It was a quieter week for big announcements, but several changes landed that matter if you're booking a cruise, heading to Disneyland soon, or weighing Universal Orlando for 2027. Here's what we'd want to know if we were planning a trip right now.
If a Disney cruise suddenly looked cheaper online this week, look again. Around October 21, Disney Cruise Line's booking site switched from showing the total price for a stateroom to an average price per person. The full cabin total, with everyone included, only appears at the last step when you pick your stateroom. Deals are shown as savings per person, too. Prices still include taxes, fees and port expenses, and the per-person figure assumes more than one guest in the room. (WDW News Today; Pirates & Princesses)
Adults sailing soon will also notice a dining change. Palo, Palo Steakhouse and Palo Trattoria dropped the $55 prix-fixe dinner and moved to an à la carte menu, rolling out ship by ship from October 22 (Disney Wonder) through October 26 (Disney Adventure). Platinum and Pearl Castaway Club members now get a $55-per-person credit toward dinner instead of a free prix-fixe meal, and brunch doesn't count. (WDWMagic; Cruise Hive)
Trip tip: Multiply that per-person price by your whole party before you compare ships or sail dates, and budget extra for Palo if it's on your list. If you're looking at the new Disney Believe, our Disney Believe cruise ship guide covers sailings and booking, and whether Disney cruises are worth it helps with the bigger question. We quote cruises with the full cabin price up front, so there are no surprises. See how planning a Disney cruise with us works.
Disney World added four Good to Go days for Annual Passholders, October 26 through 29. On those days, passholders can visit a theme park without a park reservation, though blockout dates and capacity limits still apply. Any reservations already made for those dates are removed automatically and stop counting against your limit. (WDWMagic; Walt Disney World Annual Passes)
There's also a savings tip to put on the calendar. Sam's Club plans to sell $300 Disney eGift cards for $270 (10% off), up to four per membership, starting November 5 at 9 p.m. ET for Plus members and November 6 to 8 for other members, while supplies last. (WDW News Today)
And a reminder from last week: Lightning Lane Single Pass prices hit record highs on November 1. Our Lightning Lane prices breakdown shows what that means for your budget.
Trip tip: Discounted gift cards can pay for park food, merchandise and even Disney Resort stays, so they're an easy way to shave a little off a trip you've already planned. For tickets, compare prices with our Disney World discount ticket guide, or check Walt Disney World tickets at Undercover Tourist.
Indiana Jones Adventure reopened at Disneyland Park today, October 23, after closing September 8 for refurbishment. Early looks point to added creepy-crawlies in one tunnel plus work aimed at capacity and reliability. Riders must be at least 46 inches tall. (Los Angeles Times; The Disney Scoop)
Next up is the holiday switch. "it's a small world" runs in its regular version through October 29, then closes to install the holiday overlay, which opens November 13. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027. The hand-pulled candy cane dates are also out, starting November 27 at Disneyland Park and November 28 at Disney California Adventure. Wristbands are required and quantities are limited. (Disneyland Press Room; Yahoo Travel / Mickey Visit; WDW News Today)
Trip tip: The last week of October gives you Halloween Time with Indy and the teacups both running. If you want the holiday "small world," plan for November 13 or later. Our best rides at Disneyland list helps you build the day, and Disneyland at Thanksgiving covers the busy holiday week.
Universal's parks had a soft summer. In Comcast's October 22 earnings report, theme park revenue fell 4.4% and adjusted earnings fell about 17% for the quarter, mostly because of weaker results in Orlando and Japan. Leadership pointed to softer demand, competitors' marketing, and capacity and ride-throughput challenges at Epic Universe. They expect Orlando to stay soft through the fourth quarter, with growth returning in the second half of 2027. (Comcast; Theme Park Tribune)
Construction keeps moving anyway. At Universal Studios Florida, the test car for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift reached the top of its hills over the Music Plaza stage around October 20. The spinning, launched coaster replaces Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and is set for 2027. Hollywood's version opened September 16. Also at Universal Studios Florida, the Animal Actors show ends November 2 after 36 years. (Pirates & Princesses)
Trip tip: When a park's results are soft, that's often when promotions and hotel deals show up, so it's a good time to price a Universal trip. Start with Universal Orlando holidays 2026, is Epic Universe worth it and our Universal Orlando hotels guide. You can also check Universal Orlando tickets at Undercover Tourist.
Disney cruise prices per person look cheap until you add up the whole family. And if Universal had a slow few months, deals are probably on the way. I'd keep an eye out. That's what I'm here for anyway.
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, and our planning is free.
Contact us and tell us where you want to go. We'll turn this week's news into a trip that fits your family.
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