Disneys

Disney’s latest animated film, “Zootopia 2,” a sequel to its 2016 box-office juggernaut, isn’t exactly an adult political drama, though the stakes certainly feel grimmer. Members of Zootopia’s elite plan to expand their territory by displacing certain indigenous animals from an area they want to claim for themselves. And they will do so without pushback by convincing the rest of the population that their uprooted neighbors are dangerous. Any attempt by the victims of this injustice to reclaim their homeland and their dignity will be deemed a violent attack. In turn, anyone who sides with their cause will be labeled a criminal enabler, a disloyal pariah.

Meanwhile, tensions flare in law enforcement as pawtners Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps (voiced by Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin) — who in the previous film saved Zootopia from a power-hungry wolf in sheep’s clothing — have to prove their compatibility after their recklessness lands them in hot water with Chief Bogo (Idris Elba). Could their personalities be too disparate for them to make a dream team? Judy values justice above all things, while Nick prioritizes survival and comfort. In truth, the tie-wearing fox only became a cop because of his fondness for Judy, not out of a sense of dutiful conviction.

That push-and-pull tests the strength of their bond as they visit previously unseen areas of Zootopia, including a visit to the Marsh Market, where exiles live. These adventures occur as they search for Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), a fanny-pack-strapped viper, and Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg), the socially conscious son of a wealthy family. They’re on a quest to find evidence that would clear the reputations of reptiles in Zootopia, all of whom have been forced to exist on the outskirts for decades.

Writer Jared Bush, who also co-directs with Byron Howard (both return from the first “Zootopia”), leans into Quan’s personal history as an immigrant whose family had to escape Vietnam to render Gary a resilient survivor with a noble soul. Leave it to Disney to make a giant snake look disarmingly adorable and to Quan to match that energy with his warm vocal performance. On top of the new characters, Judy and Nick’s emotional arc is adorned with cameos from fan-favorite minor players from the original (Flash, the sloth; Mr. Big, the shrew). The loaded narrative robs the picture of more time with Gary and Pawbert, even if Bush finds plot-effective ways to feature the supporting mammals.

Like its predecessor, “Zootopia 2” impresses visually, especially given the breadth of characters and environments it immerses the audience in. In the faces of new characters like the anxious Pawbert and friendly Gary, one can best appreciate the level of nuanced expressiveness that Disney’s animators, working at the highest level of 3-D CG technique, can achieve.

After several haphazard attempts with the “Frozen” and “Moana” franchises, “Zootopia 2” can take the title as Disney’s most effective animated sequel yet. In most regards, the formula that propelled the first one to hit status remains unchanged: an encyclopedia of animal puns, an upbeat tune by Shakira and a twist villain (in this case, an Elon Musk type desperate for approval that all the money in the world can’t buy). And yet, “Zootopia 2” arrives as an expansion with a punchier, more focused approach to its mature ideas. This is a movie where the antagonists are willing to kill for their nefarious goals, and where the heroes are willing to die in order to uphold what’s right.

The more one reads into the movie’s timeliness, though, the more obvious it becomes that there’s a dissonance between the artists making an animated feature such as this one and the company’s leadership, which continues to push artificial intelligence and capitulate to those who bemoan “wokeness.” Those people might certainly find “Zootopia 2” rather woke indeed. (Who knows, maybe in the next installment Judy and Nick will question their role in perpetuating the police state.) In our bizarro world, the “Zootopia” franchise serves as a vehicle for thought-provoking subjects disseminated by way of colorful anthropomorphic animals.

Disney has a private island in the Bahamas you can book as part of cruise holidays but when I arrived I was completely caught off guard by the whole experience

There are plenty of incredible destinations around the world, but there are a handful that truly are those ‘once in a lifetime’ destinations; and the Bahamas are definitely in that category with those ridiculously beautiful beaches.

So as a Disney fan, the chance to not only tick the Bahamas off the list AND explore Disney’s private island – well, that was literally the stuff of my dreams. (Ask my friends and family how often I’ve mentioned that I’ve been to the Bahamas recently and they will testify that I have been insufferable).

As part of a sailing onboard Disney Cruise Line’s new heroes and villains themed ship, our itinerary included a stop at Disney’s Castaway Cay. From the moment I arrived, I realised I had underestimated what I’d signed up for.

Quite frankly, I’d expected a large stretch of a beautiful beach, a few loungers and then some fun activities/sprinkles of Disney magic for families. I didn’t anticipate the sheer amount of activities on offer, or just how much there would be to explore.

For a start, it’s genuinely an entire island to explore. There are multiple beaches (family-friendly and adults-only), beautiful cabanas, cycling trails, hiking trails, a waterpark complete with a slide that takes you right into the ocean, a shop and plenty of places to stop for a snack and drinks.

It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the main areas once you disembark the ship, although you can get a tram that stops off at various points on the island if you’d rather skip the stroll.

Of course there are plenty of Disney touches throughout the island; Daisy Duck and Chip and Dale were all on hand to greet passengers as we disembarked, and I spotted Pluto getting up to some mischief and commandeering a golf cart. There are heaps of photo opps too, with cute signs, fun backdrops and plenty of space so nobody’s having to sharpen their elbows!

Then of course there are those glorious beaches that I thought I’d only ever see on social media. Yes, those sands are as soft as they look, and those crystal-clear waters are not the stuff of Photoshop.

There is a dedicated reef where you can go snorkelling (and there are some Disney statues hidden underwater to seek out), but I didn’t even have to get into the water to spot wildlife, as a school of fish passed by while I wandered along the lagoon’s edge, only for a stingray to appear a few minutes later.

There are heaps of sunloungers alongside the beach but if you want to do something a bit special, you can hire a cabana for the day which includes a covered seated area, mini fridge with waters and soft drinks, and a button you can push to call servers to take your food and drinks orders.

The only downside? We were only there for a day trip. I felt like I could easily have stayed ashore but sadly, the crew are actually very good at their jobs and ensuring that people actually get back on board. (It turns out that you can actually book some Disney cruises that stop off at Castaway Cay twice in one itinerary, and I can see why that would be tempting).

Still, when you’re heading back to a Disney cruise ship where you know there’ll be more character interactions, shows and themed dining on offer, that does ease the blow a little.

Book the holiday

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers four nights on the Disney Destiny from £5,384 for a family of four. Includes direct Virgin Atlantic Economy Classic flights from London Heathrow to Miami, room-only stay at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale in a Deluxe 2 Double Ocean View Room for one night before boarding, followed by a Disney Destiny sailing visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay.

Price is based on a family of four (two adults and two children aged 3–11) travelling and sharing an Inside Stateroom and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges. Price is based on a departure on 30th September 2026.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book, visit Virgin Atlantic Holidays or call 0344 557 3859. Prices subject to change and availability. Virgin Atlantic Holidays terms and conditions apply.

The Disney Destiny has a heroes and villains theme with plenty of fun character interactions, a new Hercules show, and themed bars including one inspired by Cruella DeVil

I’d barely been onboard the Disney Destiny for a few hours but I’d already seen Marvel villain Loki attempt to take command of the ship, eaten my weight in ice cream while looking out at sea, and searched out my go-to cocktail spot in the ship’s Cruella DeVil themed bar.

I was lucky enough to be one of the first people onboard Disney Cruise Line’s seventh ship ahead of its sailings from Florida this month, and very quickly, it was obvious that it offers up a huge amount of fun for guests.

One of the biggest underrated perks of a Disney cruise is the character meet and greets. There are so many slots available throughout the day, and you can check the Disney Navigator App to see when and where your favourite characters will appear. Just on a two-day sailing I managed to meet Cruella DeVil, Maleficent, Belle, Mickey, Captain Hook and Smee, as well as getting a cheeky dance in with Mickey, Donald and Goofy at one of the onboard dance parties for families.

I later heard from other passengers that there’s even a secret parlour on board where you can meet the Princess and the Frog’s Dr. Facilier; but be warned, only a handful of guests can get in, and they’ve all been warned to stay tight-lipped about what awaits!

It’s the sort of character time that any Disney fan dreams of – but in the parks sometimes it can be tricky to fit them in amongst trying to get on all of the rides too, so here it’s a much more relaxed way to have those magical moments.

There’s so much more to the ship than just the characters though. The top deck boasts multiple pools including one right by a huge screen where you can watch Disney films, while the adults-only areas include plenty of loungers and breathtaking ocean views for a bit of peace and quiet. (If you’re after the latter, then don’t miss out on a trip to the spa!).

Throughout the day there are plenty of fun events including Disney and Marvel themed quizzes, live music, and fun activities including a ‘Diaper Dash’ where parents can race their babies which is inevitably adorable and chaotic.

I managed to also brave a ride on the AquaMouse water slide where you’re in a dinghy being propelled around the tubes above the ship. A word of warning; you get absolutely drenched, but then again who wants to go on a water slide and stay dry?

Come evening time, you can sip on cocktails at DeVil’s or brave mortals can head to the Haunted Parlour where paintings come alive, ghostly apparitions make themselves known, and the cocktails are so pretty you’ll want to take a million photos before you drink them. At DeVils, a cosy lounge inspired by Cruella with live piano music, you’ll find a creative drinks menu including the Fearless Sir Galahad, a smokey mocktail resembling an Old Fashioned, and the Perfectly Wretched which served alongside ‘edible’ make-up treats.

For us Brits, the Cask and Cannon pirates-themed pub is a must visit – and yes, you can get a decent pint!

For those who love the theatre, the brand new Hercules show that’s exclusive to the Destiny is a must-watch. The cast were brilliant, the atmosphere was so fun and some of those special effects were genuinely jaw-dropping. The theatre feels very ornate so you forget you’re on a cruise ship and not in the West End.

There’s also an impressive production of Frozen which again does the film justice with a talented cast, special effects and plenty of fun surprises for the audience (I won’t spoil it!).

I was impressed by how much is actually going on in the evenings, from the pirates’ night with a whole show and live music, to those all-important fireworks at sea! (Disney Cruise Line is currently the only cruise line to offer this). Even when we set off, there was a fun Sail Away party with Mickey and friends appearing for a cute little dance show.

All of that fun and activity can work up an appetite, but don’t worry; you can absolutely eat your way through this holiday. Marceline Market is the main buffet (head here for Mickey waffles at breakfast), while Mickey’s Festival of Foods has stalls serving up everything from tacos to barbecues.

For evening meals, what’s great about Disney cruises is that you’re on ‘rotational dining’, so you’ll get a spot at the main restaurants without needing to fight for a booking. Disney Destiny is the first ship to offer the Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King restaurant, where you get to listen to live performances of the film’s iconic songs while tucking into your food, while World of Marvel offers up some fun interactions including a chance to show off your Marvel knowledge with a quiz.

If you fancy an adults-only meal (because these cruises don’t just cater to families), then the all-inclusive brunch at Palo Steakhouse is a must. Honestly, I thought they were kidding when they told me I could order a bit of everything, so I did – I practically had to roll out of that restaurant but it was so worth it. Don’t expect small portions! It’s worth noting that while most food is included in your Disney cruise price, Palo Steakhouse comes at an additional cost.

As for those with a sweet tooth, there is so much ice cream available around the ship that I honestly believe that by the time I left I was about 80% sugar. (Edna A La Mode Sweets is a must-visit to build up your own epic treats).

When that sugar crash inevitably hits, the Destiny’s staterooms have everything you could need to unwind. Big bed? Check. Heroes and villains theming? Check. Bathrooms, amenities, and plenty of storage? Check, check, check. My stateroom had a balcony and I was impressed by how large it actually was – the perfect spot to take in those ocean views especially when we sailed towards Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay!

Book the holiday

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers four nights on the Disney Destiny from £5,384 for a family of four. Includes direct Virgin Atlantic Economy Classic flights from London Heathrow to Miami, room-only stay at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale in a Deluxe 2 Double Ocean View Room for one night before boarding, followed by a Disney Destiny sailing visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay.

Price is based on a family of four (two adults and two children aged 3–11) travelling and sharing an Inside Stateroom and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges. Price is based on a departure on 30th September 2026.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book, visit Virgin Atlantic Holidays or call 0344 557 3859. Prices subject to change and availability. Virgin Atlantic Holidays terms and conditions apply.

Lukewarm performances at the box office from the likes of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “The Roses” and “Freakier Friday” dented Walt Disney Co.’s entertainment business for its fiscal fourth quarter, the company reported Thursday.

The Burbank media and entertainment company reported $10.2 billion in revenue for its entertainment segment for the three-month period that ended Sept. 27, down 6% compared with the same quarter a year earlier. Entertainment operating income for the fourth quarter totaled $691 million, down 35% compared with last year.

The softer box office showing during the fourth quarter was being compared with the strong performance of the irreverent superhero flick “Deadpool & Wolverine” in the year-earlier period, as well as the tail end of the theatrical window for the animated juggernaut “Inside Out 2,” each of which would go on to gross more than $1 billion globally.

For the full year, however, Disney’s entertainment segment — which includes movies, TV, Disney+ and Hulu — posted revenue of $42.5 billion, up 3% compared with fiscal year 2024. Operating income totaled $4.7 billion, an increase of 19%.

Though the company saw a 16% decline in revenue for its linear networks in the fourth quarter due to lower ad dollars and viewership, Disney did see an increase for its streaming services. The company reported fourth-quarter streaming revenue of $6.2 billion, an 8% jump compared with the previous year, and operating income of $352 million, up 39%.

“This was another year of great progress as we strengthened the company by leveraging the value of our creative and brand assets and continued to make meaningful progress in our direct-to-consumer businesses,” Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said in a statement. “I’m pleased with our many achievements this fiscal year to position Disney for the future.”

Disney’s fourth-quarter revenue totaled $22.5 billion, about flat compared with the previous year. That put the company’s year-end revenue at $94.4 billion, up 3%.

Earnings, excluding certain items, for the fourth quarter totaled 73 cents per share, up from 25 cents a year earlier. For the full year, earnings per share was $6.85, up from $2.72. The company’s income before taxes in the fourth quarter was $2 billion, up from $948 million last year; for the full year, it was up 59% to $12 billion.

Disney’s experiences segment, which includes its theme parks, cruise line and Aulani resort and spa in Hawaii, was a bright spot for the fourth quarter. The company reported revenue of $8.8 billion, an increase of 6% from the previous year’s fourth quarter, with operating income rising 13% to $1.9 billion.

Operating income for domestic parks and experiences for the quarter was up 9% to $920 million, which Disney attributed to growth at its cruise line. Disney also got a boost from its international parks and experiences segment, largely due to an increase in attendance and spending at its Disneyland Paris resort.

For the full fiscal year, Disney’s experiences business reported revenue of $36.2 billion, a 6% bump, with operating income increasing 8% to nearly $10 billion.

Disney’s sports business, which includes ESPN, reported quarterly revenue of nearly $4 billion, up 2%, with operating income decreasing 2% to $911 million. The company said the decline in operating income was due to higher marketing costs associated with the August launch of the new ESPN direct-to-consumer service and increases in programming and production costs.

The sports business closed out the year with revenue of $17.6 billion, roughly flat compared with the previous fiscal year, and a 20% jump in operating income to $2.9 billion.

STEPPING into the impressive atrium of Disney’s newest cruise ship, it has all the magic you would expect from the fairytale brand – and some exciting world-first additions.

Stepping onto Disney Destiny, I’m dazzled by how striking and glossy the three story high atrium is, with its enormous meteorite chandelier towering above the winding staircase. 

Suddenly, in a flash of light the whole room glows in vivid green and a mysterious character appears on the balcony. 

It’s Loki, star of Marvel’s Avengers, and villainous resident on this new ship – where all is not what it seems… 

Disney Destiny is the seventh ship from the Disney Cruise Line, setting sail on November 20, 2025 from Port Everglades in Florida. 

I watched the dramatic Christening ceremony, complete with incredible drone show above the ship and state-of-the-art projections illuminated onto the side of the vessel. 

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Sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the Destiny is doing things a little bit differently.

While you’ll still find Disney Princesses and classic characters like Mickey and Minnie on board, this voyage celebrates Disney’s darker side, with some rather mischievous Disney villains on board too.

The theme of the ship is the brilliantly modern, Heroes and Villains.

Look closely and you’ll see Spiderman on the Stern, quite the sight when sailing the Caribbean. 

Inside, the Evil Queen scowls at children who scream and giggle at her in return. 

It’s a new era for Disney Cruise Line, stepping away from the classic Disney themes and dazzling guests with a thrilling new energy, drawing inspiration from its live action films, such as Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In fact, the dazzling chandelier in the main hall, now glowing bright green, is a nod to the meteorite that brought vibranium to Wakanda.

But, Disney ‘baddies’ were around long before Marvel weaved its magic with Spidey and friends.

The Destiny honours some fan favourites on board, with bars and shops inspired by villains such as Cruella De Vil and Maleficent.  

There is also a bar themed on a popular Walt Disney World attraction – the Haunted Mansion – complete with ghostly goings on, a spooky fish tank and those famous hitchhiking ghosts. 

However, with 1,256 luxury staterooms, Disney still want you to sleep at night. 

Guests are given a personalised heroes’ welcome as they step on, with each family welcomed in by name.

And Disney’s good guys, including characters from Hercules, Mulan, Brave and The Incredibles feature prominently in the room designs and in public areas. 

Meg from Hercules has her own coffee lounge and the Sanctum Bar is Dr Strange inspired, serving curious cocktails that spin and fizz.  

As well as the classic staterooms, the ship has IncrediSuites – designed in the style of The Incredibles and Hero Suites – themed on Hercules. 

The show-stopping Tower Suite, uniquely featured in the ship’s funnel, is a sensational take on Iron Man’s HQ – however, at a rumoured £100k per cruise, a heroic salary is required to get a look in there. 

Us mere mortals are left with the ship’s main decks, which really do offer so much for all ages. 

There are two Broadway-style shows on board, and the Disney Hercules show is a real knockout.

Disney’s high quality entertainment is expected, but this really does blow you away.

Disney Destiny also has immersive dining restaurants based on the Marvel franchise and The Lion King, featuring interactive elements and live performances.

These restaurants are fully inclusive with your cruise package, but alcohol costs extra. 

As well as the main restaurants, there are two buffet restaurant areas Marceline Market and Mickey’s Festival of Foods, which between them are open all day. 

Plus, adults travelling without kids, or parents utilising the hugely popular Disney Oceaneers Club (kids club), can enjoy an adult-exclusive area with a bar, pool and hot tubs.

There is also stylish restaurant Palo, an elegant 21+ dining room that is found on every Disney cruise ship. 

Families playing together can cool off in six swimming pools or splash down the on-board water slide, the AquaMouse.

Disney’s unique water slide winds around the ship and has visuals inside the tube – this time with a few villainous cameos too. 

Disney Destiny will be sailing on four and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean, including visits to one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Soaking up the sun on Disney’s private beach, with a cold cocktail in hand certainly feels like a champion move.

Although, it always feels mischievous when there is so much to do on board the impressive ship, currently stood glistening in the sun. 

It’s fair to say there so much on offer during a Disney cruise, you may need your own superhero powers to see and do everything.

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