Epic Universe Opens, Disney Adventure Staterooms, Character Returns & More Disney News

Epic Universe Grand Opening

• 🚀 Epic Universe, Universal Orlando's newest theme park, has officially opened to the public on Thursday, May 22nd.
• ⚠️ Opening day crowds were significant, but the park became less crowded as the day progressed.
• 🎢 The Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride experienced technical difficulties, leading to a 300-minute wait and shorter waits for other attractions.
• ✨ Visitors are encouraged to be patient and kind to park team members as they work out initial kinks.

Disney Adventure Stateroom Sneak Peek

• 🚢 The seventh Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Adventure, will set sail on its maiden voyage from Singapore on December 15th.
• 🤏 A first look at the staterooms reveals they may be compact, with pull-down beds and bunk bed designs, especially in interior and deluxe interior options.
• 🌊 Deluxe Ocean View and Veranda rooms offer more space and balconies, while Concierge suites, like the Tiana-themed one, provide luxurious options.

Character Returns and Park Updates

• 🤩 Phineas and Ferb meet-and-greets are returning to Epcot in Disney World starting June 1st, and are already available at Disney California Adventure.
• 🏊 Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club, a popular hotel pool, is showing signs of reopening soon with water refilled, expected in June.
• ♿ Disney World's Disability Access Service (DAS) validity period has been extended to one year after approval, offering a longer period before re-registration is needed.
• 🇲🇽 Mexico will implement an immigration levy tax for cruise ship passengers, starting at $5 per passenger on July 1st, increasing to $10 in August 2026 and $15 in July 2027.

New Attractions and Offers

• 🕷️ Shanghai Disney Resort has broken ground on a new Spider-Man Land, its third expansion since opening in 2016, featuring a high-energy thrill coaster.
• 🎟️ A Costco offer provides a 3-day Disneyland theme park ticket bundle for $449.99, including Park Hopper and Lightning Lane Multipass, valid through December 19th, 2025.
• 🎭 For a limited time, Cirque du Soleil's Drawn to Life at Disney World offers a free child ticket with the purchase of a qualifying adult ticket for Thursday performances.
• 🍳 A new breakfast menu is available at Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland, featuring a secret Dole Whip cocktail and ube stuffed French toast.
• 🎬 Disney World's Hollywood Studios is debuting two new shows: Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid, a musical adventure, on Tuesday, May 27th.
• 💧 Disney resort guests receive free entry to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on their check-in day, with both water parks open simultaneously until September 7th, 2025.

Merchandise and Special Items

• 🪄 A new Epic Universe exclusive Phoenix Wand is available, featuring second-generation interactive features and a matching wand holder.
• 💧 Touchland has partnered with Disney for a Mickey Mouse-themed hand sanitizer mist with a convenient key ring attachment.