WDW Daily News

April 21, 2025

Looking ahead to everything families can do during a Walt Disney World vacation next year? Well, guests are in luck, because beginning April 22, they can start booking their 2026 vacations to Disney World with plenty of convenient and flexible to options to choose from, with bookings open through October 31, 2026.

It’s never too early to start thinking about the next trip, and 2026 is going to be a fantastic year to visit — especially for kids!

How to Get Free Disney World Dining Plan for Kids (Ages 3-9) in 2026 

Throughout all of 2026, guests staying at one of our more than 25 Disney Resort hotels will get a free dining plan for their kids (ages 3 to 9) when purchasing a dining plan as part of their package for the other members of their party (ages 10 and up). Dining plans can help guests maximize their stay with added peace of mind, letting them enjoy some of the many dining locations we offer from meals to snacks and kid-friendly favorites. 

The kids free dining plan offering can be combined with other select special offers, meaning they may still be eligible to take advantage of other deals we later roll out for 2026!  

2026 Disney World Resort Perks 

There’s nothing like a visit to Disney World. With so many attractions, entertainment offerings, dining, shopping and more across our four theme parks and beyond, staying at a Disney Resort hotel means being right inside the magic. With everything we offer, Walt Disney World remains the place to be for an ultimate multi-day vacation, a special occasion, or a day full of rides, food, and fun.  

Get More Time at the Theme Parks 

Continuing through 2026, Disney Resort hotel guests can enjoy more time in our theme parks with 30 minutes of early theme park entry every day, at every park.* That means getting a head start in the parks to check out some favorite attractions. Guests of our Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts will also continue to have access to extended evening hours at select theme parks on certain days.  

*Valid theme park admission required for entry.  

Enjoy Free Transportation, Parking, and More  

Disney Resort hotel guests continue to get access to other offerings and special perks that make vacation planning easier.

• Complimentary theme park transportation via monorail, boat, bus, and Disney Skyliner  
• Free standard parking at hotels, theme parks, and water parks  
• Early access to dining reservations and Lightning Lane for your entire stay, as well as advanced access to purchase tickets to select special events.  
• Coming back in summer 2026, Disney Resort hotel guests can get free water park admission on their check-in day (subject to availability). Additional details, including specific dates, will be shared at a later time.  

Get Even More Magic at Your Disney Resort  

Whether guests are taking a day off from the theme parks or simply want to relax at their hotel, there’s no shortage of activities all from the convenience of their hotel.   

Guests can enjoy resort activities, themed pools, character dining, and surprise character visits. When they stay at a Disney Resort hotel, they’re staying as close as they can to the magic with everything they need. That includes the outstanding guest service and hospitality provided by our cast members.

Guests can book their 2026 Disney World vacations starting April 22 for travel dates through October 31, 2026. Please note that bookings for November and December 2026 will become available at a later date. Want to visit sooner? There are special offers available now for 2025 Disney Resort hotel stays and theme park tickets, including ways to save and enjoy limited-time fun this summer!

Just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has delighted guests with its Victorian charm and timeless atmosphere since 1988.      

A celebration of the golden age of travel and Florida’s lavish seaside hotels, the resort is known for its unique theming and Disney hospitality – two qualities that will be honored during the renovation of the Grand Floridian lobby.   

The lobby’s renovation marks the culmination of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment, which has included enhanced guest rooms, refreshed dining experiences, including the Michelin star-awarded Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s and 1900 Park Fare, and more.     

Coming Soon: Grand Floridian Lobby Bar  

There’s something special about walking into the Grand Floridian—the soft piano music, glowing chandeliers, and aromatic floral arrangements create a luxurious, yet relaxing atmosphere. And soon, guests will be able to take in this ambiance with a refreshing beverage in hand, thanks to the new lobby bar!      

Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, the bar will pay tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. Guests may even spot colorful birds in the stained glass and murals throughout the atrium! Opposite the bar, guests will still find the Victorian cage-style elevator that fans know and love.  

New Look, Same Grand Feel  

The surrounding lobby, staircase and front desk will be refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and inviting colors to create an airy, garden-like atmosphere.    

Disney Imagineers are approaching this refurbishment with great care and focus in maintaining the heart and story of the Grand Floridian, while adding fresh new life to the lobby for guests to enjoy.   

As shown in the new rendering, the lobby will feature beautiful new carpeting with Victorian-inspired borders and scrollwork featuring hand-drawn florals inspired by turn-of-the-century botanical studies. Updated furnishings will blend rich finishes and brass accents with cozy, welcoming fabrics–plus a few playful touches inspired by Florida’s natural beauty and Victorian decorating trends.    

The Magic of Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel  

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is among the more than 25 Disney Resort hotels at The Most Magical Place on Earth – contributing to the nearly 29,000 guest rooms on Walt Disney World property. Guests at Disney Resort hotels like the Grand Floridian get a variety of special perks with an unbeatable location close to the magic. That’s in addition to the amazing cast members who deliver distinctly Disney service every day.  

Whether guests are visiting for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, an unforgettable meal or the Grand Floridian is their home away from home as a Disney Vacation Club member, the resort will continue to be one of the most special and unique places to stay on Disney World property.   

And some things – like the warm welcome, the attention to detail, and that unmistakable feeling of stepping into somewhere truly special – will always stay the same.  

This year, cast members at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World, are celebrating the honor of retaining their status as a MICHELIN star restaurant! 

For over 20 years cast have provided a signature dining experience known for its lavish setting, offering a multi-course dining experience that features carefully curated menus with premium and sustainable ingredients sourced from around the world.

Maître d’Hôtel and Walt Disney Legacy Award Winner Israel Perez showcases the current Victoria & Albert’s seasonal menu 

“The ingredients drive the menu,” Chef de Cuisine and Walt Disney Legacy Award Winner Matthew Sowers explains. “We use the freshest seafood and highest quality meat from across the globe as the base of our dishes. For example, the Glacier 51 Toothfish on the current menu can only be found in the Arctic more than one mile under the ocean’s surface.” 

Creating an experience where timeless traditions seamlessly blend with modern culinary artistry takes teamwork, and there’s no shortage of it in the Victoria & Albert’s kitchen. Guests are served a wide range of small courses inspired by the culinary team’s travels, cultural backgrounds and personal stories.  

“The Miyazaki A-5 Wagyu on the current menu is inspired by Chef Miguel’s Venezuelan roots. During the winter months, beef and cabbage are staple ingredients in his family’s meals,” shares Sharon, a cast member who has served at the restaurant for over 20 years. “And the Norwegian King Crab is a nod to Chef Gabriella’s home country of Norway. We have Chefs from all over the world bringing their stories to life in every dish – curating a fine dining experience in a way only Disney can.”  

Sharon, a 22-year cast member at Victoria & Albert’s showing the plated wagyu with a celebratory pour 

Always evolving, the menu of Disney’s MICHELIN star restaurant shifts with the season, delighting returning guests with new and unique flavors every time every visit. With a world-class wine collection boasting over 500 selections, each course is thoughtfully paired to enhance the experience from start to finish. 

But ask the team what they believe is the secret to their success, and you won’t hear them talk about stars or awards. 

“It’s because we’re a family. We all really do care for the restaurant and each other,” says Chef Nathan, who moved from Pennsylvania to Florida to join the Victoria & Albert’s culinary team due to its strong reputation. “Every single one of us goes above and beyond. We have a shared vision of excellence.” 

Victoria & Albert’s remains the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to hold a MICHELIN Star. The cast are an incredible example of how Walt Disney World continues to raise the bar for exceptional dining – from iconic Disney-themed snacks and immersive restaurants in the parks, to unforgettable fine dining experiences like this one.

Congratulations to the cast of Victoria & Albert’s on this extraordinary distinction! 

April 21, 2025

Bright Suns from Star Wars Celebration Japan! The Walt Disney Imagineering panel just wrapped up, where Imagineers Anisha Deshmane and Michael Serna as well as Matt Martin from Lucasfilm discussed the creative development behind current and future Star Wars projects at Disney parks and resorts around the world.  

In the panel, exciting news was shared that expands on some of the updates discussed at SXSW, which we can’t wait to share with you now! 

Take Control with New Powers for the Crew 

Starting May 22, 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will allow guests to control the iconic ship like never before. For the first time ever, the crew will be in control of their own destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant. Another new gameplay addition allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu during the mission. 

Mando and Grogu Join the Adventure 

We’re so excited that these updates debut on the same day as Lucasfilm’s upcoming title, The Mandalorian and Grogu, however, the attraction’s storyline will follow a different path.  

In this new thrilling storyline, Hondo Ohnaka has gotten wind of a deal going down on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and a band of pirates. There’s a generous bounty for their capture, so guests will borrow the iconic ship and team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and explore the galaxy. 

None of this would be possible without Disney’s partnership with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM). With their help, guests are in control of your own destiny on the attraction. This technology is all built on Unreal Engine 5 by Epic Games which are the same tools ILM uses on the Disney+ show, The Mandalorian.  

To finish off our panel, the ever-popular BDX Droids made a pit stop! They’re now at Tokyo Disney Resort but will also make appearances at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris for a limited time very soon. 

Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World is about to get even cooler! In honor of the 30^thanniversary of Blizzard Beach today, we’d like to seas the day and announce that Blizzard Beach water park will also be open for guests this summer in addition to Typhoon Lagoon. And this is no April Fools’ Day joke!

For the first time since 2019, Disney World will have all 6 of our parks—all 4 theme parks and 2 water parks—open at the same time. From May 21 through September 7, Disney World guests can enjoy the tropical shipwreck oasis of Typhoon Lagoon and the frosty fun of Blizzard Beach water park.

Before the summer fun can begin, Blizzard Beach will need a little melt away time and will temporarily close between May 1 and May 20.

As we count down to school being out and summer officially beginning, all these extra water slides, lazy rivers, and splashy activities join the already incredi-pool lineup of special deals, new shows, and limited-time activities and entertainment coming to Disney World this summer for families with kids.

2025 Resort Guests Enjoy Free Water Park Access on Arrival Day

‘Tis the sea-sun to enjoy free water park access on arrival day for Resort guests! Our Resort guests are already starting their stay with a splash with free water park admission on their arrival day in 2025… and this summer starting May 21, they’ll have two water parks to choose from: Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon!

Make a Splash Under the Stars

If nighttime water park fun is more your vibe, H20 Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon is the party for you! On select nights between May 23 and September 13, Typhoon Lagoon turns into an illuminated dance party full of splashy fun, complimentary snacks, and beloved Toy Story pals. Not to mention, nighttime fun means you can beat the heat and enjoy shorter wait times compared to daylight hours.

H2O Glow in 2025 is extra fin-tastic thanks to special deals for young families, including kids tickets for only $42.50, which is half the price of the $85 adult ticket this year! And for our Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members, the adults can also save.

Water you waiting for? H2O Glow tickets are on sale starting today, April 1, for guests of select Resort hotels! General tickets go on sale starting April 4.

April 3, 2025

Beginning April 3, Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels will have the option to drop off their checked luggage with Luggage Assistance for direct delivery to Southwest Airlines at Orlando International Airport (MCO). A third-party provider will facilitate transportation of the luggage to the airport. 

This offering is part of our ongoing collaboration with Orlando International Airport to help manage the high demand for travel to Central Florida and enhance the experience not just for our guests, but for all travelers passing through Orlando International Airport.

We are piloting this new service. Like anything new we introduce, we will continue to launch, learn and adjust.

This service will be available at the following locations starting April 3:

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort

This service does not include luggage transportation from the airport to a Disney Resort hotel.

If a Guest’s flight is scheduled to depart before 1 p.m., they must drop their bags off at Luggage Assistance by 1 a.m. the night before their flight. If their flight is scheduled to depart at 1 p.m. or later, they must drop their bags off at least 4 hours before departure and no later than 1 p.m.

Guests can contact or visit Luggage Assistance for any questions.

April 3, 2025

A Disney Cruise Line tradition like no other—each of our ships features signature Disney characters on the back of the ship, known as the stern. Disney Cruise Line just unveiled a first look at Disney Adventure’s stern characters – and they are none other than our beloved Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse!

Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie were selected to decorate the Disney Adventure stern to celebrate the fleet’s first ship based in Singapore. Standing at over 13 feet tall, Guests boarding or leaving the Disney Adventure will always be greeted by Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie – making it truly an extraordinary and magical touch.

With its debut later this year, the Disney Adventure is set to bring the magic of a Disney cruise vacation to Guests in the Asia region when it departs from Singapore starting Dec. 15.

It’s time for guests to get their shopping lists ready! Today we are revealing the happiest merch lineup on earth launching in celebration of the 70^thanniversary of Disneyland Resort, and they are all must-haves!

Beginning May 16, 2025, and running through summer 2026, Disneyland Resort will host its 70^thanniversary celebration where guests of all ages can celebrate happy while honoring seven decades of Disneyland. No celebration is complete without some great merchandise, so we are sharing four all-new collections and even more that are sure to delight. And this is just the beginning! Stay tuned for all the latest updates on merchandise, with new drops arriving throughout the celebration.

Celebration Collection

Kicking off this reveal is the Celebration Collection. This collection features the classic Disney Parks style fans know and love mixed with fun colors, new character art, and designs of iconic Disneyland Resort attractions. With items available for kids, adults, and the ‘kidults’ (adults are just grown-up kids anyway), guests will surely ‘paint the night’ in this collection which has everything from apparel to accessories, the debut of all-new bubble wands with interchangeable character hats and beyond. And just like Mickey and Friends, these new bubble wands are full of personality as each character head brings a different light and sound effect to life!

Also coming to this collection are fan-favorite collaborations with Loungefly and Dooney & Bourke!

Castle Collection

Inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park comes the Castle Collection, and as its name suggests it’s fit for royalty. In this collection guests can find beautiful, pixie dust filled apparel and accessories, including Disneyland Resort 70^thAnniversary jewelry by Rebecca Hook.

Vault Collection

This one is for fans of vintage Disneyland and Mickey Mouse! The Vault Collection celebrates the early eras of Disneyland Park with nostalgically designed merchandise. This collection will have different chapters, with various releases occurring throughout the Disneyland Resort 70^th anniversary celebration.

The first chapter of the Vault Collection, named the Replica Chapter contains retro-inspired apparel and accessories, while the second, Mickey Mouse & Maps Chapter, is dedicated to the wonder and fun of Disneyland park maps.                                                                           

Disneyland Resort 70^thAnniversary Walt Disney Nostalgia Collection

Rounding out this grand reveal of the Disneyland Resort 70^thAnniversary Collections is the Disneyland Resort 70^thAnniversary Walt Disney Nostalgia Collection, honoring the man who started it all. This collection features famed Disneyland quotes from Walt Disney while celebrating the heritage of Disneyland Resort. Collectibles within this collection are even similar to what one could’ve found on Walt’s desk!

Jewelry and Accessories

These next items are as timeless and classic as Disneyland Resort. Guests can look out for the latest jewelry and accessory items for this collection from Citizen and Pandora! Here’s a sneak peek of two of these items – the Disneyland Resort 70^thAnniversary Collectible Pocket Watch by Bulova and the Disneyland 70^thAnniversary Castle Dangle Charm by Pandora.

Specially designed for the 70^thanniversary, the gold-plated pocket watch by Bulova features the iconic Disneyland castle, quartz technology, and a gold-tone stainless steel chain, all presented in an elegant black gift box. And available at select locations throughout Disneyland Resort will be all-new Pandora bracelet charms inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Disneyland logo, and the sassy pixie Tinker Bell herself!

Even More Magic to Be Found

For those looking for an all-new interactive experience created just for the 70^th Celebration, guests can ‘unlock the magic’ within each of Disneyland Park’s nine lands with the Key to Disneyland! With the Key to Disneyland, guests can embark on an adventure and activate special features while visiting 70^th Anniversary lock stations in each land of Disneyland Park. Once all nine lands are “unlocked,” the key will reveal 1 of 9 hidden commemorative keepsake pins inside – talk about magic! Best part, the key saves guests’ progress allowing them to unlock lands at their leisure over the course of the 70^th anniversary celebration — all in one day or spread throughout their visit*.

Collectors of Disneyland merchandise will also find happiness with the Disneyland Resort 70^th Medallion Collection. Available for purchase throughout Disneyland Resort as individuals or in bundles of four, the two-sided medallions feature park icons, attractions, characters and more. Fans can expect 70 new designs, including specialty releases and varying styles throughout the 70^th celebration while supplies last. These will be revealed soon!

Between incredible merchandise, fascinating entertainment, exciting ride enhancements, and the all-around spirit of magic, the Disneyland Resort 70^thAnniversary is a can’t miss celebration. For guests who want to start shopping now –  select items from the Countdown Collection can be found for a limited time at Disneyland Resort at Elias and Co., The Emporium, World of Disney and other select retail locations. If guests can’t join us in California, select merchandise will also be available later this year on DisneyStore.com so they can celebrate wherever they are. Keep an eye out for even more updates during the countdown to the Disneyland Resort 70^thAnniversary Celebration!

To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.

*Valid theme park reservations and admission are required for Disneyland Park and are not included with purchase of the Key to Disneyland. 

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Check out the latest construction photos from the Stormalong Pool area at Disney’s Beach Club.