Animal Kingdom has a rare albino wallaby named Quartz, PhotoPass now syncs to Shutterfly, and the Polynesian’s construction now runs into 2027. Here are five updates.
It’s been a busy few days at Walt Disney World, and not all of it made big headlines.
There’s a new baby at Animal Kingdom, a new way to turn PhotoPass pictures into gifts and a longer construction timeline at a classic resort. Here are five updates to know before your next trip.
Who is Quartz at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
A rare albino wallaby joey, and she’s already a star. Quartz is now at Jumping Junction, the walk-through kangaroo and wallaby area in Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station, WDW News Today reported.
She’s all white with reddish eyes. Albinism means she has little to no melanin, the pigment that gives animals their color, WDWNT said.
Disney didn’t say how old she is, and she’s sticking close to her mom for now. Wallabies spend most of their early life in the pouch and leave it for good at around 8 to 9 months, WDWNT noted.
Disney’s animal care teams are closely monitoring her needs, Laughing Place reported, citing Disney’s post on Instagram.
Here’s a walk through Jumping Junction, from WDWNT POV:
How does Disney PhotoPass work with Shutterfly now?
Shutterfly is now the official photo gift partner of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and Aulani, Disney announced Oct. 20, WDWNT reported.
Starting that day, Disney World and Disneyland guests can have their PhotoPass pictures appear automatically in their Shutterfly account. From there, you can store them or turn them into photo books, gifts and more.
“We’re honored to be part of the Disney experience,” said Shutterfly CEO Emily Whittaker. Gary Daniels, a senior vice president at Disney, said it makes it easier “to bring those memories into their everyday lives.”
When will the Polynesian’s construction be done?
Later than planned. The refurbishment of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Polynesian Villas and Bungalows now runs through early 2027, WDWNT reported. It was first scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2026.
Disney’s resort page says the work includes reconfiguring the front entrance roadway. Some views of the parks may be blocked, but most dining, pools and amenities stay open.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is closed through late October. Disney says to allow extra travel time when arriving or leaving.
Where is Ariel meeting guests at Hollywood Studios?
Outside, for now. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 28, the live-action Ariel meet-and-greet moves from Walt Disney Presents to Echo Lake, near 50’s Prime Time Cafe, BlogMickey reported.
It’s the same switch Disney made last year. Santa Claus took over Ariel’s castle set from Nov. 8 to Dec. 24, 2025, and Ariel moved back inside on Jan. 12, BlogMickey said.
Disney hasn’t named a holiday character for the space this year or given an end date. Echo Lake itself was drained in August for a refurbishment, BlogMickey noted.
What perk is coming to Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge?
The summer water park on check-in day perk, Disney Food Blog reported. During summer, Disney World hotel guests can visit a water park on the day they check in.
Lakeshore Lodge opens July 1, 2027, right in the middle of summer, so guests in its first weeks would get the perk, Disney Food Blog said.
Construction is moving along, too. Heron sculptures and palm trees are now in place at The Wetlands pool, WDWNT reported. The herons nod to “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas, near giant otter slides named Addy and Bonnie.
Lakeshore Lodge is a new Disney Vacation Club resort on Bay Lake, and bookings opened earlier this month, WDWNT said.
What else is happening at Disney World this fall?
Plenty. Christmas decorations are on the way, and Disney just posted its Christmas and New Year’s Eve park hours, as PNP reported Wednesday.
So if you’re headed to Animal Kingdom soon, swing by Jumping Junction. You might catch Quartz peeking out of the pouch.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
WDW News Today, Shannen Ace (Oct. 20 and 21, 2026), Quartz, the Polynesian timeline and the Lakeshore Lodge herons
WDW News Today, Alice Kennedy (Oct. 20, 2026), the Shutterfly partnership and quotes
Laughing Place (Oct. 21, 2026), Disney’s post about Quartz
BlogMickey (Oct. 20, 2026), Ariel’s move to Echo Lake
Disney Food Blog, Natalie Culleton (Oct. 21, 2026), the Lakeshore Lodge water park perk
WDWNT POV on YouTube (June 10, 2026), the Jumping Junction video
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