Theme park news: holidays return to Disney World as Grand Floridan lobby renovation nears completion

Welcome back to another edition of theme park news! There has been a lot of excitement coming out of Disney Experiences with the arrival of the holiday season, a major transformation nearing its completion at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, as well as the arrival of a brand new cruise ship. I know, I know, cruising isn’t the same as theme parks, but we’ve seen a significant amount of crossover when it comes to beloved theme park storytelling finding its way onto Disney Cruise Line ships! Ahead of my voyage aboard the Disney Destiny, I wanted to catch everyone up on the latest news stories in case you have an upcoming trip planned this November!

Disney Destiny arrives in Florida ahead of preview sailings and maiden voyage

We’re just a couple of weeks away from the official maiden voyage of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny! She recently completed her journey across the Atlantic, arriving in Florida where numerous preview sailings are now taking place before the maiden voyage, which launches on November 20.

It was also announced this week that Disney Cruise Line will return to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade with a float inspired by the Destiny! The float will be accompanied by characters featured on the Disney Destiny, including Hercules, Cruella De Vil, and more! Concept art for the float was released along with the announcement:

Be sure to follow along for exciting coverage leading up to the Disney Destiny’s maiden voyage!

CATCH UP ON THE DISNEY DESTINY AND WHAT VOYAGERS WILL FIND ONBOARD

Zootopia: Better Zoogether opens at Dinsey’s Animal Kingdom

New offerings continue to come online at Walt Disney World outside of seasonal offerings. Following a period of Cast Member, media, and select guest previews, Zootopia: Better Zoogether has officially opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether opens just in time for the arrival of Zootopia 2, in theaters on November 26. In celebration of the film and to go along with the new show at Animal Kingdom, guests can meet Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps on Discovery Island.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether performs in the Tree of Life Theater, the former home of It’s Tough to Be A Bug. The show will run continuously throughout the day.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT 2026 VACATIONS TO WALT DISNEY WORLD

Holiday after hours parties return to Walt Disney World

The holidays are now in full swing at Disney World with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party hosting its first event last night (November 7) and Disney Jollywood Nights returning this evening. The after hours parties will take place on select evenings through December 21 and 22, respectively.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features nearly 40 new food items this year according to Disney Parks Blog. While some of these items are available to day guests at Magic Kingdom, the majority are exclusive to party attendees. New menu items are available at Disney Jollywood Nights this year as well.

Disney Jollywood Nights also has new offerings this year including rare character meet and greets that include Partysaurus Rex and Life Day Chewbacca.

PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY VACATION TO WALT DISNEY WORLD

Lobby transformation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa nears completion

Major changes have taken place in and around the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Overall, the lobby space has gone through a big refresh with “bright and inviting updates” coming in the form of a brand-new carpet, an updated stained-glass skylight, new furnishings, and more.

The Perch, the newly-revealed name of the lobby bar constructed to look like the old bird cage that used to exist at the Grand Floridian, has soft opened as of November 8. An official opening date of November 10 was announced this week.

That’s not all! The Garden View Lounge will finally reopen in early 2026 with a refreshed look that compliments the new lobby design. The Garden View Lounge will offer “a new tea experience” with whimsical Disney touches for guests of all ages (more details to come).

BEGIN TO BUDGET YOUR 2026 DISNEY WORLD VACATION

Rapid-fire news!

• A new wedding venue is coming to Disney Cruise Line! The Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the Disney Destiny will be an official place to say “I Do” starting on May 14, 2026. The venue will be able to host up to 25 guests.
• Ahead of the Disney California Adventure Festival of the Holidays returning on November 14, Disney released a full Foodie Guide with menu items available for purchase. The Festival of the Holidays will take place daily at California Adventure through January 7, 2026.
• Looking ahead to 2026, Disney World released the full concert lineup for the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, taking place during the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! The festival returns from January 16 through February 23, 2026. Mark your calendars with the following concerts at the American Gardens Theater:
  • Isabelle McCalla (“Aladdin”) – NEW! and Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”): January 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 27
  • Sierra Boggess (“The Little Mermaid”) – NEW! and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”): January 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 29
  • Anastacia McCleskey (“Tarzan”) – NEW! and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): January 30, February 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10
  • Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”): January 31, February 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12
  • Ainsley Melham (“Aladdin”) – NEW! Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”): February 13, 15, 16, 19
  • Susan Egan (“Beauty and The Beast”) – NEW! and James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”) – NEW!: February 14, 17, 18, 20, 21
  • Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”), Ainsley Melham (“Aladdin”), Susan Egan (Beauty and The Beast”), James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”): February 22, 23
• One more quick update from abroad. A new hotel was announced for Shanghai Disney Resort, which will expand the resort’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

11 THEME PARKS NATIONWIDE WITH HOLIDAY EVENTS YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT

Theme Park News: Holidays Return to Disney World as Grand Floridan Lobby Renovation Nears Completion was originally published on The World of Spark.

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