DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Tropical Americas Land Update; Rock ‘n’ Previews Announced; Exciting New Dining at Disney Springs; Transportation Expansion & More
Things are starting to heat up at Disney World, literally. This week has brought record breaking temperatures to Orlando, and some news stories as well. Disney provided and update on Tropical Americas Land, the new land coming to Animal Kingdom that replaces Dinoland. Disney also announced previews of the re-themed Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster and the new version of Soarin’. There’s an exciting new food option coming to Disney Springs this summer. Also, Disney is expanding its fleet of ferry boats ahead of the major expansion of Magic Kingdom. All this and more in this week’s new roundup.
1 – Disney Provides Update on New Tropical Americas Land
There’s so much construction going on right now around Disney World it can be hard to keep track. It’s been a while since we’ve had an update on the new land over at Animal Kingdom. Planned to open in 2027, the new Tropical Americas land replaces Dinoland which closed permanently on February 2, 2026. The land is inspired by South and Central America along with parts of Mexico. Disney recently provided an update on the new land along with some background on the process of bringing this next adventure to life.
2 – Disney World Announces Previews for Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster and Soarin’ Across America
The re-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets and brand new Soarin’ Over America debut later this month. We can’t wait experience them both. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait quite as long as we thought. Disney World has announced previews coming for both attractions.
3 – Exciting New Dining Option Coming to Disney Springs
Shopping may be the activity most people think of when it comes to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, but it really shines when it comes to dining. Disney Springs is home to so many fantastic dining options, is it even possible to make the dining line up better? Turns out the answer is yes.
4 – New Passholder Magnet Now Available
It’s the little things in life, like Walt Disney World Passholder magnets. Our collection of passholder magnets covers most of our refrigerator door. Probably yours does too. The newest passholder magnet is now at Creations Shop in EPCOT. The current magnet features Sherrif Woody and Buzz Lightyear and can be picked up during normal park operating hours now through July 31 while supplies last.
5 – Disney World Adding New Ferry Boat
Ferry boat or monorail? This is one of the big life questions Disney World fans agonize over. The correct answer of course is both, and it depends on the line. The ferry boat may soon have an edge. Disney World has been making consistent investments in the last few years in ferry boat transportation with the addition and expansion of the docks at the Transportation and Ticket Center and at Magic Kingdom. Now, Disney World is making a big investment with the addition of a new ferry boat.
6 – Animal Kingdom Welcomes More Babies!
Who doesn’t love a good baby photo? Well, just as adorable are baby photos from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Just in time for Mother’s Day, we have some adorable new baby photos.
7 – Disney World Invests $1.3 Million In Local Education, Brings Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Preview to Five Central Florida Schools
While those of us who call Orlando home know well, many guests who visit from elsewhere around the world many not be aware of how active the Disney Company and the cast members of Walt Disney World are in the local community. Disney is especially active in supporting local school systems and other educational efforts around the Central Florida area. Disney continues that commitment this spring with the announcement of a $1.3 million investment in schools in five different Central Florida counties.
8 – Disney Musicals in Schools Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Arts Education in Orlando
Ten years, dozens of schools and countless first-time theatre debuts later, Disney Musicals in Schools continues to expand access to arts education in Central Florida elementary schools through a unique collaboration between Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Disney World and Disney Theatrical Group. The program provides free scripts, performance materials and coaching to help launch sustainable theater programs and stage schools’ first productions.
As Disney Musicals in Schools celebrates 10 years of theatre programming in Orlando, student participants from Orange and Osceola counties were invited to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to make their big debut on Walt Disney Theater stage and perform numbers they’ve been working on for months as part of the program. The Student Share event gives participants the opportunity to perform on stage in a professional venue and experience the joy of bringing Disney stories to life for their friends, families and more than 200 Disney VoluntEARS who showed up to support them.
“A decade in, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when students are given the space to create,” said Ryan Simpson, education director at Dr. Phillips Center. “Through our partnership with Disney, we’ve helped schools across Central Florida build lasting theatre programs that go beyond teaching performance – they shape how young people see themselves and the world around them.”
Access to arts education changes lives, and Disney and Dr. Phillips Center help make it possible through the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Dr. Phillips Center delivers the program to Central Florida schools, with financial support from Disney World. Both teams know that behind every performance is a student finding their voice, a teacher gaining confidence and a school discovering new possibilities, all made possible through this 10-year collaboration.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
March 4-June 1 – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Click here for dates & details on the 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival
Now Open – Zootopia: Better Together – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Click here to learn more about the story of Zootopia: Better Together and learn the opening date.
Now Open – Beak & Barrel Tavern, Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
Click here to step inside the upcoming Beak & Barrel coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here for a look at the menus at the Beak and Barrel.
Now Running – Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Click here to learn more at Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away at Magic Kingdom.
Coming to Walt Disney World
Click here to learn more about the updates on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Click here to learn more about Soarin’ Across America coming this summer.
Click here to learn more about The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
May 26-September 8 – Cool Kid Summer
Click here for full details on all the 2026 Cool Kid Summer special offerings and activities.
Click here for Cool Kid Summer sales offerings.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Disney Destiny
Click here to view our Day 1 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to view our Day 2 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to view our Day 3 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to learn about the Disney Destiny’s Christening Ceremony.
Click here for “Family Dining on the Disney Destiny – What You Need to Know”
Click here for 10 Character Encounters on the Disney Destiny You Don’t Want to Miss!
Itineraries in 2025-2026
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 itineraries; now booking!
Click here to learn more about the 2026 summer itineraries with Disney Cruise Line.
Click here to learn more about the fall 2026 and spring 2027 itineraries for Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2026!
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2026.
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.