Disney Cruise Line Increases Gratuities
If you’ve got a future sailing on Disney Cruise Line, you’ll want to know that the gratuity rate was raised this week. More importantly, you’ll want to know that if you already pre-paid your gratuities for a cruise, then the rate hike does not apply to you. The new rates as of January 22, 2025, are $16 for standard rooms and $27.25 for Concierge-level staterooms and suites. Both rates are per person, per day.
Hippo Turns 50 on Kilimanjaro Safaris
One of the perks of being the editor here at Travel Beat is that I never have to argue with someone about whether an event is newsworthy enough to show off some cute animal pics. Today’s news: let’s all hip-hip-hooray for Viviana the hippopotamus as she celebrated a half-century on January 22nd! Viviana is one of the opening day animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and you can see her on Kilimanjaro Safaris. A hippo’s lifespan is typically 40-50 years in captivity (it’s less in the wild), so this golden anniversary is really big – similar to a human celebrating their 100th birthday.
© Disney
In case you are wondering what’s in that yummy cake she’s eating, it’s … watermelon, cantaloupe, beets, lettuce, and hay.
A New Neighbor for Aulani?
Rampant rumors and speculation, we admit it. California developers have bought a big chunk of land on Ko Olina (where Aulani is located). As part of the purchase, the buyer agreed to develop an Atlantis Resort on the parcel next to Aulani. There’s plenty of water fun at Aulani today, but Atlantis’ Aquaventure parks are next-level.
There are currently three Atlantis resorts, in Dubai, Sanya, and the Bahamas, operated by two different owners. It’s not clear whether this Atlantis would be part of the Dubai/Sanya group or the Bahamas resort. It’s also not clear if it will get built; although there’s an agreement to develop, plans for an Atlantis resort on this parcel have fallen through before. But we can hope!
Magic Key Passes Go on Sale
In case you missed the memo (Go-Go-Go! Magic Key Pass Sales Return January 22, 2025), Disneyland’s annual passes went on sale earlier this week. As of this writing, all pass types are still available.
Two Store Openings at Downtown Disney
Two new shopping stops made their official openings this week at Downtown Disney District. The Disney Storyland Boutique will be your stop for character plushies, custom headbands, and more, with an ever-changing lineup of merch inspired by Disney stories. Also open: Disney Wonderful World of Sweets, which replaced Marceline’s Confectionery as the District’s spot for Disney-inspired sweet treats.
© Disney
© Disney
Headline News Recap
Buckle up, because there were lots of announcements this week – mostly dates, dates, and more dates.
Early in the week, Disney announced that Lightning Lane Premier Pass is now available to all guests. Disney Parks Rolling Out All-Access Lightning Lane Premier Pass – Updated!
Disney previously announced that Muppet*Vision 3D and Muppets Courtyard would be closing to make way for Monstropolis. But now we know when: Muppet*Vision 3D and Other Muppets Courtyard Closing Dates Announced
At Disneyland, there’s quite a bit of resort news: new suites, new club-level lounges, and some room reimaginings. Updates and Upgrades at Disneyland Resort Hotels in 2025 and Beyond
More from Disneyland: ticket sale dates for Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. Disneyland After Dark Themed Nights for 2025
Last but not least, Universal Orlando filled in the missing dates in its event calendar, including dates for Halloween Horror Nights and a brand-new upcharge event. Previewing 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort
That’s it for this week’s Travel Beat. What news are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!
You May Also Like…
At Travel Beat we have all the “other” news from the last week or so—the stuff that wasn’t big enough to…
At Travel Beat we have all the “other” news from the last week or so—the stuff that wasn’t big enough to…
