What’s Next: Lucasfilm Leadership Shakeup and the Disney CEO Question
This week on This Week at Walt Disney World, Sam and Greg opened with one of the biggest conversations in Disney fandom right now — the leadership shakeup at Lucasfilm.
They broke down what the changes could mean for Star Wars storytelling, upcoming films, and Disney+ projects. From there, the discussion naturally expanded to a larger question: who could be next in line to lead The Walt Disney Company? With Disney once again approaching a leadership transition, long-term creative direction and stability are clearly top of mind for fans.
What’s Next: DINOSAUR Closes and Dinoland U.S.A. Ends
An emotional milestone arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this weekend. DINOSAUR, the last remaining attraction from Dinoland U.S.A., is officially closing.
Greg plans to be in the parks for one final ride, marking the true end of an era. For many guests, DINOSAUR represents opening-day memories and the original vision of Animal Kingdom. Its closure signals a major shift as the park prepares for what comes next.
What’s New This Spring at Walt Disney World
With spring travel season approaching, Sam and Greg took time to review what guests should expect right now at Walt Disney World. Construction walls are up across multiple parks, and understanding what’s changing helps set realistic expectations.
Here’s a park-by-park look at the major projects currently underway:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Construction continues on Tropical Americas, transforming the former Dinoland area.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Work is progressing on Monsters Inc Land, reshaping the park’s future layout.
- Magic Kingdom: Large-scale projects include Villains Land and Cars-themed development, signaling the next generation of expansion.
While construction is visible, the long-term payoff points to some of the biggest changes Walt Disney World has seen in years.
What’s Next: Attractions to Watch Beyond Spring
Looking ahead, several high-profile attractions remain on the radar. Sam and Greg discussed openings that could arrive later this year, pending official announcements.
These include:
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, expected to reopen after refurbishment
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, also anticipated to return this spring or summer
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, one of the most talked-about reimaginings coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
While dates remain unconfirmed, these attractions continue to shape trip-planning conversations.
Greg’s Popcorn Bucket Corner Returns
No episode would be complete without Greg’s Popcorn Bucket Corner, and this week delivered plenty of surprises.
New finds include:
- A Lilo & Stitch Sweethearts popcorn bucket spotted at Disneyland
- Theater-style popcorn buckets and hoppers tied to non-Disney properties, including GOAT, Pokémon, Iron Lung, and Sinners
Greg broke down what’s new, what’s collectible, and what fans are actually buying right now.
Missing Muppets #3: Another Character Left Off the List
The show wrapped up with week #3 of the ongoing Missing Muppets series — spotlighting characters who didn’t make the 70th Anniversary magnet set.
Sam and Greg debated which Muppet was left off this time, why the omission surprised fans, and how the list keeps growing. The segment continues to blend nostalgia, strong opinions, and a lot of fun, with more Missing Muppets still to come.
All That and More with Sam & Greg Live
From leadership changes and emotional goodbyes to construction updates, popcorn buckets, and Missing Muppets, it was another packed episode.
Join Sam and Greg every Wednesday for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park news, Disney history, and fan conversation come together each week.
Note: Next week’s show will be a special Thursday night edition, airing February 5, 2026, with a deeper look at what’s new and what’s next at Walt Disney World.
