Disney Lakeshore Lodge Construction Progress Report
We are halfway to a new frontier! Disney Lakeshore Lodge is now roughly 50% complete, chugging along at full steam to meet its scheduled 2027 opening date.
A lot can happen in 16 months! Since the December 2024 restart, Disney Lakeshore Lodge has moved from blueprints to a topped-off reality. Most of the resort stands at eight floors, but the architectural focal point in the center soars to 11 stories. This extra height suggests we might see penthouse-level accommodations or perhaps a signature rooftop experience for Disney Vacation Club members.
The resort’s layout is beginning to take shape, with the western wing designated for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas. Peeking through the treeline along the shore, the first two A-frame cabins are already visible, offering a hint of the rustic-modern aesthetic to come. In contrast, the eastern side is expected to house traditional hotel rooms.
While the exact breakdown of the 900-room structure remains under wraps, the resort’s prime location—nestled between Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge—promises a seamless blend of nature and luxury. Beyond the unique shoreline cabins, guests can look forward to an elaborate, waterpark-style pool complex. Once complete, this will mark the 18th DVC property overall and the 13th at Walt Disney World.
Are you excited to see the progress of the new Lakeshore Lodge?
Exploring the All-New Humphrey’s Hideout at Wilderness Lodge
Located just steps from the Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the newly reimagined Humphrey’s Hideout (formerly Salon by the Springs) offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors of all ages. While the space is open to everyone—not just resort guests—children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the fun. For added convenience, activity fees can be settled using a wide range of payment methods, including MagicBands, credit cards, Disney gift cards, or a Disney Resort key card, making it easier than ever to dive into the adventure.
An A-frame sign outside the entrance lists the operating hours of Humphrey’s Hideout. Take a look at a few of the activities we saw available while we were there:
Build-A-Button
Choose a character, color in your design, and turn it into a pin-on button!
Free coloring pages are also available for guests to enjoy.
Mickey Tie-Dye
Get creative on this classic craft with a Disney twist! There are adult and children’s size t-shirts that guests can turn into Mickey tie-dye masterpieces.
Paint Your Own Ceramic
Guests can customize their ceramics with acrylic paint and a choice of gloss or glitter sealants. Because we use air-dry finishes rather than a traditional kiln, pieces require an overnight stay at Humphrey’s Hideout to set. Be sure to complete your painting at least 24 hours before your departure so you can pick up your finished artwork the following day.
Tasteful Artistry
Create your own specialty Disney’s Wilderness Lodge wooden artwork piece! This experience includes light refreshments. Examples feature Stitch with the word “Ohana”, a ‘Welcome Home’ sign with a hidden Mickey, and one featuring the icons from each Walt Disney World theme park.
Mickey’s S’mores Kit
For $7 you can take home your own kit to make Mickey s’mores!
Guests can also pin trade at this location. This is just a small sample of the different crafts that can be available at Humphrey’s Hideout. It’s a great way to take home a unique souvenir from your Walt Disney World vacation!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins are currently undergoing an exterior refurbishment. Exterior columns have been repainted and windows have received a fresh look.
Exterior work at Wilderness Lodge is wrapping up! The resort’s signature columns have received a fresh coat of paint, returning them to their standard wood-toned finish. Though crews may still have a few minor spots to address, the primary repainting phase appears complete.
The windows at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge now feature a custom frosted design that seamlessly blends functionality with the resort’s Pacific Northwest aesthetic. These fogged decals showcase a stylized evergreen forest, with towering, minimalist pine trees layered in varying heights and patterns.
From the inside, the light-diffusing film creates a soft, tranquil glow that obscures the ongoing exterior construction while maintaining an airy, open feel. On the exterior, the frosted trees stand out against the lodge’s dark-framed windows and rustic timber columns, serving as a clever “themed” barrier that protects the guest experience without breaking the immersive wilderness atmosphere.
The construction happening at Wilderness Lodge is expected to continue through late 2026. Will this work impact your Disney World trip?
Disney Adventure World’s Upcoming Food & Drink Scene
The magic is expanding at Disneyland Paris! Starting March 29, you can step directly into your favorite stories at the reimagined Disney Adventure World, featuring the highly anticipated World of Frozen. To celebrate this new era, the park is introducing 15 brand-new dining locations. For the foodies among us, the adventure is just beginning—and it tastes delicious.
Embark on a culinary voyage through Disney Adventure Way, where every meal tells a story. At The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, you can savor a decadent menu and meet beloved Disney Princesses against a stunning lakeside backdrop. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, soak in the atmosphere from the terraces of Café Luminosity or La Terrasse Panoramique. Afterward, journey into the World of Frozen to experience the kingdom of Arendelle firsthand. Here, you can feast like a local at Nordic Crowns Tavern, where traditional flavors will ensure you “let go” of your hunger for good.
Adventure Way
The Regal View Restaurant Lunch and Dinner Menu
Starters:
Avocado an Ginger Mousse withmango tartare and pumpkin seed crumble with creamy dill oil sauce
Bluefin Tuna Tataki with sesame seeds, daikon and wakame salad, pineapple, and Sichuan peppercorn chutney
Swiss Salad: Raw and pickled fruit and vegetables, Grisons cured beef, Tête de Moine cheese, raspberry vinegar dressing, and pine nuts
Courgette Velouté with cauliflower tabbouleh with marigolds and a Colombo-spiced okra fritter
Rolled Vegetable Omelette with mayonnaise and pastrami (Kids menu)
Fish Rillettes with smoked salmon and cocktail sauce (Kids menu)
Green Pea Velouté and Okra Frittern (Kids menu)
Main Courses:
Gilthead Seabream: Kaffir lime and vanilla sauce, sweet potato purée, and braised bok choy
Steak with onion confit, red wine sauce, potato pancake with Comté AOP, and thyme
North African-style Roast Guinea Fowl with dried fruits and lemon confit
Soy and Pea Fillet with herb crust and black garlic broth, pan-fried barley with mushrooms, chard and truffle, and beer foam
Conchiglie Pasta with ricotta cheese and red and yellow tomato sauce (Kids menu)
Haddock Fillet with citrus sauce, yellow carrot purée, and purple cauliflower (Kids menu)
Pulled Chicken with buttery mashed potato, pan jus, and toast (Kids menu)
Desserts:
Vanilla Ganache Mousse Cake with raspberry insert and crispy praline
Marc de Champagne Frozen Soufflé
Coconut Mousse Cake with white chocolate, pineapple-passion fruit, and almond
Tropical Fruit and Aloe Vera Salad with coconut emulsion
Almond Sponge Cake with white chocolate mousse and blueberry center (Kids menu)
Seasonal Fruit Tartlet and Mascarpone Mousse (Kids menu)
Milk Chocolate Mousse and Caramelized Puff Pastry(Kids menu)
Signature Cocktails:
Orchard Whisper: Elderflower liqueur, white wine, verjuice, apple juice, and rhubarb bitter
Floral Whisper: Hibiscus and green tea infusions with red berries, verjuice, and agave (non-alcoholic)
The Regal View Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Food Items:
Adult Sweet Option:
Croissant and Bread Roll with butter, honey, stewed apricots in cane sugar, and strawberry preserve with cane sugar
Fresh Orange Juice or Apple Juice
Hot Drink
Seasonal Fruit Salad
Pancakes, Blueberries, and Maple Syrup
Adult Savory Option:
Croissant and Bread Roll with butter, honey, stewed apricots in cane sugar, and strawberry preserve with cane sugar
Fresh Orange Juice or Apple Juice
Hot Drink
Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream on Nordic bread
12-Month-Aged Comté AOP with thinly sliced cooked ham
Soft-boiled Egg with English muffin, bacon and hollandaise sauce
OR
Adult Plant Based Option:
Silken Tofu with cashew nuts, banana, kiwi and other fresh fruit, gluten-free muesli, and goji berries
Plant-based Omelet with mushrooms, tomatoes, and chives
Kids Sweet Option:
Croissant and Bread Roll with butter, honey, stewed apricots in cane sugar, and strawberry preserve with cane sugar
Fresh Orange Juice or Apple Juice
Hot Drink
Seasonal Fruit Salad, Pancake, and Chocolate Sauce
Selection of Cereals available on request
Kids Savory Option:
Croissant and Bread Roll with butter, honey, stewed apricots in cane sugar, and strawberry preserve with cane sugar
Fresh Orange Juice or Apple Juice
Hot Drink
Thinly-sliced Cooked Ham with Kiri and scrambled eggs
The Regal View Lounge Menu
Food Items:
Selection of Caramelized Puff Pastries inspired by the Princesses and paired with the Royal Kirs of the month
Beverages:
Garden Zinger : Babylon Garden Botanic Distillate, pear and passion fruit nectars, Original Kombucha, sparkling sugar, and a green apple touch (Non-alcoholic)
Imperial Harvest: Red grape juice, blueberry purée, green grape juice, vanilla syrup and Perrier (Non-alcoholic)
Enchanted Carriage: Jardin des Reines Infusion, caramelized almonds and cinnamon, apple juice, and maple syrup (Non-alcoholic)
Princely Eden: Trois Rivières White Rum,pear and passion fruit nectars, Original Kombucha, sparkling sugar, and a green apple touch served with fruity jelly
Floral Majesty: Hendrick’s Gin, jasmine infusion, lychee purée, green grape juice, and jasmine flavor syrup
Sereni’fizz Highness: José Cuervo Silver Tequila, grapefruit juice, ginger drink, elderflower flavored syrup, and tonic
Apple of Grace: Double Jus liqueur, Jardin des Reines Infusion, caramelized almonds and cinnamon, apple juice, and maple syrup
Royal Kirs:
(April to June)
The Glowing: Pierre Mignon Grande Reserve Champagne, blackberry cream and apple
Midnight Hope: Pierre Mignon Grande Reserve Champagne, peach cream and mint leaf
The Creative: Pierre Mignon Grande Reserve Champagne, violet liquor and pansy flower
The Wayfinder: 0% alcohol sparkling rosé, pineapple syrup and pineapple
Café Luminosity Menu
Food Items:
The Authentic Onion & Mustard: Hotdog with turkey sausage, red onion pickles, American mustard, and Sweet Chilli Pepper Flavour Doritos on curry onion-bread
The Cheddartistic: Hotdog with turkey sausage, melted cheddar sauce, crispy onions, and crispy bacon on curry onion-bread
The Cucumber: Hotdog with turkey sausage, tomato-onion-coriander mixture, cucumber pickles, and relish sauce on curry-onion bread
The Magnificurry: Hotdog with peas protein sausage, plant based grated, beetroot ketchup, and rocket salad on curry-onion bread (Plant-based)
Cinnamon Roll
La Terrasse Panoramique Menu
Food Items:
Nørdic: Rye and seed bread, salmon, potato, and leek sauce
Onion Melt: Rye and seed bread, onion soup, croutons, and Emmental cheese
Veg Mex: Rye and seed bread, soy protein chilli, tomatoes and red beans, plant-based grated, and chives (Plant-based)
Supreme Caesar: Rye and seed bread, chicken, lettuce, hard-boiled egg, bacon, parmesan shavings, and cherry tomatoes with Caesar dressing
New York Roll: Cocoa and hazelnut pastry
Beverages:
Hazelnut Heaven: Hot chocolate, hazelnut syrup, whipped cream, cocoa sauce, and hazelnut powder (Non-alcoholic)
The Royal Puffs: Craquelin chou pastry with vanilla flavor ice cream
Sunbeam Magic
Sleeping Beauty’s Dream
Bayou Bliss
The Royal Röstis Menu
Food Items:
The Sprout Boost: Potato pancake, rocket, guacamole, tomato-onion-coriander mixture, grated beetroot, and balsamic cream
The Chick ‘n’ Chipotle: Potato pancake, chicken, rocket, tomato-onion-coriander mixture, and creamy chipotle sauce
The Legendary Pastrami: Potato pancake, pastrami, rocket, gherkins and pickled peppers, relish sauce, sesame-soy vinaigrette, tomato-onion-coriander mixture, and American mustard
The Gourmet Loaves Menu
Food Items:
The Nordi’Cool: Smoked salmon, cheese and rocket sauce, and white radish pickles on brioche bread
The Lobstervellous: Lobster and cod on brioche bread
The Avocado Lover: Pea and soy protein slice, tomato-onion-coriander mixture, guacamole, and grated beetroot on brioche bread
The Curry’sistible: Curry chicken spread, onion slices, and grated beetroot on brioche bread
World of Frozen
Nordic Crowns Tavern Menu
Food Items:
The Nordic Menu:
Salmon Steak with vegetable mix and crushed potatoes or quinoa, mustard, and dill sauce
Arendelle Swirl: Vanilla or tutti frutti falvored ice cream with toppings and tulip wafer
The Ice Harvester’s Menu:
Turkey Meatballs with vegetable mix and crushed potatoes or quinoa and dried cranberry sauce
Arendelle Swirl: Vanilla or tutti frutti flavor ice cream with toppings and tulip wafer
The North Mountain Menu (Plant-based)
Plant-based Meatballs with vegetable mix and crushed potatoes or quinoa, onions, and mushrooms sauce
Magnum Vegan Almond
The Äppétisallad Menu: Choice between:
Potato Salad with smoked fish, wholegrain mustard, white onions, basil-honey dressing, frisée lettuce, and pickled red onions
Grain Salad with sliced wheat protein with broad beans, frisée lettuce, grated carrots, and beetroot with citrus dressing (Plant-based)
The Mini Rolls Menu (Kids Menu): Choice between:
Salmon Steak with vegetable mix and crushed potatoes or quinoa, mustard, and dill sauce
Turkey Meatballs with vegetable mix and crushed potatoes or quinoa, and dried cranberry sauce
Plant-based Meatballs with vegetable mix and crushed potatoes or quinoa, onions, and mushrooms sauce
Dessert: Choice between:
Snowy Beignets: Doughnut bites with white coating
Olaf’s Cold Hug: Vanilla or tutti frutti flavor ice cream
Organic Apple Purée
Flavored Sweet Drinking Yoghurt
Organic Mini Babybel Cheese
Magnum Mini Almond
Fish Fritters with curried tartare sauce
Calamari Fritters with curried tartare sauce
The Winter Muffin: Blueberry muffin
Novelties:
World of Frozen Tumbler
World of Frozen Cup
With these tasty adventures, the possibilities are endless when you visit Disney Parks.
Disney fans, grab your leather jackets, pom-poms, and guitars. Disney Concerts, Disney+, and AEG Presents have officially pulled back the curtain on the 2026 Worlds Collide Concert Tour, and it’s bigger than anyone anticipated.
Building on the massive success of last year’s sold-out run—which Billboard crowned the Top Family Tour of 2025—this year’s production is adding a nostalgic powerhouse to the mix. For the first time ever, the world of Camp Rock will join the hit franchises Descendants and ZOMBIES on one stage.
This isn’t just a concert; it’s an “arena spectacular.” Fans can expect a high-energy production featuring:
Fresh Mashups: Innovative musical blends of songs from all three franchises.
Next-Level Choreography: Electrifying dance numbers that bring the films’ energy to life.
Immersive Experience: Fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters for an evening of nonstop nostalgia and fan interaction.
Ticket Information & Presale
If you want to secure your spot, you’ll need to move fast. Last year’s tour was a “smashing success” that resulted in a Disney+ concert special and a live album.
Disney+ Perks Presale: Starts Monday, March 23 at 10 am local time. Subscribers in the U.S. and Canada can find details at Disneyplus.com/perks.
General On-Sale: Begins Friday, March 27 at 10 am local time.
VIP Packages: Exclusive options, including a Q&A with the tour cast, will be available at WorldsCollideTour.com.
2026 Tour Dates: North America
The tour spans 48 arenas across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
September Kick-Off
Date
City
Venue
Sept 25
Palm Desert, CA
Acrisure Arena
Sept 26
Phoenix, AZ
Mortgage Matchup Center
Sept 28
Los Angeles, CA
Crypto.com Arena
Sept 30
Inglewood, CA
Kia Forum
October Highlights
Date
City
Venue
Oct 3
San Francisco, CA
Chase Center
Oct 8
Vancouver, BC
Rogers Arena
Oct 19
Chicago, IL
United Center
Oct 23
Detroit, MI
Little Caesars Arena
Oct 31
Hamilton, ON
TD Coliseum
November & December Finale
Date
City
Venue
Nov 3
Boston, MA
TD Garden
Nov 7
Brooklyn, NY
Barclays Center
Nov 17
Washington, DC
Capital One Arena
Nov 25
Orlando, FL
Kia Center
Dec 3
Dallas, TX
American Airlines Center
Dec 13
Mexico City, MX
Arena CDMX
With a setlist that spans generations of Disney hits and a cast that represents the next wave of superstars, this tour is more than just a concert—it’s a massive celebration of the stories and songs that have defined a decade of Disney magic.
Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 Brings ONE PIECE Stunt Show, Scooby-Doo Mystery & More to Universal Studios Hollywood
Anime, monsters, wizards, and even a few Yoshis are about to collide in the most delightfully chaotic way possible. Universal Studios Hollywood has officially revealed its full lineup for Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026, and it reads like a fandom dream playlist turned into a theme park takeover.
Leading the charge is the debut of “ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show,” a high-energy live stunt spectacular taking over the iconic WaterWorld venue. Inspired by the wildly popular version at Universal Studios Japan, this 20-minute show drops guests into the world of ONE PIECE as Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew hunt for rare Pop Greens on the mysterious Midori Island. Of course, things spiral into glorious chaos when Marines storm the island and Buggy the Clown crashes the party, triggering explosive stunts, pyrotechnics, and plenty of swashbuckling mayhem.
But that is just one piece of the puzzle.
Fan Fest Nights is stacking its lineup like a Comic-Con meets HHN remix, minus the jump scares and with a whole lot more cosplay energy. Guests can step into “Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters,” a backlot mystery adventure featuring Scooby-Doo and classic creatures like Frankenstein and Dracula, all set across real filming locations.
Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will venture into the Forbidden Forest on a magical quest to rescue a Hippogriff, complete with spell-casting challenges and creature encounters straight out of the wizarding world.
Anime fans can catch “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe,” a subtitled CG experience starring Sailor Moon inside the DreamWorks Theatre, while fantasy lovers can return to “DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep,” featuring the iconic beholder Xanathar brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
And over in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, things are getting extra colorful with a brand-new Yoshi celebration, where guests can meet multiple vibrant Yoshis scattered throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.
The separately ticketed event runs select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026, offering everything from general admission to VIP tours, express passes, and even an Ultimate Fandom Pass for those ready to go full superfan mode. Guests can also enjoy select attractions during the event, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World The Ride, and Revenge of the Mummy.
Josh D’Amaro Speaks Out on Disney Park Pricing and Guest Value
The price of magic has been a hot topic for years, and now Josh D’Amaro is stepping into the conversation. During the latest Disney Annual Shareholders Meeting, the new CEO addressed concerns about rising ticket prices and how Disney plans to balance cost with guest satisfaction across its global parks.
D’Amaro acknowledged what many families already feel… a Disney vacation is a significant investment. His response centered on one core idea: Disney wants every visit to feel worth it. The goal, as he described it, is nothing short of delivering “the best day of a guest’s life,” with success measured through guest satisfaction scores and how likely visitors are to return.
When it comes to pricing strategy, Disney is leaning into flexibility rather than flat affordability. According to D’Amaro, the company aims to offer a range of options so families can choose what works best for their budget. That includes visiting during lower-priced seasons, taking advantage of multi-day ticket discounts, or jumping on limited-time promotions.
He pointed to recent deals like discounted kids’ tickets at Disneyland Resort and free dining offers at Walt Disney World Resort as examples of how Disney is trying to create entry points at different price levels.
At the same time, pricing is also part of a bigger operational puzzle. Managing attendance levels plays a huge role in maintaining the overall guest experience, helping keep wait times, crowd flow, and park capacity in check.
Of course, not everyone is convinced. Even former Disney CEO Michael Eisner has publicly criticized current pricing trends, highlighting just how widespread the conversation has become among fans and industry insiders alike.
While D’Amaro didn’t announce any sweeping changes, his comments make one thing clear… Disney is aware of the concerns and is trying to walk a tightrope between accessibility and experience. Whether that balance feels just right or still a bit off will likely depend on each guest’s own version of “worth it.”
Josh D’Amaro Talks Figment Movie Possibility… But Don’t Pack Your Imagination Just Yet
If you’ve ever walked through EPCOT humming “One Little Spark,” you’re not alone… and apparently, neither is Disney leadership. Everyone’s favorite purple dragon, Figment, once again fluttered into the spotlight during the latest Disney Annual Shareholders Meeting.
During his first shareholder meeting as CEO, Josh D’Amaro was asked the question fans keep bringing back like a catchy refrain… will Figment ever get his own movie? His answer was filled with appreciation but stopped just short of a greenlight. D’Amaro acknowledged Figment’s enduring popularity, calling him a character who continues to inspire creativity across generations, which honestly feels like the most on-brand compliment a dragon of imagination could receive.
He also gave a nod to the whimsical Figment short “How Not to Draw,” narrated by Neil Patrick Harris, which celebrates the character’s playful, chaotic charm. If you’ve seen it, you know it’s peak Figment energy… a little unpredictable, a little magical, and completely delightful.
That said, there were no official announcements about a Figment movie moving forward. While rumors have swirled for years, including a previously reported project involving Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures, nothing concrete has emerged from Disney just yet. Even past discussions under Bob Iger never quite sparked into reality.
Still, D’Amaro emphasized that Disney is always exploring new ways for fans to connect with Figment, which feels like a gentle “never say never” wrapped in a cloud of purple imagination dust.
For now, Figment remains right where fans love him most… inside the Imagination Pavilion, stealing hearts, sparking creativity, and proving that sometimes one little spark is all you need… even if it hasn’t turned into a feature film just yet.
Grand Floridian Café Closing for Refurbishment at Walt Disney World in 2026
If you were dreaming of a cozy brunch tucked inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you may want to adjust those plans. Disney has confirmed that the charming Grand Floridian Café will temporarily close for a refurbishment later this year, continuing the resort’s elegant glow-up.
The Grand Floridian Café is scheduled to close from mid-July through October 2026 for what Disney is calling a “refresh.” While details on the updates are still under wraps, this likely means a mix of interior updates, design enhancements, and possibly some subtle menu or layout tweaks to keep the restaurant in line with the resort’s evolving aesthetic.
During the closure, brunch won’t disappear entirely; it will simply relocate to Cítricos, giving guests a slightly more upscale setting for their morning favorites. The good news is that all other dining locations around the resort will remain open, so you will still have plenty of options for dining without leaving the Grand.
This refurbishment is just one piece of a much larger transformation happening across the resort. Ongoing work includes updates to the porte cochere and other exterior areas, with construction expected to continue through early 2027. Guests visiting during this time should be prepared for possible daytime construction noise and occasional detours around the property.
The Grand Floridian has already seen several updates recently, including its refreshed lobby and the addition of The Perch, a new lobby bar that adds a modern twist to the resort’s classic Victorian charm. Meanwhile, longtime fans are also eagerly awaiting the return of the Garden View Lounge tea experience and the reopening of other refreshed spaces.
Disney Shareholders Reject Proposal for Independent Review of DAS Changes
In a decisive move, Disney shareholders have officially rejected a proposal to launch an independent investigation into recent changes made to the Disability Access Service (DAS). The vote confirms that the company will proceed with its current policies without a mandatory third-party audit, signaling shareholder support for Disney’s existing management of its accessibility programs.
During the Annual Meeting held on March 18, 2026, shareholders cast their votes on Proposal 7, a measure titled “Review and Report on Disability Inclusion and Accessibility.” This proposal, brought forward by shareholder Erik Paul, sought to mandate that Disney Parks hire an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its disability access policies.
The requested audit was designed to assess these policies through the lenses of legal, financial, and reputational risk, with the goal of providing a detailed summary of the findings directly to shareholders. Just 5% of the shareholders voted to approve the audit.
While Proposal 7 didn’t demand specific operational shifts or guaranteed outcomes, it underscored the critical link between accessibility and brand integrity. Policies governing inclusion directly shape guest safety, regulatory standing, and long-term customer loyalty. When these systems are misaligned or applied inconsistently, the fallout reaches far beyond a single guest’s experience, creating significant operational and reputational risks for the company.
In early 2024, Disney overhauled its Disability Access Service (DAS) requirements for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, significantly narrowing eligibility criteria. Instead of providing DAS, the company suggested that some guests practice waiting in line at home or request return times directly at attractions—a shift that proved challenging as many frontline cast members had not been trained for these specific accommodations.
In response to these changes, disabled shareholder Erik Paul submitted a proposal late last year requesting that Disney hire an independent expert to evaluate the various risks associated with the new DAS policies. Initially, Disney petitioned the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to exclude the resolution, arguing it was “materially false and misleading” and related to “ordinary business operations.” However, an SEC policy shift just two weeks later removed the requirement for Disney to seek such approval.
Paul continued to push for the proposal’s inclusion, issuing a poignant statement:
“Disney has long told stories where the powerless rise, villains fall, and wrongs are made right… Yet now, in a twist worthy of its darkest tales, the company risks becoming the villain of its own story—using newfound power to silence the very shareholders it should be listening to. Disney now faces a clear choice: live up to the values it sells to the world, or step into the role of villain silencing the disabled community.”
Following this pressure, Disney ultimately agreed to include the proposal in its proxy materials and withdrew its “no-action” request, though it remained steadfast in recommending that shareholders vote against the measure.
While Disney has made minor adjustments to DAS since the overhaul—such as extending the service’s validity period and providing more clarity on the required pre-arrival video calls—significant tension remains. A class-action lawsuit alleging disability discrimination was filed against Disneyland in February 2025 and remains ongoing in the courts.
Disney Believe Announced as Disney Cruise Line’s Ninth Ship
Disney Cruise Line has announced the name of the next ship coming to the fleet! The Disney Believe is the fourth ship in the groundbreaking Wish class, where beloved stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars surround families from the moment they step on board. From incredible entertainment to thoughtfully designed spaces, every detail is crafted to bring storytelling to life at sea.
But what makes the Wish class truly special is that each ship features its own unique design theme that shapes those stories, from the venues and experiences to the décor and entertainment. Like its sister ships — the enchantment-themed Disney Wish, adventure-themed Disney Treasure, and heroes and villains-themed Disney Destiny — the Disney Believe will have its own unique motif: one of promise and possibilities.
Onboard the Disney Believe, powerful tales of characters who believe in themselves and their dreams will come to life in exciting new ways. From the mystical worlds of Encanto and Frozen, to the wishing wells of Snow White, to the depths of the sea with Moana and The Little Mermaid, there are endless stories waiting to be discovered and new chapters ready to unfold onboard.
Fittingly revealed during an exciting moment of optimism and transformation for the company, the next ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet will be named the Disney Believe, honoring the dreamers and doers who dare to pursue their own happily ever after. (Disney)
The Disney Believe is expected to debut in late 2027, and we can’t wait to share more information with you in the coming months. But the best news of all? You don’t have to wait to experience the magic of a Disney cruise! With a growing fleet and a wide variety of itineraries, there are countless ways to make memories right now.
Josh D’Amaro Outlines Strategic Priorities as New Walt Disney Company CEO
As The Walt Disney Company officially enters a new era, the corporate leadership team has updated its executive roster to reflect Josh D’Amaro as the new Chief Executive Officer. Alongside this appointment, the company released a refreshed corporate biography that provides a first look at D’Amaro’s strategic roadmap for the global brand.
In his newly updated executive profile, D’Amaro is officially listed as CEO, with a biography that highlights the core pillars of his vision for Disney’s future. His outlined priorities center on a “marriage” of human creativity and cutting-edge technology. By uniting these two forces, D’Amaro aims to evolve Disney’s legendary storytelling into even more immersive and unforgettable experiences, ultimately deepening the emotional bond between the company and its global fan base.
Below is the full official corporate biography, including the specific focus on his leadership priorities.
Josh D’Amaro is Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, leading a unified portfolio of world-class brands and businesses committed to exceptional storytelling and meaningful consumer connections. As part of his strategic vision for the company, D’Amaro has outlined priorities aimed at uniting human creativity with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable storytelling experiences that deepen Disney’s enduring bond with fans and consumers. Under his leadership, Disney is harnessing the power of its creative engines, global reach, and multiple consumer touchpoints to accelerate into a new era of innovation and growth.
D’Amaro assumes the role of CEO after serving as Chairman of Disney Experiences, the company’s largest and fastest growing business segment, with $36 billion in annual revenue in FY2025. During his tenure leading Disney Experiences, D’Amaro spearheaded the largest expansion in the segment’s history, guiding a multi‑year strategy with capital investment to significantly expand Disney’s footprint worldwide, including new cruise ships, resorts, themed lands, attractions, and technologies that will redefine the Disney guest experience for future generations — all powered by close collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Studios, and the filmmakers and creators behind Disney’s most enduring franchises.
Over his nearly three-decade career at Disney, D’Amaro has played a central role in shaping the modern Disney brand across theme parks, cruise ships, retail, games, immersive experiences, and real world and digital storytelling. His leadership has been defined by a commitment to quality, ingenuity, and strategic growth — and by a core understanding of how Disney’s stories create unmatched experiences for audiences around the world.
A forward-looking leader with an acute focus on the intersection of creativity and innovation, D’Amaro has championed the integration of cutting-edge technology across Disney’s businesses — from Walt Disney Imagineering’s breakthroughs in advanced robotics and next-generation animatronics to a landmark platform partnership with Epic Games that will redefine how fans play, create, and connect with Disney stories. His vision places technology in service of creativity, using it to expand the Disney universe for new audiences and position the company at the forefront of a rapidly evolving global media landscape.
Recognized for his global perspective, D’Amaro has held executive roles at Disney both in the U.S. and internationally across finance, business strategy, marketing, creative development, and operations. His work has contributed to some of Disney’s most celebrated recent achievements, including the launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, and multiple milestones in the company’s cruise and resort portfolio.
Throughout his career, D’Amaro has been guided by an abiding belief in the power of the Disney brand — its heritage, its storytelling legacy, and its unparalleled emotional connection with audiences and families. His leadership emphasizes creative courage, disciplined investment, global expansion, and relentless innovation to ensure Disney continues to inspire generations to come, supported by a culture that empowers the people who bring its stories to life.
The company has officially refreshed its corporate leadership webpage to reflect the significant transition of power as former CEO Bob Iger concludes his tenure.
Taking the top spot is Josh D’Amaro, whose move into the CEO role marks a major shift for the executive team. This updated roster serves as the official starting point for a new era of Disney leadership, signaling the formal handover of the company’s strategic vision.
