Theme park news: New “Soarin'” coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

Welcome back to another new edition amusement park news! This week saw an exciting announcement about how Disney plans to take part in the year ahead America 250 celebrations, but we’re also hearing a lot of news for events leading up to next summer. Whether you’re visiting Disney World or Disneyland in a few weeks or a few months, there’s a lot of important information in this week’s roundup to keep in mind before your next trip. Don’t waste any time and dive straight in!

A new version of Soarin’ was announced for America’s 250th Anniversary

This week’s main story concerns 250th Anniversary of the United States! Huge birthday parties will be held all over 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 brand New version of Soarin’ coming to EPCOT and Disney California Adventure. Soaring Across America will appear “more than a dozen amazing locations” highlighting the country’s “natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.”

This is expressed as a “limited time itinerary,” so it looks like it won’t be around forever! Soarin’ Across America debuts at Disney World and Disneyland in summer 2026right on America’s 250th anniversary.

“DISNEY CELEBRATES AMERICA” STARTING NEXT MONTH

New details announced from this year’s Disney Jollywood Nights at Walt Disney World

The holiday season is right around the corner, and if you start decorating early like Disney World, you’ll only be a few weeks away from planting the tree and the festive music starting playing! Jollywood Disney Nightafter-hours seasonal events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting on November 8th and held on select nights through December 22nd.

This week, Disney unveiled new details surrounding this year’s Jollywood Night offerings. That Foodie’s guide just released, with nearly three dozen new menu items making their debut, incl Kermit Mint Rounds And Miss Piggy Strawberry Glam boba drink.

We learned some of that too special characters will perform during Jollywood Nights, incl Bing Bong, Partysaurus Rex, and Life Day Chewbacca.

PLAN YOUR NEXT WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION VACATION

2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts dates announced

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in early 2026, chances are vacation planning is already underway! A winter trip to Disney World wouldn’t be complete without it EPCOT Arts Festivaland we just found out the 2026 festival date!

The EPCOT Arts Festival returns from January 16 to February 23, 2026. This is a short festival, but it has artistic appeal. The festival celebrates all things visual and performing arts, with favorites returning in 2026 included DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, Figment’s Brush with Masters Scavenger Hunt, and of course, Food Studios.

New for 2026 is the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game activity. More details will be announced as the 2026 festival opening approaches, so stay tuned!

WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THE 2026 DISNEY WORLD HOLIDAYS

Construction of the Disney Destiny has been completed, ownership has been handed over to Disney Cruise Line

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

Stay tuned to this space as I bring you lots of exciting coverage from the launch of Disney Destiny!

DISNEY CRUISE LINE’S NEW SHIP LAUNCHES NEXT MONTH

Fast news!

• If you’ve been waiting for top-tier Magic Key tickets to go on sale at Disneyland, you’re in luck. Disneyland announced that sales of new Inspire and Believe keys will resume on November 4, 2025, no later than 9 a.m. PST. Currently, both passes along with the Enchant Key are available as extensions. Imagine Key is currently available for sale and renewal.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be converted from 3D to 2D imagery at EPCOT. Very long 3D glasses (at least on that trip)! The ride will be closed briefly from November 10-13 to allow these changes to take place. Additionally, new lighting and props will be added to the ride queue in the coming months.
• Jingle Cruise will return to the Magic Kingdom just in time for the holiday season. Limited time overlays will do that set sail 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 in The World of Spark.

More from FamilyVacationist: