DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Coaster Re-theme; Monsters Inc. Land Location; Lightning Lane Premier Expands; Festival Concerts Series Details; Sneak Peek at New Ship & More
After a relatively quiet news week, Disney dropped huge news that fans have been waiting for (and dreading). Disney has confirmed the location of the new Monster’s, Inc. land coming to Disney Hollywood Studios. We also got a surprise announcement about a Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster retheme. The Disney Treasure has been christened, and we’ve got news about the 2025 Disney Broadway Concert Series. Learn about these stories and more in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Announces Re-theme of Popular Coaster & Confirms Location of Monster’s, Inc. Land
This week, Disney ended speculation with the announcement of the location of the upcoming Monster’s, Inc. Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Fans had been guessing that the land would either go to Muppet Courtyard or Animation Courtyard. With the announcement Friday, we now know where the land will go. Along with the announcement, Disney announced a surprise re-theme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Get all the details at the link below.
2 – Disney Expands Lightning Lane Premier Pass Program
The Lightning Lane program at Walt Disney World has three options for guests to pay to skip the line. The most expensive option, the Premier Pass, was recently expanded so more guests could purchase the option. Get all the details at the link below.
Click here to learn about the updated Premier Pass program at Walt Disney World.
3 – Disney Announces Disney Broadway Concert Series 2025
The 2025 Festival of the Arts kicks off on January 17 and, along with it, the Disney Broadway Concert Series. Guests can enjoy Broadway stars singing some show-stopping numbers from hits like Aladdin, Frozen, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Tarzan, and more. Check out the stars that will be performing at the link below.
Click here for the 2025 Disney on Broadway Concert Series schedule.
4 – First Look at Upcoming Venues on the Disney Treasure
The Disney Treasure, sister ship to the Disney Wish (launched in 2022) and the Disney Destiny (setting sail in Nov. 2025), calls upon the bold and heartwarming stories of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks attractions to offer new and guest-favorite experiences steeped in the theme of adventure. These include an original Broadway-style retelling of “Moana;” immersive dining experiences inspired by Pixar’s “Coco” and Marvel Super Heroes; a splashtacular Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; signature fireworks at sea; imaginative clubs for kids of all ages; and an all-new collection of Disney Parks-inspired lounges for adults, including the first-ever inspired by the Haunted Mansion.
The ship embarks on its maiden voyage on December 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. This week Disney shared a first look at some of its most anticipated venues. Learn more at the links below.
Disney Treasure First Look: ‘Disney The Tale of Moana’ Stage Show
Disney Treasure First Look: Haunted Mansion Parlor Materializes
Disney Treasure First Look: Dining at Plaza de Coco
5 – Disney Treasure Christened in New York During Special Ceremony
Disney Cruise Line welcomed its new ship, the Disney Treasure, during a spectacular waterfront christening celebration Tuesday evening on the Hudson River in New York City. The Disney Treasure sparkled and danced with a larger-than-life light show depicting the stars and icons of beloved Disney adventures represented on board the new ship, including “Aladdin,” “Haunted Mansion,” “Moana,” and “Coco.” The dazzling tribute to the stories and characters was brought to life by a synchronized showcase of 1,000 drones set to a stirring medley of inspiring Disney songs. Award-winning singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks lent her own star power to the celebration with a powerful live rendition of “Live the Adventure,” the original anthem of the Disney Treasure. Visit the link below to watch the ceremony!
Click here to learn more about and watch the Disney Treasure Christening Ceremony.
6 – Special Holiday Season Offerings at Disney Springs and Central Florida
This holiday season, some of Central Florida’s most beloved restaurants and entertainment locations will offer a variety of festive dining and activities for guests to enjoy during the most wonderful time of the year. Please see below for full details.
Offerings at Walt Disney World
Maria and Enzo’s at Disney Springs
Breakfast with Santa: Offered on select dates in December, this breakfast is an enchanting experience that will include a delicious spread of classic menu items, visits with Santa and his merry band of elves, holiday carolers, a keepsake photo, and take-home treats. Tickets are $45 for children and $79 for adults. Book HERE
Winter Holiday Cocktails across Disney Springs
All offered now through Dec. 31, get into the holiday spirit with a selection of seasonal sips at popular Disney Springs locations The Edison, Morimoto Asia, and Enzo’s Hideaway.
Around Central Florida
Holiday activities available from Dec. 2 through Jan. 1, see HERE for full details. Highlights:
- Holiday Chocolate Wonderland: The incredibly talented Pastry Team have created festive sculptures made completely out of chocolate! Guests can feast their eyes on these impressive displays in the hotel lobby, with a 32’ long railroad train made from 1,600 pounds of chocolate, chocolate-crafted Santa and his reindeer, and, new this year, the Jingle Bell Junction, a whimsical village for Santa’s helpers. Additional offerings around the property include a complimentary cup of cocoa at check-in, cookie decorating, holiday movies under the stars, and Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings.
- Holiday Dining:
- Christmas Day Brunch at Tropicale: On Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 12 to 4 p.m., savor an abundance of brunch favorites at Tropicale with a full brunch buffet, including an omelet station, sushi, carving station, a selection of bruschettas, and more. Finish the meal with an array of delightful desserts, such as Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding and of course, Christmas cookies. Brunch is $25 for children ages 4-10 and $78 for adults plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made HERE.
- Christmas Day Feast at The Venetian Chop House: Award-winning and ideal for special occasions, The Venetian Chop House is a fine-dining destination for the holiday. Indulge in an elegant prix-fixe menu featuring delicious, chef-driven Christmas offerings. Specialty options include a Brasstown Beef Prime Rib, Slow Butter Poached Halibut, and a Dark Chocolate Orange Truffle. Dinner is $95 for adults and $60 for children ages 4-10, plus tax and gratuity. Guests can also upgrade the dining experience with an unlimited Bubbles Package for an additional $20. Reservations available on Dec. 25 from 4-9 p.m., reserve HERE.
- Specials at Stadium Club: Whether guests are enjoying the game or gathering with loved ones, Stadium Club’s vibrant ambiance and flavorful dishes will make this holiday truly unforgettable. Opens at 12 p.m. on Christmas Day with the following specials in addition to the full menu:
- Open Faced Turkey Pot Pie, with Spaghetti Carrot Salad, Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini and Cranberry Relish. $21
- Hot Shaved Prime Rib Beef, with Toasted Garlic Bread, Horseradish Aioli, Sliced Tomato, Frisee Lettuce and Sweet Potato or Regular Fries. $19
- Porchetta Sandwich, with Chimichurri Aioli, Provolone Cheese, Sliced Tomato, Shredded Lettuce, Cuban Bread and Sweet Potato or Regular Fries. $19
- Dark Chocolate Orange Tart, with Dark Chocolate Orange Cremeux, Dark Chocolate Whipped Ganache, Carmelia Crispy Pearls, and Caramel Sauce. $15
Several of the Promenade at Sunset Walk’s over 30 venues for dining and entertainment will be doing something special for the holidays, including:
- Cowboy Chicken – Now through Dec. 31, offering its seasoned-by-hand, juicy turkeys in plates for one or as a part of a package for the whole family. The Rotisserie Turkey Package ($145) feeds 10 and boasts a mouthwatering 10- to 12-pound wood-fire rotisserie turkey with sides and dessert, while the NEW Sliced Turkey Breast Family Meal ($44) feeds four. Learn more here.
- Bento Asian Kitchen – Enjoy the taste of Asia this holiday season. Through Dec. 31, buy four catering platters and get one free using the code HOLIDAYEATS. Visit catering.eatatbento.com to learn more and to purchase.
Promenade will also host several property-wide events in December:
- Santa’s Toy Drive Car and Truck Show, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. – Give back this season with toy donations, encouraged for participants and spectators during this special car show. Free admission and parking, and special appearances by Santa.
- Holinights Celebration, select nights Nov. 21-Dec. 25 – Featuring Santa Claus, the Mischievous Elves, towering toy soldiers, live music, and the nightly lighting of the 45-foot animated Holinights Christmas tree.
BRIO Italian Grille (Locations here)
Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., BRIO Italian Grille will serve its chef-driven menu of Tuscan dishes. Holiday catering packages, platters and catering meals will also be available for dine-in, curbside, pick-up and delivery.
CLICK HERE for menu details and packages.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now – December, Select Nights – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights
Click here for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Magic Kingdom holiday menus!
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Click here for the 5 can’t-miss entertainment offerings at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Disney Jollywood Nights.
Click here for the 7 can’t-miss entertainment offerings at Disney Jollywood Nights
Click here for the foodie guide for special eats and treats at Jollywood Nights.
Now – December – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for the 2024 Guide to Holiday Offerings at Walt Disney World.
Click here for the complete guide to holiday treats at Disney Resorts.
Click here for the eight can’t-miss gingerbread displays and treats at Disney World in 2024.
Now Open! – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Click here for details on a new, unique PhotoPass ops for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom.
Coming to Walt Disney World
November 29-December 30 – EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
Click here for details on the Candlelight Processional at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
Click here for the full menus for the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
2025 – Reimagined ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
D23 Horizons Projects Announced for Walt Disney World
Click here to learn more about the Villains’ land coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here to learn more about the Cars expansion in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!
Click here to learn more about Tropical Americas Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the new nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the lounges coming to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT!
Click here to learn more about Test Track reopening in 2025.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Now Open – Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – DCL’s Newest Private Island
Click here for an overview of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and what you need to know.
Click here for the menus for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Itineraries in 2024-2026
Click here to learn more about 2024 Halloween and Holiday Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Line’s Early 2025 Itineraries.
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Lines’ summer 2025 itineraries.
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 itineraries; now booking!
Disney Treasure – Sailing December 2024
Click here to learn about the new Haunted Mansion-themed lounge coming to the Disney Treasure!
Click here to learn about the new and exclusive Broadway-style show coming to the Disney Treasure!
Click here for more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” coming to the Disney Treasure.
Click here for a First Look at Disney Treasure Menus.
Click here for details on “The Aristocats”- Themed Lounge Coming to the Disney Treasure.
Click here for details on the new Marvel-themed Dining Experience Coming to the Disney Treasure.
Disney Destiny – Sailing November 2025
Click here for “Everything New Coming to the Disney Destiny Sailing in 2025.”
Click here for an overview of what you can expect on the Disney Destiny.
Click here for all the details on the upcoming Disney Destiny, sailing in 2025.
Click here for “Discover the Disney Destiny Day 1 – Your Own Heroes Journey.”
Click here for “Discover the Disney Destiny Day 2 – Villains.”
Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2025!
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2025.
D23 Horizons Announcements
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.