It’s finally time for the latest Disney theme park and Cruise Line roundup! I worked on the majority of this article aboard my first ever Disney Cruise, and I must say, I think I have officially entered my cruise era. I wish I could write all of the Disney theme park news roundups from my stateroom verandah!
This was quite the busy news week with stories from across the Disney theme parks in addition to Disney Cruise Line. There are some important updates included that you’ll want to take note of if you are traveling to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort this summer.
Luggage Transfer Pilot Program
This week’s leading story comes from Walt Disney World, where a fan-favorite service from not so long ago is returning, at least partially. Before 2020, Disney’s airport transportation service, Magical Express, offered guests the ability to check their luggage at their resort hotel before returning to Orlando International Airport. While Magical Express was suspended, the Airport Luggage Transfer program is back for certain guests.
The Airport Luggage Transfer program is currently available at all five Walt Disney World Value Resort hotels as of April 3. Those resort hotels include Disney’s All Star Resorts (Sports, Movies, and Music), Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
At this time, the one-way pilot program is only for Southwest Airlines flights departing from Orlando International Airport (MCO). No word yet on Disney’s plans to further expand the program to other resort hotels or participating airlines.
READ MORE: NEW PLANNING TIPS FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD IN 2025
New and Returning Entertainment Coming This Summer to Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort is preparing for a busy 2025 with the 70th Anniversary Celebration right around the corner. In addition to the festivities, several new entertainment offerings will debut later this spring. We learned this week that Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will be the new show playing at the Disney Theater in California Adventure starting on May 16, 2025.
Over in Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park, Pixar Pals Playtime Party will return for a limited time this summer starting on May 23, 2025. Also back for a limited time starting that same day is Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland Park.
Finally, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Pixar’s Toy Story, guests will have the chance to meet Rex beginning on June 1 at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure.
READ MORE: START PLANNING YOUR 2025 DISNEYLAND RESORT VACATION
Both Disney World Water Parks To Be Open This Summer
For the first time since 2019, both Walt Disney World water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach — will be open this summer. Over the last five or so years, only one of the two water parks had been operating at a time. From May 21 through September 7, guests will be able to choose between the two!
Disney’s Blizzard Beach will still close for its previously scheduled refurbishment at the end of the day on April 30 and will reopen on May 21. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon opens on May 1. And, don’t forget, if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you and your party receive complimentary water park admission on your arrival day in 2025.
READ MORE: HOW TO SURVIVE SUMMER WEATHER IN WALT DISNEY WORLD
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merchandise Revealed
Hide your wallets, because Disneyland dropped a first look at a ton of the merchandise being released for the 70th anniversary celebration. The merchandise is broken into several different collections, including the Celebration Collection, Castle Collection, Vault Collection, and more.
The various collections are filled with must-have items, including apparel, home goods, and park essentials.
READ MORE: DISNEYLAND’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION STARTS NEXT MONTH!
New Shopping and Cafe Coming to Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort has undergone some major changes over the last couple of years. Those changes continue with newly-announced shopping and dining experiences coming soon.
It was announced this week that lululemon, Nectar Life, and Bopo Go! are making their way to Disneyland’s shopping and dining district. lululemon will be located in an area of the former ESPN Zone building. Nectar Life will have a pop-up opening this spring, and its permanent location will open later this year near Avengers Reserve. Bopo Go!, a boba and bubble tea cafe, will be a new concept from the owners of the Southern California chain Bopomofo Café.
Also this week, Disneyland unveiled designs for the interior spaces of two new restaurants opening soon at Downtown Disney. The two eateries come from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori: Arthur & Sons, a steakhouse…
…and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, a quick service eatery.
These two restaurants will be located on the footprint of the former Tortilla Jo’s.
READ MORE: NEW PLANNING TIPS FOR DISNEYLAND RESORT IN 2025
Disney Cruise Line Unveils Stern of the Disney Adventure
Finally, there’s an exciting story coming out of Disney Cruise Line this week. The Disney Adventure, DCL’s first-ever vessel to have a homeport in Singapore, revealed the design of its stern, which will feature Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie for the first time ever.
The Disney Adventure embarks on its maiden voyage on December 20, 2025. For its initial sailings, the Disney Adventure will feature itineraries that are entirely days at sea with no ports.
