Let’s take a look at the latest news around the Walt Disney Company, including Disney Parks, Experiences, and Entertainment.
D23 Asia: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Coming to Singapore
D23 – the official fan club of The Walt Disney Company – announced that the massively popular D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will head to Asia in 2027 for “a one-of-a-kind celebration that will bring guests exclusive, first access to the latest in Disney storytelling, creativity, and innovation.”
The multi-day event will feature live stage presentations with special announcements, interactive experiences, and lots of merchandise, similar to the flagship event which takes place every two years in Anaheim, CA.
This is not the first time D23 has taken the fan experience on the road. In 2024, the celebration visited South America for D23 Brazil. Multiple celebrations of D23 Expo (as the event was formerly titled) in Japan have been held near Tokyo Disney Resort.
Disney will release more details on D23 Asia at a later date.
Disney Parks Management Changes
Walt Disney World president Jeff Vahle has revealed that he will be retiring from the company at the end of July, capping 36 years of service to the Mouse. Vahle started his career as an engineer at the Magic Kingdom, and became the resort’s president in 2020.
Prior to his current role, Vahle led Disney Signature Experiences and Facilities and Operations Services for Disney theme parks worldwide. Since beginning his Disney career in 1990, Vahle has held various leadership roles instrumental to developing Disney destinations worldwide, including Disney California Adventure, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum has appointed Joe Schott as the next president of Walt Disney World Resort, effective in July when Vahle retires. Schott has more than 40 years of leadership experience with Disney, across world-renowned destinations in Asia, Europe, and beyond. Most recently, he served as president of Disney Signature Experiences, where he oversaw the launches of two new Disney Cruise Line ships – the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. Before that, Schott led Shanghai Disney Resort through a major expansion phase, including the opening of the Zootopia-themed land. Perhaps most impressively, Schott began his Disney journey as a Jungle Cruise Skipper!
In other management news, Natacha Rafalski has been named president of Disney Signature Experiences (the division of Disney Experiences that encompasses Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, and Golden Oak). Rafalski will be moving on from her position as president of Disneyland Paris.
Christophe Murphy has been promoted to President of Disneyland Paris, filling the space vacated by Rafalski. Disneyland Paris is enjoying a new chapter of growth, including the recently opened World of Frozen and development of a new Lion King–themed land that will further enrich the experience for guests from Europe and beyond.
LEGO Disney Main Street, U.S.A. – Releasing June 4
Let your fingers do the walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with LEGO’s newest Disney set. Coming June 4, this nearly 3,900-piece set features charming locations from Disneyland’s Main Street, including the Fire Department (with classic fire truck), the Emporium, the Crystal Arcade, and a popcorn cart.
This adorable set also includes 16 minifigures, including:
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
- All four Dapper Dans (red, purple, blue, and gold)
- Three Disneyland cast members
- Seven Disneyland guests
Inside the Main Street facades, the set boasts plenty of character nods in the merchandise locations. Perhaps the most special detail in the set is the interior of Walt’s apartment, set above the fire station.
The LEGO Main Street, U.S.A. will be released on June 4 at a price of $399.99, and is now available for pre-order.
Walt Disney World
Here’s what’s happening at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
FØØD by Swedish Chef – Opening May 26
“Børk! Børk! Børk!” Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring The Muppets opens in just a few days, on May 26, 2026. Beginning that same day, hungry guests can rock ‘n’ roll their way next door to FØØD by Swedish Chef, which will be serving up a tasty selection of bites and sips in all the best Muppet vibes. Who doesn’t love the Swedish Chef? The fan favorite will add the perfect silly balance to the intensity of Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster.
This quick-service cart will specialize in Muppetational fare, including:
- Wocka Wocking Nachos (Fozzie’s favorite)
- Churro Drumstick (always a popular choice)
- Mayhem Soft-Serve Float (including a whimsical piece of cotton candy)
- Pink Le-moi-nade (a serenade to Miss Piggy)
- Pond Water Limeade (includes juice-filled pearls)
Additional selections will include Mini Corn Dogs served with chips, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Assorted Chips, Vanilla, Chocolate, or Swirl Waffle Cone, Frozen Floats with Coca-Cola or Barq’s Root Beer, Fountain Sodas, and Frozen Blue Raspberry (also available with Bacardi Superior Rum or Tito’s Handmade Vodka).
Check out all the latest Muppety details on Disney Parks Blog.
Soarin’ Across America – Debuting May 26 (EPCOT) and July 2 (Disney California Adventure
Disney Parks is getting ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America with an update to the popular Soarin’ attractions at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Soarin’ Across America – opening May 26 at EPCOT and July 2 at Disney California Adventure – will take us along coastlines, city skylines, and natural landscapes across the country.
According to Disney Parks Blog, guests will “glide above iconic urban and natural wonders, from the rugged New England coastline and the radiant welcome of New York Harbor to the vast expanse of Grand Canyon West.” In addition, guests will visit “quintessentially American settings… the autumn colors of the heartland; the beauty of our bayous; the great plains of the west; the northern wilderness; and sunlit island shores.”
Images shared by Disney highlight Mount Rushmore, a New England harbor, and a Hawaiian coastline.
Bruce Broughton has created a new arrangement of Jerry Goldsmith’s beloved score, and Imagineers have added new ride programming, wind, and other features to make the flight truly immersive.
And of course, the Soarin’ Across America preshow will feature a newly filmed introduction with Patrick Warburton. He has been promoted to “Captain Patrick” to deliver a special statement about the country’s 250th anniversary.
Disneyland
Here’s what’s happening at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Disneyland Park Hopper Availability – Beginning June 9
COVID-era park hopping restrictions will soon be lifted at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Beginning June 9, 2026, Disneyland Resort guests with Park Hopper tickets and Magic Key passes will be able to cross between parks without having to wait until 11 a.m., subject to the capacity of the applicable park.
Entertainment News
A few notes from the big screen and television.
Disney Upfront
In its annual star-studded Disney Upfront presentation held in New York, The Walt Disney Company unveiled its upcoming slate of movies, television shows, and sports programming to major advertisers and media. Here are the highlights.
VisionQuest – October 14, 2026
The conclusion to Marvel’s WandaVision trilogy starring Paul Bettany will officially premiere on Disney+ on October 14, 2026. The series follows the fate of Vision following the events of the 2021 series WandaVision. Marvel has been tight-lipped on whether the series will feature an appearance from Wanda Maximoff.
Ahsoka Season 2 – Early 2027
Rosario Dawson – Ahsoka herself – confirmed that production has wrapped on the Star Wars show’s second season, which will debut in early 2027. Season 2 will chronicle the ambitions of Grand Admiral Thrawn, while Ahsoka tries to find her way back from the ancient, extragalactic planet of Peridea.
Avatar: Fire and Ash – June 24, 2026
The third installment of the Avatar film series was a mega success in theaters when it launched in December 2025, earning close to $1.5 billion during its theatrical run. The film will launch on Disney+ on June 24, 2026.
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards will officially move to ABC, Disney+, and Hulu starting on February 7, 2027.
Country Music Awards
Disney extended its partnership with the Country Music Association through 2032, bringing the CMA Awards to live streaming on Disney+ for the first time.
The Banana Bowl
Disney+ will become the official streaming home for the season championship of the wildly popular Banana Ball league (a sports/entertainment league founded by Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole).
Super Bowl LXI
In 2027, the Big Game will be nationally televised by ESPN and ABC, marking the first Super Bowl simulcast between the two sister networks, the first time that ESPN will air the Super Bowl, and the first time ABC will air the Super Bowl since Super Bowl XL in 2006.
Disney Parks and Experiences Sales and Promotions
Looking to travel to a Disney destination? Here is the latest news on sales and promotions.
Save Up to 25% on Select Stays of 4 or More Nights at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
This existing promotion rewards guests looking to enjoy a longer Disneyland vacation this summer. Guests staying in a Disneyland Resort hotel for 4 or more nights can save up to 25% on select room types, from May 22 through September 7, 2026.
Save Up to 15% on Select Shorter Stays Sunday Through Thursday Nights at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Guests looking for a shorter Disneyland vacation this summer – this promo is for you. Guests staying in a Disneyland Resort hotel Sunday through Thursday nights can save up to 15% on select room types, from May 22 through September 7, 2026.
Walt Disney World Ticket Promo: Florida Residents Enjoy a Disney Summer 4-Day Ticket for $65 Per Day + Tax
Florida residents can choose from several multi-day options, including:
- 4-Day Ticket: $65 Per Day + Tax (Total Price: $259 + Tax)
- 3-Day Ticket: $80 Per Day + Tax (Total Price: $239 + Tax)
- 2-Day Ticket: $110 Per Day + Tax (Total Price: $219 + Tax)
Read all the details on these promotions here.
Other Disney Parks and Experiences News and Promotions:
- Disney Cruise Line: Kids Sail for 50% Off
- Walt Disney World 2027 Tickets and Packages Available, and Disney Dining Plan Updates
- Walt Disney World Deals and Free Dining for Summer and Fall 2026
- Disneyland Deals for Summer 2026
Ask me how I can help you plan for 2027.
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