This week's episode covers the latest Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line news, from a longer closure at EPCOT's UK pavilion to Disney's first cruise ship for Japan.

🍺 EPCOT Rose & Crown Closing for Refurbishment

Disney first announced that only the Rose & Crown Dining Room would close, but the plans have grown. Both the dining room and the pub in EPCOT's United Kingdom pavilion now close on the 11th of January 2027, and are expected to reopen later in 2027. The fireworks dining package and the Rose & Crown musician won't be available while it's closed.

🎄 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Opening Night Sells Out

Opening night of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on the 8th of November sold out on the 17th of October, making it the ninth of the 25 nights to go. That's slower than the last two years, but sell-outs have picked up in recent weeks. As of the 17th of October, sixteen nights were still on sale, with adult tickets between 194 and 229 dollars.

🚢 Disney Imagination: Disney Cruise Line's First Ship from Japan

Oriental Land Company has named the first Disney Cruise Line Japan ship the Disney Imagination. The Wish-class ship sets sail from Tokyo in spring 2029, with Ariel and Sebastian on the stern. Orlando Insider can also help you book and plan a trip to the Disney resorts in Japan, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK?

With so much happening across the parks and Disney Cruise Line, now is a great time to start planning your next trip. At [Orlando Insider](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk), every client gets their own personal Orlando Guru, a real UK-based expert who knows these parks inside out, plus our exclusive Ride Alert service and AI-powered Park Planner to help you save time and beat the crowds. Every booking is fully protected under ATOL and trust fund protection, and our team is available 24/7 before, during and after your holiday. It's why we've earned over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are proud to be a multi-award winning [Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando specialist](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk).

Useful Links:

🌐 [Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk) — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

🔔 Subscribe to Orlando Insider on YouTube for weekly Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando news

Keywords: EPCOT Rose & Crown closing, Rose & Crown refurbishment, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2026, Christmas Party sold out, Disney Imagination, Disney Cruise Line Japan, Disney cruise ship Tokyo, Walt Disney World news, Disney Orlando holidays UK

This week's episode covers the latest Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line news, from a longer closure at EPCOT's UK pavilion to Disney's first cruise ship for Japan.

🍺 EPCOT Rose & Crown Closing for Refurbishment

Disney first announced that only the Rose & Crown Dining Room would close, but the plans have grown. Both the dining room and the pub in EPCOT's United Kingdom pavilion now close on the 11th of January 2027, and are expected to reopen later in 2027. The fireworks dining package and the Rose & Crown musician won't be available while it's closed.

🎄 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Opening Night Sells Out

Opening night of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on the 8th of November sold out on the 17th of October, making it the ninth of the 25 nights to go. That's slower than the last two years, but sell-outs have picked up in recent weeks. As of the 17th of October, sixteen nights were still on sale, with adult tickets between 194 and 229 dollars.

🚢 Disney Imagination: Disney Cruise Line's First Ship from Japan

Oriental Land Company has named the first Disney Cruise Line Japan ship the Disney Imagination. The Wish-class ship sets sail from Tokyo in spring 2029, with Ariel and Sebastian on the stern. Orlando Insider can also help you book and plan a trip to the Disney resorts in Japan, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK?

With so much happening across the parks and Disney Cruise Line, now is a great time to start planning your next trip. At [Orlando Insider](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk), every client gets their own personal Orlando Guru, a real UK-based expert who knows these parks inside out, plus our exclusive Ride Alert service and AI-powered Park Planner to help you save time and beat the crowds. Every booking is fully protected under ATOL and trust fund protection, and our team is available 24/7 before, during and after your holiday. It's why we've earned over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are proud to be a multi-award winning [Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando specialist](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk).

Useful Links:

🌐 [Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk) — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

🔔 Subscribe to Orlando Insider on YouTube for weekly Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando news

Keywords: EPCOT Rose & Crown closing, Rose & Crown refurbishment, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2026, Christmas Party sold out, Disney Imagination, Disney Cruise Line Japan, Disney cruise ship Tokyo, Walt Disney World news, Disney Orlando holidays UK

Disney Believe Homeport & Booking Date, Universal Horror Make-Up Show Featuring Blumhouse, Jurassic Park River Adventure & Tiana's Bayou Adventure Reopening Dates (4–11 October 2026)

This week's episode covers the biggest Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World news, from the Disney Believe reveal to two popular water rides getting reopening dates.

🚢 Disney Believe Homeport, Maiden Voyage and Booking Date

Disney Cruise Line has revealed the Disney Believe will sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, with its maiden voyage on 18th December 2027. After a five-night Bahamian first sailing, the ship moves to four and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and bookings open to the general public on 19th October. New on board are the first ever stage show of Encanto, Oaken's Table: A Frozen Family Feast, the Sea Notes piano lounge and the Gazelle club.

🎃 Universal Horror Make-Up Show Featuring Blumhouse

Universal Orlando has announced the Horror Make-Up Show is returning to Universal Studios Florida as the Universal Horror Make-Up Show featuring Blumhouse. The new version looks at more than 100 years of Hollywood horror special effects and reopens this winter, with no exact date yet.

🌊 Jurassic Park River Adventure and Tiana's Bayou Adventure Reopening Dates

Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure is now due to reopen on 17th December, pushed back from November. At Magic Kingdom, Tiana's Bayou Adventure closes on 2nd November for its first refurbishment since opening in 2024, and Disney's refurbishment calendar shows it reopening on 18th December.

Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK?

With so much happening across the parks and Disney Cruise Line, now is a great time to start planning your next trip. At Orlando Insider, every client gets their own personal Orlando Guru, a real UK-based expert who knows these parks inside out, plus our exclusive Ride Alert service and AI-powered Park Planner to help you save time and beat the crowds. Every booking is fully protected under ATOL and trust fund protection, and our team is available 24/7 before, during and after your holiday. It's why we've earned over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are proud to be a multi-award winning Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando specialist

Useful Links:

🌐 Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

🔔 Subscribe to Orlando Insider on YouTube for weekly Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando news

Keywords: Disney Believe, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Believe Port Everglades, Disney Believe booking date, Universal Horror Make-Up Show, Blumhouse, Universal Studios Florida, Jurassic Park River Adventure reopening, Tiana's Bayou Adventure reopening, Walt Disney World news, Universal Orlando news, Disney Orlando holidays UK

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First-look details for Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Believe. Setting sail on her maiden voyage on 18 December 2027 out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the ship will feature 4- and 5-night Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries.

Tune in as we walk through all the new spaces, dining concepts, and entertainment aboard the vessel:

• Moana-Inspired Grand Hall: Featuring sea-and-sky aesthetic touches, a central Moana statue, and a moving chandelier with the Heart of Te Fiti hidden within.
• New Cafes & Lounges: Enjoy specialty coffee at Cafe Kakamora or Big Hero Sips, relax in the fairy-tale courtyard of the Wishing Well lounge inspired by Snow White, stargaze at the Skygazers pub, or enjoy live music at Cenotes, an underwater Little Mermaid-themed piano lounge.
• 
  
• Dining & Sweets: Experience Oaken's Table, a brand-new Frozen family feast in Arendelle featuring live music and character appearances, and stop by Joyful Sweets for treats themed around Inside Out 2 characters like Anxiety and Envy.
• Entertainment & Youth Spaces: Explore Gazelle, a multi-level Zootopia entertainment hub, send kids into the Oceaneer Club through a Monstropolis door entrance, and watch live stage productions of Tangled alongside the all-new Encanto stage musical.
• Accommodations: A peek inside the two-story Magic Kingdom Tower Suite set inside the ship's funnel.

Animal Kingdom Rope Drop Changes, Epic Universe Dark Universe Expansion, Lakeshore Lodge Bookings & Disney Believe Reveal (27 September–4 October 2026)

This week's Orlando Insider episode covers the latest Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Disney Cruise Line news, from a new rope drop procedure to construction starting on a brand new Epic Universe attraction.

🦁 Animal Kingdom Rope Drop Changes Again

Disney has changed how rope drop works at Animal Kingdom, with the new procedure starting on 27th September. The holding areas have gone, and cast members now check Early Entry eligibility at the ride entrances. Only resort hotel guests with Early Entry can get into Pandora before the park opens at 8am.

🧛 New Dark Universe Attraction Under Construction at Epic Universe

New aerial photos from 4th October show foundation work underway behind Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It's the first expansion project to start building since Epic Universe opened in May 2025. Permits show a three storey building of more than 93,000 square feet, but Universal hasn't confirmed what the attraction will be.

🏨 Disney's Lakeshore Lodge Booking Dates and First Look at Branch & Brush

Disney has revealed Branch & Brush, the new lounge at Disney's Lakeshore Lodge, with Bay Lake views and a colour-changing chandelier that cycles through the four seasons. The resort opens on 1st July 2027, and bookings open on 6th, 7th and 8th October depending on who you are.

🚢 Disney Believe Reveal Livestream

Disney Cruise Line is revealing more about its newest ship on 7th October, including the homeport, itineraries and entertainment. The Disney Believe is the fourth Wish-class ship and debuts in 2027.

Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK?

With so much happening across the parks and Disney Cruise Line, now is a great time to start planning your next trip. At Orlando Insider, every guest gets their own personal Orlando Guru, a real UK-based expert who knows these parks inside out, plus our exclusive Ride Alert service and AI-powered Park Planner to help you save time and beat the crowds. Every booking is fully protected under ATOL and trust fund protection, and our team is available 24/7 before, during and after your holiday. It's why we've earned over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are proud to be a multi-award winning Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando specialist

Useful Links:

🌐 Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

🔔 Subscribe to Orlando Insider on YouTube for weekly Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando news

Keywords: Animal Kingdom rope drop, Disney Early Entry, Epic Universe Dark Universe, Monsters Unchained, Disney's Lakeshore Lodge, Branch & Brush, Disney Believe, Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World news, Universal Orlando news, Disney Orlando holidays UK

Mardi Gras 2027 Dates, Hollywood Drift Testing in Florida, Candlelight Processional 2026 & Taylor Swift at Hollywood Studios (20–27 September 2026)

This week's episode covers new dates, testing milestones and a surprise soundtrack addition across Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World.

🎄 EPCOT Candlelight Processional 2026

Disney has revealed the dining package details and most of the celebrity narrator line-up for the Candlelight Processional, running from 27th November until 30th December. Robin Roberts, Jason Kelce and Lacey Chabert are new for 2026, and dining packages open for booking on 14th October.

🎢 Alien Swirling Saucers: Lilypad's Jams

Alien Swirling Saucers at Hollywood Studios has reopened with a Toy Story 5 makeover, a new soundtrack and Lilypad as the ride's DJ. An instrumental version of Taylor Swift's "I Knew It, I Knew You" is in the mix, and Disney never announced it.

🏁 Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Testing at Universal Studios Florida

Pull-through testing has started on the Florida version of the coaster, with a Dodge Charger test car being pulled along the track to check rider clearance. It opens in 2027, where Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit used to be.

🎭 Universal Mardi Gras 2027 Dates

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs from 6th February until 27th March 2027 at Universal Studios Florida. That's 50 days, a week shorter than in 2026.

Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK?

With so much happening across both resorts, now is a great time to start planning your next trip. At Orlando Insider, every client gets their own personal Orlando Guru, a real UK-based expert who knows these parks inside out, plus our exclusive Ride Alert service and AI-powered Park Planner to help you get the most out of every day. Every booking is fully protected under ATOL and trust fund protection, and our team is available 24/7 before, during and after your holiday. It's why we've earned over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are proud to be a multi-award winning Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando specialist

Useful Links:

🌐 Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

🔔 Subscribe to Orlando Insider on YouTube for weekly Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando news

Keywords: Universal Mardi Gras 2027, Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Florida, Candlelight Processional 2026, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, Alien Swirling Saucers Lilypad's Jams, Taylor Swift Toy Story Land, Universal Orlando news, Walt Disney World news, Disney Orlando holidays UK

Universal's Animal Actors Closing, Monstropolis Construction Update & New Animal Kingdom Arrival (30 August–6 September 2026) from www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

This week's episode covers a mix of closures, construction and new arrivals from across Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World.

🐾 Animal Actors On Location! Closing at Universal Studios Florida

After 36 years, Universal has confirmed that Animal Actors On Location! will close for good on 2nd November, bringing an end to one of the last opening-day attractions left at Universal Studios Florida. No word yet on what will replace it.

🎢 Monstropolis Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

New aerial photos have revealed the vertical lift towers and loading area for the upcoming Monsters, Inc. door coaster taking shape, along with a rebuilt entrance and central fountain, as Monstropolis continues to take form ahead of its 2027 opening.

🐕 New African Painted Dog Joins Animal Kingdom

A new male painted dog named Prospect has joined the pack on the savanna along Kilimanjaro Safaris. Painted dogs are one of Africa's most endangered species, and Disney has supported conservation efforts for over 20 years.

Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK?

With so much changing across both resorts right now, there's never been a better time to start planning your next trip. At Orlando Insider, every client gets their own personal Orlando Guru — a real UK-based expert who knows these parks inside out — plus our exclusive Ride Alert service and AI-powered Park Planner to help you get the most out of every day. Every booking is fully protected under ATOL and trust fund protection, and our team is available 24/7 before, during, and after your holiday. It's why we've earned over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are proud to be a multi-award winning Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando specialist.

Useful Links:

🌐 Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

🔔 Subscribe to Orlando Insider on YouTube for weekly Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando news

Keywords: Animal Actors Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando news, Monstropolis construction, Monsters Inc door coaster, Disney Animal Kingdom, African painted dog, Disney Orlando holidays UK

Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando News: Halloween Horror Nights Opens, Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York, EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Begins (20–30 August 2026)

This week's episode covers some of the biggest theme park and cruise news from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Disney Cruise Line.

🏰 Magic Kingdom Construction Update

Walt Disney Imagineering has revealed new balloon-test footage showing just how big Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park are set to be, including a first look at how Maleficent's fortress will tower over the rest of Magic Kingdom.

🎃 Halloween Horror Nights 35

Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights has officially opened for its 35th year, with the longest run and earliest start date in the event's history. This year's Infernal Carnival of Nightmares theme includes 10 brand new haunted houses and four scare zones.

🚢 Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York

The Disney Wish is set to sail from New York City for the first time starting in autumn 2027, alongside a full new slate of Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries across the fleet.

🧀 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival has kicked off for its 31st year, running through to 21 November, with a brand new "Cheers to Cheese!" interactive exhibit and eight new acts joining the Eat to the Beat concert series.

Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK?

With so much happening across the parks and Disney Cruise Line right now, there's never been a better time to start planning your next trip. At [Orlando Insider](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk), every client gets their own personal Orlando Guru — a real UK-based expert who knows these parks inside out — plus our exclusive Ride Alert service and AI-powered Park Planner to help you get the most out of every day. Every booking is fully protected under ATOL and trust fund protection, and our team is available 24/7 before, during, and after your holiday. It's why we've earned over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are proud to be a multi-award winning [Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando specialist](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk).

Useful Links:

🌐 [Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk) — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

🔔 Subscribe to Orlando Insider on YouTube for weekly Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando news

Keywords: Halloween Horror Nights 35, Universal Orlando news, Disney Cruise Line New York, Disney Wish, EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Villains Land, Piston Peak National Park, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Orlando holidays UK