A lot just dropped in the world of Disney news — and if you blinked, you probably missed something.

We’ve got a wild mix of updates from free food deals to major ride changes, new bars, and one surprisingly cheap hotel deal for Disney+ subscribers. Whether you’re booking a trip from the UK, a die-hard fan of villains, or just want to sip cocktails in a Victorian birdcage, there’s something here that could totally change your Disney World plans. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the seven big updates Disney just dropped.

Here’s what’s going on:

FREE Dining Plan is Coming Back…But There’s a Catch

Yes, you read that right — FREE Disney Dining is back! But before you start packing your bags, here’s the catch: this particular deal is only for UK and Ireland visitors booking 2026 vacations.

If that’s you, congrats — you’re in for a serious perk. When you book a qualifying Disney Resort Hotel + Ticket Package for dates between January 7th and December 19th, 2026, everyone in your party gets a free Disney Dining Plan. That includes meals, drinks (yep, alcohol if you’re 21+), and access to over 170+ dining locations across the resort — from quick snacks to character meals.

This deal opens for bookings on April 29th, 2025, and includes other perks like:

• A 14-Day Ticket for the price of a 7-Day
• Park Hopper included
• Memory Maker ($210 value)
• Savings up to €300 on select packages
• €65 deposit to lock it in

This is a HUGE value (Disney claims it’s worth €1,273 per adult), but remember — it’s only for UK/Ireland guests and only for 2026 arrivals.

Hotel Rooms from $99 for Disney+ Subscribers

Yep, Disney+ subscribers just got another perk: special summer hotel rates starting at $99 per night. This deal applies to select Disney World resorts for stays between June 29th and July 31st, 2025, and it’s kind of wild how good some of these prices are:

• $99 for All-Star Sports
• $169 for Port Orleans – Riverside (Woods View Rooms)
• $229 for Cars Family Suites at Art of Animation
• $249 for Deluxe Studios at Saratoga Springs
• $339 for Savanna View at Animal Kingdom Lodge

To book, you need to show proof of your Disney+ subscription and meet the 2-night minimum. Some room types are excluded, and this deal is super limited, so if this sounds like your summer vacay — jump on it fast.

Test Track is Getting a Glow-Up

Disney Imagineering just shared a sneak peek at the new Test Track…and it’s definitely getting a whole new vibe.

The ride vehicles are getting a darker, sleeker look to match the updated theme, along with new interiors — including updated seats and graphics. And according to Imagineering, this is just the beginning of the transformation.

No word yet on the exact date when the full overhaul will debut other than late this summer, but we’re officially hyped.

Skyliner Closure Confirmed for January 2026

The Skyliner is going down for its usual annual maintenance — but not until January 25th to the 31st, 2026. This is pretty standard (although it skipped 2025), so it’s not a shock, but if you’re staying at a Skyliner resort like Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, or Riviera, this might affect your plans.

During this window, Disney will offer bus transportation, but keep in mind: travel times may be longer, and buses will likely be more crowded. If having easy park access is a priority for you (especially to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios), consider alternative resorts or be ready for some extra travel time.

Villains Take Center Stage at Hollywood Studios

Disney shared a close-up look at some of the stars of the brand-new show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After — and it officially opens May 27th, 2025.

The show stars Maleficent, Captain Hook, and Cruella De Vil, and it’s all about them pleading their case on why they were wronged in their stories. You, the audience, get to decide who got the worst deal. Expect surprise appearances from other villains and plenty of dramatic flair.

It’s replacing the Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy on Sunset Boulevard, so if you’re a villain fan or just love live entertainment, this is definitely worth checking out.

New Lobby Bar at Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is getting a brand-new lobby bar, and it’s looking super classy. Inspired by the hotel’s iconic birdcage design, the bar will feature intricate Victorian-style details — stained glass, brass accents, murals of birds — and yes, you’ll be able to sip your cocktail while listening to the live pianist in the lobby.

Based on the concept art, the new bar is replacing the existing birdcage area. Disney hasn’t shared the drink menu yet, but you can expect an elevated, relaxing vibe. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

Goodbye Shula’s, Hello Bourbon Steak

After nearly 30 years, Shula’s Steak House at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel is closing — but it’s making way for something very exciting.

Coming mid-summer 2025: Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina. If you’re into elevated steakhouse experiences, this is a big deal. Michael Mina is a James Beard Award-winning chef with a serious culinary rep, and this new spot promises to bring a more modern, luxe vibe to the Dolphin’s already impressive food scene.

Shula’s will take reservations through June 14th, so if you want one last dinner there, make it happen soon.

That’s the latest—and yeah, it was a lot. Between limited-time deals, permanent closures, and brand-new entertainment, Disney’s clearly making some moves heading into 2025 and 2026.

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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What announcement are you most excited (or shocked) about? Let us know in the comments!