Theme Park News: New “Soarin’” Coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

Welcome to another edition of the latest theme park news! This week included an exciting announcement about how Disney plans to participate in next year’s festival. America 250 celebration, but we also heard a lot of news regarding events leading up to next summer. Whether you’re visiting Disney World or Disneyland in a few weeks or a few months, This week’s roundup contains lots of important information to consider before your next trip. Let’s not waste time and dive in!

New version of Soarin’ announced for America’s 250th birthday

This week’s main story is about 250th anniversary of the United States of America! The big birthday party will spread across the country, including Disney theme parks. It was announced this week that “Disney celebrates America” will begin on Veterans Day and continue through 2026.

This celebration includes a mark new version of Soarin’ coming to both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure. Soaring across America will include “more than a dozen breathtaking places” showcasing the country’s “natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.”

This is formulated as a “limited time route” so it looks like it won’t be there forever! Soarin’ Across America will debut at Disney World and Disneyland in summer 2026just in time for America’s 250th birthday.

“DISNEY CELEBRATES AMERICA” STARTS NEXT MONTH

New Details Announced for This Year’s Disney Jollywood Nights at Walt Disney World

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you start decorating early like at Disney World, you’re only a few weeks away from the tree going up and the festive music starting to play! Disney Jollywood Nightsthe seasonal event outside of opening hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, begins on November 8 and runs on select evenings until December 22.

This week, Disney revealed new details regarding this year’s Jollywood Night offerings. THE Gourmet guide has just been released, with nearly three dozen new menu items making their debut, including Kermit Mint Swirl And Miss Piggy Strawberry Glam boba drinks.

We also learned that some special characters will make appearances during Jollywood Nights, including Bing Bong, Partysaurus Rex and Life Day Chewbacca.

PLAN YOUR NEXT VACATION WALT DISNEY WORLD

2026 EPCOT Arts Festival Dates Announced

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in early 2026, vacation planning is probably already underway! No winter trip to Disney World is complete without EPCOT Arts Festivaland we have just learned the dates of the 2026 festival!

EPCOT Arts Festival returns January 16 – February 23, 2026. It’s a short festival, but it packs an artistic punch. The festival celebrates all things visual and performing arts, with favorites returning in 2026 including the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series, Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt and of course, the Food Studios.

New for 2026 are the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game activities. More details will be announced closer to the 2026 festival kickoff, so stay tuned!

WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT DISNEY WORLD HOLIDAYS 2026

Construction Complete for Disney Destiny, Property Transferred to Disney Cruise Line

Since last week, construction is officially complete for the Disney Destiny, the next ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet! Ownership was later transferred from the Meyer Werft shipyard to Disney Cruise Line. The ship is currently on its voyage to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the maiden voyage will begin on November 20.

Keep an eye on this space as I bring you a ton of exciting coverage on the launch of Disney Destiny!

NEW DISNEY CRUISE LINE SHIP LAUNCHES NEXT MONTH

Quick news!

• If you’ve been waiting for these top-tier Magic Key passes to go on sale at Disneyland, you’re in luck. Disneyland has announced that sales of new Inspire and Believe keys will resume on November 4, 2025, no earlier than 9:00 a.m. PST. Currently, these two passes as well as the Enchant key are available as renewals. The Imagine key is currently available for sale and renewal.
• Rémy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be converted from 3D to 2D at EPCOT. Goodbye 3D glasses (at least for this trip)! The ride will be briefly closed from November 10-13 so these changes can take place. Additionally, new lighting and accessories will be added to the ride queue in the coming months.
• Cruise Jingle will return to Magic Kingdom in time for the holiday season. The limited-time overlay will be start the cruise on November 3.

SHOULD YOU BUY LIGHTNING LANE PASSES ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION?

Theme Park News: New ‘Soarin’ Coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort was originally published on The World of Spark.

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