Let me just say right at the start that this week’s roundup of Disney theme park and cruise line news is, in a word, lengthy. I can’t remember the last time we had so many announcements and unveilings in one week that wasn’t D23 Fan Event related!
From a brand new Lightning Lane Pass to tons of details about Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship, the Disney Adventure, there was enough news to account for several weeks. So let’s waste no time and jump right into the latest roundup.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass Introduced for Disney World and Disneyland
This week, Disney unveiled yet another Lightning Lane Pass. The new Lightning Lane Pass System debuted over the summer, replacing Genie+ as Disney World and Disneyland’s paid skip-the-line service. There are many similarities between the two systems, with one major difference being the ability to book your return times ahead of time (similar to FastPass+, if you remember way back then).
The new pass, Lightning Lane Premier Pass, allows guests one-time access to the Lightning Lane of ALL participating attractions without needing to book ANY return times. Just show up when you’r ready to ride! At present, Lightning Lane Premier Pass will only be available to guests staying at Deluxe Resorts or Deluxe Villas (Disney Vacation Club resorts) in Walt Disney World. At Disneyland, all guests will be eligible.
The cost of Lightning Lane Premier Pass is hefty. Prices will vary depending on the park and day, with higher priced Premier Passes available during peak season. The daily per person price ranges are as follows for this initial pilot phase (plus tax where applicable):
- Magic Kingdom: $329-$449
- EPCOT: $169-$249
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $269-$349
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $129-$199
- Disneyland Resort (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure included in one purchase): $400 (tax exempt)
There are a few key details I want to emphasize quickly; I’ll have a full breakdown of Premier Pass soon:
- At launch, guests can only purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass for ONE park per day at Walt Disney World.
- Purchasing Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland Resort gives you access to both parks on the same day.
- Guests who purchase Premier Pass will utilize the same Lightning Lane as those guest who purchase Multi Pass and Single Pass.
- You may purchase Multi Pass and Single Pass in addition to Premier Pass on the same day.
- Premier Pass also includes digital downloads of attraction photos and videos via Disney PhotoPass as well as access to PhotoPass Lenses.
- Disneyland’s prices will range from $300 to $400 per person daily starting in 2025. The static $400 price at launch is due to the fact that Premier Pass is launching as we head into the busy peak holiday season.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass launches at Disneyland Resort on October 23 and at Walt Disney World on October 30.
I know, I know. It’s a lot of information to digest, and those prices are eye-popping to say the least. Keep your eyes peeled on a full breakdown solely focused on Lightning Lane Premier Pass, as well as a full update to my Lightning Lane Pass guide.
READ MORE: DISNEY’S NEW LIGHTNING LANE PASS SYSTEM
First Major Phase of Closures in DinoLand U.S.A. Announced
We’ll soon bid adieu to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to make way for a new land inspired by the Tropical Americas. We learned more details about this new land at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, but we’re now getting more information on the final days of DinoLand before it goes…extinct (I know, I’m definitely not the first person to make that joke).
January 12, 2025 will be the last day to enjoy TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. The remainder of DinoLand will remain open for now, including DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites.
Inaugural Sailing Date and More Details Revealed For Disney Adventure
Disney Cruise Line will launch three new ships between December 2024 and December 2025. The Disney Treasure is set for its maiden voyage at the end of this year, and next year will bring the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure to the fleet. The latter, Disney Adventure, will have a homeport in Singapore.
We learned this week that the maiden voyage for the Disney Adventure will embark on December 15, 2025. We also learned more about the themed areas guests can enjoy aboard the Disney Adventure.
These themed areas include Marvel Landing, Disney Cruise Line’s first adventure zone at sea. This area features Ironcycle Test Run, Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever roller coaster!
And don’t forget: Disney Cruise Line announced three more ships at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. This will bring Disney Cruise Line’s fleet size to 13 vessels by the end of 2031!
READ MORE: WHAT’S COMING TO DISNEY CRUISE LINE IN 2024 AND 2025
Disney Vacation Club Announces Paid Member Perks Program
If you’re a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Member, you’ll definitely want to read up on this next news update. This week, DVC unveiled a new paid member perks program called “Membership Magic Beyond.” This program, which will cost $99 per year, is available to eligible Members beginning on December 3, 2024 for usage January 12 through December 31, 2025. The program comes with a number of benefits, outlined below:
Eligibility for Membership Magic Beyond requires having an ownership interest with 150 Vacation Points or more purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad To Be Closed in Magic Kingdom For Entirety of 2025
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in 2025, you’ll want to know about a lengthy closure that will affect your day at Magic Kingdom. It was unveiled this week that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for an extended refurbishment starting on January 6, 2025. The ride will not reopen until sometime in 2026! That’s well over a year of no Big Thunder at Magic Kingdom. When the ride reopens, it will feature new enhancements.
Several years from now, a villains-themed land is set to open “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” at Magic Kingdom, so it’s possible this extended closure will involve some work around the back side of the ride as well.
If you’re a fan of Big Thunder and want to ride it one more time before the extended down time, make sure you do so up until January 5, 2025.
READ MORE: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT 2025 WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATIONS
The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure Delays Opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It was revealed this week that the opening of The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure has been delayed. The live stage show, originally scheduled to open this fall, will now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the summer of 2025.
This means we have even more new entertainment coming to Walt Disney World during the summer season next year. In addition to The Little Mermaid, a new villains-themed stage show will debut at Hollywood Studios in the summer.
Next summer will also feature the debut of Disney Starlight, a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom (that’s right, Magic Kingdom is FINALLY getting a nighttime parade once again).
By next summer, it looks like there will be a lot of new offerings to experience at Disney World! Stay tuned for exact opening dates.
READ MORE: THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN 2025
Holiday Details Revealed For Walt Disney World
We’re just a few weeks away from the start of the holiday season at Walt Disney World! The holidays are my favorite time of year at the theme parks thanks to the comfortable temperatures, festive decorations, and wealth of seasonal entertainment.
One of the most beloved traditions at Disney World this time of year is the Candlelight Processional. This week, Disney unveiled this year’s lineup of celebrity narrators:
- 11/29 – 11/30 Josh Gad
- 12/1 – 12/2 Nico Santos (NEW)
- 12/3-12/5 Chrissy Metz
- 12/6 – 12/7 Whoopi Goldberg
- 12/8 – 12/10 Tituss Burgess (NEW)
- 12/11 – 12/12 Brendan Fraser
- 12/13 – 12/14 Ralph Macchio (NEW)
- 12/15 – 12/16 Gary Sinise
- 12/17 – 12/18 Neil Patrick Harris
- 12/19 – 12/21 Pat Sajak
- 12/22 – 12/23 Gloria Estefan
- 12/24 – 12/26 Edward James Olmos
- 12/27 – 12/28 Sterling K Brown
- 12/29 – 12/30 Jodi Benson
One of the best ways to secure a spot to watch the Candlelight Processional is to book a dining package that includes a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant along with reserved seating for that evening’s show. Bookings for this year’s Candlelight Processional dining packages are available starting on October 29.
We also learned this week that Jingle Cruise will return to Magic Kingdom. The holiday overlay of the attraction will open on November 2.
READ MORE: HOW TO PLAN A HOLIDAY VACATION TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
New Details Announced For Bayou Country at Disneyland Park
Let’s close out this week’s massive news lineup with a trip out to Disneyland Resort. We’re just a little under one month away from the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Park (the attraction opened at Walt Disney World this past summer).
This week, we got a look at the costumes Cast Members will wear in Bayou Country, the newly-named land formerly known as Critter Country.
We also learned about some upcoming opening dates for the land! Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree will (re)open on October 25 with a brand-new menu featuring items like Smoked Angus Beef Burger with Pulled Pork, Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich, and a plant-based Corn Ribs Plate.
One of the land’s rebranded shopping locations, Louis’ Critter Club, will officially open for guests on November 13 (this is the former location of one half of Pooh Corner).
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Disneyland Park on November 15. Magic Key holder previews will begin on October 21.
