WDW Daily News

By: Disney Destinations

April 8, 2026

Howdy, pardners… you folks oughta keep all hands, arms, feet and legs inside the train, ‘cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!

On May 3, 2026, the iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with new magic – and today, new details were shared about what to expect the next time guests take to the tracks in search of adventure.

There’s Gold in That There Mountain

The story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad dates back to Olden Times, or rather, Golden Times, during the early days of America’s first major gold rush. When Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region, he saw a future full of riches and hustled to start the Big Thunder Mountain Company.

However, them shiny dreams rarely come without a cost, and Bullion quickly found himself in a battle with the forces of nature and in a whole heap of trouble. One day, strange and unexplainable things started happening. Machines failed. Cave-ins shut mines down.

No matter how deep the miners dug into the heart of the mountain, the forces of Big Thunder fought back. And when the attraction reopens next year, the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get.

Shine and Polish on a Magic Kingdom Classic

The mountain attractions at Disney Parks around the globe are iconic for a reason – they are beloved by fans old and new for the stories they tell, the thrills they give, and the memories they make.

The rumblin’, rollin’ fun of Big Thunder Mountain here at Disney World is currently undergoing a mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment meant to keep the classic attraction in tip-top shape, ready to delight guests who want to ride the rails for years to come.

Wildest Ride in the Wilderness

A key part of the refurbishment was installing a new track and refreshed passenger trains. These updates were carefully planned to preserve the attraction’s classic storytelling and trademark hootin’ an’ hollerin’ energy, while adding new life, movement, and detail to the experience guests know so well.

With all the improvements made to the attraction, along with a comprehensive review from our safety teams, Big Thunder Mountain will reopen with a lowered height requirement of 38”. Climb aboard, lil prospectors!

New Magic Thunderin’ In

In addition to the action and adventure guests know and love, Big Thunder Mountain will reopen with new magic for fans to discover.

One such moment comes when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling).

The Rainbow Caverns certainly are beautiful… but they ain’t as friendly as they first appear. In fact, that menacing rumble from deep within the mountain may be a sign that we ain’t welcome.

There’s more new magic for guests to discover once Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returns on May 3, 2026!

By: Disney Destinations

April 8, 2026

It’s time to save the universe alongside our friend, Buzz Lightyear.

Get a notepad ready because we’re breaking down what’s new, how scoring works, and the different strategies guests can use to reach Galactic Hero. Now, more than ever, there are multiple ways guests can prove they’ve mastered the mission.

Quick Tips for High‑Scoring Space Rangers:

• Aim for the center of every target to make each shot count.
• Harder‑to‑hit targets are worth more points, so don’t be afraid to go for the challenge.
• Watch for targets that light up or look different. These targets are worth extra.
• Try different strategies! There’s more than one path to Galactic Hero.

A Familiar Mission with New Updates

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom remains the classic attraction guests know and love, with many of the attraction’s legacy “secret” high-value targets (in addition to new ones that guests should keep their eyes out for). The experience is designed to feel intuitive and welcoming, making it easy for new recruits to jump right in while giving seasoned riders plenty to rediscover.

Now what’s different, you ask?

• Brand New Scene: Guests are greeted by an all‑new character: a friendly robot named Buddy, created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios to join the Star Command team.
  • As a support‑bot, Buddy helps prepare departing Space Rangers, and this is a great warm-up opportunity if you want to practice your aim before the true test begins.

• New Ride Vehicles and Hand-Held Blasters: Star Cruisers received a fresh new look inspired by the colors of Buzz Lightyear and Star Command, along with onboard video monitors that deliver real‑time scoring updates and other exciting features.
  • Each vehicle is also equipped with new handheld blasters designed for better aim, making it easier for guests of all ages to jump into the action. With always‑on lasers, two distinct blaster colors per Star Cruiser, and new lighting, sound, and vibration effects, players can clearly see where they’re aiming, if their aim is correct, and when they hit the target.

• Interactive Targets: The targets have been upgraded with new technology to let guests know when they’ve hit them. Guests will also find that a few targets will randomly have a white or multicolor ring around them. That’s an important thing to look out for depending on your game strategy.

Watchout Tip:

• Check the blaster color! Guests will see either red or green. This color will also appear on a target whenever guests hit the center so that they know they were successful.

Why Farther Targets Are Worth More Points

The greater the distance or more challenging to hit, the more points the targets are worth. These new details offer a fun, competitive edge.

Boost Your Score with Standout Targets

As guests travel throughout the attraction, keep an eye out: they may spot a few targets that randomly illuminate with a white outer ring. Those targets are worth double their normal value when that happens, and it stays that way until they’re hit!

This boost is helpful on the mission, and even bigger when the ring is multicolor instead of white. The multicolor-ringed target is the most rare and valuable target in the game. It appears at random, in only one location at a time, and if it isn’t hit within a few seconds, it vanishes and reappears somewhere else.

Guests are the hero of the game at this point because all targets in the scene are worth significantly more points for a brief period. This phase doesn’t last long, so stay focused and adapt on the fly. Guests will notice this bonus period is starting to end when the outer ring begins to count down by extinguishing counterclockwise.

Why Every Target Counts at the End of the Mission

The excitement doesn’t stop when the final shot is fired. As the mission comes to a close, every distinct target guests have hit is tallied and contributes to a bonus added just before their final rank is revealed.

That means consistency really pays off. Hitting more unique targets throughout the attraction can deliver a satisfying score bump right at the end, rewarding Space Rangers who stay engaged from start to finish.

Incoming Transmission: You’re Ready to Save the Universe

With refreshed gameplay and multiple paths to success, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin gives the rider more ways than ever to level up. Every mission is a new chance for Space Rangers to prove they’ve got what it takes, for those chasing a personal best or setting their sights on Galactic Hero.

As we all know, “to infinity and beyond”!

With one all-new theme and four returning themes, the 2026 Disneyland After Dark events will create magical evenings of love, memories, nostalgia, adventure and community for guests of all ages! 

Disneyland After Dark events are separately ticketed, themed evenings that feature access to Disneyland park and select attractions after-hours (often with shorter wait times), imaginative entertainment, character encounters, scrumptious food and beverages, special merchandise collections and so much more!

The parties take place on select nights January through June 2026.

Whether guests are an experienced fan or a first-time attendee, there’s a Disneyland After Dark event for them in 2026. Read on for everything guests need to know about these soirees.

Read more

Enjoy magical afternoons and evenings in the Walt Disney World theme parks with a specially priced ticket that provides admission to one theme park each day, after 2 PM.

Choose from 2-day and 3-day tickets. Limit one theme park per day. Theme park reservations are not required with this ticket.

Dates & Ticket Usage
This is a date-based ticket with start dates from May 26 to July 29, 2026. The 2-day ticket must be used within 4 days of selected start date; the 3-day ticket must be used within 5 days of selected start date.

By: Disney Destinations

April 2, 2026

Disney+ Perks members, get summer savings at Walt Disney World Resort with great rates on rooms—starting from $99 per night, plus tax at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. Plus, enjoy other great rates at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels.

Important: You must follow special procedures for the Disney+ Subscribers Offer. Reservations in violation may be cancelled.

Valid most nights from June 21 to August 15, 2026. 2-night minimum length of stay required.

This offer is valid for the Disney Resorts Collection hotels and room types listed below.

Great Rates for Stays Most Nights from June 21 to July 1, July 5 to July 8, and July 12 to August 5, 2026:

• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort: Standard Rooms from $99 per night plus tax
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: Standard Location 5th Sleeper Rooms from $169 per night plus tax
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Cars Family Suites for $249 per night plus tax
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: Deluxe Studios from $279 per night plus tax
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Savanna View Rooms from $369 per night plus tax

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Additional charges may apply for more than 2 adults per room. Proof of Disney+ subscription required.

please reach out to any Travel Agent at Wish Upon a Star With Us for more information.

Today, Disney announced new details for the highly anticipated return of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place August 14, 15, and 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California. This exclusive, multi-day celebration will once again transform Anaheim into the heart of Disney fandom, offering fans exclusive first access to the latest in Disney storytelling, creativity, and innovation. Across three packed days, the event will bring together stars and storytellers for unforgettable moments including sneak peeks, behind-the‑scenes access, thrilling performances, immersive experiences, expanded shopping, and surprises that only Disney can deliver. Additional event details shared today included a special look at programming, ticketing, and D23 Member benefits.

“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a powerful expression of the lasting connection Disney has with its fans,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “This event is designed for our most passionate fans who connect deeply with our stories, characters, and experiences, and who want a front row seat to our biggest announcements. From honoring this year’s class of Disney Legends to unveiling some of the best of our creativity across film, television, streaming, sports, and experiences, D23 celebrates the global community at the very heart of Disney.”

Read more

We all love Disney Stores don’t we? Well check out some photos from the Disney Store in New York City’s Times Square.

Get ready to dance, play and chill because Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is taking over Walt Disney World Resort starting May 26 through September 8. This is the perfect destination for kids and kids-at-heart with DJ-fueled dance parties, surprise character appearances, hands-on activities, and nonstop summer vibes. 

Summer offers some of the best ticket prices of the year and longer theme park hours, too. Combine this with everything new that’s debuting, and it makes for the perfect family trip filled with experiences you can only get at Walt Disney World. 

Here’s a look at what’s coming across Walt Disney World this summer. 

New and Limited-Time Summer Magic Across Disney World

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station

Bluey and Bingo are on their way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Starting May 26 and staying beyond Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, guests can play games and dance with Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station.

Once guests hop off the Wildlife Express Train, it’s time for fun. Play special games directly from “Bluey” episodes, grab a photo with Bluey and Bingo themselves, and even discover animals native to Bluey’s home country, Australia, at “Jumping Junction.” 

Read more

March 12, 2026

New offers are now on sale for Walt Disney World vacations for late summer and early fall!

Get a Free Dining Plan with this Delicious Deal

Guests enjoy a FREE dining plan when they purchase a nondiscounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resorts Collection hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option—for arrivals select nights from:

• June 28 to October 3, 2026
• October 19 to October 31, 2026
• December 6 to December 21, 2026

Packages may be available for longer lengths of stay.

See full offer details please visit Wish Upon a Star with Us.

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

This summer, discover magic and thrills in all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks with the 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket—starting at $109 per day, plus tax (total price starting at $436 plus tax).

This ticket includes one admission to each of the 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort:

• Magic Kingdom park
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park
• EPCOT
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

That’s a total of 4 admissions, on 4 separate days! Limit one admission per theme park, one theme park per day.

Save Up to 30% on Rooms in Late Summer and Early Fall 

Save on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels—for most arrivals from July 30 to October 3, 2026.

• Save up to 30% for stays of 5 or more consecutive nights
• Save up to 25% for stays of 1 to 4 consecutive nights

Florida Residents: Save Up to 35% on Rooms in Late Summer and Early Fall

Florida residents can stay in the magic and save on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels—for most arrivals from July 30 to October 3, 2026.

• Save up to 35% for stays of 4 or more consecutive nights
• Save up to 30% for stays of 1 to 3 consecutive nights

March 4, 2026

Disney Cruise Line’s first ship in Asia features seven themed areas filled with adventure and imagination!

Today marks a truly special moment as Disney Cruise Line prepares for the christening of the Disney Adventure, a ship designed to be both the journey and the destination. Drawing on more than 100 years of Disney storytelling, this vessel – the first Disney Cruise Line ship in Asia – brings beloved stories, characters, and worlds together in unforgettable ways.

From elegant lounges for adults to immersive spaces for children and families, the ship’s seven themed areas are filled with adventure and imagination. Here’s an exclusive first look at some of the areas and venues awaiting guests.

Disney Imagination Garden

Inspired by a century of Disney storytelling, Disney Imagination Garden is the heart of the Disney Adventure. The open‑air courtyard centers around a prominent Garden Stage, where large‑scale performances, character moments, and celebratory events unfold during the day and throughout the evening on the voyage.

Guests can also savor global flavors at two quick-service eateries, Gramma Tala’s Kitchen and Mowgli’s Eatery, which offer a blend of Pacific and Indian inspired menus.

Town Square

A celebration of Disney Princess characters, Town Square welcomes guests into a world of timeless elegance and classic Disney storytelling. Designed as a central gathering place, this beautifully detailed area invites guests to write their own fairy tale with regal makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and whimsical dining and lounge venues, including Spellbound and Enchanted Summer Restaurant.

Nearby, families can attend Broadway-style shows at the Walt Disney Theatre. The ship’s world-class lineup of live performances includes “Disney Seas the Adventure” and “Remember,” an all-new production created exclusively for those sailing aboard the Disney Adventure.

Not far from Town Square, guests will find two of the ship’s signature restaurants: Navigator’s Club and Hollywood Spotlight Club.

San Fransokyo Street

Fans of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Big Hero 6 are in for a treat as they step into San Fransokyo Street, a vibrant urban market featuring themed entertainment and shopping experiences for guests.

Family fun awaits at the Big Hero Arcade, a dynamic gaming lounge; Baymax Cinemas, a four-screen movie theater; Alley Cat Café; and a myriad of all-new signature shopping experiences including Duffy and Friends Shop and the National Geographic Store.

Marvel Landing

Guests can unlock epic legends from the Marvel universe at Marvel Landing, where experiences inspired by fan-favorite Super Heroes come to life. This action‑packed area is home to thrilling attractions for heroes of all ages including Ironcycle Test Run, the longest rollercoaster at sea, Pym Quantum Racers, and Groot Galaxy Spin.

Wayfinder Bay

Families can look for the line where the sky meets the sea at Wayfinder Bay, a sun-drenched retreat on the ship’s stern inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film, Moana. This relaxing outdoor oasis offers a serene palace to unwind by the pool, take in sweeping ocean views, and enjoy live entertainment.

Disney Discovery Reef

At Disney Discovery Reef, guests can dive into a world inspired by beloved underwater tales from Disney and Pixar and discover a collection of themed eateries, bars, and cafés.

From Palo Trattoria and Mike & Sulley’s Flavors of Asia, two of the ship’s signature fine dining restaurants, to Bewitching Boba and Brews, a wickedly delicious bubble tea shop, and Taverna Portorosso, a sports bar styled after the coastal Italian village featured in Disney and Pixar’s Luca, there’s something for everyone at Disney Discovery Reef.

Toy Story Place

Designed for kids and kids at heart, Toy Story Place is a dedicated water play area that celebrates the colorful world of Pixar’s Toy Story films.

Located on the ship’s upper decks, this lively area invites families to explore several playful water features inspired by the films, including a large family pool, multiple whirlpools, towering water slides, and interactive splash pads.

The Disney Adventure brings Disney stories and Disney Cruise Line to a whole new region of guests. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more on this incredible new ship and the christening festivities in Singapore!