5 Big Disney Stories and News You Need to Know Right Now

• Lyn Prince
• Mar 20
• 4 min read

Okay, Disney fans buckle up, because the last couple of weeks have been absolutely packed with news. We're talking a brand-new CEO, a new cruise ship announcement, a theme park transformation, and a policy change that honestly should have happened years ago. Let's break it all down!

1. Josh D'Amaro Is Disney's New CEO — And Parks Fans Are Thrilled

On March 18th, Josh D'Amaro officially took the helm as CEO of The Walt Disney Company and honestly? The Disney parks community couldn't be more excited about this pick.

D'Amaro has been with Disney since 1998 and spent the last several years as Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. This is someone who knows the parks inside and out, someone who has walked the floors, met the guests, and understands what makes a Disney experience truly magical. His first day on the job (which also happened to be the Annual Shareholders Meeting) was full of announcements, which we'll get into below.

His vision for Disney centers on storytelling, creativity, and what he calls "One Disney" — the idea that all of the company's incredible businesses work together to deepen the guest relationship with the brand. For those of us who live and breathe Disney, this feels like the right person at the right time.

2. Introducing the Disney Believe — DCL's Next Wish-Class Ship

In what is arguably the biggest Disney Cruise Line news in months, D'Amaro announced the name and theme of the next ship joining the fleet: the Disney Believe.

The Believe is the fourth ship in the groundbreaking Wish class (joining the Wish, Treasure, and Destiny), and she's expected to set sail in late 2027. Her overarching theme? Promise and possibilities, honoring the dreamers and doers who dare to pursue their own happily ever after. Love that for us.

The IPs hinted for the Believe include Encanto, Frozen, Snow White, Moana, and The Little Mermaid — so you can already start dreaming up what the Grand Hall centerpiece and dining experiences might look like. A homeport hasn't been announced yet, but more details are coming in the months ahead.

And that's not all on the cruise front. Disney Adventure just sailed its maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10, kicking off DCL's first-ever Southeast Asia presence. The fleet is officially growing fast, with plans to expand to 13 ships by 2031, including a brand new class of ships and Disney's first Japan-based cruises in 2029. It's truly a golden age for Disney Cruise Line.

3. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Is Becoming a Muppets Attraction

The era of Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios has officially come to an end. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster closed on March 1st, and when it reopens this summer, it'll be all Muppets, all the time.

Disney has confirmed the reimagined attraction will keep its place in the Lightning Lane MultiPass lineup as a Tier 1 attraction, so yes, it'll still be one of the most in-demand rides in the park. Given how beloved the Muppets are (and how perfectly their chaotic energy suits a rock coaster), this feels like a win.

No official opening date has been shared yet, but "summer 2026" is the window to watch.

4. Disney Adventure Sets Sail in Singapore

On March 10th, the Disney Adventure officially embarked on its maiden voyage from Singapore, making history as the first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Southeast Asia.

This ship is a big deal. It's the largest vessel in the DCL fleet, packed with seven themed areas and...wait for it...the first roller coaster at sea on a Disney ship, called Ironcycle Test Run. It also features a Broadway-style musical called "Remember." Robert Downey Jr. served as the ship's godparent at the christening ceremony on March 4th.

If you've ever dreamed of a Disney cruise in Asia, this is your moment. And for those of us watching DCL's growth, the Adventure's launch signals just how serious Disney is about becoming a truly global cruise line.

5. Disneyland Is Ditching the Park Hopper Time Restriction

This one flew a little under the radar compared to the bigger headlines, but Disney fans have been waiting for this for years: Disneyland is officially eliminating its park-hopping time restriction.

Previously, guests with a Park Hopper ticket had to wait until after 11am to visit their second park. That rule? Gone. You can now hop between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure any time you want, right from the start of the day.

This is especially great news if you have early morning rope drop strategy on your mind, no more having to choose between parks for your morning plans. Maximum flexibility, maximum magic.

Planning a Disney trip or cruise? As a Disney Earmarked Silver certified travel agency, Walt's Weekly can help you make the most of every magical moment. Reach out to start planning your perfect Disney adventure at waltsweekly.com!

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