Disney Travel News

Disney Destiny Updates: First Look at Disney’s Oceaneer Club Statues

(Disney Destinations) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:21:03 -0400

Are you ready to meet your destiny?

The Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams are hard at work with the crew at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany to bring Disney Cruise Line’s heroes and villains-themed ship, the Disney Destiny, to life.

Here on the Disney Destiny ship’s log, get an exclusive look at the shipbuilding process, along with behind-the-scenes looks at some of the exciting Disney stories coming to life inside. Be sure to bookmark this page for regular updates all the way through the ship’s maiden voyage on November 20 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

When young cruisers slide into Disney’s Oceaneer Club on the Disney Destiny, they’ll be transported to the candy-filled world of Sugar Rush from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Wreck-It Ralph.” Disney Imagineers are bringing the video game to life at the entrance of the Youth Activities area by incorporating colorful sweets into every detail, from the candy-shaped lighting fixtures to the custom carpet designed to look like the speedway from the film (with chocolate and caramel sauce outlining the racetracks!).

To tie the space together, Walt Disney Imagineering will bring in life-size statues of the film’s villain-turned-hero, Wreck-It Ralph, and his spirited sidekick, Vanellope von Schweetz. This duo perfectly embodies the dynamic duality of the ship’s heroes and villains theme, reminding us that even the so-called “villains” can be heroes in their own right.

Imagineer Meg Tracy, one of the creative minds behind the statues, is pictured reviewing the paint treatment to ensure each shade perfectly matches the animated characters from the film. With the finishing touches complete, the statues will soon be installed on Deck 2, ready to greet your little ones as they gear up for adventure!

Show development for “Disney Hercules” is in full swing! Earlier this month, Disney Live Entertainment traveled to Nashville, Tenn. to record the music for the new Broadway-style stage show, debuting exclusively on the Disney Destiny.

A small group of singers from Orlando, Fla. joined forces with a 17-voice choir of some of Nashville’s greatest gospel singers to reimagine the iconic soundtrack from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film with a soulful, high-energy twist. A fresh take on the musical arrangements was brought to life by an orchestra of nearly 70 talented musicians, plus a 10-piece marching band drumline.

The group dedicated more than 50 hours to producing the 55-minute soundtrack for the show, which includes an all-new theatrical rendition of “Shooting Star” – a song originally written for the film that didn’t make the final cut! With the music complete, the team will continue developing show elements like props, choreography and costumes in preparation for future cruise guests this November.

At Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenberg, Germany, new milestones are being reached every day as the Disney Destiny takes shape. Meanwhile, teams around the world are working on all the magical, yet-to-be-installed details that will bring beloved Disney stories to life onboard for future guests. Hannah Loflin is a Senior Concept Artist/Illustrator for Disney Live Entertainment and one of the many creatives collaborating on custom art for the ship.

Loflin, who turned her childhood passion for art and Disney animated films into a career designing works for Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line, is currently creating a collection of three Easter egg-loaded still life paintings inspired by revered Disney Villains – Captain Hook, Prince John and the Evil Queen. Each piece captures the essence of the character with symbolism pulled directly from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films.

From an artist’s perspective, Loflin enjoyed creating the dynamic textures present in the piece honoring Captain Hook, including the lavish gold, silks, jewels and feathers found in Hook’s private quarters. She also hopes guests will notice some of the intentional details she wove into the artwork, like a lantern door left slightly ajar, as if Tinker Bell just made her escape as she did in the Disney Animation film.

Hannah’s wicked still life collection is just one way that the Disney Destiny’s unique theme of heroes and villains will come to life onboard. Once she puts the finishing touches on the art, the pieces will be installed on Deck 4 in a corridor near Hook’s Barbery.

The shipyard team is making great progress on the interior of the Disney Destiny, and new spaces are coming to life every day. One of those spaces is Café Megara, one of two new walk-up cafes just off the Grand Hall, and today we’re giving a behind-the-scenes look at how Walt Disney Imagineering is drawing inspiration from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Hercules” to create this heroic venue.

From the barstool and lounge chair fabrics to the accent wall tiles, each design detail in Café Megara is handpicked by Imagineers to create a vibrant space with nods to the ancient world of Greek mythology and legendary heroes. The color palette is inspired by the film’s iconic characters, Megara and Pegasus, and incorporates shades of purple and blue.

Walt Disney Imagineers Beth Burkhardt and Rachel Willcoxon can be seen reviewing textile samples that will come together to transport future café guests to Mount Olympus, including a custom cloud-like carpet pattern and wallpaper with hidden designs of Pegasus leaping through the clouds. As the Imagineers finalize their selections, the shipyard team transforms the space from zero to hero!

For the first time in Disney Cruise Line history, a Marvel Super Hero will be the signature stern character on the Disney Destiny, a hallmark design feature that represents each ship’s unique theme and personality. Now in its final stages of completion, this larger-than-life sculpture will eventually be installed among the filigree on the back of the ship, showcasing Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots attempting to assist with decorating the stern.

Walt Disney Imagineer Jay Abruzzese, principal production designer, recently met with the production team for a creative review of our friendly neighborhood stern character. Check out this video on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at the process.

Like its sister ships, the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, a fan-favorite focal point of the Disney Destiny’s staterooms will be the oversized custom art piece mounted in place of a headboard above the main bed. Inspired by the ship’s theme of “heroes and villains,” these murals will depict the alluring duality and epic journeys of famous Disney and Pixar legends, such as Hercules, Mulan and Merida — the designs for which were revealed today for the first time.

Walt Disney Imagineering has dreamed up two incredible statues destined for Edna Á La Mode Sweets, an all-new confectionary inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ “The Incredibles.”

Taking cues from the “Auntie Edna” short film, the statues showcase Edna Mode — fashion designer for the world’s most famous Supers — hard at work while attempting to entertain the unpredictable super baby Jack-Jack with sweet treats.

Imagineers partnered with Pixar Animation Studios to create the sculptures, from sketch to digital model to reality. When finished, they’ll be transported to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany for installation and finally prepared for the sweetest of photo ops aboard the Disney Destiny.

A defining trait of every Disney Cruise Line ship is the signature character statue that welcomes guests as soon as they step on board. For the first time ever, the Disney Destiny will feature a Marvel Super Hero in this place of honor: T’Challa, the original Black Panther.

Walt Disney Imagineering is currently putting the finishing touches on this stunning depiction of T’Challa standing strong atop a jut of rock, the feline form of a black panther at his feet. To set this bronze statue apart, Imagineers designed a textured black finish with silver and purple accents that infuse the sculpture with a sense of life, capturing the power and grace of the King of Wakanda. Check out this video on Instagram for a first look!

This one-of-a-kind statue will ultimately take its place in the Wakanda-inspired Grand Hall, beckoning cruisers into a brand-new world of heroes and villains … and legendary vacation memories.

The countdown to the Disney Destiny’s maiden voyage on November 20, 2025 is on! For ship’s log readers that simply can’t wait to set sail and Disney fans alike, the Disney Destiny has taken over the official Disney Cruise Line playlist on Spotify, featuring a collection of songs that speak to the exciting venues onboard and the ship’s unique heroes and villains theme.

Hits from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Lion King will help future guests build up their appetite and get ready to dine at the all-new restaurant opening on the ship, Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King. The playlist also features iconic favorites from the Disney Animation film, Hercules, to go the distance in preparation for the high-energy, Broadway-style stage show set to debut at the Walt Disney Theatre. And who can forget about Cruella De Vil’s memorable theme song from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ One Hundred and One Dalmatians, which will set the tune for De Vil’s, an adult-exclusive piano lounge.

Fans can discover the full playlist on Spotify now!

Last week, the Disney Destiny completed another exciting construction milestone at Meyer Werft Shipyard when it touched water for the first time. The process, known as “float up,” began by flooding the building dock with water from the Ems River in order to lift the Disney Destiny from the floor of the chamber. The ship was then guided to another position in the hall, where the team will begin testing different systems onboard, including the main engines. In the coming months, the shipyard team will continue to focus on building out the legendary interior spaces coming to the Disney Destiny.

With the final block of the Disney Destiny in place, the team at Meyer Werft shipyard can turn their attention to installing the unique exterior features that will distinguish the ship. First on the list is a whimsical art piece on the Disney Destiny’s bow, which depicts Minnie Mouse striking a valiant pose in her new heroic ensemble. With her cape billowing behind her, Minnie Mouse’s outfit symbolizes the Disney Destiny’s first-of-its-kind “Heroes and Villains” design theme.

The elegant, hand-painted filigree continues a longstanding Disney Cruise Line tradition dating back to the fleet’s first ship, the Disney Magic, with every Disney Cruise Line vessel having a distinct character-inspired image embossed on its bow. In the lead up to the Disney Destiny’s maiden voyage in November of this year, the team at Meyer Werft shipyard will continue to add details to the ship’s exterior and interior.

Today, we are bringing you a first look at this ship’s progress and are excited to share that the final blocks (i.e. sections of the ship) were put into place in late 2024. That’s right – with the last piece of the ship in place, the ship’s exterior is now structurally complete and outfitting work has begun on the interior. Take a look at this timelapse construction footage to see the Disney Destiny’s progress, including a look at how it was built alongside the Disney Treasure in the shipyard.

Stay tuned for more updates about the next ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Your destiny awaits!

Test Track presented by General Motors Reopens July 22

(Disney Destinations) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:22:44 -0400

Buckle up for a new spin on a fan-favorite attraction – Test Track presented by General Motors will reopen on July 22!

This attraction update will debut an all-new musical score, as well as new scenes that highlight technology making our cars smarter and our lives more fun.

See Through the “Eyes” of a Vehicle

One of those scenes showcases how vehicles can use advanced cameras and sensors to “see” the world they drive through. Walt Disney Imagineers were able to represent this tech utilizing over 29,000 points of light!

While Test Track has always celebrated new and future automotive technology, it’s also a reminder of what a road trip is all about: spending quality time in the company of friends and family while embracing the beauty of the world around us.

The Road Ahead 

The team is hard at work on the finishing touches (detailing the final details, if you will), getting the attraction green light ready.

Just like drivers always check their mirrors when they get behind the wheel, we encourage guests to keep an eye out for more information to share in the coming weeks about special previews for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak residents and Club 33 Members alike to ride before the attraction officially reopens.

Looking for ways to fill your summer with Disney excitement before you hit the road on the reimagined Test Track? We’re celebrating Cool KID SUMMER across the resort, with lots of extra family fun to be found for the young and the young at heart. And if guests are gearing up for their next thrill before July 22, find thrills with attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, and oh so much more across the Walt Disney World Resort.

Let’s go!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open in 2026

(Disney Destinations) — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 08:06:54 -0400

Just announced: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026!

And, there’s still enough time to catch a super-stretch limo to the Forum to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith before it closes in 2026.

New Marketing Resources Available for Walt Disney World on Disney Copyright

(Disney Destinations) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:31:00 -0400

Visit Disney Copyright to access new marketing resources for new offerings at Walt Disney World Resort! These include Cool KID SUMMER, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.

New Walt Disney World Resort Club Level Videos Available on YouTube

(Disney Destinations) — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:33:08 -0400

New Walt Disney World Resort Club Level videos are now available on the Disney Travel Professionals YouTube! You are encouraged to share these videos with your clients to help showcase the club level lounge amenities available at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

The following videos are available:

Disney's Contemporary Resort - Atrium Club and Tower Club
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort - King Kamehameha Club
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Royal Palm Club
Disney's Wilderness Lodge - Old Faithful Club
Disney's Yacht Club Resort - Regatta Club
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort - Chronos Club
Disney's BoardWalk Inn - Innkeeper's Club
Disney's Beach Club Resort - Stone Harbor Club
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kilimanjaro Club

All videos can be found in this playlist.

Piston Peak National Park Builds on the Story of Frontierland

(Disney Destinations) — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:08:16 -0400

Cars from around the country are fueling up to be the wildest racer in the “wheelderness.” Of course, we know that fans are curious to see how the exciting new backdrop for the big rally race will fit into the waters, landscapes, and storytelling at Magic Kingdom. 

Today, we are excited to share that Piston Peak National Park will continue the sweeping storytelling tradition that has crossed Liberty Square and Frontierland since opening day.  

Westward Ho! Crossing into New Frontiers at Magic Kingdom

Since the early days of Magic Kingdom, adventurous guests have traveled across space and time as they pass from Liberty Square to Frontierland. Starting with architectural influences from upstate New York and colonial America in Liberty Square, before traveling to a bear-y fun concert in the North Woods, a stop by New Orleans at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and ending in the Arizona bluffs at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  

At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that helped forge a path to their dreams. To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.

Welcome to Piston Peak National Park

Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers. While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.  

Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.   

From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally. 

Cruising Just Around the Bend 

As work revs into high gear this summer, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close beginning July 7. Imagineers are also hard at work beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad bringing to life the first-ever land inspired by the Disney Villains with two major attractions, dining and shopping all on an incredibly twisted grand scale.   

But that’s not all happening at the Magic Kingdom. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen next year with new magic, and later this summer, Disney Starlight will grace the streets of Magic Kingdom with its grand debut on July 20, and The Beak and Barrel will welcome pirates of all ages. So follow along every step of the way on Disney Travel News because more details are coming soon.

Clients with a Placeholder Reservation can Save Up to 30% on Select August and September Sailings

(Disney Destinations) — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:11:15 -0400

Your clients can save more when they apply their open-ended Disney Cruise Line Placeholder Reservation to select sailings! For a limited time, clients can increase their savings from 10% up to 30% when they apply their Placeholder Reservation to select sailings in August and September 2025.

Your clients with a Placeholder Reservation can sail away with more savings on select Disney Wish and Disney Dream sailings.

Disney Wish Sailings

Aug. 1, 2025
Aug. 4, 2025
Aug. 11, 2025
Aug. 18, 2025
Aug. 22, 2025
Aug. 29, 2025
Sept. 1, 2025
Sept. 8, 2025
Sept.15, 2025
Sept. 26, 2025

Disney Dream Sailings

Aug. 7, 2025
Aug. 11, 2025
Aug. 16, 2025

This offer is not available online – please contact the Disney Cruise Line Contact Center on or before Aug. 1, 2025 to book. Click here for the complete offer details. An email template will be available on Disney Copyright to help you reach out to clients who have existing placeholders and may be interested in this offer.

As a reminder, your Clients can still enjoy savings even if they do not have a Placeholder Reservation. This summer, Guests can save up to 30% on select stateroom categories. Full offer details can be found here.

Disney Cruise Line Summer Offer for Disney Visa Cardmembers

(Disney Destinations) — Thu, 29 May 2025 13:41:39 -0400

This summer, Disney Visa Cardmembers can receive a $250 onboard credit when they book select cruises using their Disney Visa Card.

Disney Visa Cardmembers can book this offer now through Sept. 1, 2025 for travel on select August and September 2025 sailings. Full offer details can be found here.

A similar offer is also available for Disney Vacation Club Members. Travel Professionals may only book this offer if their client is not paying with Vacation points. Full offer details can be found here.

To book these offers, Travel Professionals must call the Disney Cruise Line contact center. An email template to promote the Disney Visa Cardmember offer is also available on Disney Copyright.

Cardmembers can also save up to 30% on select stateroom categories when combined with select Disney Cruise Line offers. Full offer details can be found here.

Feast on the Dates and Details for This Year’s Disney Springs Flavors of Florida

(Disney Destinations) — Thu, 29 May 2025 10:24:18 -0400

Get ready for another food and drink adventure inspired by the Sunshine State at Disney Springs! Flavors of Florida, the annual culinary celebration featuring menu items with ingredients grown and harvested in Florida, is back for its sixth summer starting June 27 with returning favorites and a tastebud-blasting list of new offerings at various Disney Springs locations. Keep reading for all the reasons guests won’t want to miss this year’s Flavors of Florida.

Learn from Disney Springs Chefs with Weekly Culinary Series

On select Fridays throughout the summer, chefs from some of guests' favorite Disney Springs restaurants will showcase the skills and creativity used to craft this year’s menu items. During the culinary series hosted by Kroger Delivery, guests will feast their eyes on cooking demonstrations from kitchen masters sharing their unique talents. Registration is required, but it is free, so guests need to sign up to snag their spots. Stay tuned for more details!

Pairing Events for the Discerning Diner (or anyone who loves a good drink with dinner!)

Nothing elevates a dining experience like finding the perfect drink to complement a meal. And with the return of Flavors of Florida pairing events, guests will learn the secrets to curating the perfect food and drink combinations. Disney Springs experts will host dinners featuring exquisite cocktail, wine and beer pairings with flavors inspired by the Sunshine State. Registration is required for the pairing events, and payment is due at the time of registration. Stay tuned for more info!

Seek and Find Even More to do at Disney Springs

In between trying all the amazing food, guests can check out the Discover the Springs seek and find presented by The Polite Pig. With more than 1,200 acres of dining, shopping and entertainment venues to explore, there’s always something new to discover, and the seek and find is a fun way to discover some of the hidden gems at Disney Springs. Guests can pick up the free event guide at select locations... and when they complete the seek and find, they can turn in their completed maps for a special surprise!

New Menu Items to Wow Your Senses

Chefs at Disney Springs spent the past year creating so many unique appetizers, entrees and desserts that guests will definitely need more than one visit to enjoy them all. Keep an eye out for the upcoming foodie guide because we can say with the firmness of a proper meringue that guests' appetites will definitely be satisfied.

A Second Chance to Enjoy Returning Favorites

One of the tastiest surprises from last year—the St. Augustine Datil Pepper Fritas—is back for a second round at The Daily Poutine! The crispy pork dish features a datil pepper sauce and Florida hearts of palm slaw. But the beer cheese crafted from Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner helps make it truly special. Sunshine Stroll was introduced during Flavors of Florida last year as a Disney Springs exclusive, and our chefs immediately went to work using it in various dishes like this one. Guests will be thrilled this dish is coming back alongside the other creations using the exclusive pilsner this year.

While guests are exploring Disney Springs Flavors of Florida, they can stop by Swirls on the Water for another returning treat—the Orange Bird Cone! This sublime dessert combines DOLE Whip® Orange in an orange cone, topped with sprinkles and a chocolate piece. It’s a delightfully satisfying sweet worthy of featuring the name of a favorite Disney character.

If there’s a flavor that comes from Florida—peppers, citrus fruit, cheeses and more—it will be at Flavors of Florida. Overall, this year’s event will have more than 90 menu items from 45+ Disney Springs restaurants! So, guests can start planning date nights, family outings and celebrations, and we will see them at Disney Springs this summer.

Now Available: Walt Disney World Resort Future Stay Offer

(Disney Destinations) — Wed, 28 May 2025 09:16:13 -0400

As a reminder, guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel are eligible for a Resort Future Stay offer. Guests can save 25%-35% on a future resort stay during select dates now through 2026.

The offer will be shared with guests through in-room collateral and on their in-room TVs. Additionally, details of this offer will be emailed directly to guests the morning of their checkout. Guests will also have the ability to book this offer online. However, as a Travel Advisor, you are still able to book this offer for your clients; but it is only bookable over the phone and must be booked within 7 days from the date of checkout on the current reservation. Please keep in mind that to receive commission for the future booking, you will need to call Disney Central to make the reservation on behalf of your client. Commission eligibility is specified in the official commission policy page.

We encourage you to let your clients know ahead of time that they may see this offer during their stay, as well as via email after checkout. Remind them that they can reach out to you to book this special rate. An updated email template for agent use with 2026 dates will be available for download soon on Disney Copyright.

Find full offer details here.