DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: New Resort Details; New Passholder Perks; Special Eats; Sippers & Popcorn Buckets; DCL Sale Alert & More

Interesting news out of Disney this week. There are more perks coming for Disney World passholders as part of the V.I.Passholder summer events, and we got a look at artwork and details on a new resort opening next year. Disney released dates and details on the 2026 H2O Glow Nights along with a reveal of a bunch of special treats and novelty items coming in May for Star Wars days. Disney Cruise Line announced a big sale, and there is news on a couple of live shows around the parks. All this and more in this week’s news roundup.

 

1 – NEWS: New Resort Coming – Disney World Provides Artwork & First Details

Disney World’s next resort may be its most beautiful yet. Under construction for some time now, Disney has provided artwork and details on the new Disney Lakeshore Lodge, a resort that celebrates the wonder of nature.

Click here for full details and artwork.

2 – NEWS: Two New Passholder Perks are Coming This Summer

V.I.Passholder days start in a week, and the summer celebration of Disney World’s most loyal fans will feature a host of special merchandise, huge dining discounts, events, perks and more. Disney World has confirmed two more perks are being added for annual passholders.

Click here for full details.

3 – NEWS: Special Eats, Popcorn Buckets, Drinks & Sippers Revealed for Star Wars Day (and beyond) at Disney World

For Star Wars fans there is no bigger day of the year that May 4^th, unofficially known as Star Wars Day. Fortunately, celebrations aren’t long ago in a galaxy far, far away. They’re right around the corner taking place all over Walt Disney World. Disney has revealed some special Star Wars inspired food and drink offerings along with some awesome popcorn buckets and sippers. These are going to go fast!

Click here for full details & photos. And May the 4^th be with you.

4 – NEWS: Disney Announces Dates & New Details for H2O Glow Nights

H2O Glow Nights is a special ticketed event held at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on select summer nights. There is a laundry list of special offerings, complimentary snacks and more during the evening along with short wait times (or walk-ons) for even the most popular attractions. This is a great way to experience a Disney water park (plus no sunscreen required!). H2o Glow nights return soon, and these events do sell out.

Click here for full details.

 

5 – SALE ALERT: Kids Sail 50% Off on Disney Cruise Line

We’ve said it about a million times, but we LOVE sailing with Disney Cruise Line! It’s only been two months since our last cruise, but it feels like about ten years. If you haven’t yet experienced a voyage on a Disney Cruise Line cruise you really need to make this your next family vacation. Disney Cruise Line is making it a little easier to make that dream a reality with a new sales offer perfect for families.

Click here for full details.

6 – New Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run Poster Featuring the Mandalorian & Grogu Revealed

A new mission is coming to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22, 2026. The new mission features the Mandalorian and Grogu. The new mission will be released on the same day Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters. In anticipation, Disney has released a new attraction poster. Yeah, we’re excited.

7 – Disney Jr. Micky Mouse Clubhouse Live! Showtimes Released

A new live stage show aimed at Mickey’s younger pals is coming to the all-new Walt Disney Studios courtyard area at Hollywood Studios on May 26, 2026. Inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Jr., the new show will feature original songs, interactive elements, character appearances, and lots of ear-splitting screaming. There will be eight shows a day.

• 10:15am
• 11:05am
• 11:55am
• 12:45pm
• 2:35pm
• 3:30pm
• 4:20pm
• 5:10pm

8 – Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Adds Morning Show

With work wrapping up on the repainting of Cinderella Castle, Disney World has added a morning showtime to the schedule for Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire in Magic Kingdom. This adds a fifth show to the lineup at 11:10 am. We expect the 10am show will return shortly as the refurbishment of the castle concludes.

 

9 – Wilulu Bar & Grill Refurbishment

Wilulu Bar & Grill at Polynesian Village Resort will modify operations to accommodate a refurbishment expected to continue from now through June. Daytime food service will be limited to carry out only while work is being done to the roof above the restaurant. Normal table service will be offered from 5pm until close.

10 – Mickey Shorts Theater in Hollywood Studios will Close Temporarily

Mickey Shorts Theater, featuring the animated short “Vacation Fun,” is closing April 29, 2026 and is expected to reopen later this year. While no reason has been given for the closure, given the timing right before V.I.Passholder days, we’re hoping for something special for passholders.

11 – Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life Offering Kids Tickets at $25

If you’ve never experiences a Cirque du Soleil show, you’re really missing out. This summer Cirque is offering kids tickets (2-12) for just $25 as part of the Cool Kids Summer celebration. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here, or by visiting the Disney Springs box office.

12 – Disney Cruise Line Extends and Deepens San Diego Port Partnership

San Diego continues to be an important part of west coast operations for Disney Cruise Line. DCL recently extended their partnership with the port until at least 2031 and will double the number of cruises from San Diego. San Diego will soon welcome two Disney Cruise Line ships for the 2026-2027 season, significantly expanding West Coast sailing options for the cruise line. The Disney Magic arrives in October, offering three- to seven-night voyages through November followed by a 14-night Panama Canal transit to Galveston. The Disney Wonder will homeport in San Diego from October 2026 through April 2027, sailing three- to seven-night itineraries to destinations including Catalina Island, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta.