the winter holiday decorations will be up.

As always, for all the week’s top news be sure to visit DisZine every day, follow us on Twitter and like us over on Facebook.

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