Four more charter flights link Disney World and Tokyo Disney next spring. Plus, Tokyo Disneyland’s Dumbo turns blue, Disney Destiny gets a pumpkin tree and Norwegian Luna slows down.
Disney World to Tokyo Disney, no layover, is happening again.
Japanese airline ZIPAIR will fly four more round-trip charters between Orlando International Airport and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport in early 2027, Attractions Magazine reported Friday, Oct. 23.
Before ZIPAIR, getting from Florida to Japan meant at least one connection, and often more. Here’s what to know, plus more travel news for Disney fans.
When are the ZIPAIR Orlando to Tokyo flights?
Feb. 24, March 1, March 6 and March 11, 2027, pending government approval, according to Attractions Magazine.
Flights from Narita are set to leave in the morning and land in Orlando the same morning. Return flights leave Orlando in the morning and get to Tokyo the next afternoon.
When do ZIPAIR tickets go on sale?
Individual tickets should go on sale on ZIPAIR’s website in late November. Vacation packages through Japanese travel agencies H.I.S., JTB and Jalpak are already on sale.
Has ZIPAIR flown to Orlando before?
Yes, and it made history. The first nonstop passenger flight from Tokyo landed at Orlando International at 1:35 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2026, with a water salute on the runway. It was the first nonstop passenger link between Florida and the Asia Pacific region, Attractions Magazine reported.
That first flight carried 280 passengers, including dozens of Disney fans. More charters followed in March and again in August.
“Orlando and Tokyo are two of the world’s most visited destinations,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Airport and airline leaders have said they hope the charters turn into regular scheduled service.
What changed on Tokyo Disneyland’s Dumbo ride?
It’s blue now. Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Tokyo Disneyland reopened Oct. 23 after a 10-month refurbishment, WDW News Today reported. Friday was also the 85th anniversary of the movie’s New York premiere.
The ride’s arms used to be striped cream with red or blue. Now they’re bright blue with a light blue diamond pattern and gold and red trim, and the center column has a blue and gold circus design.
Timothy Q. Mouse traded his red outfit for blue, and he now holds a gold feather instead of a baton. There’s a new feather mosaic at the entrance, too, and new murals that say “Believe & Soar!”
Who is Solara on the Disney Destiny?
Disney Cruise Line’s newest Halloween character. Solara is an Enchanted Pumpkin Tree found only on the Disney Destiny, the Disney Parks Blog announced Friday.
She holds two sets of 13 carved pumpkins, one for “Delight” and one for “Fright.” That fits the ship’s heroes and villains theme.
On embarkation night, she comes to life in the Grand Hall during an original show called The Tale of the Enchanted Pumpkin Tree. Guests pick a side and join a chant before Solara showers the room with confetti pumpkins.
“Her carvings are a secret until the show,” said Philip Kelley, a show director for Disney Live Entertainment. Halloween on the High Seas runs on select three-, four- and five-night Disney Destiny sailings from Fort Lauderdale.
What happened to Norwegian Luna?
A technical problem slowed it down. Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that Norwegian Luna was running at reduced speed on its Oct. 17 sailing from Miami, Cruise Hive reported.
The ship skipped its Oct. 23 stop at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island, for an extra sea day. NCL said the issue doesn’t affect the ship’s safety. It wasn’t clear yet whether the next sailing, leaving Miami on Oct. 24, would be affected.
Luna is NCL’s newest ship. It only started sailing in March.
What is the Princess Sanctuary Collection?
A resort-style upgrade with a private club, pool and restaurant. Princess Cruises is adding it to five more ships in 2027, starting with Royal Princess on Jan. 4, Cruise Hive reported.
Is Trader Joe’s coming to East Orlando?
Maybe. Trader Joe’s filed a permit application for 3001 E. Colonial Drive, the old Burlington spot in Colonial Marketplace, Orlando Weekly reported. The grocer hasn’t confirmed that store, but it has confirmed new stores in Alafaya, Maitland and Kissimmee.
So if Tokyo Disney’s been on your list, keep an eye out in late November. Four flights won’t last long.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Attractions Magazine, Jon Self (Oct. 23, 2026), the 2027 ZIPAIR flights, the first flight and Lance Lyttle’s quote
WDW News Today, Shannen Ace (Oct. 23, 2026), Tokyo Disneyland’s Dumbo
Disney Parks Blog (Oct. 23, 2026), Solara and Philip Kelley’s quote
Cruise Hive, Emrys Thakkar and Melissa Mayntz (Oct. 22, 2026), Norwegian Luna and the Sanctuary Collection
Orlando Weekly, Chloe Greenberg (Oct. 22, 2026), the Trader Joe’s permit
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