In this week's episode, Shannon, Peter, and Sue discuss Disney's United States of America's 250th anniversary celebration next year, including updating Soarin' to Soarin' Across America, extended fireworks displays, and great discounts for military members and their families. EPCOT also revealed dates and entertainment for the 2026 Festival of the Arts. Among other news, Disney Vacation Club Members have opportunities to watch A Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland from a special reserved section in the Small World Promenade, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is converting from 3D to enhanced 2D visuals, and more! N172

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Disney celebrates America's 250th with new version of Soarin’

Last month, Disney announced that the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States will kick-off on Veterans day, November 11th, and continue through July 4th, 2026. The biggest piece of news is that Soarin’ will be updated to “Soarin’ across America” in summer 2026. In addition, both coasts will have extended fireworks presentations for from July 3rd through July 5th. In addition, there will be a 24-hour long media event across Disney platforms on July 4th, as well as merchandise surrounding the holiday.

To celebrate veterans, on November 11th Disney announced steep discounts for veterans, including a Walt Disney World ticket valid for 2026 for all active and retired military members for only $499+ tax. In addition Disney is also offering a 6-day Park Hopper pass for $449+ tax, as well as 5-day and 4-day ticket deals for military members. These offers are valid January 1 through December 18, 2026, with an advanced theme park reservation and subject to blockout dates from March 29 – April 11, 2026 and November 22 – 28, 2026.

Discounts are also offered on Disneyland tickets for active and retired military, with discounted 3-Day and 4-Day Park Hopper tickets valid for visits January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and a 1-Day, 1-Park Disneyland Resort Military Adult Ticket.

Disney Cruise Line is offering special military rates on select cruises, and eligible active and retired US military personnel can earn a $250 onboard credit per stateroom for all 2026 sailings from Florida aboard the Disney Wish and Disney Dream.

Source: Disney Parks Blog – 250th Celebration Details, Disney Parks Blog – Military Ticket Offers

EPCOT Festival of the Arts official dates announced

The 2026 Festival of the Arts at EPCOT is slightly extended from past years, running a full 39 days from January 16 to February 23rd,2026. The event will continue to showcase Broadway entertainers now expanded to seven nights per week. There will also be food booths, artists sales, and the return of a special display of costumes and memorabilia from Disney’s Broadway at Communicore. The displays are promised to be significantly different from last year.

The list of performers is as follows:

Isabelle McCalla (“Aladdin”) and Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”) January 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 27
Sierra Boggess (“The Little Mermaid”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”) January 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 29
Anastacia McCleskey (“Tarzan”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”) January 30 February 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10
Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) January 31 February 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12
Ainsley Melham (“Aladdin”) Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) February 13, 15, 16, 19
Susan Egan (“Beauty and The Beast”) and James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”) February 14, 17, 18, 20, 21
Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”), Ainsley Melham (“Aladdin”), Susan Egan (Beauty and The Beast”), James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”) February 22, 23

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure converting to enhanced 2D

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure will experience a short downtime Nov. 10-13, 2025, and will return with enhanced digital visuals and clearer imagery projected in 2D. Remy's fans will spot new props and lighting enhancements when they are added to the queue and attraction over the next few months.

Source: WDW Magic

Changes to Bars at Poly and Grand Floridian

The Perch Lobby Bar at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort officially opened for business on November 10th. The bar serves wine, beer and specialty cocktails. This new bar was inspired by the large birdcage that used to be in the Grand Floridian lobby. This is all part of the full refurbishment of the main salon area that has been going on at the resort.

In addition, Walt Disney World announced that the Wailulu Bar and Grill at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Island Tower will end the current walk-up policy and begin taking reservations. This will start on December 3rd for dates of December 4th and beyond.

Source: WDW Magic – Grand Floridian, WDW Magic – Polynesian

DVC Members get a special viewing area for the Disneyland Christmas Parade

On November 20, November 25, and December 11, 2025, Disney Vacation Club Members can watch A Christmas Fantasy Parade from a special reserved section in the Small World Promenade. Eligible owners must claim a wristband at Star View Station – A Member Lounge beginning at 11:00am on the event date. The member plus up to 4 additional guests on their resort reservation can be accommodated. Each member of the party must be present to claim a wristband. The parade starts at 3:00 pm and participants with wristbands must arrive 30 minutes prior to the show time. The viewing area is standing room only. Note there is limited parking for ECVs.

Source: DVC News

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