All the News (that's fit to post) with Disney

I know, I know -- it's been a minute. As Ferris Bueller would say, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” While I was enjoying the last month of summer, Disney dropped lots of news that is set to make the next couple years really exciting.

Let's start with the Lounge News: The Beak and Barrel, an all-new "Pirates of the Caribbean" themed lounge in Adventureland, opens to the public TODAY! Reports are that is pretty amazing, with immerisive theming and (mostly) great food and drinks. The launch was a rocky, with the reservation system crashing the entire advanced dining reservations system the first go-round in mid-August. (Disney IT for the win again. I'm not sure why such a sophisticated and on-the-ball company like Disney has such a rough and sensitive IT system, but what do I know....) In any case, early reports are that it's a fun time. One of my fellow Fantastical Vacations agents was able to go to a media preview (check out @travelwithmouw on Instagram), and said that the rum drinks were excellent (and a 'good pour'), to definitely try out the Golden Nugget Caramel Corn, and maybe skip the chips. But the big highlight was the theming, the back story in the Map Room, and easter egg references everywhere you look. Definitely on my list for next time I get to Magic Kingdom!

Elsewhere in the Magic Kingdom, construction is moving along on the re-do of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and much of Frontierland is behind construction walls as Tom Sawyer Island is replaced with a new Cars attaction.

What else is going on around the World? Well, in Epcot, one of my favorite iconic rides is finally down for an overhaul. Spaceship Earth was supposed to have closed for a long refurb in May 2020, but we all know what was going on then. As of August 25th, my beloved Phoenicians will be unavailable for at least a couple months. Right now it's listed as being closed through October, 2025 -- while I recognize the ride definitely needs a refresh, it's a bummer that it may not be open the next time I am visiting. I'm sure it will be worth the wait (although my 'future self' planning may never look the same again! IYKYK).

In Animal Kingdom, Dinoland is bereft of everything except Dinosaur, while construction on the new Tropical Americas accelerates. Honestly I like Dinosaur, but I can't wait for the Indiana Jones ride that's coming. This is a great re-do, in my opinion. Dinoland was never a place I spent much time except to quickly ride Dinosaur. I'm looking forward to the new land. And also, my absolute least favorite attraction ever (sorry, I was definitely a hater on this one) Tough to be a Bug is now replaced by Zooptopia, Better Zoogether, located within the Tree of Life. I really do love Zootopia (I mean the song Try Anything is one of my 'raise the mojo' running songs) so this is a great change. (TBH, anything would be...but I do love this choice.)

And in Hollywood Studios, construction on Monstropolis and the new coaster where Muppets Courtyard used to be is 'moving right along' (sorry, not sorry, I couldn't resist that one). The Muppets will move over to host Rockin Rollercoaster with Electric Mayhem in 2026. Aerosmith will keep rockin' until the end of 2025. Personally, I am ambivalent about this coaster (it took my friends a LONG TIME to get me on it) and I don't love Aerosmith particularly, but I'll definitely go for the Muppets. Together with the (now not so) new Villains Show back there and TOT, it's a dead-end bottleneck fave destination. Plan accordingly.

Ok, from the land to the sea. This is getting long so I'll try and keep it concise. Disney Cruise Line just released itineraries through May 2027 and they include some pretty major destination changes for several ships. Here's a basic summary (citations to Disney Parks Blog for the information and text):

The Disney Magic will kick off the sailing season in October 2026 from San Diego, California, before heading to Galveston, Texas, in November. Its sister ship, the Disney Wonder will make its way to San Diego in October 2026 as well, offering everything from three- to seven-night sailings through April 2027. In early May, the Wonder will reposition to Vancouver, ostensibly in advance of the Alaska cruise season.

The Disney Dream will begin fall 2026 porting from Fort Lauderdale, and then make its way to Port Canaveral, and its sister ship he Disney Fantasy will call on Disney Castaway Cay, Disney Lookout Cay and Nassau between October 2026 and May 2027.

The three newest ships in the fleet are all in Florida: the Disney Wish is still porting from Port Canaveral through May 2027, and the Disney Treasure will also port from Port Canaveral between October 2026 to May 2027. The Disney Destiny, joining the family in November of 2025, will port out of Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, and Western Caribbean.

Finally, the Disney Adventure will be setting sail later this year, will return with three- and four-night cruises from Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore from October to December 2026. At the moment, the ship won't make any port stops so all the cruises will be entirely sea days.

I'll post more about other destinations and repositioning cruises (transatlantic, European/Mediterranean cruises, and more) in future posts.

Well if you're still with me, thank you! This has been one of those "throw spaghetti at the wall" kinds of posts. Please fill out a quote request form, or just email me directly, to talk about how I can help you plan your next amazing trip.

From the Nicole the Travel Nerd's desk, have a magical day!

Cruises, Lounges, & more!