Mickey Visit

We often sing the praises of one of the most relaxing spots in all of Walt Disney World. Even on a busy theme park day, guests can find calm and respite in a haven at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We love the new menu introduced here earlier this year. It’s a not-so-hidden secret among fans, and Disney made some announcements about this favorite spot. 3 changes are coming to this popular theme park lounge. In this story, we’ll break down what’s new and how it may affect your trip.

Earlier this year we shared details about Disney’s plans for sweeping changes to the cast member experience to improve the guest experience. Disney leadership set a goal to bring hospitality more deeply into the theme park experience. That starts with cast member training. Now, Disneyland has revealed a new cast member training area specifically focused on hospitality. The space is in the location of a permanently closed restaurant.

Walt Disney World annual passholders occasionally receive special discounts and benefits in the Disney theme parks. Following a freebie rolling out this year, Disney shared new perks as the holiday season approaches. Disney World recently raised prices for annual passes and removed a passholder discount. Walt Disney World announced new perks for annual passholders to take advantage of in October, November, and December 2026.

Disney and McDonald’s seem to be partnering for a new Disney Happy Meal for October 2026. Disney Villains are rising in popularity, with Disneyland’s Villain-centric Halloween party selling out for the entire season and Disney World building an entire Villains Land. These classic animated bad guys are now on their way to your local McDonald’s restaurant. Disney and McDonald’s are seemingly collaborating for Disney Villains Boo Bucket Happy Meals this October 2026 Halloween.

Disney Cruise Line just unexpectedly added more sailings to a current discount for 2026 and 2027. This discount is helping to make many cruises, even popular holiday ones, more affordable. The added sailings to the discount comes after recent price reductions on many sailings. Keep reading for all the details on these newest discounted sailings and how to book.

Choosing a hotel is a very important step in planning a Disneyland vacation. Unlike Disney World on the other coast, there are plenty of non-Disney-owned hotels that are only a short walk away from the resort entrance on foot. As a matter of fact, some of these offsite options are even closer than Disney’s three official on-property Disneyland Resort hotels. We always recommend staying at a hotel within walking distance of Disneyland.

Walt Disney World attractions occasionally close so that Disney’s maintenance teams can perform routine work to keep the rides in good shape year after year. This is especially true of water rides, which require more regular upkeep than other types of attractions. One Disney World boat ride is still pretty new, but is about to undergo its first scheduled refurbishment, which we now have more details on. See also all the refurbishments happening this month.

Disney leadership continually evaluates theme park guests’ experience and occasionally introduces adjustments or changes to policies or rules as a means to improve guest satisfaction, safety, revenue, or another metric. This is arguably truer now than ever before, as newly installed executives are settling into their roles following a sweeping org chart change across Disney earlier this year. We recently spoke with Estorino about upcoming expansion at Disneyland.

Walt Disney World increased ticket prices earlier this month as part of sweeping price hikes that also affected 5,000 menu items. Another raise in costs is on the way for guests visiting soon. See also our Disney historical price increase story. The price to skip the standby line at 4 popular Disney World rides will reach a new record high. We have details on what’s changing.

Guests staying at non-Disney hotels near Disneyland Resort were left without a major transportation option when the ART Shuttle Bus service was discontinued earlier this year. Efforts to replace this bus system were swiftly implemented by nearby hotels, but some properties were still left hanging. Transportation between Disneyland Resort theme parks and nearby hotels has expanded following the previous bus shutdown.