Disney Destiny Has Arrived

Disney Destiny

The Disney Destiny has arrived at Port Canaveral, Florida! Isn’t she gorgeous??

The Disney Destiny is the seventh and newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. She joins the sister ships of the Wish class, the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, both based in Florida right now.

Disney Destiny

The Disney Destiny just completed her 2-week journey to America on Sunday night, November 2, 2025, from the shipyard in Germany. She will spend a short time in Port Canaveral, probably doing some media and preview cruises, before sailing to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for her Inaugural Season. The Disney Destiny will sail on her Maiden Voyage on November 20, 2025!

Disney Destiny

The Disney Destiny will primarily sail 4-night and 5-night cruises, with a few 7-night cruises sprinkled in, from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Every sailing will contain a port day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, or its newest private destination, Lookout Cay. Some sailings have port stops at both locations!

Disney Destiny Grand Hall

In a departure from the other ships, the theming will be based on Heroes and Villains and feature a very different style and color scheme. The Grand Hall takes inspiration from Black Panther for the Vibranium chandelier and armor metalwork, and will feature T’Challa as the main statue. Marvel theming will also be prominent in other areas of the ship, such as Spiderman being the stern character.

Lion King dinner show restaurant

Restaurants, lounges, and staterooms will be inspired by other heroes and villains, such as The Lion King (a new dinner show restaurant), Marvel, Dr. Strange, Cruella de Vil, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, Haunted Mansion, Iron Man, and more.

Hercules stage show

The stage shows will be Disney Seas the Adventure, Frozen—A Musical Spectacular, and, unique to the Disney Destiny ship, a new show based on Disney Hercules! This spectacular, mythical journey of good vs. evil remains true to the film’s essence, yet will present a fresh, modern take for a live theatre audience with pop and gospel musical influences.

Stay tuned for the livestream of the Disney Destiny Christening Ceremony next Monday night, November 10, 2025, at 6:30pm ET. The Disney Cruise Line Blog and social media channels will also reveal sneak peeks of the ship all day.

Destiny Christening Ceremony

The first set of Inaugural Sailings from November 2025 through May 2027 is on sale now!

If you are a Disney, Pixar, and Marvel fan, this is the ship for you. We can’t wait to check out this unique ship! If you want to chat more about Disney cruises or are interested in booking a cruise, please contact me.

Spiderman stern character

Pics ©Disney Cruise Line

Multiple Epic Universe Visits

Universal Orlando Parks

Exciting news! Universal Orlando finally announced the ticket options for 2026, and you can visit Epic Universe as many times as you want now!

There are multi-day tickets for 3, 4, and 5 day visits where you can hop freely between any of the Universal parks as many times as you want, which means you can go to Epic Universe all 5 days if you choose.

In 2025, you can only go to Epic Universe one day at most out of your multi-day tickets, and you cannot hop to it on the same day you entered one of the other parks. In 2026, you can! Yay!

There are also variations of tickets that include Volcano Bay, their water park, as well as non-hopping multi-day tickets. Tickets for 1 and 2 day park visits also remain available as they do this year.

Universal Epic Universe

Are you excited about these additional opportunities to explore Epic Universe? Epic Universe officially opened on May 22, 2025, and joins Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Volcano Bay to give you one epic vacation!

Visit my post on Epic Universe for more details about this incredible new park.

Contact me if you want to chat about these new tickets options to plan your Universal trip. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates.

Epic Universe Overview

Pics © Universal Studios

2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Starts Today

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival starts today, August 28, 2025, and runs through November 22, 2025. This is one of our favorite Disney World events!

Take a taste tour around the world at appetizing marketplaces featuring authentic global cuisine and beverages. This is foodie heaven with delicious dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits, and other beverages sure to satisfy every palate.

For a full list of the numerous marketplace menus, check out the festival page below:

Hear live musical performances from renowned artists and fresh, local talent at the Eat to the Beat concert series with performances nightly starting at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM at the America Gardens Theatre.

For a full performance schedule, see below:

Eat to the Beat Concert

Participate in the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak or Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit scavenger hunts. Commemorate your trip with special photo ops. And of course, there will be plenty of merchandise if you want to go souvenir shopping.

Feel free to contact me to chat about this festival or planning a Disney trip in general. We love going to Disney World during these festivals!

Pics ©Disney

Disney Cruise Line Fall 2026 through Spring 2027 Itineraries Announced

Disney Cruise Line has announced its sailing itineraries for Fall 2026 through Spring 2027! Bookings start Monday, August 25, 2025.

New itineraries, lower deposits, and more sail dates mean more ways to plan, spread out payments, and dream up your family’s ultimate escape. Splash into the vibrant ports and make holiday memories during our Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises.

Cast off from sunny San Diego or charming Galveston or set sail from Fort Lauderdale or Singapore and be among the first to experience the newest ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet—the Disney Destiny and the Disney Adventure.

Anytime you sail, enjoy legendary entertainment, world-class cuisine, and abundant amenities—including character greetings, deck parties, Broadway-style live shows, kids’ clubs, spa treatments, and themed restaurants and bars.

Disney cruise ship

The Bahamas
Soak up the laid-back island life on a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-night cruise departing from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with ports of call that may include a stop at Nassau, Disney Castaway Cay, or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. From stingray encounters, fly-fishing, and parasailing to celebrating the arts and culture of The Bahamas, there’s something for everyone.

Caribbean
Bask in the blue-water bliss and endless sunshine of dreamy locales such as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Tortola, and our very own private islands of Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay. Enjoy a 5- or 7-night Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, Florida.

Westbound Transatlantic
Experience the maritime history of Southampton, England, before taking off on an epic cross-continental voyage over the Atlantic Ocean to sunny Port Canaveral on a 13-night transatlantic voyage. Along the way, drop anchor in Vigo and Funchal, Portugal. With 9 luxurious days at sea, you’ll have ample time to fully enjoy all the magical offerings on board.

Panama Canal
Embark on the ultimate adventure during a 14-night cruise through the Panama Canal, starting in Galveston or San Diego. Along the way, drop anchor in Cartagena, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Castaway Cay to explore the rich culture, delicious food, and enchanting cobblestone streets.

Baja California and Mexican Riviera
Experience the fun and relaxation of a 3-, 4-, or 5-night cruise from sunny San Diego with stops in Catalina Island and Ensenada, home to beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. Or delight in a 6- or 7-night cruise to such balmy locales as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Ensenada.

Pacific Coast
Delight in the sights and sounds of beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, before setting sail on a fun-filled 4-night cruise to sunny San Diego, California. Voyage along the rugged Pacific Coast while enjoying magical days at sea.

Hawai’i
Embark on a sun-splashed Hawaiian adventure aboard the Disney Wonder. Cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver or Vancouver to Honolulu on a 10-night sailing with stops in Nawiliwili (Kaua’i), Kahului (Maui), and Hilo (Hawai’i’s Big Island). Marvel at the waterfalls at Akaka Falls, explore the lush flora at Liliuokalani Gardens, and soak up the sun and surf at Kanaha Beach Park.

South Pacific
Bask in the enchantment of breathtaking sunsets at sea when you set out on a 15-night South Pacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney or a 14-night cruise from Sydney to Honolulu. Sail across the international dateline and drop anchor in dazzling destinations, including Nouméa, New Caledonia; Suva, Fiji; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and the Hawaiian Islands.

Singapore
Sail from Singapore on 3- or 4-night cruise aboard the all-new Disney Adventure and experience a magical holiday that only Disney can deliver—including themed dining, the longest roller coaster at sea, dazzling live shows and upbeat deck parties, where you can see some of your favorite Disney, Pixar, and Marvel pals in new and surprising ways. All this and more without ever leaving the ship. Stay tuned for 2027 sailing dates from Singapore on board the Disney Adventure.

Singapore

Adventures by Disney Escapes

Discover the perfect getaway when you add on a pre or post trip to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Create a lifetime of family memories when you travel with Disney-trained Adventure guides. For Guests sailing from San Diego, enjoy a Southern California escape—complete with VIP experiences at Disneyland and behind-the-scenes access to Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, and more. (Valid for US and Canadian Residents Only.)

Booking Information

Bookings begin on different days next week, starting Monday, August 25, 2025, for different levels of Castaway Cay members and other Disney affinity groups. General members (those who have never sailed on a Disney cruise) can book on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

  • August 25 – Pearl Castaway Club
  • August 26 – Platinum Castaway Club, Club 33, & Golden Oak Club
  • August 27 – Gold Castaway Club
  • August 28 – Silver Castaway Club, Disney Vacation Club, & Adventure Insiders
  • September 2 – General Public

Booking during this initial release generally lowers costs, and some of the more popular itineraries can sell out quickly. Book with a small deposit and use the flexible, pay-over-time option for the balance.

For more details, visit the Disney Cruise Line Fall 2026 through Spring 2027 Itineraries page:

Expect long waits on the phone with DCL. It will be faster to book on the DCL website starting at 8 a.m. ET or have a travel agent do it for you. *hint hint*

We love Disney cruises, so let me know if you want to chat more about them. If you want me to help with your bookings, please contact me ASAP.

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

Disney cruise holiday sailings

©Disney Cruise Line

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025

Welcome to August! This means Halloween season is beginning!

The first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World starts August 15! This extra-ticketed event will take place on select nights from August 15 to October 31, 2025, with unique entertainment, festive treats, and more. Party festivities begin at 7 p.m., but you may enter the park after 4 p.m. with the party ticket.

The dates for 2025 are:
August – 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
September – 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30
October – 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31

Halloween parade

New this year – meet Mickey and Minnie together at the Town Square Theater, visit Storybook Circus as it transforms into a happy haunt for families with younger children, and dance the night away at the ZOM-BEATZ BASH, a dance party inspired by the film ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.

Partake in all of this spooktacular fun:

  • Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! – three sinister sisters bewitch and bedazzle the residents of Magic Kingdom Park in this fun stage show.
  • Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular – a wickedly wild fireworks display featuring some of your favorite Disney characters, hosted by Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
  • Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade – a frenzy of favorite Disney friends donning Halloween costumes in this fun parade unique to the party. Must see!
  • Dance Parties – dance the night away at 4 different parties around the park.
  • Character Meets – meet your Disney friends dressed in their “haunt-couture” Halloween looks.
  • Trick-or-Treat – collect candy as you roam trails around the park in search of some of your favorite sweets.
  • More treats – indulge in Halloween-inspired treats, including party-exclusive food and beverages.
  • Dress in costume – revel in the festive atmosphere around the park with fellow party-goers and Disney favorites in their Halloween finest.
  • Photo Ops – commemorate the night with themed backdrops and party-exclusive photo effects and props.
  • Shopping – of course, there will be themed party merch!
Halloween merchandise

Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $119 to $229 per ticket, plus tax (prices vary by event date). Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket. This event is very popular, and some dates are already sold out!

Character meets

If you want a little extra indulgence, add Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party to your night. Enjoy specialty treats and reserved fireworks viewing from Plaza Garden or Tomorrowland Terrace.

Contact me if you want me to help you book these party tickets or to chat about your Disney trip in general.

Halloween candy

©Disney

Disney World Holiday 2025 Savings

Disney Summer Offers

Disney announced a new resort savings offer for the 2025 Holiday Season at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. On sale now! Lock in your Fall/Winter vacation!

Even if you already have a trip booked, you may be able to get this offer applied to it if your booking fits the criteria.

Celebrate the holidays at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel – featuring dazzling holiday décor and the same legendary detail, service, and storytelling found in the theme parks.

Some benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel include:

  • Early Theme Park Entry
  • Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
    (Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa guests)
  • Lightning Lane Purchase 7 Days in Advance
  • Complementary Water Park Admission on Check-In Day
  • Complementary Resort-Park Transportation

All Guests

This special offer is valid for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights from October 12 to November 20, 2025; and most nights from November 23 to December 25, 2025.

  • Save 10% to 20% – Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels
  • Save 10% to 20% – Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
  • Save 10% to 15% – Disney Value Resort Hotels

Plus, when guests upgrade to a Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package that includes non-discounted 4-day or longer standard theme park tickets, they’ll get a digital Walt Disney World Resort Dining & Shopping Promo Card. The card value varies based on Resort Category:

  • $100 promo card for packages at Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort hotels
  • $75 promo card for packages at Disney Moderate Resort hotels
  • $50 promo card for packages at Disney Value Resort hotels

The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Promo card is valid for use at select participating food, beverage, and merchandise locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

Florida & Georgia Residents

Florida and Georgia residents can enjoy holiday savings on rooms, with rates starting from $129 per night, plus tax for a standard room at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort! Plus, take advantage of other great rates at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels.

This offer is valid for stays most nights from November 16 to November 29, 2025; and December 12 to December 25, 2025.

  • $129 Per Night, Plus Tax for Standard Rooms at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • $199 Per Night, Plus Tax for Preferred Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • $299 Per Night, Plus Tax for The Lion King Family Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • $319 Per Night, Plus Tax for Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • $429 Per Night, Plus Tax for Savanna View Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • $449 Per Night, Plus Tax for Resort View Rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Proof of Florida or Georgia residency is required at check-in.

Annual Passholders

Annual Passholders can save up to 35% on select Walt Disney World Resort hotels this summer, and up to 30% this holiday season. 

Proof of Annual Pass required at check-in.

Animal Kingdom Lodge holiday tree

This is a good time to book a trip while this offer is available. The number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room.

Feel free to contact me to check if your desired resort is available for this offer or to chat more about another Disney trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

10% Deposits on Disney Cruises

Castaway Cay

As of June 18, 2025, Disney Cruise Line deposit amounts for new bookings have changed from 20% to 10% of the voyage fare, allowing you to lock in a Disney Cruise with much less money!

Guests who have booked a Placeholder Reservation on a previous cruise will only be required to pay a 5% deposit when you add a sail date to your reservation if the sailing is 7 nights or longer. The deposit will now be due at the time of the placeholder conversion.

For reservations made on or before June 17, 2025, the original 20% deposit remains in place per the terms agreed upon at the time of booking.

We love Disney cruises; this is a great way to start on yours! Please contact me if you want to chat more about this offer or Disney cruises in general.

Disney Cruise Line

May the 4th Be With You

Star Wars Day

Happy Star Wars Day to all the fans!

Explore starwars.com for new streaming premieres, merchandise, deals, games, recipes, news, and more to celebrate this special day.

If you’re at any of the worldwide, many have special events, character meets, foods, merchandise, and more to commemorate this annual fan holiday. Visit Disney Parks Blog for more info about celebrating at the parks or at home.

May the 4th be with you, always!

© & ™ 2025 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
© 2025 Disney and its related entities. All Rights Reserved.

Epic Universe Preview for Everyone

Universal Epic Universe

New! Universal Orlando just announced that anyone can buy tickets to preview its newest theme park, Epic Universe! On sale til May 19, 2025!

In the last few weeks, Universal has only offered Preview tickets to cast members, Annual Pass holders, and Universal hotel guests. However, anyone can buy them now to enter the park with fewer crowds before its official opening. Just know that it is still considered technical rehearsals, so rides can shut down anytime. You’re not guaranteed that everything around the park will always be working.

Epic Universe Overview

Are you excited about this new Universal theme park? It looks amazing! When it opens, it will join the two current theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and the Volcano Bay water park for an epic vacation!

Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025!!!

Visit my post on Epic Universe for more details about this incredible new park, including how to buy tickets after it opens.

Contact me if you want to chat about planning a Universal trip. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates on this new park.

Epic Universe Opening May 22, 2025

Pics © Universal Studios

New River Gorge National Park

National Park Week 2025

Continuing our National Park Week series, let’s visit America’s newest national park – New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia.

New River Gorge National Park

The New River Gorge National River was promoted to a National Park in 2021, but it is actually the second oldest river in the world, estimated to be between 10 and 360 million years old!

This scenic park encompasses 53 miles of the New River, which has carved the deepest and longest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. It is celebrated for its diverse natural habitats and historical significance. Of course, there is no shortage of outdoor recreation activities either.

Join us on our visit to New River Gorge National Park.

Please contact me if you would like to chat about planning a National Park trip.


AdventuresByAnne.com

National Park Week 2025