Imagination Skyway

The Disney Believe sets sail on its inaugural sailing in December 2027. Yesterday (October 7, 2026), Disney hosted an announcement show aboard the Disney Wish, sharing new updates about the Disney Believe, including the names of select shows and dining locations, design concepts for the ship's staterooms, and select entertainment. In this episode, we discuss what was just announced about the Disney Believe. In addition, we discuss new holiday overlays coming to Walt Disney World this 2026 holiday season.

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Next summer, Disney's Lakeshore Lodge opens at Walt Disney World along Bay Lake, nestled between Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. This week, Disney Signature Experiences invited me and a guest to preview elements of this hotel at a New York City event. We saw new resort concept art, enjoyed a couple of Disney meet-and-greet photo opportunities, and sampled recreational elements of the resort. In this episode, we discuss everything we know so far about Disney's Lakeshore Lodge and analyze what the experience will be like for guests.

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This summer, Disneyland Park unveiled a new animatronic at Pirates of the Caribbean. This figure uses patented technology—made possible with Epic Games Unreal Engine—that projection maps onto an audio-animatronic using real-time feedback. While this addition has been met with some initial controversy online among Disney fans, I had the opportunity to see this in person this summer. In this episode, I break down the new technology created by Walt Disney Imagineering, review the experience, and discuss potential implications.

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Magic of Disney Animation is a new attraction that opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios this month. Reminiscent of both the classic Animation experience at Disney-MGM Studios and the current Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank California, this new Walt Disney World experience is inspired by the Once Upon A Studio animated short and the feature films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. In this episode, we discuss this new park experience, share some not-to-miss details, and play a recording of a media panel featuring iconic Disney animators (including recent Disney Legend inductee, Eric Goldberg). Thanks to WDW Magazine for providing the audio and for joining me on this episode.

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Adventures by Disney offers hassle-free, guided tours of various destinations around the globe, led by knowledgeable Disney tour guides. Adventures by Disney Paris Escape is a two-night tour of Paris, France that takes guests to major landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. In this episode, we discuss this particular tour, how it's different than a traditional Adventures by Disney, and who should consider this vacation experience.

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Swan Reserve is part of the Swan and Dolphin collection of hotels at Walt Disney World. In this episode, I review my hosted stay, sponsored by the Swan Reserve. Located steps from EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and the Disney Resorts around Crescent Lake (plus the Disney Skyliner), Swan Reserve is a Marriott Autograph Collection property that shares amenities with Swan and Dolphin and offers the perks of a Disney Deluxe Resort. This episode includes what to expect at Swan Reserve and the reasons to stay there on your next Disney vacation. Learn more about your next stay at https://swandolphin.com/.

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Disney's Beach Club Resort is one of the most popular Walt Disney World hotels, just steps away from EPCOT and a stroll or Friendship boat ride away from Disney's Hollywood Studios. Beach Club is also closely situated by the Disney Skyliner and has direct bus service to Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Alongside Disney's Yacht Club Resort, these sister properties share the most popular pool at Walt Disney World (Stormalong Bay) and offer a wide range of quick-service and table service dining options. In this episode, we share the reasons we love Disney's Beach Club and offer advice for those looking to stay here on a future vacation.

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Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life at Disney Springs represents the first collaboration between Disney and Cirque du Soleil. The show celebrates the 100-year history of Walt Disney Animation Studios, including references to Walt Disney's Nine Old Men, Disney animators, and Disney stories, characters, and musical scores. Blending acrobatics, choreography, and special effects, this show is one you will not want to miss on your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. In this #hosted episode, I review Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life after seeing it for the first time.

Learn more about this show by visiting https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life.

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D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 included a Disney Parks and Experiences presentation called Horizons, a showcase led by Walt Disney Imagineering and hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. In this episode, we'll recap the August 15 showcase, including updates coming to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Tokyo Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. Highlights include a fixed yeti animatronic at Expedition Everest, the return of Dreamfinder to Journey into Imagination at EPCOT, details about Piston Peak and Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom, details about Tropical Americas coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom, and more.

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Bret Iwan might be best known for his iconic voice work, but his creative endeavors extend beyond the studio. As a painter, a designer, and a restoration artist, Bret is currently pursuing several personal projects, including a ranch he's building up north (Terbeau Ranch), an historic railroad he's restoring, ongoing antique restoration, and other creative endeavors. In this episode, we discuss the personal side of Bret Iwan, including his projects, his home, his aspirations, and his thoughts on ways to stay creative and engaged. You can follow Bret Iwan on Instagram and YouTube.

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