WDW Daily News

There is nothing like a visit to Walt Disney World, where first-timers and long-time visitors can do something new every day. And now, Disney World has a new deal to help guests do just that.

A New Way to Save

We always provide a wide variety of ticket, dining and hotel options, and promotional offers throughout the year, as part of our commitment to welcome as many families as possible.

Beginning Sept. 30, guests can save up to $250 per night on a 4-night or longer Disney Resort hotel stay when also purchasing a 4-day or longer theme park ticket. This Walt Disney Travel Company package deal is available for visits select nights between January 4 and July 25, 2026.

This deal is the perfect way to experience everything Walt Disney World has to offer. This room and ticket package gives guests the chance to stay at a Disney Resort hotel (which is like extending the magic of the theme parks to where they sleep) and see the latest our theme parks have to offer. 

For more information or to book your vacation, feel free to contact any Travel Agent at Wish Upon a Star with Us.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2026 MOONLIGHT MAGIC

Winter Season Event Dates (January – March)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom^® Theme Park: January 20
EPCOT^®: February 12
Disney California Adventure^® Park: February 23

Spring Season Event Dates (April – June)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios^®: April 22
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: June 25

Summer Season Event Dates (July – September)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios^®: July 20
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: August 4 and August 20
EPCOT^®: September 10

Visit DisneyVacationClub.com for more eligibility and registration details regarding the extra 2025 event dates and 2026 event dates.

Event and registration dates are subject to change.

September 18, 2025

The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is where cherished traditions from around the world come to life, and one of the most beloved traditions of all is the Candlelight Processional.

For guests whose holiday seasons aren’t complete without a mass choir of cast members and community singers, the incredible Voices of Liberty, a 50-piece orchestra, and the story of Christmas told by a celebrity narrator, it’s time to unwrap some exciting news: the 2025 Candlelight Processional lineup is here!

From film and television icons to award-winning performers, they’ll each bring something magical to the stage at America Gardens Theatre.

Want to know who’s bringing tidings of comfort and joy this year? Take a look:

Showtimes: 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. EST nightly at the America Gardens Theatre 

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages 

Guests who want to make their evening even more memorable can reserve a Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which includes a delicious meal and guaranteed seating for one of the three nightly performances. 

With options ranging from breakfast to dinner at participating restaurants, guests are sure to find a festive feast that fits their holiday plans. 

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages

• Choose from breakfast, lunch or dinner (selections will vary depending on the restaurant they choose)
• Entree and Dessert or buffet
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage or Alcoholic Beverage (for guests 21 and older)

After enjoying their festive meal, guests will receive a reserved seating badge for their reserved package showtime. While their seat is guaranteed, we still recommend arriving early for the best possible view within the reserved section.  

Bookings for dining packages open on October 14. For more details, visit DisneyWorld.com.

Whether it’s guests’ first time experiencing it or a cherished yearly tradition, the Candlelight Processional is the heart of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season alongside global traditions, seasonal bites, and festive cheer throughout the park. 

With so many holiday food options across the park, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Be sure to keep an eye out for this year’s Foodie Guide to plan the ultimate Festival of the Holidays celebration. 

New enhancements are coming to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, including special visits from The Fairy Godmother! Disney will also be rolling out new, simplified package options. These updates are coming in early October. 

Disney:

We know many Guests and travel advisors have been eagerly anticipating the debut of the Disney Adventure. This ship represents a bold new chapter for Disney Cruise Line, as we transform a partially built vessel into a fully reimagined Disney experience at sea.

As Disney Cruise Line brings this vision to life, we’ve encountered unexpected delays in the shipbuilding process. To ensure every detail meets the high standards your clients expect from Disney, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the Disney Adventure’s maiden voyage to March 10, 2026.

We regret that this change will affect upcoming sailings through March 12, 2026. We understand how disappointing this news may be for Guests and sincerely apologize for the impact on their vacation plans.

To that end, we would like to extend the following to impacted Guests:

• For Guests that were booked on the original maiden voyage, we would like to offer them the opportunity to sail on the new maiden voyage scheduled for March 10, 2026 at a 50% discount of their voyage fare.* No action is necessary if Guests are able to join us on this new sailing date. We will automatically shift their reservation to the new maiden voyage, and travel advisors can expect to receive a confirmation with an updated statement reflecting their reduced fare by October 8, 2025. If Guests are unable to sail on the new maiden voyage, we ask that travel advisors inform us by September 21, 2025 to request a refund of any amounts paid to Disney Cruise Line to the original form of payment. Guests may then use their 50% discount on a future cruise.
  
• For clients with bookings on all other cancelled sailings, we will automatically refund any amounts paid to Disney Cruise Line to the original form of payment and provide them with a 50% discount on their voyage fare for use on a future cruise. Their future cruise may be booked upon receipt of the cancellation confirmation of their original sailing.
  
• To use the future cruise discount, the future cruise must be booked by March 31, 2026, and must depart on or before March 31, 2027. Please see below for additional terms and limitations.
  
• The 50% future cruise discount will be notated and visible on each Guest account by October 8, 2025. If booking prior to this date, please note that the discount will not be visible at the time of booking. You will receive an updated confirmation statement reflecting this discount once it is applied, within 72 hours.
  
• As appreciation for travel advisors’ understanding, commissions that would have been payable on cancelled sailings will not be affected and, for new bookings made using the 50% future cruise discount, commission will be calculated using the discounted price (subject to Disney Cruise Line’s sales agreement and/or commission program terms and conditions).

If Guests or clients require any support in rebooking to new sail date, please call our Contact Center using one of the available telephone numbers on our website. Alternatively, travel advisors may email a request along with the guest’s full name and reservation number to dcl.reservations.apac@contact.disneycruiseline.com. New 2027 Disney Adventure sailings will be available to book beginning in March 2026.

Thank you again for your understanding. We can’t wait to welcome Guests aboard the Disney Adventure.

* The 50% future cruise discount is applicable only to the eligible Guest’s voyage fare for a new booking. It cannot be applied to existing bookings or any other costs or charges, including but not limited to, Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. You and/or the Guest are responsible for any balance due after the discount has been applied. The future cruise discount is non-transferable and has no cash value; it is valid only for the named Guest booked on the cancelled sailing as determined by Disney Cruise Line in its sole discretion. Once a reservation is made with the future cruise discount, no name changes will be allowed to the reservation; a name change will void the future cruise discount and the prevailing rate will be applied. The future cruise must be booked by March 31, 2026, and must depart on or before March 31, 2027. The future cruise discount is not combinable with any other offers or discounts, and it cannot be combined with another future cruise discount. Blockout dates apply. Limit one (1) future cruise discount per eligible Guest per cancelled sailing.  Subject to the Disney Cruise Line terms and conditions.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is growing, and Tropical Americas is set to open in 2027!

In order to make way for Tropical Americas and ensure our guests have the best possible experience, we have some updates happening:

• DinoLand U.S.A. will permanently close on February 2, 2026. This means the final day to experience DINOSAUR, The Dino Institute Shop, Restaurantosaurus, and Restaurantosaurus Lounge is February 1, 2026.
• This winter, Harambe Market will temporarily close to enable the location to begin serving these fan-favorite items when DinoLand closes. We expect the location to reopen in early 2026.
• Kali River Rapids will temporarily close October 6, 2025, and is expected to reopen in December 2025.
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! will remain open and available to guests.
• Donald, Daisy, Chip and Dale will continue greeting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

We look forward to having Tropical Americas open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027.

August 21, 2025

Are you ready. To. ROCK?!

If not, you have until next year to prepare, because Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets comes speeding into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026, fueled by the tasty tunes of the Electric Mayhem and the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets.

And even more exciting – today, we have electrifying new details to share about the colorful cast of characters you’ll meet while hanging around the recording studio.

The Electric Mayhem: One Night Only!

The Electric Mayhem are headlining their biggest Hollywood concert ever! Anyone who’s anyone is in attendance to witness Animal, Dr. Teeth, and the rest of this groove-tastic group rock the house down. There’s just one little problem: the band is nowhere to be found!

Across town at G-Force Records, we’re treated to a VIP tour of the legendary rock and roll recording studio. Things might look a little different around this Hollywood institution, as the label has recently come under new management – The Muppets!  We’re happy to say that our colorful crew has landed some new digs … with just a little help from Scooter’s uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse (he really puts the G in G-Force). Just wait until you see how they’ve made these hallowed halls their own, creating the perfect place to make sweet, sweet Muppet music together!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Courtyard

For fans of that big – really big – hilariously big guitar, you’ll be stoked to know that the newest residents of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are putting their own spin on that ruby red paint job.

A vibrant and psychedelic new design will grace the bottom of the guitar (inspired by a classic Muppet car paint job), and the piano motif at the base will feature a golden key as a nod to a certain far-out band leader.

Welcome to the Studio

With your VIP passes, you’ll be welcomed inside the recording studio, where – wouldn’t you know it – you’ll find the Electric Mayhem are cranking out some seriously rocking tunes. Along with the finest audio engineers (all penguins, of course) we’ll see Scooter doing his best to convince Electric Mayhem to stop jamming and get to their increasingly restless fans. But will it be enough to get the band across town and onstage in time?

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Roadtrip

With the help from our friends at Muppet Labs and a very fast limousine, we’ll take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time. The iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinseltown will feature a Muppet twist.

And throughout the journey, you’ll hear the Electric Mayhem playing some of the most iconic, rockin’ hits in your ears to keep the music and adrenaline pumping. Hopefully G Force Records will release a concert setlist soon!

There’s more to this Muppet-filled melody yet to come, so stay tuned for more news. In the meantime: rock on!

August 21, 2025

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! 

In 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.

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 in 2026, but you’ll need to hang on to your hats and keep an eye out for more news, comin’ soon!

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! brings some of our favorite stars to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park from the Walt Disney Animation Studios films Zootopia and Zootopia 2, including your favorite ZPD rookie cops, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Opening Date

It’s time to clap your paws and click your claws because the all-new new 4D show Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens Nov. 7 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

What to Expect at Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

When guests migrate over to the Tree of Life Theater, they’ll find they arrived just in time to the main stage for the Zoogether Day festivities with familiar furry faces and new friends, like Heidi Howler – a slick-talking wolf who hosts the Zoogether Day LIVE! broadcast with excitement, energy, and quite a bit of howling. Awooooo!

Zoogether Day, a celebration of unity amongst the diverse biomes across the city, will be recognized with special performances such as ice-skating spectaculars from the heart of Tundratown! Synchronized swimming direct from Marsh Market! Tiny mouse drone shows soaring over Little Rodentia! And of course, a musical finale by superstar Gazelle – all of which guests will see from the livestream watch party.

With talented cast from the films like Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman returning to lend their voices to these beloved characters, and contributions from filmmakers Jared Bush (who helped write the script) and Byron Howard (who directed the animation – all of which was done by the talented artists at Disney Animation) working closely with the Walt Disney Imagineering team to bring the attraction to life, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! brings us all deeper into the beautiful world of the animal metropolis explored in the original Zootopia as well as the new feature, Zootopia 2, coming to theaters November 26.

Speaking of diving deeper into the world of Zootopia, keep an eye out for more information coming later this fall about special previews for cast members, Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members alike. Now that’s something to howl about!

Judy and Nick Character Greetings at Animal Kingdom

Not only will guests see Judy and Nick at Zootopia: Better Zoogether! but the pair will be greeting at Discovery Island near the Tree of Life at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot.

Guests will find them sporting new looks from Zootopia 2, and they’ll be delighted to give you a hug and shake your paw.

Fun Fur the Whole Herd

This new 4D show at the heart of the Tree of Life is the perfect addition to a wild day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is a reminder that the natural world is profoundly interconnected, and we are no exception.

We are called to take actions and make choices that benefit our worlds – from Savanna Central and Tundratown to the far-flung corners of our beautiful planet.

So, get ready to slither, crawl, stampede and swim to Walt Disney World this November … all Zoogether!

Categories: Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Update on The Beak and Barrel Reservations – AUG. 17 UPDATE
Due to technical difficulties, reservations for The Beak and Barrel were postponed and reservations will now launch on August 20, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET. We apologize for the inconvenience. Guests and clients can check back on DisneyWorld.com for any additional updates.

Arrrr you ready for some news for foodies and pirates alike? We shore hope so because the moment everyone has been waiting for is here. The Beak and Barrel will be ready to welcome guests starting August 29, 2025, and we have a first look at the menu! 

This lively pirate pub is filled with flavor and fun. From seasoned swashbucklers to budding buccaneers of all ages, guests will want to check out this new location on their next trip to Magic Kingdom. 

All around, guests will be immersed in an adventure across the Seven Seas with nods to both the classic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and beloved films. As guests join the pirate fun, they will enjoy thirst-quenching tropical beverages, delicious small bites, sing-alongs, storytelling, and enchanting surprises. Learn more about the backstory of the lounge in our previous blog with details on the space.   

Reservations open on August 14, so guests should be sure to secure their spot or else they’ll have to walk the plank (just kidding). 

We think it’s time to crack open this treasure chest and sea what’s on the horizon at The Beak and Barrel! 

Beak and Barrel Food and Drink Menu

Pirates of all ages will be able to enjoy two tasty drink selections.  

The Treasure Trove

The first is the Treasure Trove, an imaginative non-alcoholic beverage cloaked in mystery. As guests sip on this mix of ube, lemon, and coconut, they can also snack on some sweet treats, like a vanilla cake plank, chocolate cannonball, and golden caramel popcorn. 

The Cursed Treasure

The other non-alcoholic sip is the Cursed Treasure. This features a delicious combination of coconut milk and cookie crumbs topped with vanilla foam and pirate’s gold cookie. It’s that iconic cookies and cream flavor, in drink form.  

Kraken’s Catch

Blimey! The adventurous foodies out there will have their eye on the Kraken’s Catch. This cold salad is quite unique with octopus tentacles – yes, you heard that right – marinated in lemon and lime juice and paired with olives, bell peppers, avocado, and Piquillo pepper-almond foam.  

Salty Seas mARRRgarita

For adult pirates, there’s quite the selection of refreshing, colorful cocktails to enjoy, like the Salty Seas mARRRgarita. This drink features Southeast Asian flavors, such as ube which gives it the striking purple color, as well as Lalo Blanco Tequilla, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime. 

Siren’s Whisper

We think we may hear a siren song drawing us to the next drink … The Siren’s Whisper will lure guests in with its captivating blue color and promises of eternal youth. It combines Pot & Column Still White Rum with citrus and spice. This sip was inspired by the Fountain of Youth, also known as the Aqua de Vida from the films. For the final drop of allure, the drink is topped with a special siren tear. 

Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes

The treasure map has led to the Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes. This warm corn cake is stuffed with melted cheese, lime sour cream, and chili peppers topped with cotija cheese. There are two paths guests can take on their foodie adventure – one with roasted corn and poblano peppers or one with chipotle-braised chicken.  

Barrels Ablaze

Next up, we’ve got the Barrels Ablaze. Guests with a taste for bourbon will find treasures with this one. It features Jack Daniel’s Bonded Bourbon, a hint of honey, and a dash of spice. 

Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale

Yo ho, yo ho, it’s the Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale for me. As guests sip, they’ll enjoy the lightly sweet and refreshing taste of this rum-based drink topped with prosecco. The bubbly effervescence combined with hibiscus, demerara and citrus will make guests feel like they’re charting the Atlantic.

Island Provisions

Once they taste it, pirates will soon be telling tales of Island Provisions. This dish takes flair and flavors from the Caribbean and Central America regions. Guests can grab their crew for this shareable bite with plantain chips, blue corn tortillas, and toasted flatbread served with various savory dips.   

Port of Call

Port of Call is the drink for those gin-loving pirates out there. This delightful sip brings the flavor. With London Dry Gin, Ruby Port, lemon juice, and spiced cranberry, guests will be wanting to live the pirate’s life.

Lit Fuse

Guests don’t need to search uncharted waters to find this next beverage. The Lit Fuse is quite the tasty concoction. With Los Siete Misterios Doba -Yej Meszal, and flavors of banana, coconut, and smoked chili bitters, this beverage will light up guests’ taste buds.

Plunderer’s Punch

Where’s the rum gone? Into the Plunderer’s Punch! It has Kraken Black Spiced Rum, blackberry, vanilla, and a hint of citrus. For some added treasure for guests to take home, this sip comes in a souvenir pirate skull mug. This special loot is limited to one per guest. 

Wines and Exclusive Draft Beers

Finally, for the beer buccaneers out there, they’ll be impressed with this lineup, savvy? The Beak and Barrel will be home to exclusive draft beer, including Victory Brewing Co. Pirate’s Paradise Blonde Ale and Wicked Weed Brewing Berried Treasure Session Sour, as well as bottled and canned lager and IPAs, such as Modelo Especial Lager, Red Stripe Lager, and Bell’s Two Hearted IPA. 

The wine connoisseurs will also be saying, “shiver me timbers,” with wine by the glass options from various places across the seven seas available. These include the Spice Route ‘Chakalaka’ Red Blend, Quinta de Santiago Vinho Verde, and the Viarae Prosecco. 

The Beak and Barrel Merchandise Sneak ‘Beak’

For some fun guests can take home, there’s even some special keepsakes available for purchase. To be dressed in their pirate best, there will be a new T-shirt inspired by The Beak and Barrel and a Parrot Shoulder Plush. Guests can check out the store next door, Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, to find these treasures!

With these tasty adventures, the possibilities are endless when visiting Disney Parks. Check out our page to stay in-the-know on all the yummy items on the way. 

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)