Disney Theme Park and Cruise Line News For the Week of April 21, 2025
This week was a big one for Disney theme park news, especially if you’re a forward-thinking vacation planner like myself. I’m always thinking about my next Disney vacation, even before the current one has come to an end. So this week was major, as we got a first glimpse at what next year’s Walt Disney World vacation packages would look like.
There was plenty of other news that came out this week as well, including new menu items coming to Disneyland and some steep dining discounts on their way for Disney World Annual Passholders.
2026 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages Now Available For Booking
The first round of 2026 Walt Disney World vacation packages went live this week. As of this writing, you may now book a Disney World vacation through October 31, 2026. November and December vacation packages will become available at a later date.
We learned a lot about what a 2026 Disney World vacation will look like, including the perks Disney World Resort hotel guests can enjoy. Perks returning in 2026 include early theme park entry, extended evening hours for Deluxe and Deluxe Villa guests, and free water park entry on your arrival day in the summer.
READ MORE: WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT 2026 DISNEY WORLD VACATIONS
New Free Kids Dining Offer Available at Walt Disney World in 2026
One of the new features of a 2026 Disney World vacation we learned about this week is a new dining offer for kids. Throughout all of 2026, guests staying at one of Disney World’s Resort hotels will get a free dining plan for their kids (ages 3 to 9) when purchasing a dining plan as part of their package for the other members of their party (ages 10 and up).
This perk includes both the Quick Service Dining Plan and the standard Disney Dining Plan. So, no matter which Dining Plan tier you are considering purchasing for your 2026 Disney World vacation, it will come with a free dining plan for anyone on your reservation between the ages of 3 and 9.
READ MORE: SHOULD YOU BUY THE DISNEY DINING PLAN FOR YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION?
New Details Revealed About Changes Coming to Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run
Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are bringing technology front and center with many of their upcoming attractions. This also includes upgrades to existing rides, like Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run. The simulator attraction, found in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on both coasts, will receive a new storyline next May.
This week, we learned new details about the changes coming to Smugglers Run, which will debut at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park on May 22, 2026. In this new storyline, guests will team up with The Mandalorian and Grogu. The position of Engineer — those two seats in the back — will now include a new responsibility: taking care of Grogu.
The upgrades also include changes to not only the destinations you visit while on Smugglers Run, but how you get there. Guests will be able to choose whether they want to visit Coruscant, Bespin, or Endor.
READ MORE: THE LATEST DETAILS ON NEW ATTRACTIONS AND UPGRADES COMING TO DISNEY WORLD AND DISNEYLAND
Marvel Day at Sea and Pixar Day at Sea Returning to Disney Cruise Line in 2026
This year is a busy one for Disney Cruise Line with two new ships — the Disney Destiny and the Disney Adventure — launching in November and December, respectively. Cruisers have even more to look forward to in January 2026 with the return of two fan-favorite offerings to existing ships in the fleet.
For the first time ever, Marvel Day at Sea will be added to Disney Magic voyages out of the Port of Galveston starting in January of 2026. Marvel Day at Sea will be available on select four- or five-night sailings.
Meanwhile, Pixar Day at Sea will return to select five-night Disney Fantasy voyages out of Port Canaveral, Florida, also starting in January of 2026.
Both Marvel Day at Sea and Pixar Day at Sea bring characters, entertainment, themed merchandise, and specialty food and beverage items to your Disney Cruise Line sailing.Â
READ MORE: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT DISNEY CRUISE LINE’S NEXT SHIP, THE DISNEY DESTINY
V.I.Passholder Summer Days Discounts Announced
Disney World previously announced the return of V.I.Passholder Summer Days, taking place this year from May 14 through July 31. New details were revealed this week on what would be offered to Annual Passholders during this period, which includes some impressive dining discounts.
During V.I.Passholder Summer Days, Passholders can save 40% at select dining locations at Walt Disney World. The discounts are available Monday through Thursdays at the following restaurants on the following dates:
May 14 through June 30:
- Boatwright’s Dining Hall
- Cape May Cafe (dinner only)
- Hollywood & Vine
- Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood
- Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner only)
July 1 through July 31:
- Ale & Compass Restaurant (breakfast and lunch only)
- Coral Reef Restaurant
- The Diamond Horseshoe
- Tiffins Restaurant
- Whispering Canyon Cafe
Annual Passholders may redeem the 40% discount for themselves and up to three (3) guests. The discount does not apply to alcohol, tax, or gratuity.
READ MORE: HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR NEXT DINSEY WORLD VACATION
Dozens of New Food Items Coming to Disneyland Resort
Disneyland foodies have a lot to look forward to on April 30. Over 40 new food and beverage items are making their way to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure park, from churros to cocktails to even tasty salads and breakfast items.
These menu items will appear at Quick Service dining locations and snack carts around the two theme parks — check out the full list of treats using the link below. Again, these food and beverage items arrive on April 30 — mark your calendar and bring your stretchy pants!