The holidays are getting closer at Walt Disney World, and there's plenty happening around the parks!
We've got some interesting Lightning Lane prices to talk about, changes coming to popular Disney restaurants, holiday experiences to plan ahead for, and a new dining offer for Annual Passholders.
Whether you're visiting in the next few weeks or planning a trip for 2027, let's catch up on the Disney news worth knowing.
If you're visiting Magic Kingdom during the first week of November, take a close look at Lightning Lane prices!
We checked Disney's My Disney Experience app and found Multi Pass listed at $42 per person for Friday, November 6—just $3 below the previously reported $45 high.
With Magic Kingdom transitioning into the Christmas season, it's a popular time to visit. And as we've seen over the years, higher-demand dates often come with higher Lightning Lane prices.
It's another good reminder to check the prices for your actual vacation dates, especially if you're purchasing Lightning Lane for the whole family.
The Multi Pass price isn't the only thing that caught our attention.
And while checking the My Disney Experience app, we found some interesting differences between October and November Single Pass prices.
For November 1, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was listed at $18, compared with $14 on October 16. TRON Lightcycle / Run was listed at $25, compared with $23.
Not every Lightning Lane price increased, though. Some Multi Pass prices at other parks were actually lower for November 1 than October 16.
This might be a great time to visit one of the other parks.
If character dining is part of your Disney vacation plans, you may want to revisit your dining budget.
Price increases have been reported at several popular character dining, buffet, and prix fixe restaurants, including Chef Mickey's, Topolino's Terrace, and Cinderella's Royal Table.
These meals can be wonderful family experiences, but the cost adds up quickly—especially when you're paying for several adults and children.
I suggest before making reservations, check the current menu price for the meal you're booking. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can have different pricing, even at the same restaurant.
If Rose & Crown is on your EPCOT dining list for early 2027, you'll want to know about this closure.
Both Rose & Crown Dining Room and Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion are scheduled to close for planned maintenance beginning January 11, 2027.
Disney expects both locations to reopen later in 2027, although an exact reopening date hasn't been announced.
The closure also affects the Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package.
Yorkshire County Fish Shop hasn't been included in the announced closure, so guests looking for fish and chips may still have that option.
If you were hoping to enjoy dinner with a view of the fireworks, it's a good time to explore other EPCOT dining experiences.
This is exciting news for Animal Kingdom fans who love Nomad Lounge.
Beginning October 28, guests will be able to make advance reservations for visits starting November 8, 2026.
Walk-up seating will still be available when space allows.
If you've ever wanted to relax at Nomad Lounge but didn't want to depend on the walk-up list, this gives you another way to plan your Animal Kingdom day.
And there's more Nomad Lounge news!
From October 20 through December 18, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can enjoy a special dining offer from 3 p.m. until closing.
For $49, plus tax and gratuity, the offer includes two eligible small plates and two eligible beverages.
Some of the eligible selections include Chinese Five-Spice Glazed Chicken Wings, Traveller's Provisions, Wild Mushroom Dumplings, and specialty drinks.
A few things worth knowing:
One important detail: the dining offer starts October 20, but advance reservations don't begin until November 8. If you're visiting before November 8, you'll need to use the walk-up option.
If EPCOT's Candlelight Processional is part of your holiday plans, dining package reservations opened October 14, and these can book up quickly.
The Candlelight Processional runs from November 27 through December 31, 2026, featuring celebrity narrators, a live orchestra, and a beautiful retelling of the Christmas story.
A dining package includes a qualifying meal and guaranteed seating at a same-day performance.
A quick reservation reminder: Disney dining reservations open 60 days in advance. Guests staying at eligible Disney Resort hotels can usually book for their entire stay (up to 10 nights) when their window opens, while off-property guests book one day at a time. Popular Candlelight dining packages can fill quickly, so don't wait too long!
Disney's narrator lineup has also received a few updates:
If there's a particular narrator you're hoping to see, check the latest lineup before making your reservation.
Remember that EPCOT admission is separate from the dining package.
Disney's holiday parties are already proving popular!
Several dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party have sold out, and the November 7 opening night of Disney Jollywood Nights has also been reported sold out.
If attending one of these parties is a must-do for your family, check ticket availability before finalizing your park schedule.
And remember, there are plenty of holiday decorations, entertainment, and experiences throughout Walt Disney World that don't require a separate party ticket.
Disney has shared menu highlights for Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby, returning during Disney Jollywood Nights.
Guests can look forward to:
Jazzy Holidays features live music and a special menu during the separately ticketed event.
Reservations are highly encouraged, and food and beverages are an additional purchase—not included with your Jollywood Nights ticket.
It's a fun option for guests who want to add a little old-Hollywood atmosphere to their holiday evening.
Animal Kingdom is preparing to welcome Santa's Holiday Grove near Theater in the Wild.
The experience is expected to feature Santa, holiday decorations, music, and festive touches throughout the area.
It's another way for families to enjoy some holiday magic outside the separately ticketed Christmas parties.
We'll share more about Santa's appearance times and seasonal food offerings as those details become available, so be sure to check back.
Looking for a Christmas experience outside the theme parks?
Horse-drawn holiday sleigh rides at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are scheduled for December 1–30, excluding December 24.
The rides last approximately 25 minutes and cost $80 per sleigh.
Each sleigh can accommodate up to four adults, or two adults and three small children.
How to book your sleigh ride: Reservations open up to 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app or Disney's Holiday Sleigh Rides page.
These rides are popular and availability is limited, so book early! If your preferred time is full, keep checking for cancellations.
Before your ride: Check in at Tri-Circle-D Ranch at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Disney recommends allowing approximately 60 minutes for transportation within Fort Wilderness, so plan ahead!
If Tiana's Bayou Adventure is on your Magic Kingdom must-do list, you'll want to check out these dates!
The attraction is scheduled to close for refurbishment beginning November 2, 2026, with reopening expected December 18, 2026.
As with any refurbishment, reopening schedules can change. Be sure to check Disney's park calendar and My Disney Experience app as your trip gets closer.
We'll be watching for reopening updates and sharing them as we get them, so be sure to check back!
Jingle Cruise is expected to return to Magic Kingdom beginning November 3.
It's the Jungle Cruise we know and love, with holiday decorations, festive boat names, and plenty of Christmas-themed skipper jokes.
And you don't need a Christmas party ticket to enjoy it!
A little planning tip: Jingle Cruise is especially popular during the holidays, so standby waits can climb and Lightning Lane availability can disappear quickly. If it's a must-do for your family, put it high on your priority list! Plan to ride at rope drop or include it in your Lightning Lane strategy rather than leaving it to chance.
Great news for Star Wars fans staying at eligible Disney Resorts!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has been added to the reported attraction lineup for October 28, when Extended Evening Theme Park Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios are scheduled from 9–11 p.m.
And this is a great addition! Rise of the Resistance is known for its long standby lines, but wait times are often considerably shorter during Extended Evening Hours. If you're eligible, this could be a wonderful opportunity to ride without spending a big chunk of your park day waiting in line.
Just be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for attraction availability and current wait times.
Guests staying at Disney's Old Key West Resort should be aware of a temporary interruption to boat service between the resort and Disney Springs.
The reported interruption runs October 12 through November 1, with bus transportation available as an alternative.
If you've made dining reservations at Disney Springs, give yourself extra travel time and check the My Disney Experience app for transportation options available during your stay.
If you're staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village, refurbishment work may affect parts of the lobby area.
Work involving the south lobby corridor and nearby amenities has been reported for October 26 through November 6.
Because guest arrival arrangements and accessible routes can change during construction, check the resort's latest instructions before your visit.
Grand Floridian Cafe is preparing to welcome guests again, with reservations becoming available ahead of its November 2 reopening.
If you're planning a resort breakfast or brunch, it's worth checking the restaurant's current reservation calendar.
Disney Springs' PhotoPass Studio has reportedly introduced interactive Villains-themed photo opportunities featuring Maleficent and Hades.
The studio doesn't require theme park admission, making it a fun stop during a Disney Springs visit.
Photo downloads may require a separate purchase or an eligible Memory Maker entitlement.
The ring-tailed lemur habitat on Discovery Island has reportedly reopened following refurbishment.
It's a fun little update for families who enjoy taking time to explore the animal habitats between attractions.
Some nearby walking areas may still be affected by ongoing work.
Annual Passholders have a limited-time Disney Store shopping offer running October 14–25, 2026.
Eligible Passholders can receive 20% off qualifying merchandise at DisneyStore.com using code WDW20, subject to the promotion's terms and exclusions.
If you're already shopping for Disney Christmas gifts, this one might be worth a look!
Annual Passholders should also be aware of an exclusion involving certain individual bottled beverages.
Some single-serve bottled water and soda purchases are excluded from the merchandise discount.
It's a small change, but one worth knowing if you regularly use your Passholder discount for bottled drinks in the parks.
Families planning a late-2027 Disney vacation can now explore newly released booking dates for November and December 2027.
That gives guests more opportunities to plan resort stays and vacation packages for next year's holiday season.
Keep in mind that opening the booking calendar doesn't mean new holiday discounts or special event dates have been announced.
Here's something a little different!
The Banana Ball Open is coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports April 15–18, 2027.
Fans of the Savannah Bananas and Banana Ball's high-energy style of baseball may want to add these dates to their vacation calendars.
The ticket lottery is scheduled to close October 31, and entering doesn't guarantee an opportunity to purchase tickets.
From higher Lightning Lane prices to holiday reservations and resort changes, there's a lot happening at Walt Disney World right now.
The biggest takeaway? Check the details that matter for your family's actual vacation dates. A little planning ahead can save some frustration once you're in the parks.
We'll keep sharing the Disney news, practical tips, and planning resources that help make those family vacations a little easier.
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