Disney News and Cruise Line News For the Weeks of May 19 and May 26, 2025
After a brief hiatus, the weekly Disney theme park and cruise line roundups are back! I decided to combine last week’s quieter roundup of news with this week, and now we have a healthy lineup of stories to chat about today.
The summer season is in full swing at Walt Disney World with new shows and limited-time offerings available to guests starting this week. Let’s get going and catch up on two weeks of stories.
Disney World Reveals Opening Date For Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade
At long last, we finally know the opening date for Disney World’s new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight! The first new nighttime parade to debut at Magic Kingdom in over 30 years will officially arrive on July 20.
As part of the announcement this week, Disney World revealed a first look at the parade’s finale float:
We also learned that, for a limited time, starting on July 20, Disney World Annual Passholders must make a park reservation for Magic Kingdom, regardless of the day they want to visit or the time they wish to enter. Previously, park reservations were not required for Magic Kingdom on good-to-go days or on weekdays after 2:00 PM.
READ MORE: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE DEBUT OF DISNEY STARLIGHT THIS SUMMER AT DISNEY WORLD
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After Opens at Hollywood Studios
Our next two stories this week concern new stage shows debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The first is Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, which had its first public performance on May 27. The show is located at Sunset Showcase Theater, the former home of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After tells the story of three beloved villains — Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, and Captain Hook — as they make their case for who among them is the most misunderstood. A combination of live actors and video technology is used in the production, which runs approximately 20 minutes.
The show runs more or less continuously throughout the day (more or less every 30-60 minutes from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM).
READ MORE: WHAT’S COMING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD THIS SUMMER
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure Opens at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has not one, not three, but two new stage shows that debut this week. In addition to Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, guests can now check out The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. The show opened in the same theater as its predecessor, Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
Similar to Disney Villains, the new Little Mermaid show combines live performances with an array of theatrical technology to tell the story of Disney’s animated classic, ‘The Little Mermaid.’ The show also runs continuously throughout the day from 9:15 AM to 7:15 PM with a runtime of approximately 20 minutes.
READ MORE: HOW TO SURVIVE SUMMER AT DISNEY WORLD
Cool Kid Summer Kicks Off at Walt Disney World
A trio of new activities kicked off this week as Disney World’s summer promotion, “Cool Kid Summer,” began. This promo includes increased character meet-and-greet opportunities during Early Theme Park Entry, offered to Disney World hotel guests 30 minutes prior to the parks’ posted opening times.
In addition, kids can enjoy GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT, Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus in Magic Kigndom, and Get Animated at Animation Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each location will include activities, dance parties, character interactions, and more for kids to enjoy during your summer vacation.
READ MORE: WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR 2025 DISNEY WORLD VACATION
Disney Vacation Members and Disney Visa Cardholders Eligible For Disney Cruise Booking Offer
There’s a new incentive to book select Disney Cruise Line voyages in August or September if you are a Disney Vacation Club Member or Disney Visa Cardholder. Both groups received news this week of a limited-time offer that includes a $250 onboard credit when they book Disney Wish sailings. DVC Members may use points, cash, or a combination of both to book.
This $250 onboard credit offer can be combined with the existing 30% off offer, which leads to even more savings. Here are the eligible cruises:
3-Night Bahamian Cruise (sailing out of Port Canaveral)
- Aug 1-4
- Aug 29-Sep 1
4-Night Bahamian Cruise (sailing out of Port Canaveral)
- Aug 4-8
- Aug 11-15
- Aug 18-22
- Sep 1-5
- Sep 8-12 (Halloween on the High Seas)
- Sep 15-19 (Halloween on the High Seas)