There is a lot in the works across Disney Experiences! From major expansions at the Disney theme parks worldwide to multiple ships in the works for Disney Cruise Line, the upcoming calendar is filled with new offerings to look forward to if you’re a Disney fan like myself. In preparation of these new experiences, the theme park news world has been a busy one in recent weeks, including a flurry of announcements surrounding the recent Destination D23 gathering at Walt Disney World. There is even more news to catch up on, so let’s dive into the latest Disney theme park and Disney Cruise Line stories that could impact your upcoming travels.
Disney Cruise Line delays maiden voyage of Disney Adventure to 2026
It has been a very busy and exciting time for Disney Cruise Line, with multiple new ships in the works as well as the launch of its second private island destination, Lookout Cay, last summer. While we are eagerly anticipating the launch of the Disney Destiny this fall, what was supposed to be the second ship to debut in 2025 has just been delayed.
It was announced this week that the Disney Adventure, the first Disney Cruise Line ship to be homeported in Asia, will have its maiden voyage delayed. Originally scheduled for December 15, 2025, the Disney Adventure will now set sail for the first time on March 10, 2026.
The Adventure is a ship previously known as the Global Dream that Disney Cruise Line acquired mid-construction in 2022. Its initial itineraries out of Singapore will be entirely comprised of days at sea and be distinct among the Disney Cruise Line fleet, complete with a shopping experience devoted to the popular Disney bear Duffy, multiple attractions in an area known as “Marvel Landing,” and more.
Passengers with the maiden voyage booked have the opportunity to move their booking to the new March date at 50% off the voyage fare. Alternatively, they can receive a full refund and rebook to another sailing after the March 10 maiden voyage for 50% off the voyage fare. This delay does not impact the Disney Destiny, which is scheduled to have its maiden voyage on November 20, 2025.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE’S NEXT SHIP, THE DISNEY DESTINY, LAUNCHES THIS FALL
DINOSAUR and DinoLand USA’s final day revealed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The next major addition coming to Walt Disney World is Puebla Esperanza, the Tropical Americas-themed land taking the place of DinoLand USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new land is scheduled for completion in 2027, and in preparation for this transformation, DinoLand has been closing in phases over the last several months.
The final phase of this closure will include DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus. We recently learned that those two areas along with the remainder of DinoLand USA will have its final day of operation on February 1, 2026. That gives you a few more months to “go get that dino” one final time on DINOSAUR before the construction walls go up starting on February 2, 2026. You could say this is the ride’s official “countdown to extinction.”
DinoLand USA is also home to character meet and greets, specifically with Donald, Daisy, and Chip & Dale. After DinoLand closes on February 2, the characters will relocate to another area of Animal Kingdom (more details will be shared later).
Shortly after the closure of Restaurantosaurus, its menu items will move to Harambe Market. To prepare for these changes, Harambe Market will undergo a brief closure this winter (exact dates have yet to be announced). Disney also announced that the regular winter closure of Kali River Rapids will be moved up to begin on October 6 with a December reopening. This will ensure the ride will be available once DINOSAUR closes.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE TROPICAL AMERICAS LAND COMING TO ANIMAL KINGDOM
Rapid-fire news!
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will soon feature appearances by the Fairy Godmother. These appearances will begin in October at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. New simplified package options will also arrive in October, so be on the lookout for more updates.
- New details and concept art were revealed this week from Hong Kong Disneyland regarding upcoming expansions. The previously-announced Spider-Man attraction akin to a Tower of Terror-style drop ride is coming to Stark Expo in Tomorrowland, an area devoted to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Also coming to Hong Kong Disneyland is a brand-new Monsters Inc. live theatrical experience. The show will use “cutting-edge theatrical technology that blends real and digital environments.”
More from The World of Spark
- It’s time to start planning those 2026 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort vacations! If you’re wondering when the best time is to visit the parks, I have a new guide that outlines what’s coming to the resorts along with a seasonal breakdown of what to consider when booking your family vacation.
- Looking to learn more about what’s coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027? Puebla Esperanza, the Tropical Americas-themed land, will feature brand-new attractions, dining, and more. You can read all about it in my recent article that highlights everything we know so far about the next major expansion coming to Walt Disney World.
HOW MUCH WILL DISNEY WORLD TICKETS COST IN 2026? START BUDGETING YOUR NEXT VACATION TODAY!
Disney Theme Park and Cruise Line News: DINOSAUR Closing Day Revealed, Disney Adventure Delays Maiden Voyage originally appeared on The World of Spark.
