DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Biggest Roundup of the Year; New Roller Coaster, Attractions & Restaurants; Food & Wine Menus; Finally Fixing Biggest Attraction Mistake; Opening Dates & New Treats & More
This is the biggest Disney news roundup of the year. There is a ton of news out of D23 about new attractions, attractions being reimagined, sneak peeks of new lands and so much more.
1 – NEWS: Disney Announces New Roller Coaster, Dark Ride & More Villains Land Details
For decades, Disney fans have been begging for more experiences centered around the Disney villains we all love to hate. That wish came true when Disney announced the largest ever expansion to Magic Kingdom including an entire land dedicated the baddies. Now we have a ton more details on Villains Land including a new roller coaster and dark ride announced at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event.
2 – NEWS: Full Menus Released for 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
The 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival will be kicking off soon at Walt Disney World! Disney has released the full menus of the Global Marketplaces. Get out those planners and catch all the details below!
3 – NEWS: Disney Announces New Monsters Attraction, 2 Restaurants, Artwork & More Monsters Land Details Coming in 2027 to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Monsters Land will open in 2027 at Disney Hollywood Studios. The re-theme and expansion of the old Muppets Courtyard will invite guests into Monstropolis for a celebration of H.U.M.A.N. Day (Humans Understanding Monsters are Nice). During the recent Parks & Experiences presentation at D:23: The Ultimate Fan Experience, Disney announced two new restaurants, another new attraction and more details about the new Monsters themed land.
4 – NEWS: Opening Date & New Menu Revealed for Big Top Treats in Magic Kingdom
A large area of the Storybook Circus section of Magic Kingdom has been closed for refurbishment since February of this year including Pete’s Silly Sideshow and Big Top Souvenirs. Pete’s Silly Sideshow reopened in June. We now know when Big Top Souvenirs & Treats will reopen. Even better, Disney unveiled a whole new line up of treats to enjoy.
5 – NEWS: Disney is Finally Fixing Major EPCOT Attraction Mistake
Disney doesn’t strike out very often, but their biggest re-imagineering mistake is without question the current version of Journey into Imagination at EPCOT. There’s a reason this attraction is on our list of rides that normally don’t have a wait. It’s particularly disappointing considering the original version, featuring Dreamfinder and Figment, was absolutely fantastic (the current version stars Figment alongside poser Dr. Nigel Channing). So much so, that despite being gone for almost 30 years, Dreamfinder has maintained a cult-like following among fans. Well, Disney has some exciting news on that front.
6 – NEWS: Disney Shares Sneak Peek at Encanto Ride – New Tropical Americas Details Emerge
As much as we miss Dinoland, Tropical Americas Land looks like it’s going to be a fantastic addition to Animal Kingdom. Disney shared a sneak peek at the new Encanto themed ride along with some additional tidbits about the new land at D23.
7 – NEWS: Disney Provides Preview of New Indiana Jones Ride – New Details
The first Encanto themed attraction, a centerpiece of the new Tropical Americas Land in Animal Kingdom, is rightfully getting a lot of attention. However, don’t forget that there is a second top-tier attraction in the new land as well. Dinosaur (RIP) is getting an Indiana Jones re-theme and not surprisingly, snakes are at the center of the story. Why’d it have to be snakes? Good question.
8 – NEWS: Disney Shares New Details on BIG Changes to Carousel of Progress
Disney announced earlier this year that a Magic Kingdom classic, Carousel of Progress, would be getting a MAJOR update. Now, Disney has shared new details on what’s coming to the completely new experience.
9 – NEWS: Disney Finally Fixing Animal Kingdom Attraction Effect Broken Almost 20 Years
Admittedly, the problem is a little more complicated that a burned-out lightbulb or missing screw. However, THE key effect, and big finale, of our favorite Animal Kingdom attraction has been broken for nearly two decades. Disney is finally getting around to fixing it.
10 – NEWS: Disney Reveals Details on Next Cruise Ship – The Disney Believe
The next addition to the lineup of Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Believe, is currently under construction. At D23, Disney Cruise Line provided and update and revealed new details on what guests can expect.
11 – NEWS: Disney Reveals 2nd Cars Themed Attraction & New Piston Peak Details at Magic Kingdom
If you’ve be fortunate enough to visit Disney’s California Adventure, you know that the biggest thing missing from Disney World is a Cars Land. That’s why we were so excited when Piston Peak was announced. This weekend at D23, Disney revealed a second attraction along with additional details for the new Frontierland expansion.
12 – NEWS: Disney Announces Star Wars/Fortnite Collaboration
Disney continues to expand its reach beyond its own properties with a new Star Wars Fortnite experience inspired by the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney World and Disneyland.
13 – NEWS: Disney Shares Architectural Inspirations for Villains-Themed Land
Villain fans will soon get their wish when a new land dedicated to antagonists far and wide opens in Magic Kingdom. Disney has shared a bunch of details on attractions and storylines along with a bunch of artwork and models. Spoiler alert, it looks awesome! Now, Disney is sharing details on the inspiration for much of the architecture and design work.
14 – NEWS: Disney Confirms New Season of The Imagineering Story Coming to Disney+
If you love going behind the scenes on how the Disney magic is made, The Imagineering Story needs to be on your watch list. We’re thrilled that the Disney+ series is coming back with a second season.
15 – NEWS: Disney Cruise Line Announces New Class of Ships
As Disney Cruise Line continues its massive expansion, a brand new class of ships was announced at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event. Following the Magic class, Fantasy class, and the most recent series of Wish class ships. Disney Cruise Line’s fourth class of ships will give imagineers the chance to imagine new designs and experiences, and will open up opportunities to visit new places.
16 – NEWS: Disney World Highlights Fall Offerings Coming in 2026
There is no such thing as a bad time to visit Disney World. There are good times to visit and GREAT times to visit. By far, our favorite time to enjoy Disney World is in the fall. The weather begins to turn more pleasant and there are so many special offerings. Disney has released a guide highlighting some of what guests will be treated to this fall.
17 – NEWS: Numerous Lorcana Updates Shared at D23 Panel
If you’re one of the many fans of Disney’s Lorcana trading card game you’re going to want to pay attention. Disney shared numerous updates on its popular trading card game, Lorcana including multiple new releases.
18 – NEWS: Disney World to Host Warrior Games in 2027
Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports host many events, small and large. One of the best is the Warrior Games, featuring wounded service members in a series of adaptive sporting events.
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.
Click here for a sneak peek at 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival merchandise.
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.
Click here for details on Halloween on the High Seas from 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.