Theme Park News: Disney Launches New Cruise Ship, Theme Parks Eye 2026

Welcome to another episode of the latest theme park news. While I’m mostly talking about theme parks in these reports, we have to talk about the big launch coming out of the cruise world this week: the launch of the Disney Destiny! But Disney is far from the only one making headlines this week. The annual The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo took place this week in Orlando, Florida.showcasing the latest and greatest in the theme park industry. The IAAPA Expo is an industry event and typically includes a preview of upcoming rides and attractions, many of which are in the works for 2026!

Disney Destiny celebrates its christening and maiden voyage

It’s been a big two weeks for Disney Cruise Lineas the seventh ship, the Disney Destinyhas had its christening, preview cruises and has now launched its maiden voyage.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a preview cruiseand I have a few stories that give you an idea of ​​what makes this ship so unique to Disney Cruise Line. From its strong storytelling elements to its immersive lounges and top-tier entertainment, this is a ship worth checking out if you love Disney theme parks or a classic hero versus villain tale.

Now that Destiny has joined the fleet, Disney Cruise Line will quickly turn its attention to its eighth ship, the Disney Adventurewhich will be the first Disney Cruise Line ship to be ported to Asia. Disney adventures the maiden voyage is scheduled for March 10, 2026.

READ MORE: DISNEY CRUISE LINE TAKES STORYTELLING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH DISNEY DESTINY

Disneyland announces after-hours event lineup for 2026

Disney theme parks have been branching out into after-hours events in recent years, with Disney World and Disneyland offering guests multiple ways to enjoy the parks after the posted closing time. In 2026, Disneyland visitors will once again be able to attend many different events. Disneyland after dark events on select evenings from January to June, with the full lineup announced this week.

Disneyland After Dark 2026 events include a new event, Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favoritesa nod to the station’s 70th anniversary celebrations which will continue until summer 2026. 70 Years of Favorites promises to be filled with dance evenings (including one Videopolis dance evening at Tomorrowland Terrace!), photo ops and encounters with rare characters.

The full schedule is as follows:

• Disneyland after dark: lovers’ evening: January 22, 27, February 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17
• Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites: March 3, 5
• Disneyland after dark: Disney Channel Nite: April 12, 14, 16
• Disneyland after dark: Star Wars Nite: April 28, 30, May 4, 6
• Disneyland After Dark: Pride Night: June 16, 18

Disneyland Magic Key presale for Sweethearts’ Nite and 70 Years of Favorites begins Tuesday, December 9, 2025 for Inspire keyholders. All other Magic Key holders will benefit from a separate pre-sale on Wednesday, December 10. General on-sale begins Thursday, December 11. All pre-sales and general sales will not begin until 9:00 a.m. PST. On-sale dates for Disney Channel Celebrations Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Pride Nite will be announced at a later date.

Dynamic ticket pricing for upcoming tickets at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

Back on the mainland, Disney theme park fans will need to pick up a new vacation planning strategy in the coming years. This week, Hugh Johnston, Disney CFO spoke at the Wells Fargo Technology, Media, and Telecom Summit where he commented on dynamic ticket pricingsimilar to the airline pricing model as reported by Deadline.

Johnston mentioned that dynamic ticket pricing was rolled out at Disneyland Paris in November 2024 as a test of a pricing model that could be applied to national parks. He noted that dynamic pricing was “probably something you won’t see this year, but maybe you will see in subsequent years.”

Reading the tea leaves, this could mean we’ll see dynamic pricing — that is, theme park ticket prices that could fluctuate daily based on demand — implemented as early as Disney’s next fiscal year, which begins in October 2026. So there’s no need to rush out to buy your tickets if you have a 2026 vacation planned, but This is definitely something to keep track of as it could make a huge difference to how you plan and save for your Disney trips.

READ MORE: WHAT WILL DISNEY WORLD TICKETS COST IN 2026

World Theme Park Expo Reveals New Ride Vehicles

Outside of Disney World, theme parks across the country have been sharing the latest and greatest recent developments and projects currently underway at IAAPA annual exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

Notably, one of the big revelations of this year’s IAAPA exhibition is the Mack drive a vehicle to Night Flight Expeditionthe revolutionary attraction that happens to Dollywood in 2026. NightFlight Expedition will be the first hybrid indoor roller coaster and whitewater raft rideso his ride vehicle was something fans have been eager to see since the ride was announced earlier this year.

SeaWorld Orlando and ride manufacturer Vekoma also unveiled its vehicle for SeaQUEST: Legends of the DeepA suspended dark ride which will debut in 2026. Next year will be big for groundbreaking new rides debuting at theme parks across the country, so be sure to follow the latest developments.

READ MORE: A REVOLUTIONARY ATTRACTION COMES TO DOLLYWOOD IN 2026

The Holiday Season Begins at Disneyland Resort

It wouldn’t be a November news roundup without at least one holiday story. THE holiday season at Disneyland Resort officially began on November 14 and, at the same time, the Disney California Adventure Holiday Festival. Seasonal deals will be available at Disneyland Resort until January 7, 2026.

When visiting Disneyland this time of year, you can enjoy a number of time-honored traditions. During the day, catch A Fantastic Christmas parade at Disneyland Park, or Fireworks “Believe… in the magic of the holidays” at night. Ride overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday and “It’s a small world” Holiday are also available, and Cars Land in Disney California Adventure is decorated for the season.

You’ll definitely want to save room in your stomach for the Party Food Market at Disney California Adventure, my favorite part of the park’s Festival Holidays.

READ MORE: START PLANNING YOUR 2026 DISNEY VACATION

Theme Park News: Disney Launches New Cruise Ship, Theme Parks Eye 2026 was originally published on The World of Spark.

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