DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: AP Park Reservation Rule Change; 2 New Shows; New Parade; New Spaceship Earth Lounge; New Summer Offerings & More
This week, the summer season kicked off at Walt Disney World with two new shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, limited-time summer activities for families, and we finally got an opening date for the highly anticipated nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom this summer. Learn more about these stories and more below.
1 – Two New Shows Debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Two all-new live entertainment shows, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” have debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The shows blend timeless tales, wicked fun, and dazzling light displays through stunning performances and breathtaking visuals. We saw both shows as part of a media preview and really enjoyed them both. Fans of The Little Mermaid will love the new show, and villain fans will absolutely love the new villain show. Both are worth checking out! Get a look at the new shows at the link before.
Click here for photos from The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure.
Click here for photos from Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
2 – Opening Date for New Nighttime Parade – Disney Starlight – Announced
Main Street, U.S.A., will shine brighter than ever when the all-new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” makes its debut at Magic Kingdom Park! This week, Disney finally announced the opening date of the parade! Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn the opening date of the new nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom!
3 – A Look Inside GEO-82 – New Lounge Coming to Spaceship Earth
We recently got a sneak peek inside the upcoming GEO-82, the new lounge coming to Spaceship Earth exclusively for guests 21 and older. We loved the theming and nods to Spaceship Earth all around the lounge and really loved the large windows in the back of the lounge, which brought in a lot of light, so the lounge was not too dark (and gloomy). Best of all, the windows gave gorgeous views of World Celebration Gardens. We had a chance to sample two drinks and two small bites, and all were fantastic. This space will be in high demand during the day and evening for fireworks views. Advanced reservations are required and can be made on the My Disney Experience app. Visit the links below for photos and videos of our time in the lounge!
Click here to view our Instagram Story with photos and videos of our time in the lounge.
4 – Cool Kid Summer Kicks Off at Walt Disney World
This summer, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida dazzles with even more magical experiences for the whole family with the debut of Cool Kid Summer —a limited-time celebration packed with new, whimsical entertainment and unforgettable fun for kids and the kid at heart. From May 27 to September 1, 2025, families can immerse themselves in exciting shows, interactive games, and enchanting surprises throughout the four theme parks and select resort hotels. We had a chance to experience some of the activities offered for Cool Kid Summer and had a blast. Learn more at the link below.
5 – Dates and Details for the 2025 Disney Springs Flavors of Florida
Disney Springs Flavors of Florida is coming back in 2025! We’ve got the dates and more details about this fun food festival at the link below.
Click here to learn the dates and details about the 2025 Disney Springs Flavors of Florida!
6 – New Reservation Rule Announced for Magic Kingdom Beginning in July for Annual Passholders
Disney has announced a temporary change to the annual passholder park reservation system that will take effect next month. Beginning July 20, 2025, annual passholders must now have a park reservation to visit Magic Kingdom, even after 2:00 p.m. The current policy states that after 2:00 p.m., passholders do not need a reservation. However, with the new nighttime parade beginning, Disney is anticipating large crowds, so passholders wishing to visit Magic Kingdom must have a reservation. Do note that park hopping to Magic Kingdom is still allowed, subject to availability. So, if you visit another park first (or can’t get a Magic Kingdom reservation), you can make a park reservation at another park, visit that park first, and then head over to Magic Kingdom. The bottom line is that if you are an annual passholder and want to catch the parade, be sure to make your Magic Kingdom park reservation as early as possible.
7 – Disney Cruise Line Disney Destiny Update – Music Recording for “Disney Hercules”
The Disney Destiny is sailing this November and we’ve got an update about the upcoming show “Disney Hercules.” Here is the update from Disney:
Show development for “Disney Hercules” is in full swing! Earlier this month, Disney Live Entertainment traveled to Nashville, Tenn. to record the music for the new Broadway-style stage show, debuting exclusively on the Disney Destiny.
A small group of singers from Orlando, Fla. joined forces with a 17-voice choir of some of Nashville’s greatest gospel singers to reimagine the iconic soundtrack from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film with a soulful, high-energy twist. A fresh take on the musical arrangements was brought to life by an orchestra of nearly 70 talented musicians, plus a 10-piece marching band drumline.
The group dedicated more than 50 hours to producing the 55-minute soundtrack for the show, which includes an all-new theatrical rendition of “Shooting Star” – a song originally written for the film that didn’t make the final cut! With the music complete, the team will continue developing show elements like props, choreography and costumes in preparation for future cruise guests this November.
8 – Veteran Portraits by President George W. Bush Extended through 2026 at EPCOT
An exhibit in The American Adventure will remain for another year! Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Cappy Surette:
In line with Disney’s commitment to creating happiness for veterans, military service members and their families, we’re excited to announce that the Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit was recently extended and will remain at Walt Disney World Resort for guests to enjoy through Spring 2026!
“I am grateful these portraits of our nation’s service members, painted by their former Commander-in-Chief, will continue to be available for guests to view at the American Adventure Pavilion at Disney’s EPCOT,” said Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute. “Sharing veterans’ stories reminds all of us of their incredible courage, sacrifice, and resilience in defense of our nation – and of their continued contributions to our communities beyond their time in uniform.”
Pres. George W. Bush Portraits of Courage
The exhibit by former U.S. President George W. Bush brings together more than 60 vibrant oil portraits of service members and veterans who have served with honor since 9/11, and whom he has come to know personally since leaving office.
Our enduring appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces is a legacy that started with our founders—Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both proudly served their country during World War I—making the American Adventure Pavilion the perfect home for the collection.
Honoring Veterans Across the Country
Now, a new special, Our America: Portraits of Courage, tells these stories in-depth.
In celebration of National Military Appreciation Month, observed each May, Disney, ABC and the George W. Bush Institute will spotlight four veterans featured in the collection: Matthew S. Ayers, Andrew Bachelder, Brian Flom and Michael “Rod” Rodriguez.
The special dives into each service member’s journey, with President Bush’s reflections on the portraits and his ongoing work to support veterans.
hese include tales of valiant service on the battlefield, resilience in recovering from injury to the continued leadership and contributions they make in their post-military careers.
The special is available on ABC News Live, Localish Networks and Hulu.
Military Hero Visits Portrait at EPCOT
One of the service members featured in the exhibit and new special is U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew S. Ayers, who had the opportunity to view his portrait during a recent family trip to Walt Disney World with his 17-year-old daughter Isabella and wife Deborah.
Sgt. Ayers has proudly served our country since 2003, starting in the U.S. Navy Reserve before transferring to the U.S. Army National Guard as a combat medic with the 19th Special Forces Group. Today, he continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Before spending a fun day at EPCOT, the trio explored the exhibit, while Sgt. Ayers shared stories about his experiences with the George W. Bush Institute and his acquaintances who are also featured in the gallery.
Service is a Family Business
Disney Parks are places that create happiness and enduring family memories. This is especially important for military families to enjoy time together in between times of extended separations as part of military service.
For the Ayers family, this visit was particularly meaningful, as Isabella was able to view her father’s portrait in person for the first time.
“Having the exhibit at Disney, you’re going to get people from all over the world that see it. I hope that they see that it’s something special,” said Sgt. Ayers. “Some of these guys lost some limbs, other guys ended up with traumatic brain injuries, and just to have some appreciation, that’s pretty cool.”
While he has largely recovered from his physical wounds, spending time with his family is one of the ways Sgt. Ayers continues to recover from the invisible wounds he acquired while deployed overseas. You can learn more about Sgt. Ayers’ story in the special, Our America: Portraits of Courage.
The Portraits of Courage exhibit includes information and resources created to support post 9/11 veterans such as Check-In, a tool that connects veterans, service members and their families to no cost, high-quality, mental and brain healthcare. To learn more about Check-In, visit Veterancheckin.org.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now – June 2 – EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
Click here for the 11 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at the 2025 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
Click here for the Menus for the 20205 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
Now to September 1 – Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World
Coming to Walt Disney World
14 Changes Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and Beyond
D23 Horizons Projects Announced for Walt Disney World
Click here to learn more about the Villains’ land coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here to learn more about the Cars expansion in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!
Click here to learn more about Tropical Americas Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the lounges coming to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT!
Click here to learn more about Test Track reopening in 2025.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Now Open – Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – DCL’s Newest Private Island
Click here for an overview of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and what you need to know.
Click here for the menus for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Disney Treasure – Now Sailing
Click here for an overview of the Disney Treasure.
Click here for Dining on the Disney Treasure – What You Need to Know.
Upper Deck Fun on the Disney Treasure – What You Need to Know.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor on The Disney Treasure – Step into the Best Disney Cruise Line Venue Yet!
Entertainment on the Disney Treasure – What You Need to Know
Visit the links below to view our Instagram Story during our Preview Cruise to get a look at the Disney Treasure:
Itineraries in 2025-2026
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Lines’ summer 2025 itineraries.
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 itineraries; now booking!
Click here to learn more about the 2026 summer itineraries with Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Destiny – Sailing November 2025
So Many Updates! 10 Exclusive Offerings Coming to the Disney Destiny That We’re Excited For
Everything New Coming to the Disney Destiny Sailing in November 2025
The Disney Destiny – An Overview of What You Can Expect on Disney Cruise Line’s Upcoming Ship
Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2025!
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2025.
D23 Horizons Announcements
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.