Check out some photos of Dublin specific merchandise at the Disney Store in Dublin, Ireland.











Check out some photos of Dublin specific merchandise at the Disney Store in Dublin, Ireland.










By: Disney Destinations
May 28, 2026
There’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow on the way for Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. For the last 60 years, this passion project of Walt himself has served as a powerful reflection of optimism, innovation, and family over time.
Yet while the themes have always stayed the same, the most performed stage show in the history of American theater has taken several forms over the years. So, before we talk about what’s next for this beloved attraction, let’s take a look back at its evolution.

The Evolution of Carousel of Progress
To understand the full history of Carousel of Progress, you have to go all the way back to the 1950s. As Walt Disney set his sights on expanding Disneyland, he envisioned an extension of Main Street, U.S.A. called Edison Square.
The square would be anchored by Harnessing the Lightning, a walkthrough drama exploring how electricity and technology transformed the lifestyle of the American family. While Edison Square was never built, the groundwork was laid for a show centered on a powerful idea: technology would continue to evolve, but people would stay the same.


When work began on the Disney shows for the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, Walt and his team of Imagineers reworked the Harnessing the Lightning concept into the smash hit of the Progressland pavilion — Carousel of Progress.
The fair marked the debut of the attraction’s iconic rotating theater system, as well as its equally iconic anthem by songwriters and Disney Legends Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. It was an enormous success and a project deeply personal to Walt. It captured his overarching spirit of optimism while reflecting his hands-on creative direction, down to details as specific as how Uncle Orville’s toes should wiggle in the bathtub.

Following its run at the fair, Walt brought the show to Disneyland, where it opened in 1967 with several updates, including a refreshed Act Four (now set in Progress City, a community of tomorrow based on Walt’s vision for EPCOT). At the time, no one could have known that this finale would become a sign of things to come, as Carousel of Progress made its way to Walt Disney World in 1975.
In its time at Magic Kingdom, the attraction has continued to evolve, through new scripts, voice actors, time periods, and even full scene updates. The attraction even featured a new theme song, “The Best Time of Your Life,” which stood in for “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” for the attraction’s first two decades of operation in Florida. You can still hear the tune playing as background music throughout Tomorrowland today. The attraction’s last major update was back in 1993, which included an updated finale scene and the return of the original Sherman Brothers’ song.

Keeping Walt’s Vision Alive
Carousel of Progress was designed to celebrate change, not to stand still. As Imagineers, we now have the great responsibility of keeping Walt’s ideas of innovation and forward-looking spirit alive as we continue building the attraction’s future together. So where are we heading?
Guests may remember that last year we announced that guests will soon be able to see Walt Disney himself in the attraction, made possible through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology. Walt is in a scene inspired by the 1964 special “Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair,” which is where he first introduced the idea of Carousel of Progress and shared his enduring belief in the power of progress to shape a better tomorrow.
The team is having a lot of fun sourcing and replicating many of the props seen in that special, like the prototype Tiki bird, the Tower of the Four Winds model, a doll from “it’s a small world,” and so much more.
This once unimaginable opening moment will set the stage for the next era of storytelling for our American family and their lovable dog.

New Decades Coming to Carousel of Progress
In addition to adding Walt Disney to the very attraction that bears his name, Imagineers will also be updating all the scenes to new time periods, where we’ll get to see what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to as they navigate ever-changing technology in new decades.
One of our main goals for this update was to keep the attraction relatable for today’s audiences by featuring eras in which our guests have personal connections. Lots of our team grew up during these decades themselves, so it’s been a real trip down memory lane to revisit the music, fashion, technology and experiences that helped shape our history all reflected in this family’s story.
When the show first opened at the World’s Fair, its story began by looking back about 60 years to the dawn of the new century. Now more than six decades later, this new iteration mirrors that idea, starting 60 years back from today in the 1960s.
In the summer of 1969, our Carousel family, along with millions around the world, gather around the television to witness one of humanity’s greatest achievements: the historic moon landing. Filled with awe, the moment captures the spirit of innovation and possibility that has always been—and always will be—at the heart of Carousel of Progress.
Act 2 – the 1980s
It’s the ‘80s, where everything bigger is better, and things keep on getting bigger! We pick up with the family on Halloween Night of 1985, and for the first time ever, Sarah is taking center stage. She’ll share how all the new appliances and gadgets are making life easier for the whole family.
Speaking of John, we’ll find him out on the porch handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, and poor Uncle Orville can be found in the bathroom with “no privacy around here!”
Act 3 – The New Millennium
With the ‘90s drawing to a close, our Carousel family is preparing to ring in the new millennium on New Year’s Eve 1999. Amid the excitement of the countdown to 2000, a new thing called the Internet is bringing John, Sarah, Jimmy and Patty – and the world – closer together than ever before.
And, not everyone is making it to midnight. Grandpa has already nodded off before the big countdown, while Grandma sneaks the TV over to wrestling when no one’s looking.
Act 4 – The Possible Future
As we reach the end of our show, we see the family one last time in the distant future, in a home off planet. From a helpful robot assisting with everyday tasks to space travel, the scene imagines a future where extraordinary innovation has become part of life and proves that a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.
To help bring this new finale to life, Imagineers looked back at original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench, drawing inspiration from his imaginative vision of the future.

First Look at New Attraction Poster
We’re also excited to share a first look at our new attraction poster that pays homage to the original Carousel of Progress poster created for its Magic Kingdom debut. Just like the attraction itself, the design reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going.
When Will These Changes Happen?
To prepare for the next version of this ever-progressing attraction, the Carousel of Progress will be temporarily unavailable beginning July 6, 2026. We expect the attraction to reopen in 2027.
We can’t wait to share more of the incredible work the team is doing in the coming months as we carry on Walt’s vision, introducing the showto an entirely new generation of fans while honoring its history and heart. We could not be more optimistic about the beautiful tomorrow on the way!

May 20, 2026
If you thought Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets was just a high-speed thrill, think again. The volume is being turned waaaay way up for Muppet fans (and for fans of going zero to 60 in 3 seconds) as guests race across town to the biggest, loudest, most psychedelic The Electric Mayhem concert of their life. But, my groovy friends, it’s not just about the destination… It’s also about the journey to get there.
The reimagined G-Force Records building at the end of Sunset Boulevard is less like a line and more like backstage access to The Muppets’ greatest hits. From the moment guests step into G-Force Records (now under the new management of Muppet real estate tycoon, J.P. Grosse), they’re surrounded by Muppets memorabilia, props, visual gags, and more — and of course, The Muppets themselves.
Blink-and-you’ll-miss-it references are layered with Muppet nods at every turn, showing the care and dedication that Walt Disney Imagineering put into curating everything. And yes, many items from Muppet*Vision 3D have made it inside,
Here’s a VIP look at some of the Easter eggs fans will find along the way to the concert.
Upon entering G-Force Records, guests are treated to an in-progress gallery case, lovingly curated by Yolanda the Rat.


May 20, 2026
Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world.
That was the heart and premise of the Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” and soon, it will inspire a brand-new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, this upcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is getting ready to bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.
Starting May 26, the Clubhouse is calling and you’re on the guest list! Inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, this live show turns into a feel-good celebration where you don’t just watch the fun… you help make it happen.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to kick off the big bash, but when their friends are nowhere to be found, the party turns into a playful search mission. With music leading the way, you’ll clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds — and before you know it, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join in to bring the Clubhouse celebration to life.


May 1, 2026
For almost three decades, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has been a celebration of nature, storytelling, and adventure coming together in unforgettable ways.
You can feel the magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom through the savannas of Africa, the Himalayan peaks of Asia, the floating mountains of Pandora – The World of Avatar, and soon, the lush rainforests of Tropical Americas!

When it opens in 2027, the new land will represent one of the most culturally rich regions on the planet. From the northern reaches of South America, through Central America, and into parts of Mexico, this is a part of the world where nature doesn’t just surround communities — it shapes them.
And ancient cultures are still present in everyday life. Explorers and curious travelers continue to fall in love with the region and all there is to discover.
During the 2024 Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, we shared that Tropical Americas will be home to Pueblo Esperanza when it opens at Animal Kingdom. Just as you stroll through the Port of Harambe in Africa, or wander the Kingdom of Anandapur in Asia, you’ll get to experience Pueblo Esperanza, a town with its own history, vivid culture, and of course, vibrant nature.
Imagineers have long dreamed of adding a land inspired by this region to Animal Kingdom. In fact, earlier concepts of potential park expansions imagined guests journeying into an ancient Maya temple and exploring a lush rainforest… sound familiar?
Of course, ideas at Walt Disney Imagineering never fully disappear; they evolve and inspire new experiences. Mix in the enchanting world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, the beloved escapades of Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones, and a region where the power of nature entwines with human stories… and you get Tropical Americas, courtesy of a team of Imagineers continuing a grand tradition of bringing imagination to life.

From the very beginning of this project, Imagineers knew the story of Tropical Americas needed to be grounded in the real world. Just like the Imagineers of yesteryear did when first building Animal Kingdom and the exciting additions that have opened since, our team embarked on several research trips to learn more about the region’s culture, customs, architecture, and folklore.
Imagineers always want to tell Disney stories from a place of curiosity and humility, and these trips allow them to go beyond simply re-creating the areas that inspire them. Recently, a small group took a trip to Honduras where they met with Maya artists whose life’s work is carving and recreating intricate details found throughout the Copán site, one of the most extraordinary and well-preserved cities of the ancient Maya civilization.
Together, they traveled through the lush mountain valleys to the very quarries that have supplied this region for centuries. They experienced firsthand the striking red and green stones native to the landscape. Witnessing this artistry was a breathtaking moment, made even more meaningful knowing that the same materials that built Copán will find their way to Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom to be crafted by carvers using time-honored techniques.
The team also traveled to Colombia to immerse ourselves in the places and cultures that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” which will be represented in the first-ever Encanto attraction at a Disney park.
There, guests will be invited to celebrate Antonio’s new gift: the ability to talk to animals. And along the way, they’ll learn that no matter what their special gifts or abilities are, they’re all part of the “familia” of all living things. During the research trip, the team met with many of the people and visited many of the places that the original “Encanto” filmmakers first visited in researching Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning film.
They also gathered first-hand experiences to ensure Pueblo Esperanza feels like a real, lived-in town true to the region—from the colors and materials of town plazas to hues of haciendas in varying light to the way buildings respond to the climate and terrain.
These journeys are not just about where they go, but the insight, inspiration, and deeper understanding that shapes every detail they bring back. Imagineers travel because there is always more for us to learn, and each experience brings us closer to telling these stories with authenticity and care.

April 28, 2026
Planning a Halloween on the High Seas cruise early isn’t just smart, it’s kind of the fun part. This beloved Disney Cruise Line celebration blends cozy fall vibes with playful Halloween surprises and, of course, a generous sprinkle of Disney magic.
From glowing decor and themed entertainment to costumes and trick-or-treating at sea, Halloween on the High Seas is packed with festive details that turn your voyage into a floating fall celebration. Here’s everything Guests need to know before setting sail.

Halloween on the High Seas is Disney Cruise Line’s delightfully fun, not‑so‑scary take on the holiday. For select sailings, some of the ships get an autumnal makeover complete with festive décor, themed entertainment, special character appearances, and plenty of sweet surprises along the way.
It’s Halloween done the Disney way with immersive, story‑driven fun that’s welcoming for guests of all ages.

Halloween on the High Seas takes place on select Disney Cruise Line sailings during the fall, typically from September through October. Not every fall cruise includes the celebration, so if Guests are planning a seasonal sailing, look specifically for itineraries marked Halloween on the High Seas when booking.

Tip:
By updating the search filters to include Halloween on the High Seas as a selected experience, you’ll see every available sailing that includes this festive event.

Every Halloween on the High Seas celebration begins in the ship’s Grand Hall or Atrium, where a very special Pumpkin Tree appears as if by magic. Each Disney Cruise Line ship has its own Pumpkin Tree, complete with a name, a personality, and a story that helps set the tone for the season.
As the celebration unfolds, guests may experience storytelling moments, glowing gourds, and a Halloween atmosphere that feels equal parts cozy, whimsical, and enchanted. It’s one of those “you’ll know it when you see it” moments—and an instant favorite for photos.

The Halloween trees for the Disney ships are:

Yes, this is your moment to shine and become your favorite superhero or villain.
Guests of all ages are invited to dress up during Halloween on the High Seas, whether that means full Disney‑inspired flair or a favorite comfy costume that still feels festive.
Think playful, family‑friendly, and easy to move in so you can dance, explore, and grab a treat or two. For more information, be sure to review the official Halloween on the High Seas costume guidelines on the Disney Cruise Line website for all the details.
When Halloween arrives at sea, the entertainment gets an extra touch of mischief and magic. A guest favorite is Mickey’s Mouse‑querade Party, where Disney characters appear in Halloween costumes and invite everyone to celebrate with music, dancing, and lots of smiles. Guests can also take part in hands-on activities, including mysterious crafts and seasonal games, each with their very own Halloween twist.
Those setting sail on the Disney Wish will find an additional interactive experience with “Who’s Behind the Curtain?” featuring Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus.

Find special character appearances around the ship, featuring festive costumes you’ll only see during the season.

Character locations and times can be found in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, making it easy to plan the perfect meet‑and‑greet moment.
Yes, trick‑or‑treating happens onboard!
Guests can follow a festive path around the ship, collecting treats from designated locations and soaking in the Halloween atmosphere along the way. It’s especially popular with younger cruisers, but honestly, this is one of my favorite experiences as well.
Halloween tastes better at sea. During the celebration, select dining locations and lounges may offer specialty desserts, festive treats, and themed beverages inspired by the season. From cute sweets to creatively crafted sips, these limited‑time offerings add an extra layer of fun to onboard dining.

Halloween on the High Seas is just one example of how Disney Cruise Line turns every voyage into a story worth sailing through. With immersive entertainment, imaginative dining, one‑of‑a‑kind décor, and unforgettable experiences for all ages, there’s always something magical waiting onboard.

April 28, 2026
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival provides endless opportunities to enjoy bites and beverages from around the world, so guests never have to choose just one. And today, we have a whole spread of details to share so you can prepare for the 2026 festival.
Ahead of opening day, we’re serving up the festival dates along with an early look at returning activities and experiences that make this a must-do (and eat) event each year. Let’s dig in!
Get ready to sip and stroll through the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, where mouthwatering global marketplaces meet live performances, activities, and more. The fun and flavor-filled celebration of worldly cuisines has been a fan-favorite festival since 1996, with every year bringing new surprises and returning classics.
The festival will run from August 27 to November 21, 2026. This is the perfect period as the sun is setting on summertime and the fall festivities are just creeping in at Walt Disney World.
Read moreThe 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates will run from August 7 to October 31. The party runs only on specific weekend or weekday nights, so be sure to consult the calendar of dates when planning a trip.
Planning Tip: To help conjure your fiendish pursuits, note that in August, party dates occur on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This is also true for September with the addition of one Thursday date on September 24. In October, ghouls can descend upon Magic Kingdom every Thursday; most Fridays, Sundays, most Tuesdays; and Saturday on Halloween.
Read more
By: Disney
Greetings from the south shores of Bay Lake at Walt Disney World Resort, the future home of Disney Lakeshore Lodge!
We invite you to embark on this journey with us, following Letters from Lakeshore as the proposed nature-inspired resort comes to life. Like a collection of postcards, each update will share new details – from first looks to finishing touches, with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments along the way.

Introducing Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a waterfront retreat where guests and their loved ones will discover the wonder of nature through the artistry of Disney storytelling.
Projected to open at Walt Disney World Resort in summer 2027, Disney Lakeshore Lodge will celebrate the beauty and magic of nature as seen through the eyes of Disney artists and storytellers. Inspired by Walt Disney’s lifelong admiration for the great outdoors, the resort’s design will pay tribute to decades of animated stories rooted in nature, with subtle nods to classic films — from the lush forests of Bambi and the colorful winds of Pocahontas to the sweeping glacial landscapes of Brother Bear.
Nestled along the tranquil shores of Bay Lake, Disney Lakeshore Lodge will invite families to slow down, take in their surroundings, and create cherished memories together. Spectacular floor‑to‑ceiling windows will welcome natural sunlight and showcase views of the local flora and fauna, allowing the outdoors to flow seamlessly into the architecture, artwork, and ambiance.
With 967 thoughtfully designed rooms, this new addition to the Disney Resorts Collection will offer a variety of ways to stay, from cozy studios to spacious suites. Many rooms will offer peaceful views of Bay Lake by day and spectacular views of Magic Kingdom park fireworks by night. The resort will also debut with new one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses along the waterfront, offering families an even closer connection to nature with ample space to relax and unwind.
In the months ahead, we’ll share more about the dining locations, recreational offerings, amenities, and distinctive design details that will bring the spirit of nature and the magic of Disney storytelling to life at Disney Lakeshore Lodge.

There’s a transmission coming through … a tasty transmission. With May the 4th just around the corner, there’s some delicious dishes landing at Disney Parks to get you and your taste buds in the spirit. From new delicious concoctions to repeat visitors landing at Walt Disney World Resort, including the launch of Pink Milk at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s plenty of bites to enjoy.

· Pink Milk: Plant-based rice milk blend with sweet and fruity characteristics (Non-alcoholic) (New)
· Pink Milk Cooler: Plant-based rice milk blend with sweet and fruity characteristics and Bacardi Superior Rum (New)
· Kerkoiden Blue Cake: Spiced vanilla shortbread cookie with ginger cream cheese icing (New)

· Batuu Bites: Blue corn, barbecue, and curry spice chips with lotus root, green bean chips, and herb dip
· The Roaring Loth-Cat: Minute Maid Apple Juice, lemon, and cinnamon with Seagram’s Ginger Ale (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Available starting May 4)
· Three Suns Over Batuu: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with hot honey, DOLE Pineapple Juice, mango, guava, and ginger (Non-alcoholic) (New) · Kamino Cooler Served in DJ R-3x Souvenir Mug: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, passion fruit syrup, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and lime juice (New)

· Keshian Spiced Chips: Lotus root chips tossed in cinnamon sugar

· Ettel Nuts: Assortment of sweet, spicy, and queso fundido nuts with chocolate candy rocks (New)

· Your Chosen Path Cupcake: Cookies and cream cupcake, marshmallow buttercream, white chocolate X-Wing, and milk chocolate rocks. Inside the cupcake, a secret lightsaber color will reveal itself! (New)
· Wookiee Cookie: Two oatmeal cookies with vanilla cream filling garnished with a milk chocolate sash on top

· Lightsaber Churro served with chocolate sauce

Enjoy updates to the sides of some of your favorite galactic dishes.
· Endorian Fried Chicken Tip-Yip: Crispy chicken served with house-made macaroni and roasted vegetables garnished with cauliflower leaf kimchi
· Shaak Pot Roast with Kublag Mash: Birria pot roast with turmeric-garlic mash and roasted carrots
· Sweet Puffer Pig Ribs with Portion Bread: Pork ribs brushed with tangy BBQ sauce and served with mac & cheese and sponge cake
· Endorian Chicken Tip-Yip Salad: Guava BBQ chicken with avocado-jalapeño dressing, arugula, radish, romaine lettuce, cucumber, red onion, haricot vert, pineapple, and rice noodles

· Chosen One Cooler: A crisp, refreshing blend of Granny Smith apple with white cranberry juice lime juices served with a green Rechargeable Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick (Non-alcoholic) (Also available with Absolut Citron Vodka) (New); Available at the following locations:
· ABC Commissary
· Backlot Express
· Rosie’s All-American Café o Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
· Snack Cart near Hollywood Boulevard

· Sith Lord Libation: A flavorful combination of blood orange with white cranberry juice and lime juices served with a Rechargeable Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Stick (Non-alcoholic) (Also available with Absolut Citron Vodka); Available at the following locations:
· ABC Commissary
· Backlot Express
· Rosie’s All-American Café o Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
· Snack Cart near Hollywood Boulevard

· Bright Suns Chocolate Mousse: Milk chocolate mousse, lemon curd, tangerine, and brown butter cake (New)

· Across the Stars Ganache Bars: Ganache Bars inspired by Star Wars planets, featuring the flavors of corn and nuts for Kashyyyk, dragon fruit for Tatooine, spicy cherry for Mustafar, and mint-lime for Hoth (New)
· Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop: Solid milk chocolate pop with crispy pearls