DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: 2026 Packages & Discounts; Candlelight Processional Narrators; New Sauced Chicken Strips; After Hours Event Details & More
As we head into October, Walt Disney World is looking toward holiday offerings and early 2026. We recently learned about the lineup of narrators for the 2025 Candlelight Processional, which includes some great new narrators. Disney announced the 2026 Disney After Hours dates and released new discounts on 2026 packages and room rates. We have updates on two animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as more news in this week’s roundup. Learn more below!
1 – 2026 Packages with Discounts Now on Sale for Walt Disney World
Planning on visiting Walt Disney World in early 2026? Then you’ll want to check out the new discounts and sales announced this week! Visit the link below to learn more about how you can save money on your next trip to Walt Disney World.
Click here to learn about the 2026 packages with discounts now on sale for Walt Disney World.
2 – 2025 Candlelight Processional Narrators Announced
One of Walt Disney World Resort’s most cherished holiday traditions is set to make its dazzling return. The Candlelight Processional will once again light up the stage during the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, running from November 28 through December 30.
3 – Disney Announces 13 New Sauced Chicken Strips Coming to Walt Disney World
Chicken strip lovers rejoice! Disney Eats has announced thirteen new chicken strip variations coming to Walt Disney World in October. Learn more about what’s coming at the link below.
Click here to learn about the new chicken strip options coming to Walt Disney World.
4 – 2026 Disney After Hours Dates Revealed
Disney After Hours returns to Walt Disney World Resort in 2026, offering late-night adventures. These separately ticketed events offer guests the chance to visit Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT after they officially close for the day. Guests attending the events experience shorter wait times for attractions, can meet characters, and indulge in unlimited snacks. Visit the link below to learn about event dates and pricing for 2026 After Hours events.
Click here to learn about 2026 Disney After Hours events.
5 – Honoring the Life and Legacy of Gino the Gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Sad news from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Gino, an original resident of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has passed away at the age of 44. He leaves an incredible legacy behind. Learn more about this amazing animal at the link below.
Click here to learn about the life and legacy of Gino the gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
6 – Bakso the Tiger Turns One at Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently celebrated the first birthday of Bakso, the Sumatran tiger who has delighted guests since his birth and debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek last year. Learn more about his birthday celebrations at the link below.
Click here to learn more about Bakso the tiger and his first birthday celebration.
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.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
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.
August 15-October 31, Select Nights – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Click here for our review and what you need to know about 2025 Mickey’s No-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Click here for where to find characters at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
August 28 – November 22 – 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
Click here for what you need to know about the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!
Click here to see photos of all of the menu boards with pricing and Disney Dining Plan designations.
Click here to view the full menu lineup for the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
Click here to learn about the Eat to the Beat Concert Series Lineup and Dining Package details.
Coming to Walt Disney World
15 Changes Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and Beyond.
November 7 – Zootopia: Better Together – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Click here to learn more about the story of Zootopia: Better Together and learn the opening date.
November 7 – December 21, Select Nights – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Click here for the dates and details for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2025.
November 8 – December 21, Select Nights – Disney Jollywood Nights
Click here for the dates and details of Disney Jollywood Nights in 2025.
November 14 – December 31 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
November 28-December 30 – EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
Click here to get the dates and details for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
2026
Click here to learn more about the updates on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Click here to learn more about The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here to learn more about the major changes coming to Space Ranger Spin at Disney World.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
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
Itineraries in 2025-2026
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.
Click here to learn more about the fall 2026 and spring 2027 itineraries for 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.
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.