Disney theme park and cruising news: Disney World launches 2027 vacation packages, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster reopening date revealed

Walt Disney World launches its 2027 vacation packages ahead of the announcement that its newest resort hotel will open next summer.
The Electric Mayhem as seen on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
(Photo: Disney)

What a busy week this has been in the world of theme park news! As the weather warms up, all eyes are on summer travel, but Disney World is already looking ahead to next year with the release of 2027 vacation packages. This week’s news also included a surprise reveal about what the Disney Dining Plan will look like in 2027. 

Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom
(Photo: Carly Neil, The World of Spark)

But with Cool KIDS’ SUMMER right around the corner, we’re also learning more exciting news about what a summer vacation to Walt Disney World will look like. Whether your vacation is in one month or one year, there’s a news story here you’ll want to catch up on!

2027 Walt Disney World vacation packages available now, major changes coming to Disney Dining Plan

Our lead story this week concerns 2027 Walt Disney World vacation packages, which are available now for booking! As of this writing, you can book your Walt Disney World vacations through October 31, 2027. Both vacation packages and room-only reservations are available. November and December packages will be available at a later date.

Spaceship Earth seen from the Italy Pavilion in EPCOT
(Photo: Carly Neil, The World of Spark)

It was revealed through the release of 2027 vacation packages that big changes are on the way to the Disney Dining Plan next year. Disney is bringing back the Deluxe Dining Plan for the first time since the pre-pandemic era, but with some new changes.

Skillet of chicken wings, noodles, potstickers, and vegetables from Ohana at Walt Disney World
‘Ohana Skillet (Photo: Carly Neil, The World of Spark)

Previously, the Deluxe Dining Plan included three Table Service dining credits or three Quick Service dining credits per night of stay, to be used in any combination you saw fit. Starting in 2027, the Deluxe Dining Plan will have a set allotment of credits: 2 Table Service credits and 1 Quick Service credit per night of stay.

READ MORE: BOOK YOUR 2027 WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION TODAY!

Disney Cruise Line announces 50% off kids’ fares

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to book your family’s next Disney Cruise Line sailing, I have some good news. Disney just announced an incredible offer — 50% off kids’ fares — on select sailings October 2026 through March 2027. This limited-time “Together at Sea” promotion is available to book through June 14.

The Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay
The Disney Wish (Photo: Carly Neil, The World of Spark)

When you purchase two full-fare guests per stateroom, you’ll receive 50% off kids’ fares (up to three kids per stateroom under the age of 17 at the time of sailing). The Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s new ship home ported in Singapore, is excluded from this offer.

Main pool deck on the Disney Dream
(Photo: Carly Neil, The World of Spark)

Eligible sailings for this offer also include select Halloween on the High Seas sailings, Marvel Days at Sea sailings, Very Merrytime sailings, and Pixar Days at sea sailings.

READ MORE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE SAILING ON THE DISNEY DESTINY

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opening date, set list announced

May is going to be a huge month at Walt Disney World with the kickoff of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, the debut of Soarin’ Across America, and much more. But one headliner act that has everyone’s attention is the reopening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with its new starring act, The Muppets.

Concept art for the entrance to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Concept art for the entrance to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets © Disney

Disney World announced that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will officially open on May 26, the same day as the start of the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER offerings. We also learned the full set list for the attraction. When riding, you will hear one of the following songs:

  • “Song 2” – The Electric Mayhem
  • “Born To Be Wild” – The Electric Mayhem feat. Camilla the Chicken
  • “Love Rollercoaster” – The Electric Mayhem feat. Jennifer Hudson and Questlove
  • “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” – The Electric Mayhem feat. Def Leppard
  • “Walking on Sunshine” – The Electric Mayhem feat. Kelly Clarkson

Ahead of its official opening, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will have previews for Disney World Cast Members, Annual Passholders, and Disney Vacation Club Members.

READ MORE: ROCK ‘N’ ROLLER COASTER REOPENS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD NEXT MONTH

Disney World reveals opening timeline for Disney Lakeshore Lodge

There’s a lot to talk about when discussing this summer’s offerings at Walt Disney World, but we also have to talk about next summer, too! That’s because Disney has announced a clearer opening timeline for its newest resort, Disney Lakeshore Lodge. The nature-inspired resort is projected to open in summer 2027.

Artist rendering of Disney Lakeshore Lodge
Artist rendering of Disney Lakeshore Lodge (Photo: Disney)

The resort, located along the shores of Bay Lake, is inspired by Walt Disney’s love of nature and the great outdoors. Disney also shared that classic animated films that embrace the themes of nature, like BambiPocahontas, and Brother Bear, will be featured in subtle nods throughout the resort. There are still plenty of details to learn in the months leading up to the resort’s grand opening, so be sure to follow along for the latest news.

READ MORE: DISNEY LAKESHORE LODGE PROJECTED TO OPEN IN SUMMER 2027

Rapid-fire news!

  • Refreshment Port in EPCOT will be renamed La Poutinerie. With a partnership between Walt Disney World and Air Canada, La Poutinerie will feature a refreshed menu inspired by Québec. A reopening date has not been announced at this time.
Artist rendering for La Poutinerie coming to EPCOT
Artist rendering for La Poutinerie coming to EPCOT (Photo: Disney)
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen at Walt Disney World on May 3. When it reopens, the ride will have a lowered height requirement from 40″ to 38″, making the ride available to even more guests. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with enhanced ride effects.

READ MORE: YOUR ULTIMATE DISNEY WORLD SUMMER 2026 BUCKET LIST

Disney Theme Park and Cruising News: Disney World Launches 2027 Vacation Packages, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Reopening Date Revealed was originally published on The World of Spark.

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Carly Neil, The World of Spark
The World of Spark was launched in 2023 to help families plan their next theme park vacation better than their last. Whether you’ve been to Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, or Universal one time or one thousand, my goal is to provide you with actionable tips and tricks. At the end of the day, I want you — dear reader — to be empowered to be your own expert when it comes to all things vacation planning. A little bit about me — my name is Carly, the voice behind The World of Spark. I am a published travel writer with articles across the world wide web, helping countless readers over the years plan their next Disney World and Disneyland vacation. My work can be seen in Tripadvisor, Fodor’s Travel, Business Insider, FamilyVacationist, and more. My finger has been on the pulse of all things Disney from a young age. I wrote my first “unofficial” Disney World guide book in grade school while planning a family trip and the rest is history. I’ve been a Disneyland Cast Member, Annual Passholder, long-distance fan — you name it, I’ve probably experienced it in some way, shape, or form. The World of Spark is my way of sharing my love of theme parks with like-minded fans and newcomers alike.