Disney is a busy company right now!
Halloween decorations in Disney World!
The company is searching for its next CEO, it’s expanding the cruise line fleet, and the parks are changing in so many ways! There’s a lot to keep up with, but there’s no worries if you miss a news drop or two! Each week, we put together a list of the biggest news from the week, and we’re breaking down this week’s biggest announcements right here.
There are tons of fun Disney changes happening from the upcoming new show in Animal Kingdom to Lightning McQueen taking over Magic Kingdom. This week, our news takes us from Disney World all the way to the open waters!
New Characters On The Disney Destiny
Starting off on the high seas, the Disney Destiny is adding some new faces to the fun! One of the new entertainment options coming to the ship will be the traveling storytellers, who Disney says you can find in the Grand Hall.
©Disney
The new storytellers are named Zayah and Gamble, and they have enchanted trunks that “react to the powerful energy and magic of classic Disney villains.” Zayah is a fortune teller who will make predictions and share tales with the help of a magical book, while Gamble will “conjure adventures with his collection of mystifying potions and elixirs.”
©Disney
Throughout each sailing, the storytellers will host a variety of shows and storytelling experiences, including With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show. This show will be located in the Saga entertainment lounge and will be aimed towards adults, acting out some of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most iconic moments with sketch comedy, low-budget props, homemade sound effects, and sight gags. (We’re already obsessed.)
©Disney
This entire ship is themed to Disney heroes and villains, and we think these two will fit right in!
Disney Cruise Line — The Disney Destiny Cruise Ship
Spaceship Earth Reopening
Our next news takes us back on land over in EPCOT! The park’s icon, Spaceship Earth, has been closed since August 25th, 2025, but we finally know when we can hear Judi Dench’s sweet monologue again.
Spaceship Earth
Starting on October 25th, 2025, the slow-moving dark ride is reopening! This closure was temporary, and (as far as we know) just a typical maintenance closure. Once upon a time, Disney promised BIG updates for Spaceship Earth. Back in 2019, the company revealed plans to change the ride inside the big ball, including new narration, new scenes, and more. Anyone who’s been on Spaceship Earth recently pretty much knows that the ride is, more or less, pretty outdated, after all. (Not a bad thing, we love her! But it is true.)
Our favorite scientist!
This project was shelved, never to be mentioned again… at least for now. Honestly, with all of the changes happening in the parks right now, we don’t think we could handle another major change just yet, so we’re happy this one was just some maintenance.
Why We’re Worried About Spaceship Earth in Disney World
New Character Meet and Greets
Finally, Hollywood Studios is wrapping up our big changes for the week because we got not one, not two, but FOUR new character meet and greets this week!
Hi Mary Poppins!
Right now, you can meet Pinocchio, who was hanging out by Center Stage in front of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
It’s Pinocchio!
Rotating with our favorite puppet is Jiminy Cricket!
Jiminy Cricket
On the other side of the stage, you can meet Mary Poppins throughout the day before she rotates with Bert and a dancing penguin! According to the app, Bert is the only one scheduled to meet in this area, but Mr. Penguin was an extra surprise during our stop by.
Bert and Mr. Penguin
You can find all of these character meet and greets in the My Disney Experience app to see when the characters will be meeting. Nearby, you can also find Chip and Dale. Chip and Dale are just a few steps away closer to The Hollywood Brown Derby and near the light tower. These are just a few additions after the closing of Animation Courtyard, which is being reimaged into The Walt Disney Studios.
©Disney
The new area is expected to open in 2026!
The Walt Disney Studios in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios
There is SO much happening around the Disney Company throughout the world, and this is just scratching the surface. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates!
20 Big Changes Disney Has Already Announced for 2026
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Wow – fantastic new character meet and greets at HS! The new Disney Destiny characters sound amazing too. Can’t wait for our next cruise!