WDW Daily News

August 25, 2026

There are oceans of exciting trips on the horizon with Disney Cruise Line! Today, we’re getting a first look at Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries, which include a big (apple) return, brand-new ports of call and sailings to beloved favorite destinations in The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico.

Early bookings open for select Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members on August 31, with general bookings opening on September 8.

Make a Wish in the City that Never Sleeps  

Disney Cruise Line is headed back to New York City!

The Disney Wish will arrive in New York in late September 2027 after the ship’s inaugural season in Europe. For seven special voyages, the Disney Wish will set sail on four- to seven-night sailings to beautiful destinations, bringing you from “the city that never sleeps” to the vacation of your dreams.  

Guests will have the chance to wave goodbye to the big city and say hello to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda on five sailings from New York. Three of these cruises will extend the visit for an extra day to give families more time to experience Bermuda’s rich culture and stunning scenery. 

Just in time for the brilliant colors of the autumn leaves, Disney Cruise Line will sail from New York to New England and Canada’s Atlantic coast for the first time in nearly four years. These charming coastlines create the perfect seasonal photo backdrop, complete with Disney Cruise Line’s iconic red funnels.

More to Explore in Puerto Rico and Panama

There will be more opportunities to sail from the historic coasts of San Juan onboard the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy in Fall 2027 and Spring 2028, sending you on five- to seven-night Southern and Eastern Caribbean sailings dotted with tropical island escapes.

The Disney Magic will make two repositioning cruises through the legendary Panama Canal in Fall 2027 and Spring 2028. These 14-night cruises will each make a maiden call, with the eastbound sailing stopping in the vibrant Fuerte Amador (Panama City), Panama, and the westbound sailing stopping in Colon, Panama, the Caribbean gateway to the canal.

Repositioning sailings are the perfect way to enjoy more time onboard with Disney entertainment, unforgettable dining experiences, and fun in the sun on the upper decks, all while visiting thrilling new destinations.

Create Memories Sailing from Sunny Florida

For the first time, the Disney Destiny will home port in Port Canaveral in Fall 2027, setting sail on three- to-seven-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. The Disney Destiny will open the season in Fort Lauderdale, continuing three- to five-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises filled with heroes-and-villains-inspired onboard dining and entertainment for the whole family. 

Following the New York City and San Juan sailings, the Disney Wish will return to Port Canaveral for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises that include stops at Disney’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.  

The Disney Treasure will continue seven-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, plus two special voyages—one eight-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean, and one six-night Bahamian sailing with two stops at Disney Cruise Line’s private island destination, Disney Castaway Cay, for double the Disney magic.

The Disney Dream will also sail from Port Canaveral on three- and four-night sailings to The Bahamas before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale in November 2027 for three- to five-night Bahamian sailings. One six-night sailing will make two stops at Disney Castaway Cay for even more time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, family play areas and surprise underwater Disney treasures.

The Disney Fantasy will set sail from Port Canaveral from September through November 2027 on four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean, and Fort Lauderdale for four- to seven-night sailings to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. From Fort Lauderdale, the Disney Fantasy will also sail to Bermuda for the first time with an eight-night cruise visiting both Disney Bahamian island destinations.

Dreamy Escapes from California and Texas

Disney Cruise Line will double the magic with two ships sailing from San Diego through early November 2027, with both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder beginning the season in California with three- to seven-night Baja and Mexican Riviera sailings. The Disney Wonder will continue the Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 seasons in San Diego with three- to-seven-night cruises, including stops at Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Catalina Island, California. 

After its Eastbound Panama Canal sailing, the Disney Magic will return to Texas and spend the season taking families on four- to-seven-night cruises from Galveston. Select seven-night Bahamian itineraries from Galveston will include stops at both Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay for even more ways to experience Disney out of the Lone Star State. 

Disney Adventure Continues Magical Sailings in Southeast Asia

The Disney Adventure will continue sailing from Singapore with new three- and four-night itineraries from September to December 2027, offering magical Disney experiences at sea, complete with Broadway-style entertainment and Disney Cruise Line’s renowned guest service. 

Adding to the excitement, select sailings from December 31, 2026, through May 2027 will feature a new port of call: Langkawi, Malaysia. In addition to the exciting offerings onboard, guests will have the opportunity to explore Langkawi’s lush rainforests and scenic coastline ashore. 

Experience Seasonal Disney Magic on Holiday Cruises

Holiday traditions feel extra festive at sea, so start daydreaming of your seasonal favorites before they return in Fall 2027 on select ships. Halloween on the High Seas sailings will begin in September 2027, bringing frightful fun from ship to shore with Disney characters in their spooky best, special entertainment, deck parties and even trick-or-treating at sea. 

Very Merrytime sailings will return to Disney Cruise Line in November and December 2027, as decks and halls fill with merry decorations and families come together to experience the magic of the season, complete with a tree lighting, special deck parties, seasonal treat offerings and visits from Santa Claus himself. 

If your wardrobe needs a way to represent both your love of the NFL and Disney, then goodness are you in luck. A branding deal was announced on Monday that will align all 32 NFL teams with an iconic Disney character for a new line of apparel, which is on sale now.

Full Story & Photos

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is drawing near, and here is a exclusive look at all the treats and eats coming to the festival this year.

From August 27 to November 21, 2026, the EPCOT chefs will be serving up selections from across the globe that will bring guests and their taste buds on the ultimate tasty adventure. From returning favorites like the Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli at Forest & Field and the Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer from Australia, to brand-new bites, including the Basil Pesto Chicken Dumplings at Gyozas of the Galaxy and Smoked Brisket and Cheddar Melt from Hops & Barley, guests are in for quite the journey.

This year is extra special because it marks 30 years of this fan-favorite festival. To help celebrate this momentous occasion, there are 30 items that have returned or been reimagined from across the years.

And that’s not all. Back again is the cheese-filled extravaganza, Emile’s Fromage Montage. This food stroll features a variety of offerings from the Global Marketplaces. Guests should be sure to snag a Festival Passport to collect stamps by purchasing five of these items. Once they’ve  gotten them all, they can head over to Shimmering Sips for a festival treat. These items will be marked with *

There will be an interactive exhibit in CommuniCore Hall (open from September 18-November 8) that celebrates one of the world’s most beloved foods. Guests can grab a Cannoli Milk Shake, a wholesome cheese flight or an inventive macaroni and cheese at The Wedge, hosted by Dairy Does More, and discover fun facts and the fascinating history of cheese!

For ease of paying during the global tour, pick up exclusive Disney Gift Card wristlets featuring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck serving up some sweet treats. For a minimum $15 activation, these wearable gift cards are available during the festival at merchandise locations throughout EPCOT and can be used at Global Marketplaces and anywhere Disney Gift Card is accepted.

2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Menus

CommuniCore Hall

New! The Wedge Hosted by Dairy Does More Menu

(Available September 18 through November 8)

• *New! Selection of Cheeses: with accompaniments featuring Proudly Wisconsin Cheese
• New! Cannoli Milk Shake: topped with chocolate shavings, cannoli shell, and a maraschino cherry (non-alcoholic)
• New! Bodegas Avancia Old Vines Godello
• Wine Flight
• *Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese: with smoked cheddar sauce, shaved beef, peppers, onions, and herbed panko
• Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
• New! Las Jaras Superbloom Rosé
• *New! Crab and Corn Macaroni and Cheese: with smoked cheddar sauce, bacon, crab seasoning, roasted corn, herbed panko, and jalapeños (Introduced in 2015 at Farm Fresh)
• *Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese: with smoked cheddar sauce and herbed panko
• New! Wine and Cheese Pairing (New)

Festival Favorites Menu

(Available starting September 9)

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August 16, 2026

Indiana Jones has spent a lifetime uncovering hidden temples, ancient mysteries, and legendary artifacts across the globe. And during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, we’re excavating a few discoveries of our own with brand-new details about Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Harrison Ford Revealed as Animatronic Model 

Disney Legend Harrison Ford will be the actual model for the next Indiana Jones animatronic, marking the first time he will be the face you see on a Disney attraction anywhere in the world.   

What Inspired the Indiana Jones Attraction?

Also revealed today were the first details about the ride’s cultural inspiration, new storyline, and the experience guests will have once entering the temple and embarking on this breathtaking quest. 

Imagineers were eager to blend the thrill of a classic Indiana Jones adventure with the rich cultural details that are quintessential to Animal Kingdom, a park that is dedicated to creatures both real and imagined. The attraction takes riders on a journey alongside Indy, beneath an ancient temple ruin, showcasing Maya culture and its profound connection to nature.

What is the Storyline of the Indiana Jones Attraction? 

Adventurers will rendezvous with Dr. Jones, who is in the midst of exploring this mysterious temple near a once water-filled underground cave, called a cenote. Local legend says the passageway leads directly to the Maya Underworld, and is protected by a serpentine creature: the Tsukán. The adventure takes off when riders are unwittingly sucked through a portal to the Underworld, where they’ll have to escape perilous dangers, like monstrous bats, larger-than-life scorpions, fire and flame, and of course, snakes.  

August 16, 2026

Work is underway on an all-new Coco attraction coming to Disneyland Resort! Stepping into the colorful, wonderful world of Disney and Pixar’s Coco, fans will be able to spot favorite friends like Miguel, Dante, Héctor, and more as we remember Miguel’s unforgettable trip to the Land of the Dead.

Disney and Pixar’s Coco 2 is well underway, and Imagineers are working closely with Pixar to ensure this family-friendly attraction nods to both the original and upcoming film. 

This attraction will celebrate all the things we love about Coco, highlighting the characters, music, Mexican culture, and the love of a family that’s passed down through the generations. 

The attraction storyline will pick up a year after the events of the original film. The queue, which will begin in Pixar Pier next to Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, welcomes guests to a “casa museo” dedicated to the music of Miguel’s great-great grandfather, Héctor Rivera.

From there, guests will join Miguel and travel by boat through his memories of the Land of the Dead. It will truly be a beautiful, moving experience full of fun and surprises, leaning heavily into the music and emotion of the cherished Pixar film while inviting families to live Miguel’s journey alongside their own loved ones.

And it’ll be a ride the whole family can enjoy, as there will be no height requirement.

August 16, 2026

We may not talk about Bruno, but we certainly can talk about the Encanto attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World! This new development will be one of two headlining attractions that will find a home in the new land, Tropical Americas, and we just received an abundance of updates from “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa. 

Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation Studios Jared Bush, who also happens to be the writer and director of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, took to the Honda Center stage, giving fans a preview into how this lively land is coming together, including brand new details about the story and inspiration behind the Encanto attraction. 

New Details About the Encanto Attraction at Animal Kingdom

Jared reflected on the events of last night’s Studios showcase, where a sensational slate of upcoming films was shared with an enthusiastic audience. When asked by actor Skylar Astin what it’s like bringing those movies to life in the form of theme park experiences, he fondly recalled a legacy that traces all the way back to Walt Disney’s original dream for Disneyland. Walt wanted a place where films could be pulled from the screen and into the real world in a transformative, tangible way, and credits the new Encanto attraction as being a key part of this rich history.  

The first big reveal came with confirmation of the attraction’s official name: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. As previously shared, guests will be invited to celebrate Antonio’s new gift, which is the ability to communicate with animals. And the heartwarming message of this adventure is that we are all part of the familia of living things, regardless of our special gifts or abilities. 

Voice actors from Disney Animation’s Encanto return to Casita to lend their voices, including Stephanie Beatriz, Jessica Darrow, and Diane Guerrero, playing the roles of Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabella, respectively. A behind-the-scenes video of them recording was shared for the crowd, with Jessica explaining that “it’s sort of a perfect film to take all these colors and excitement out of and allow audiences to immerse themselves in it.” 

Another helpful tidbit we learned? There will be no height requirement for the attraction, so it’s a fun family-friendly item to add to your Animal Kingdom itinerary. 

What Will the Encanto Attraction Be Like?

Jared shared that one of the most fun parts of working with Imagineers on this project has been to expand the world of Encanto as we know it by creating new parts of the Madrigal house you never see in the film. Since the attraction takes place on Antonio’s gift day, a sacred and special occasion for the family, riders are invited to Casita as part of a cheerful celebration. 

When guests enter the house, they’ll board a ride vehicle meant to represent the different pieces of furniture assembled by the power of Casita to carry Guests through the rooms. They feel lively and dynamic, reacting like characters themselves to the scenes unfolding around you, which feels so perfectly representative of what is felt from the film. 

Jared showed a new rendering that details how guests will move through the house, eventually ending upstairs in Antonio’s room. The space has been transformed into a verdant rainforest, overflowing with animal species of many shapes and sizes. In total, there are more than 50 animals represented inside the attraction, and we got a first glimpse at some of them in action, including a very cute capybara receiving a hair trim, along with a toucan and donkey. 

Imagineer Joan Hartwig had previously given us an inside look at the research trip that the team had taken to Colombia, where they saw firsthand how certain colors, materials, and structures interact with things like climate, terrain, and the overall culture of the region. This mission of telling authentic stories with extreme care and attention to detail is present throughout the entire project process – we learned that Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Team to make sure all of the animals included in the attraction are accurate to Colombia. 

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August 16, 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.

Announced at D23: New Mom and Dad 

Kicking off the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, host Neil Patrick Harris told the crowd at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that two new voice additions would be joining the show, stepping into the iconic roles of mom and dad. Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy-winning actor Bryan Cranston pick up the mantle as the attraction is updated for a new generation of fans.  

Neil also shared a look at one of the new scenes, set in the 1980s, showing us exactly where this iconic family is headed next.

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August 16, 2026

During “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, Neil Patrick Harris brought a few special guests out to tell us about the new sights coming soon to Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

“Welcome to Monstropolis,” written by Disney Legend, Randy Newman, is the first song that Randy has composed for a Disney theme park, and you’ll hear it next year when Monstropolis opens to humans.

That’s right, while work continues on the door coaster, parts of Monstropolis will open to guests in 2027. Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, and Chris Beatty, Vice President, Walt Disney Imagineering, were played onto the stage to talk about the dynamic moments and locations you’d expect to see in Monstropolis.

Glob Theater

Chris explained that humans are invited to attend a new show at the Glob Theater, titled “Welcome to Monstropolis,” just like Randy Newman’s new song.

Chris also revealed that the monsters in the show will introduce humans to Monstropolis, and highlight how similar monsters and humans really are.

“Mike and Sulley will be our hosts,” Chris said. “Sulley has been working on a small, homespun show, but Mike – ever the showman – has a few surprises up his sleeve that he thinks will bring down the house. Hopefully not literally.”  

Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza

People and monsters all love pizza, and Monstropolis’ top-rated pizza will be your go-to place to grab a slice. Humans may recognize Archie, Fear Tech’s beloved six-legged mascot, but after years of being “borrowed” by mischievous MU students, he’s become a fan favorite on both campuses.

Next door, the Monsters University Alumni Club has also opened its doors to human visitors eating at Archie’s.

Monsters University Alumni Club

Head on down for a who’s who of all the student clubs, fraternities, and sororities at MU. Chris said you’ll even find a tribute worth browsing. “Inside the Alumni Club is the elite Scarer’s Club, honoring the school’s legendary scarers from years past.”

Scareporium

And you’ll want a little something to commemorate your visit to Monstropolis. The Scareporium, as Chris said, will be, “… a shop where all of us human tourists can grab a great souvenir to remember our visit.”

Harryhausen’s Restaurant

Michael also showed off the dining location everyone has been waiting for, the location of one of Mike and Celia’s most unforgettable dates.

With a new menu to lay your eyes on (whether you have one, two, or ten), a visit to Harryhausen’s will spotlight the famed sushi chef, brought to life here as a new Audio-Animatronics figure. Watch his many tentacles whip up delicious-looking Monster-worthy creations, but don’t worry, there’s more than just sushi on the menu.

Michael said that it will be, “A menu unlike anything else we offer at Walt Disney World. It will be a great place to bring your Schmoopsie-poo for a romantic meal.”

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August 16, 2026

First Look: Disney Believe Grand Hall and More 

Setting sail in late 2027, the Disney Believe promises new one-of-a-kind venue concepts and entertainment experiences that will be shaped by some of Disney’s most beloved stories, including Disney Animation’s “Encanto,” “Frozen,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Moana” and “The Little Mermaid.” 

Claire Weiss, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, took to the D23 stage to spotlight new details about the Disney Believe during the event’s highly anticipated Horizons: D23 Disney Experiences Showcase. The announcement included a first look at plans for the ship’s Grand Hall and distinct exterior artwork, including character sculpture models for the ship’s stern and artwork that will be embossed on its bow.

Like its sister ships – the Disney Wish, the Disney Treasure and the Disney Destiny – the Disney Believe’s Grand Hall will serve as a central gathering space for guests, themed to a beloved Disney story. Onboard the Disney Believe, the Grand Hall will be infused with the optimistic spirit of exploration from Disney Animation’s “Moana” films.  

A bronze cast statue of Moana, accompanied by her faithful companions Pua and Heihei, will be a focal point inside the venue, gazing proudly toward new horizons. The never-before-seen rendering also hinted at influences from the film’s idyllic South Pacific setting, which will be layered with artisanal Polynesian finishes that honor the cultural traditions of the region.

The whimsical details designed for the Disney Believe’s exterior hull were also unveiled. Following a well-established Disney Cruise Line tradition, each new build, including the Disney Believe, features its own unique character artwork, adding nostalgic touches of Disney magic to every ship.   

A new rendering showcased larger-than-life sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear hitching a ride on the Disney Believe’s stern. The dependable duo from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” films will appear working together to etch the ship’s name across the back of the vessel with large yellow crayons. In place of the classic looped calligraphy seen stamped across the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Woody and Buzz will opt for playful lettering that mimics the franchise’s famous block-style font. 

D23 attendees and livestream viewers also learned that the Disney Believe’s bow will be decorated with a delicate, hand-painted filigree of Tinker Bell as she first appeared in the Walt Disney Animation Studios 1953 classic “Peter Pan.” The spunky fairy will be flanked by the silhouettes of Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook and other characters from the film flying amid the swirling design.  

“This ship celebrates belief in magic, family, the power of nature, and belief in yourself,” Claire told the audience. “And all the stories we tell onboard will be tied together by the core Disney notion of believing in something fantastical.” 

 

Disney Cruise Line Shares First Look at New Class of Ships

The Disney Experiences Showcase, Horizons: A Carousel of Progress also provided a sneak peek at the entirely new class of ships Disney Cruise Line will debut in 2029.

Announced during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa back in 2024, Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet to 13 over the coming years. The Disney Believe, setting sail in 2027, will be the fourth ship in the Wish class. After that, it’s time for a new story at sea with the launch of three new ships in a brand-new class.

While details are still locked away in a treasure chest, these three ships will introduce an entirely new class to the fleet and occupy a unique place in Disney Cruise Line’s growing lineup. Positioned in size between Disney’s classic ships and its newer vessels, this class opens the door to exciting possibilities for future itineraries and experiences around the globe.

The new ships are “right in the middle of our classic ships and our newer ones. That gives us some amazing opportunities to visit new places and reach brand new audiences we haven’t before.” For those unfamiliar with the size and scale of a Disney Cruise Line ship, that translates to bigger than the Disney Wonder, but smaller than the Disney Wish!

That sweet spot in size gives Disney Cruise Line even more flexibility as it continues to grow around the world, bringing unforgettable vacations to new destinations and welcoming even more families aboard.

August 16, 2026

Yesterday’s tomorrow, today! On stage during the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress Disney Experiences showcase Chairman Thomas Mazloum announced some very exciting news for Disneyland Resort: a reimagining of Tomorrowland in Disneyland park is in the works!

The transformation of Tomorrowland will honor the legacy of the original land while reimagining its future. Disneyland Resort will strive to preserve what guests cherish most, while also introducing new experiences and possibilities for the next generation of fans.

Walt Disney Imagineers are already beginning to dream up the next chapter of innovation and storytelling for Tomorrowland with new attractions, more open spaces and new places for Disneyland guests to dream about the future. The plans for Tomorrowland will restore the spirit of optimism, innovation and possibility that inspired Walt Disney to create “a vista into a world of wondrous ideas…” in 1955 and have defined this land for decades.

We cannot wait to reveal more about the plans for the transformation of Tomorrowland in the years ahead!