This was a historic week for the Walt Disney Company. There’s a new CEO in town, with a lot of excitement from Disney fans eager to see what changes are in store. Of course, a lot of changes are already in the works, with multiple new lands under construction at Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line expanding faster than ever.
Speaking of Disney Cruise Line, this week had a big announcement come right off the heels of the maiden voyage of the Disney Adventure. Let’s catch up on the latest theme park and cruise news from Disney!
“Disney Believe” revealed as the name of Disney Cruise Line’s next ship
There’s no rest for the weary at Disney Cruise Line. This month, they launched their eighth ship, the Disney Adventure in Singapore. It’s the first time a Disney cruise ship has been home ported outside of the United States.
While the proverbial dust has yet to settle from the Disney Adventure’s launch, Disney Cruise Line is ready to once again set its sights on the future. With eight ships currently operating in the fleet, another five are on the way between now and 2031. We learned some exciting new information this week about the ninth ship, slated to arrive in late 2027. Her name is the Disney Believe, themed around “promise and possibilities.”
We don’t know much about the Disney Believe right now, but it looks like Disney confirmed a few of the stories and characters guests can expect to encounter on board. That includes Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid. We have between now and late 2027 to get excited about the Disney Believe, so be sure to follow along for the latest developments!
READ MORE: DISNEY CRUISE LINE REVEALS ‘DISNEY BELIEVE’ AS THE NAME OF ITS NINTH SHIP
Leadership changes take effect at The Walt Disney Company
Josh D’Amaro became the eighth Chief Executive Officer at the Walt Disney Company this week, replacing Bob Iger. Dana Walden also became the first person to hold the title of both President and Chief Creative Officer at Disney. That created a ripple effect of leadership changes throughout the company. Josh D’Amaro’s previous position of Experiences Chairman now belongs to Thomas Mazloum, most recently the President of Disneyland Resort.
D’Amaro’s first day as CEO was on March 18, when the Walt Disney Company hosted its annual Meeting of Shareholders. In the meeting, D’Amaro shared his vision for the future of the Walt Disney Company, one that operates as “one Disney.”
READ MORE: HOW SOON CAN YOU BOOK A 2027 WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION?
The Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience opens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Following a multi-year hiatus, you can once again enjoy Afternoon Tea Service at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
The Garden View Lounge — Tea Experience opened on March 19 with a refreshed space inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The menu at The Garden View Lounge includes loose leaf teas from Twinings.
Afternoon Tea Service includes a literal tower of tea treats, with plant-based options available. Special children’s tea selections inspired by Alice in Wonderland are also on the menu.
You can book Advance Dining Reservations for The Garden View Lounge ahead of your next Walt Disney World vacation!
Previews begin at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Walt Disney World
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens at Magic Kingdom on April 8 following a months-long refurbishment. The ride will be decked out with new hand-held blasters and a new digital scoring system, making achieving your new high score easier than ever. Previews began over the weekend ahead of the ride’s official April reopening date.
Disney Cruise Line announces Southern California resident discounts
This last story is for all of you Southern California residents out there. As a fellow SoCal resident, it’s stories like these that make me wish I was still a local! Disney Cruise Line released a new promotion where Southern California residents can save up to 30% off select sailings from San Diego. These apply to 3-, 4-, and 7-night itineraries that depart in April and May 2026.
Availability for this promotion is limited, so be sure to take a look and see if there is an opportunity to save big on a last-minute Disney Cruise Line voyage on the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder!
READ MORE: WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE MY FIRST DISNEY CRUISE
Disney Theme Park and Cruise News: New CEO, New Cruise Ship Name, and More was originally published on The World of Spark.
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