TouringPlans Travel Beat January 26, 2025 | TouringPlans.com Blog

Disney Cruise Line increases tipping

If you’re planning on taking a Disney cruise in the future, you’ll want to know that tip rates have been increased this week. What’s more, you need to know that if you’ve prepaid your cruise gratuity, the rate hike does not apply to you. Effective January 22, 2025, the new rates are $16 for standard rooms and $27.25 for concierge-level cabins and suites. Both prices are per person per day.

Kilimanjaro expedition hippo turns 50

One of the perks of being an editor at Travel Beat is that I never have to argue with someone about whether something is newsworthy enough to feature some cute animal photos. Today’s news: Let’s cheer for Viviana the hippopotamus as she celebrates her half-century of birth on January 22nd! Viviana is one of the animals on opening day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and you can see her on Kilimanjaro Adventures. Hippos typically live 40 to 50 years in captivity (shorter in the wild), so this golden anniversary is important, similar to humans celebrating their 100th birthday.

If you’re wondering what’s in her delicious cake, it’s…watermelon, cantaloupe, beets, lettuce, and hay.

Aulani’s new neighbor?

Rumors and speculation are rampant, and we admit that. A California developer purchased a large piece of land in Ko Olina, where Aulani is located. As part of your purchase, Buyer agrees to develop Atlantis resort On the package next to Aulani. There’s plenty of water fun in Aulani today, but Atlantis’ Aquaventure tops it all.

There are currently three Atlantis resorts, located in Dubai, Sanya and the Bahamas, operated by two different owners. It’s unclear whether Atlantis is part of the Dubai/Sanya group or the Bahamas resort. It’s unclear whether it will ever be built; plans to build an Atlantis resort on the site had previously failed, although a development deal had been struck. But we can hope!

Magic Key Pass goes on sale

If you missed the memo (go! go! go! Magic Key Pass Sales Report January 22, 2025), Disneyland annual passes went on sale earlier this week. As of this writing, all pass types are still available.

Two Downtown Disney stores open

Two new shopping stations in the Downtown Disney District officially opened this week. The Disney Storyland Boutique is your stop for character plush toys, custom headbands, and more, with an ever-changing lineup inspired by Disney stories. Also opening: Disney’s Wonderful World of Candy, which replaces Marceline’s Confectionery as the area’s venue for Disney-style desserts.

Headlines Review

Buckle up, because there are a lot of announcements coming this week—mostly dates, dates, and more dates.

Earlier this week, Disney announced that Lightning Lane Premium Passes are now available to all guests. Disneyland launches all-access Lightning Pass Premium 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 patio closing dates announced

Over at Disneyland, there’s a lot of resort news: new suites, new club-level lounges, and some room redesigns. Disneyland Resort Hotel Updates and Upgrades for 2025 and Beyond

More from Disneyland: Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Night ticket on-sale dates. Disneyland After Dark Theme Nights 2025

Last but not least, Universal Orlando has filled in missing dates in its event calendar, including dates for Halloween Horror Nights and a brand new top-up event. Preview 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!