6 HUGE Announcements Disney Just Dropped

Grab a seat! We’re about to go over every single new announcement from Disney over the past few days and trust us; there’s a LOT.

Walt Disney World

We’ve got good news. We’ve got bad news. We’ve got EXPENSIVE news. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

Here are the six newest Disney announcements you need to know.

FULL Candlelight Processional Celebrity Lineup Announced

EPCOT is preparing to host the annual EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. During this festive EPCOT event, look out for special snacks, drinks, merchandise, and live entertainment! In fact, one of the most popular parts of the festival is the Candlelight Processional, which features celebrity narrators who share the story of Christmas with live music.

2023 Candlelight Processional

The show will air three times a night: at  5PM, 6:45PM, and 8:15PM. This year, new celebrity narrators will visit EPCOT, and many returning faces will be back to continue the tradition. Look out for celebrities like Josh Gad, Ralph Macchio (new for 2024), Neil Patrick Harris, Jodi Benson, and more!

Disney CONFIRMS Major Change for the 2024 EPCOT Candlelight Processional

TONS of Holiday Additions Returning to Disney World

Good news! All four Disney World parks are going ALL OUT for the holidays this year! In fact, Disney just confirmed that several new and returning holiday celebrations are coming to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom starting November 12th.

Hi Donald!

In Animal Kingdom, look out for a new Santa Claus meet-and-greet at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party on the patio at Restaurantosaurus! (Note: you will only be able to meet him until Christmas Eve, December 24th) Additionally, the beloved Merry Menagerie at Discovery Island is BACK.

©Disney

You can also meet Mickey and Minnie dressed in their “festive finest” at Adventurers Outpost. Finally, don’t forget to stick around for the Tree of Life Awakenings holiday experience. This limited-time show is so pretty — it really lights up the Tree of Life!

Merry Menagerie

Over at Hollywood Studios, the park will once again host Disney Jollywood Nights! Plus, Hollywood Studios is introducing three new entertainment acts starting November 12th! Look out for some Juggling Elves as they “deliver festive cheer with a side of shenanigans as they show off their skills of juggling, comedy, and more!” If you’re in the mood for some festive music, check out the Holiday Spirit Band or listen to the Season Jukebox group.

Live entertainment

Also coming to Hollywood Studios this season is the holiday overlay to For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, It’s A Wonderful Shop Santa Meet and Greet, and the Sunset Seasons Greetings projections show on The Hollywood Tower Hotel.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In addition to the Festival of the Holidays, EPCOT will also host a popular R&B show called “JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season.”

JOYFUL! in EPCOT

Finally, Magic Kingdom confirmed the return of its castle stage show, “Frozen Holiday Surprise!” Anna, Elsa, and friends will ring in the season and help transform Cinderella Castle with a little holiday MAGIC.

Frozen Holiday Surprise

Oh, and be sure to take a ride on the Jungle Cruise, which will be transformed into the Jingle Cruise! The special ride overlay arrives on November 2nd.

Guide to Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World

New Permit Filed for Disney’s Upcoming The Little Mermaid Show

The Voyage of the Little Mermaid show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been closed for YEARS, and Disney confirmed the show will not reopen…yet. In fact, a brand-new version of the Little Mermaid show will take its place in the exact location of Animation Courtyard. The show was originally set to open this fall, but recently, Disney announced that the show would be delayed.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

On October 14th, Disney confirmed that the new show, “The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure,” will premiere in the summer of 2025 instead of the previous fall 2024 date. Although the show won’t open this year, a new permit has just been filed for more work on the building.

A new permit has been filed!

The permit is for a new sign to be installed in front of the show building, which makes sense since the show will be totally updated. The permit was filed for work to be done by Design Communications, Ltd. based in Orlando.

NEWS: Disney World Pushing Opening Date BACK for New Hollywood Studios Attraction

New Additions Coming to the Disney Adventure Cruise Ship

Disney Cruise Line is adding another NEW ship to its fleet, called the Disney Adventure. It will set sail on its maiden voyage out of Singapore on December 15th, 2025. There is a LOT to see and do on the ship, including new rides (yes, RIDES), restaurants, lounges, kids zones, and more.

©Disney

One of the things we’re most excited about is the new Marvel Landing area, THREE new Disney attractions. First is Ironcycle Test Run, which is Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever roller coaster. Pym Quantum Racers features new Pym Tech-modified mini-cars for a drive around a full-scale toy track. The third attraction is Groot Galaxy Spin, where you can “blast into an awesome mix of high-soaring feats and bass-boosted beats.”

©Disney

There will be a new stage show called “Remember,” a meet-and-greet area called Hollywood Spotlight Club, a new Enchanted Summer Restaurant, two premium restaurants, San Fransokyo Street, and MUCH more.

©Disney

From new lounges to a BAYMAX meet-and-greet, there’s a LOT to look forward to on the Disney Adventure.

Disney Reveals 3 NEW Attractions for Its Newest Cruise Ship: The Adventure

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Coming to Disney World and Disneyland

Disney is rolling out a NEW (and expensive) way to skip the lines. It’s called Lightning Lane Premier Pass, and will be a new option in addition to the current Multi Pass and Single Pass.

©Disney

Like the current passes that allow you to skip the line at several attractions, the Premier Pass will do the same, but it will only be available to guests staying at Deluxe and Deluxe Villas in Disney World. Starting October 30th, those who purchase the Premier Pass will be able to use it to skip the line at each participating attraction ONCE per day, WITHOUT booking a reservation in advance.

Haunted Mansion Lightning Lane

The prices are STEEP, so think of this like a luxury service for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of booking Lighting Lane reservations throughout the day. The prices are as follows:

If you qualify, you can purchase Premier Passes up to seven days in advance of your stay.

People Keep Comparing Universal’s Express Pass to Disney’s NEW Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Here’s How They Actually Stack Up.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

©Mouse Fan Travel

Whew! Talk about a LOT of big news. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World soon, make sure you’re prepared for all the new and upcoming changes! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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