Welcome back to another edition of the latest theme park news! This week included an exciting announcement for how Disney plans on taking part in next year’s America 250 celebration, but we also heard a lot of news for events leading up to next summer. Whether you are visiting Disney World or Disneyland in a few weeks or a few months, there is a lot of important information in this week’s roundup to take note of before your next trip. Let’s waste no time and dive right in!
New version of Soarin’ announced for America’s 250th Anniversary
The lead story this week has to do with the 250th anniversary of the United States of America! The big birthday bash will stretch across the nation, including the Disney theme parks. It was announced this week that “Disney Celebrates America” will begin on Veteran’s Day and continue into 2026.
This celebration includes a brand new version of Soarin’ coming to both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure. Soarin’ Across America will feature “more than a dozen breathtaking locations” highlighting the country’s “natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.”
This is worded as a “limited time itinerary,” so it sounds like it won’t be around forever! Soarin’ Across America debuts at Disney World and Disneyland in the summer of 2026, just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.
“DISNEY CELEBRATES AMERICA” KICKS OFF NEXT MONTH
New details announced from this year’s Disney Jollywood Nights at Walt Disney World
The holiday season is right around the corner, and if you start the decorating early like Disney World, you’re just a few weeks away from the tree going up and the festive music starting to play! Disney Jollywood Nights, the seasonal after hours event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, begins on November 8 and is held on select nights through December 22.
This week, Disney unveiled new details surrounding this year’s Jollywood Night offerings. The Foodie Guide was just released, with nearly three dozen new menu items making their debut, including the Kermit Mint Whirl and Miss Piggy Strawberry Glam boba beverages.
We also learned that some special characters will make appearances during Jollywood Nights, including Bing Bong, Partysaurus Rex, and Life Day Chewbacca.
PLAN YOUR NEXT WALT DISNEY WORLD HOLIDAY VACATION
EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2026 dates announced
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in early 2026, the vacation planning is likely already underway! No winter trip to Disney World is complete without the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, and we just learned the dates for the 2026 festival!
The EPCOT Festival of the Arts returns from January 16 through February 23, 2026. This is a short festival, but it packs an artistic punch. The festival celebrates all things visual and performing arts, with returning favorites in 2026 including the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt, and of course, the Food Studios.
New for 2026 are Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game activities. More details will be announced as the 2026 festival kickoff draws near, so stay tuned!
WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT 2026 DISNEY WORLD VACATIONS
Construction is complete for Disney Destiny, ownership handed to Disney Cruise Line
As of last week, construction is officially complete for the Disney Destiny, the next vessel to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet! Ownership then transferred from the Meyer Werft shipyard to Disney Cruise Line. The ship is now making her voyage to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the maiden voyage will embark from on November 20.
Keep an eye on this space as I bring you a ton of exciting coverage from the launch of the Disney Destiny!
DISNEY CRUISE LINE’S NEW SHIP LAUNCHES NEXT MONTH
Rapid-fire news!
- If you’ve been waiting for those top-tier Magic Key passes to go on sale at Disneyland, you’re in luck. Disneyland announced that sales of new Inspire and Believe keys will resume on November 4, 2025, no earlier than 9:00am PST. Currently, those two passes along with the Enchant Key are available as renewals. The Imagine Key is currently available for sale and renewal.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will convert from 3D to 2D imagery at EPCOT. So long 3D glasses (at least on that ride)! The ride will be closed briefly from November 10-13 so these changes can take place. In addition, new lighting and props will be added to the ride’s queue in the coming months.
- Jingle Cruise will return to Magic Kingdom in time for the holiday season. The limited-time overlay will begin cruising on November 3.
SHOULD YOU BUY LIGHTNING LANE PASSES ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION?
Theme Park News: New “Soarin’” Coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort was originally published on The World of Spark.
