September 30, 2025

Welcome, Travelers!

Disney keeps the momentum rolling this week with exciting updates spanning theatrical releases, streaming service changes, and theme park experiences. Whether you're planning a 2026 visit or counting down to new movie releases, Disney continues delivering magic across its platforms.

A quick reminder to please share The Monorail Newsletter with friends, family, and colleagues. The more we squeeze onto this train, the better our content will become. 🚄

Parks, Resorts, & Cruising

2026 Disney After Hours Dates Announced

Walt Disney World unveiled the complete schedule for 2026 Disney After Hours events across three parks, offering guests extended evening hours with lower wait times and complimentary snacks.

Magic Kingdom - Hosting 17 nights beginning January 12 through July 27
Hollywood Studios - Hosting 26 nights beginning January 14 through September 12
EPCOT - Hosting 18 nights beginning January 22 through September 24

©Disney

Key Details:

Resort guests can purchase tickets starting October 9
General public sales begin October 14
Early park entry at 7:00 p.m. before events officially start
Events run approximately 3 hours after regular park close
Annual Passholders and DVC Members save $30 per ticket

EPCOT After Hours adds Test Track to the lineup for 2026, while Hollywood Studios continues offering access to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and other fan favorites.

Media & Entertainment

Disney+ and Hulu Announce October Price Increases

Disney is planning another price hike for its popular streaming services Disney+ and Hulu, precisely one year after its last price increase (October 17, 2024). Bundles with HBO Max and ESPN will also be affected. Overall, expect to pay $2 or $3 more per month for your services.

Below are the core services and bundles that are changing October 21, 2025.

Disney+ (Ads) - Increase from $9.99 to $11.99 monthly
Disney+ (No Ads) - Increase from $15.99 to $18.99 monthly
Disney+, Hulu (Ads) - Increase from $10.99 to $12.99 monthly
Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max (Ads) - Increase from $16.99 to $19.99 monthly
Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max (No Ads) - Increase from $29.99 to $32.99 monthly

Disney+, Hulu (No Ads) bundle remains unchanged at $19.99 monthly.

For annual pricing and ESPN bundle changes, log in to your Disney+ account or refer to the Read More link below.

New Zootopia 2 Trailer

Walt Disney Animation Studios released a new trailer for Zootopia 2. Have a look below.

The trailer showcases a star-studded voice cast featuring Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin as Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, as well as an expanded voice cast that includes Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Macaulay Culkin, and Brenda Song as the Lynxley family. Fortune Feimster, Idris Elba, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, and Nate Torrence return as well.

Zootopia 2 opens in theaters November 26.

ICYMI: The latest Zootopia trailer features an all-new original song, "Zoo," performed by Shakira (who returns as Gazelle). Zoo was written by Ed Sheeran, Blake Slatkin, and Shakira, and releases worldwide October 10, with the full soundtrack launching November 21.

Avatar: Fire and Ash Debuts New Trailer and Poster

James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash unveiled its latest trailer and official poster, showcasing new clans, environments, and creatures as Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) return to Pandora. The third film in the phenomenally successful franchise opens exclusively in theaters worldwide December 19 in IMAX 3D, Dolby Cinema 3D, and premium formats everywhere.

In conjunction with the announcement, Avatar: The Way of Water - which grossed over $2.3 billion worldwide and won an Academy Award for visual effects - will be re-released in 3D exclusively in theaters for a one-week special engagement worldwide starting October 3.

Merchandise & Licensing

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Gear

©Disney

Mid-way through Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration, this merchandise won’t be available much longer. Catch the exclusive, limited-time 70th Anniversary merchandise before things start selling out!

What’s more? For a limited time, receive Free Shipping on orders of $85 or more using code: SHIPMAGIC.

Shop Now

More Info: DisneyStore

Creator Spotlight

Podcast

Rope Drop Radio (RDR)

Rope Drop Radio launched in 2016 with a mission to share honest advice, smart planning strategies, and a whole lot of laughs. The show has grown into a trusted resource for Disney fans around the world — helping listeners navigate the parks, plan epic vacations, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Check out their website for details and 500+ episodes on Apple and Spotify.

Before You Disembark

More Magic This Week

Here's more Disney news this past week that we didn't have room to highlight.

“Huluween” Season Arrives - Halloween has returned, and Disney+ and Hulu have a spellbinding selection of new and classic programming, all under one haunted roof with Huluween on Disney+ - Disney+ Press
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Updates - Guests will soon experience special visits from The Fairy Godmother and new, simplified package options beginning in early October - Disney Travel Agents
Zootopia 2 Explores Relationships - Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde were partners for about 48 hours in the first film. In Zootopia 2, they will be thrust into very different scenarios that will test their young relationship - The Walt Disney Company
Springsteen Biopic Achieves Perfect Score - Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes following its stellar reception at the Telluride Film Festival - The Walt Disney Company

That's a Wrap

This week highlighted Disney's continued excellence in creating anticipation across all its platforms. From Zootopia 2’s narrative to the meticulous planning behind 2026 After Hours events, Disney demonstrates its commitment to storytelling and guest experiences. The company continues finding innovative ways to bring magic to fans worldwide.