Fall is always busy for Disney and Universal, and this past week brought real news you can plan around—not just rumors. Here’s what stood out for families booking Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Universal, plus what it means if you’re planning a trip with us.
Disney Cruise Line filled in the picture for its next Wish-class ship, the Disney Believe. On October 7, Disney revealed venues inspired by Encanto, Frozen, Moana, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and more—including the first stage adaptation of Encanto, Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast, Sea Notes, Skygazers, and a Moana-themed Grand Hall. Maiden voyage: December 18, 2027, from Port Everglades. General bookings open October 19, 2026. (Disney Parks Blog)
Trip tip: Treat October 19 like a dining drop—know your sail dates and stateroom budget first. We help families compare Wish-class ships often; start with whether Disney cruises are worth it and planning Disney Cruise Line with us.
On October 13, Oriental Land Co. and Disney named the first Disney cruise ship for Japan: Disney Imagination, set to sail from Tokyo in spring 2029 under Disney Cruise Line Japan. Ariel and Sebastian will adorn the stern. (The Walt Disney Company)
Trip tip: Exciting for Japan-bound fans, but U.S. itineraries and pricing details are still ahead. If you’re weighing Japan against a Florida or California sailing, start with your real dates and budget—we’ll help sort the options.
Effective October 6, Walt Disney World raised prices on tickets, annual passes, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Peak one-day, one-park tickets now top out at $229 for Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve 2027; the Incredi-Pass rose from $1,629 to $1,749. (ClickOrlando)
The upside: room offers are still live—up to about 20% off select Disney Resorts Collection rooms into December 2026, with deeper cuts for Florida residents and Annual Passholders on select windows. Read the blackout nights. (Disney Experiences)
Hurly-Burly is also open at Disney’s BoardWalk (former Jellyrolls). Families welcome until 9 p.m.; 21+ after that, with bites, specialty drinks, and live entertainment. (Walt Disney World)
Trip tip: Price hikes make flexible dates and multi-day tickets matter more. Pair that with our discount ticket guide and Disney World tips before you lock anything in.
At Disneyland Park, Mad Tea Party reopens Friday, October 16, after a monthlong refurb. Indiana Jones Adventure is listed to return October 23. Halloween Time runs through October 31; “it’s a small world” closes October 30 for its holiday overlay (back November 13). (The Disney Scoop; Indy reopening)
Magic Key holders also got more flexibility: Disneyland removed the no-show penalty and lets you modify or cancel a reservation until 11:59 p.m. PT on the day of your visit (reservations still required). (KTLA)
Trip tip: Late October is a sweet spot—Halloween décor is up, and two big rides should be back. Check the Disneyland app that morning; dates can shift. Our best rides at Disneyland and Disneyland Halloween posts help build a day for kids and thrill-seekers.
Epic Universe is already expanding. Crews are driving foundation piles behind Dark Universe for a large new building (permits describe roughly 93,000 sq ft); Universal has not named the theme or date. Separately, a building permit tied to the Ministry of Magic expansion area (~95,700 sq ft) was issued—again with no official reveal of what’s inside. (WDW News Today; Aguamenti)
This Saturday, October 17, Universal Nights returns at Epic Universe—a limited-capacity, separately ticketed after-hours event. (Universal Orlando)
Out west, Universal Studios Hollywood set holiday dates: November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027, included with admission—Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World, new Illumination’s Merry Minions, and Super Nintendo World décor. (Inside Universal)
Trip tip: Epic Universe is still new enough that capacity and hotels matter. For Orlando, start with why Universal Orlando is worth the trip—we’ll help time Express, Early Park Admission, and Epic days.
The Disney World price increases are tough on families, but it's nice that Disney offers payment plans. You definitely have to budget and save for a Disney World vacation. It's not impossible; you just need to be smart about it.
As for Universal, I visited Epic Universe right when it opened, and I'm excited about the expansion. It felt like it needed to be a bigger park. Right now, you can easily do everything there in one day.
Planning a Disney or Universal trip this fall or into 2027? Fun Park Go is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Universal U-Preferred agency. We help families nationwide compare dates, hotels, tickets, and cruises—at no planning fee for standard packages.
Contact us and tell us where you want to go. We’ll turn this week’s news into a trip that fits your family.
