Welcome back to another installment of the latest theme park news. While I primarily talk about theme parks in these news stories, we have to talk about the big launch coming out of the cruising world this week: the launch of the Disney Destiny! But Disney is far from the only headline maker this week. The annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) expo took place this week in Orlando, Florida, showcasing the latest and greatest in the theme park industry. The IAAPA Expo is an industry event and typically includes insight on upcoming rides and attractions, of which there are several in the works for 2026!
Disney Destiny celebrates christening and maiden voyage
It has been a big couple of weeks for Disney Cruise Line, as its seventh ship, the Disney Destiny, had her christening, preview sailings, and has now launched on her maiden voyage.
I was fortunate enough to be invited on a preview sailing, and I have a couple of stories that give you an idea of what makes this ship so unique to Disney Cruise Line. From its strong storytelling elements to its immersive lounges and top-tier entertainment, it’s a ship worth checking out if you love the Disney theme parks or a classic hero versus villain tale.
Now that the Destiny has joined the fleet, Disney Cruise Line will quickly turn its attention to its eighth ship, the Disney Adventure, which will be the first Disney Cruise Line ship to be homeported in Asia. The Disney Adventure’s maiden voyage is scheduled for March 10, 2026.
READ MORE: DISNEY CRUISE LINE TAKES STORYTELLING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THE DISNEY DESTINY
Disneyland announces lineup of 2026 after hours events
The Disney theme parks have gone all in on after hours events in recent years, with both Disney World and Disneyland offering multiple ways for guests to enjoy the parks after the posted closing time. In 2026, Disneyland guests can once again attend a number of different Disneyland After Dark events on select nights January through June, with the full lineup announced this week.
The 2026 Disneyland After Dark events includes a new event, Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites, a nod to the resort’s 70th anniversary celebration which continues through the summer of 2026. 70 Years of Favorites promises to be filled with dance parties (including a Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace!), photo ops, and rare character meet and greets.
The full lineup is as follows:
- Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite: January 22, 27, February 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17
- Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites: March 3, 5
- Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite: April 12, 14, 16
- Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite: April 28, 30, May 4, 6
- Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite: June 16, 18
Disneyland Magic Key pre-sale for Sweethearts’ Nite and 70 Years of Favorites begins on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 for Inspire Key holders. All other Magic Key holders will have a separate pre-sale on Wednesday, December 10. General on-sale starts Thursday, December 11. All pre-sale and general sales will begin no earlier than 9:00 AM PST. On-sale dates for Disney Channel Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Pride Nite celebrations will be announced at a later time.
Dynamic ticket pricing coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Back on the mainland, Disney theme park fans will have to pick up a new vacation planning strategy in the coming years. This week, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston spoke at the Wells Fargo Technology, Media, and Telecom Summit where he made comments on dynamic ticket pricing, similar to the airline model of pricing as reported by Deadline.
Johnston mentioned that dynamic ticket pricing was rolled out in Disneyland Paris in November of 2024 as a test run for a pricing model that could be brought to the domestic parks. He noted that dynamic pricing was “probably something that you won’t see this year, but you may see in the subsequent years.”
Reading the tea leaves, this could mean we’ll see dynamic pricing — that means theme park ticket pricing that could fluctuate daily based on demand — rolled out as early as Disney’s next fiscal year, which starts in October of 2026. So, there’s no need to rush to buy your tickets if you have a 2026 vacation planned, but it’s definitely something to follow as this could be a huge game changer in the way you plan and save for your Disney trips.
READ MORE: WHAT DISNEY WORLD TICKET PRICES WILL COST IN 2026
Global theme park expo reveals new ride vehicles
Outside the world of Disney, theme parks nationwide have been sharing the latest and greatest in their recent developments and projects currently in the works at IAAPA’s annual expo in Orlando, Florida.
Notably, one of the big reveals from this year’s IAAPA expo is the Mack ride vehicle for NightFlight Expedition, the groundbreaking attraction coming to Dollywood in 2026. NightFlight Expedition will be the first hybrid indoor roller coaster and white water raft ride, so its ride vehicle was something fans have been eager to see since the ride was announced earlier this year.
SeaWorld Orlando and ride manufacturer Vekoma also unveiled its vehicle for SeaQUEST: Legends of the Deep, a suspended dark ride which will debut in 2026. Next year is going to be major for new, groundbreaking rides debuting at theme parks across the country, so be sure to follow along for more of the latest developments.
READ MORE: A GROUNDBREAKING ATTRACTION COMES TO DOLLYWOOD IN 2026
Holiday season begins at Disneyland Resort
It wouldn’t be a November news roundup without at least one holiday story. The holiday season at Disneyland Resort officially kicked off on November 14, and along with it, the Disney California Adventure Festival of the Holidays. Seasonal offerings will be available at Disneyland Resort through January 7, 2026.
While visiting Disneyland this time of year, a number of time-honored traditions are available to enjoy. During the day, catch A Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland Park, or “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks at night. Ride overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday are available as well, and Cars Land in Disney California Adventure is decked out for the season.
You’ll definitely want to save room in your stomach for the Festive Foods Marketplace at Disney California Adventure, my favorite part of the park’s Festival of the Holidays.
READ MORE: START PLANNING YOUR 2026 DISNEY VACATION
Theme Park News: Disney Launches New Cruise Ship, Theme Parks Look Ahead to 2026 was originally published on The World of Spark.
