Disney Theme Park and Cruise Line News: Prepare For a Busy Summer Ahead
Walt Disney World is gearing up for a very exciting couple of weeks ahead. With the return of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER comes several ride reopenings and debuts, including the highly anticipated Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
In fact, multiple exciting things are in the works across the Disney Experiences division. From theme parks to Disney Cruise Line, we have a lot of news to catch up on!
First Look Inside Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets
With just a little over one week to go until the reopening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Disney has shared a first look at the preshow with the attractions new headliner act, the Muppets! The preshow will feature an Audio-Animatronic of Scooter…
…as well as some penguin audio engineers. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets’ story will resemble the original Aerosmith version of the ride, where guests have to race across town to get to the big show on time.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets officially opens on May 26, with previews happening throughout the week leading up to its opening.
READ MORE: PACK THESE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR DISNEY WORLD SUMMER VACATION
Disney World Launches New Ticket Offer for Florida Residents
Let’s start things off with yet another incredible Walt Disney World ticket offer, this time for Florida residents. This summer has already been a great time to plan a trip if you’re looking to save on resorts and park admission, with this newest offer bringing more savings from late spring through fall.
Florida Residents can take advantage of new multi-day theme park tickets that start as low as $65 per day. The ticket options are priced as follows:
- 2-Day Ticket: $219 (plus tax)
- 3-Day Ticket: $239 (plus tax)
- 4-Day Ticket: $259 (plus tax)
The tickets are valid for visits between May 17 and October 3, 2026.
READ MORE: WAYS YOU CAN SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS AT DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER
Locations Revealed For Soarin’ Across America
The third iteration of the popular Soarin’ attraction, Soarin’ Across America, debuts at EPCOT on May 26 and at Disney California Adventure on July 2. The new version of the ride arrives just in time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A new poster was revealed for this attraction:
We previously knew few details about what destinations around the United States would be featured in Soarin’ Across America, but we now have a few more details ahead of its opening! As I type this, the first wave of previews are taking place, so we now know the full list of locations visited in this new version. Soarin’ Across America will bring guests to New England’s coastline, New York Harbor, the Grand Canyon, sunlit island shores, the bayous, Great Plains, and the northern wilderness.
Guests will also hear a new musical arrangement by Bruce Broughton of Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic Soarin’ theme when they ride. Soarin’ Across America is a “limited time itinerary,” so be sure to check it out on your next Disney World or Disneyland vacation.
READ MORE: MUST-DOS WHEN VISITING DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER
Disney Cruise Line To Debut New Entertainment Offerings
If you’re sailing on Disney Cruise Line this year, you may have new entertainment offerings to check out. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled especially if you’re sailing on the Magic or Wonder to Alaska this summer!
Fitting with its icy cold theme, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will be available on the Wonder and Magic on the upper deck during Alaska sailings.
Other Frozen-themed activities on Magic and Wonder itineraries this summer include:
- Anna’s Frozen Fun Hunt, a scavenger hunt-style activity designed for families to explore and play together.
- Oaken’s Maypole Swirl & Twirl, an atrium dance celebration filled with music and movement for all ages.
- A Frozen‑themed dining experience, where you can enjoy traditional Nordic fare created just for the party — along with special dishes inspired by the hit movie — in a feast fit for a royal appetite.
Select Alaska itineraries are also where you’ll catch the Broadway Star Series, which brings Broadway and West End stars to your Disney Cruise Line voyage for live music and behind-the-scenes stories.
The Magic and the Wonder will also be home to Mickey’s Color Spin Dance Party. The lively dance party will debut on the Disney Magic this month on select sailings after it arrived on the Wonder earlier this year.
Mickey & Minnie’s Pirates in the Caribbean, an “updated pirate experience,” arrives this spring on the Disney Wonder and later this year on the Magic following its Alaska season.
Finally, if you’re like me and always find the catchy melody of “Let’s Set Sail” stuck in your head, then you’ll want to know that the Let’s Set Sail show will continue to roll out across the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet in 2026 as the signature sail away deck stage show.
READ MORE: HOW THE DISNEY DESTINY IS THE PERFECT MARRIAGE OF CRUISING AND DISNEY THEME PARKS
Rapid-fire news!
- Tickets are now on sale for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The after hours Halloween event returns to Magic Kingdom on select evenings August 7 through October 31, 2026.
- A new dining location is opening soon at Hollywood Studios! KRNR The Rock Station food kiosk has been reimagined and will reopen as FØØD by Swedish Chef to go alongside Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. The dining location, complete with a new menu, officially opens along with the ride on May 26.