Category: The Kingdom Insider

Nestled in the heart of the Disney Dream cruise ship, Pub 687 offers a unique escape for adult guests seeking a relaxed, upscale pub atmosphere with a touch of Disney magic. Named after the hull number assigned to the Disney Dream during its construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, Pub 687 is more than just a watering hole—it’s a tribute to the ship’s legacy and a cozy haven away from the family-centered bustle of the cruise. Source: Kingdom Media From the moment guests step inside, they’re greeted by rich, dark woods, deep leather seating, and vintage maritime décor, creating a warm, inviting ambiance. Televisions tuned to live sports and a mix of classic and contemporary music set the tone for casual socializing. The vibe is unmistakably adult-focused but still retains the signature Disney charm that ensures every corner of the ship is thoughtfully themed and impeccably styled. One of the highlights of Pub 687 is its carefully curated drink menu. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of domestic and international beers, including a special brew exclusive to Disney Cruise Line. Craft cocktails and premium spirits are also available, making it easy to find something that suits every palate. For beer lovers, the bartenders are more than happy to provide recommendations or help guests explore something new through beer flights. Pub 687 also hosts a variety of events throughout the cruise, including trivia nights, sports viewings, and the occasional tasting

Just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has delighted guests with its Victorian charm and timeless atmosphere since 1988. A celebration of the golden age of travel and Florida’s lavish seaside hotels, the resort is known for its unique theming and Disney hospitality – two qualities we continue to honor during the renovation of the Grand Floridian lobby. The lobby’s renovation marks the culmination of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment, which has included enhanced guest rooms and refreshed dining experiences, including the Michelin star-awarded Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s and 1900 Park Fare, and more. Coming Soon: Grand Floridian Lobby Bar There’s something special about walking into the Grand Floridian—the soft piano music, glowing chandeliers, and aromatic floral arrangements create a luxurious, yet relaxing atmosphere. And soon, guests will be able to take in this ambiance with a refreshing beverage in hand, thanks to the new lobby bar! Inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage, the bar will pay tribute to the resort’s Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and brass accents. You may even spot colorful birds in the stained glass and murals throughout the atrium! Opposite the bar, guests will still find the Victorian cage-style elevator that fans know and love. New Look, Same Grand Feel The surrounding lobby, staircase, and front desk will be refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and inviting colors to create an airy, garden-like atmosphere. Disney Imagineers are approaching this refurbishment with great

The Disney Cruise Line app is an essential tool for making the most of your cruise experience. From managing your schedule to staying connected with loved ones on board, this app ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the app like a pro. 1. Download the App Before you set sail, download the Disney Cruise Line app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android). Ensure that you have the app ready before your embarkation day, as it will be your primary source for updates and information. Source: Disney 2. Create an Account and Link Your Reservation Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Disney account or create one if you don’t have one yet. You’ll need to link your cruise reservation by entering your booking number, which you’ll find in your confirmation email. This will grant you access to personalized features, like your itinerary and stateroom details. 3. Explore the Itinerary and Daily Activities The app provides an easy way to view your cruise itinerary, including departure times, port arrivals, and important announcements. You can also check out the daily schedule of onboard activities, such as character meet-and-greets, entertainment, and dining options. Use the app to plan your day and even set reminders for events you don’t want to miss. 4. Dining and Reservations Through the app, you can explore the different dining options available on your ship. If you have

It pays to be a Disney+ subscriber! Disney+ subscribers can enjoy summer savings with great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels, starting from $99 per night. This offer is valid on 2-night stays or longer, most nights from June 29 to July 31, 2025. The offer is limited to the following room types: $99 Per Night for Standard Rooms at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort $169 Per Night for Woods View Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside $229 Per Night for Cars Family Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort $249 Per Night for Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort $339 Per Night for Savanna View Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Proof of a Disney+ subscription is required. A Disney+ subscriber with an active subscription must stay in the room. Are you ready to book your Disney vacation? Leave all the details to our friends at Academy Travel Agency & let one of their Disney experts take it from here! Just click here to select your Disney destination of choice, fill out the quick & easy questionnaire, and your personalized, free agent will be in touch soon! Take a look around our website in the meantime, and read all about resorts, cruises, dining, entertainment & more! Be sure to follow us @thekingdominsider on Instagram & The Kingdom Insider on Facebook for updates & Insider info on what’s not to be missed! Get excited; the countdown to your vacation is

D23 is coming to Walt Disney World! August 29-31, join D23: The Official Disney Fan and journey through all the worlds of Disney… Exclusively for D23 Gold Members, Destination D23 2025 will be the biggest event of its kind—adventurers in attendance can look forward to celebrating beloved moments and memories with behind-the-scenes stories, very special guests, and incredible performances. Buckle in for a sneak peek at the company’s limitless future, be among the first to access exclusive shopping opportunities, and experience tons of surprises at this fan-favorite event! Event Details D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon Boom, baby! All Destination D23 2025 ticket holders are invited to celebrate 25 years of Disney Animation’s The Emperor’s New Groove with a splash at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park after the day’s events on Saturday, August 30! Source: D23 Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert, presented by Disney Dig out those flip phones and get ready to rock some shoulder pads as you join Broadway and Disney Animation stars on Sunday, August 31, for a showstopping concert experience through a defining generation of film and TV—featuring all your favorite hits! Source: D23 The Walt Disney Archives Presents: Charting the Course, Disney’s Global Stories & Inspirations All weekend long, Destination D23 2025 attendees can enjoy the Walt Disney Archives’ brand-new exhibit, following Disney creatives on a colorful artistic journey around

As Universal Orlando Resort continues to prepare for the official opening of Universal Epic Universe on May 22, the destination is giving select guests the opportunity to preview the highly anticipated theme park beginning on April 17. Starting today, Annual and Seasonal Passholders, active 2025 Military Freedom Pass Ticket Holders, Universal Rewards Signature VISA Card members, and guests staying at any Universal Orlando hotel can purchase tickets to access Epic Universe during its preview period. Additional audiences will be able to purchase tickets to preview the groundbreaking new theme park in the weeks ahead. Please note that during the preview period, the availability of experiences within Epic Universe may vary as Universal finishes the park in preparation for its grand opening on May 22. During the preview, guests can earn the ultimate bragging rights as they’ll be among the first to explore what promises to be one of the most innovative and immersive theme parks ever created. They’ll enjoy next-level thrills and excitement as they encounter awe-inspiring attractions, breathtaking entertainment, delectable dining, and themed shopping across five imaginative worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Universal Orlando is now also accepting reservations for its newest hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, for arrivals beginning April 16. Located adjacent to Universal Epic Universe, the majestic 500-room Mediterranean escape blends immersion and relaxation to create a hotel stay like

Nothing says happy quite like dancing along the parade route or marveling at Mickey-shaped fireworks lighting up the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Disneyland is known for its spectacular entertainment, and the 70th celebration will introduce all-new entertainment experiences alongside some returning fan favorites across the resort. Source: Disney Created in honor of the anniversary, the upbeat new theme song “Celebrate Happy” will be heard throughout the celebration across various entertainment experiences. We’re thrilled to share that this catchy new tune will be performed by the Jonas Brothers! The song “Celebrate Happy” will be available to stream beginning May 13, wherever you listen to music. Source: Disney “World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure Park The all-new “World of Color” show is inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening day park dedication from seven decades ago: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!” This nighttime spectacular will explore “happy” through a kaleidoscope of emotions, hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from the hit Pixar Animation Studios films “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.” Along the way, the Emotions manifest music and moments from other favorite Pixar Animation Studios stories, including “Turning Red” and “The Incredibles,” as well as Walt Disney Animation Studios stories, including “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” “Encanto,” and so many more. “World of Color Happiness!” will transform Paradise Bay with a brilliant array of signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog, and dramatic flame effects,

The Force is strong over at Disneyland park! For select nights April 8 through May 6, 2025, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite will grant Guests of all ages special after-hours access to Disneyland Park with the purchase of a separate event admission ticket. Enjoy Star Wars Character sightings, event-themed menu selections, and exciting entertainment—including a lightsaber instructional and the Fans of the Force Costume Cavalcade, a celebration that invites Guests dressed in Star Wars costumes to join in a march down Main Street, U.S.A.! Plus, discover special Star Wars-themed photo opportunities, merchandise and more! Check out our guide, which includes tips and reviews from when we attended this event a few years ago here. Source: Disney Event Details Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite Location: Disneyland Park Dates: April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29; May 1, 4, 6, 2025 Time: 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM Ticket Price: Starting at $169 per Guest (ages 3+) *Tickets are still available for the following dates: April 8, 10, 22, 24, and 29; May 1, 6 The ticket to this event also includes admission to Disneyland Park as early as 6:00 PM (3 hours before the party begins!) on the valid date of your ticket. Guests with a ticket to this event do not need to make a theme park reservation to enter Disneyland Park at 6:00 PM or later. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is not available during the

Exciting news! Beginning April 3, 2025, if you are staying at select Disney Resort hotels, you can drop your checked baggage off with Luggage Assistance to be delivered directly to your flight. Currently, this pilot service is available at Disney Value Resort hotels for Guests with Southwest Airlines flights departing from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Source: Yahoo How It Works Save time at the airport by sending your bags ahead to Southwest Airlines. Simply follow these steps: At the beginning of your stay, check-in at your Disney Value Resort hotel and call or visit Luggage Assistance to take advantage of this service. For a smoother experience, leave your inbound Southwest Airlines tags on your bags. The day before your departure, check-in for your Southwest Airlines flight online. Please drop off your bags at Luggage Assistance in the Resort hotel lobby area by the required drop-off time. You must provide a valid form of photo identification. You can also call Luggage Assistance from your in-room telephone to ask for help with your bags. Head to the airport, skip the check-in line, enjoy your flight, and pick up your bags at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination. This service is subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability. When to Drop Off

Source: Disney Parks Blog Jambo, Tucker! Today is a special day because there is a NEW addition to the Disney animal family! Disney has announced that Tucker the baby giraffe has officially made his debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! This marks the first giraffe calf birth at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021. The birth of Tucker is a significant achievement. The Masai giraffe is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with around 30,000 giraffes remaining globally. With habitat loss and poaching posing threats in their natural environments, Disney is working hard to help protect this iconic species. The animal care team at Disney World is absolutely amazing. They provide care for more than 5,000 animals across Disney World! This year, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since its inception in 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. In this photo below, you can see Tucker and his mom, Mara, spending quality time together on the savanna. Mara, who joined the savanna in 2015, has proudly expanded her family, not once – but three times now! Mara gave birth to her first calf, Jabari, back in 2019. Source: Disney Parks Blog We can’t wait to meet Tucker! You can find Tucker, Mara and everyone else in this giraffe family at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Are you ready to