Disney news: a brand-new ship and a merrier holiday season
Disney Cruise Line just revealed everything aboard its next ship, and Walt Disney World's holiday lineup is officially here. Here is what you need to know.
Meet the Disney Believe
The Disney Believe sets sail on December 18, 2027 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. It will offer 4- and 5-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean, stopping at one or both of Disney's island destinations, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Here is what we are most excited about:
- A world-first Encanto musical. Mirabel and the Madrigals take the stage in a Broadway-style show you can only see on the Believe, with favorites like "We Don't Talk About Bruno." Tangled: The Musical and Disney Seas the Adventure round out the lineup.
- Oaken's Table: A Frozen Family Feast. A brand-new dinner restaurant set in Oaken's forest summer house, with live music from his cousins. Fan favorites 1923 and Worlds of Marvel return too.
- Zootopia comes to sea. Gazelle is a lively lounge with family trivia and games by day and adults-only entertainment at night. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde also star in a new interactive family show.
- New cafés and treats. Big Hero Sips (inspired by Big Hero 6), Café Kakamora (inspired by Moana), and the new Pluto's Pita Platters on the pool deck.
- Spaces for grown-ups. A Little Mermaid piano lounge called Sea Notes, a Snow White-inspired bar called Wishing Well, an observatory-themed pub called Skygazers, the Haunted Mansion Parlor, plus Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté and the Senses Spa.
- Fun for kids and teens. The AquaMouse water coaster returns, along with Disney's Oceaneer Club (with a Monsters, Inc. entrance found only on this ship), a nursery, and dedicated spaces for tweens and teens.
- The Believe Tower Suite. A one-of-a-kind, two-story suite of nearly 2,000 square feet inside the forward funnel. Each room is themed to a land at Magic Kingdom, and it sleeps up to eight.
When you can book
Booking opens in waves, starting with Disney's loyalty members:
| Date | Who can book |
|---|---|
| Oct 12 | Pearl Castaway Club members |
| Oct 13 | Platinum Castaway Club members, Golden Oak residents, Club 33 members |
| Oct 14 | Gold Castaway Club members |
| Oct 15 | Silver Castaway Club members, Disney Vacation Club members, Adventures by Disney Adventure Insiders |
| Oct 19 | Everyone |
New ships book up fast, especially concierge rooms and suites. Contact us now and we will have your preferred dates and staterooms ready the moment booking opens for you.
Holidays at Walt Disney World 2026
From November 13, 2026 through January 6, 2027, Walt Disney World is decked out with decorations, seasonal treats, festive character outfits and special entertainment across all four parks and Disney Springs.
Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
This glamorous, separately ticketed evening event is back, and for the first time it runs into January.
- Dates
- Nov 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 · Dec 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23 · Jan 3, 5
- Hours
- Entry from 5:30 PM. The party runs 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
- Tickets
- Limited capacity. Prices vary by night.
- New this year: the Checkin' It Twice Lounge with a live DJ, first-ever meet-and-greets with George Sanderson and Needleman from Monsters, Inc., and Donald, Daisy and Genie joining the Glisten! skating show.
- Returning favorites: the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! fireworks, Disney Holidays in Hollywood hosted by Kermit and Miss Piggy, and a Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along.
- Shorter waits on rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror.
Around the parks
- Magic Kingdom: Frozen Holiday Surprise! turns Cinderella Castle into a glowing ice palace. Plus the Jingle Cruise, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights.
- EPCOT: The International Festival of the Holidays runs November 27 to December 30, including the Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators. New this year, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind gets a holiday soundtrack (November 25 to January 6).
- Hollywood Studios: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster gets a Muppets holiday overlay (November 4 to January 6), Alien Swirling Saucers adds holiday tunes, and Sunset Seasons Greetings projections light up the Tower of Terror each night.
- Animal Kingdom: Visit Santa's Holiday Grove, spot the arctic-animal puppets of the Merry Menagerie, and watch Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition after dark.
- Disney Springs: The Christmas Tree Stroll, nightly "snowfall," live music and a new Hallmark holiday pop-up shop.
Holiday savings
Disney has several room offers for the season, including discounts for Florida residents, Annual Passholders and eligible Disney+ subscribers on select stays through December 24. Offers vary by date and resort and availability is limited, so reach out and we will find the best deal for your dates.
Details are current as of October 2026 and subject to change. Separately ticketed events require valid admission. Offers are subject to availability and restrictions.
Ready to make some magic?
Whether you want to be among the first aboard the Disney Believe or celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World, we will handle the details.