DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: New Hollywood Studios Attraction Opening Date; Holiday Party Tickets on Sale; Full D23 Schedule Details; New Resort Pool & More
Attraction opening dates, new pools and lobbies, D23 schedule, holiday party tickets and more below in this week’s Disney news roundup.
1 – Opening Date & Details Announced for New Hollywood Studios Experience
We’ve been watching the transformation of Animation Courtyard for some time and can’t wait for the centerpiece of the new area, The Magic of Disney Animation, to open with a slew of new offerings celebrating all things animation. The Magic of Disney Animation replaces Star Wars Launch Bay. We finally have an opening date along with tons of details, photos, and a map of all the new offerings.
2 – Disney Reveals Full D23 Schedule
D23: The Ultimate Fan Event is almost here! The 2026 installment of D23 will take place in Anaheim, August 14-16. In preparation, Disney has released the full schedule for the three-day event. D23 is often the site of major announcements on future park developments around the world, so expect some exciting news from the conference. We’ll be covering all the announcements from D23, so make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter.
3 – Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights Now on Sale
Tickets for the very popular after-hours holiday parties and Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are now on sale. If either of these events are part of your holiday plans, purchase your tickets soon as many dates sell out quickly.
For more information on the 2026 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, click here.
For more information on the 2026 Jollywood Nights, click here.
4 – Disney Unveils New Pool Area & Lobby at Fort Wilderness
We’ve enjoyed staying at Fort Wilderness more times over the years than we can count. Of all the Disney World resorts, Fort Wilderness has the widest variety of activities to enjoy, and is well worth visiting for a day of fun even if you aren’t staying there. Our only complaint has been the main pool area is a little small for the size of the resort. Great news! The pool area at Fort Wilderness has nearly doubled, and the front lobby just got a refresh as well.
5 – Reservations Open for Parisian Breakfast Buffet at Chef de France
Chefs de France is offering a special buffet breakfast experience on Saturdays and Sundays during the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. The breakfast is priced at $67.95 and can be booked on the Walt Disney World website.
6 – Ghirardelli’s Closes for Refurbishment
Ghirardelli’s at Disney Springs is now closed for refurbishment. The refurbishment is extensive and the location will not reopen until sometime in 2027. If you love Ghirardelli’s like us and can’t imagine going that long without a chocolate treat, don’t worry. A temporary location will be open during construction in the former Sprinkles location.
7 – Walk Up Option Added for Two In-park Lounges
If you’ve been wanted to check out the Pirates of the Caribbean inspired Beak and Barrel of the GOE-82 Lounge in Spaceship Earth, but weren’t able to get reservations, great news! Both locations will have walk up options moving forward. Join the walk up queue in the MyDisney App.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
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.
Now Open – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Staring the Muppets
Click here to learn more about the updates on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Now Open – Soarin’ Across America
Click here to learn more about Soarin’ Across America.
Click here for a behind the scenes look at the making of Soarin’ Across America.
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 Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here for full 2026 Eat to the Beat concert lineup.
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 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.