Royal Caribbean Group takes 50% of Sandals and Beaches
Royal Caribbean Group is buying half of Sandals and Beaches in a joint venture reported at roughly $3 billion. For family advisors, Beaches is the key piece: it is a core family all-inclusive brand, and the new backing could unstick stalled expansion and open cross-selling and loyalty tie-ins with the cruise line.
The open questions are commercial. Commission structures, supplier policies and any cruise-plus-resort bundles have not been detailed in the source. Watch for changes to how Beaches inventory is sold, and for packaged products that pair a Royal Caribbean sailing with a Beaches stay. Until terms are published, avoid promising clients bundled perks.
Disney Believe: keel laid, homeport and itineraries due Oct. 7
Disney Cruise Line laid the keel for Disney Believe on Sept. 29. The new ship is slated to sail in late 2027, and a reveal livestream on Oct. 7 is expected to announce the homeport, itineraries, themed venues and youth-space details.
The pre-reveal clues and venue predictions point to Moana, Frozen, Encanto and Toy Story theming. That is strong family appeal, though the predictions are speculation until Disney confirms. Advisors should expect booking-window and pricing news soon. Flag the reveal to multigenerational and repeat Disney cruise clients now so they are ready to move when sailings open.
Pricing pressure: possible Disney World hike, cruise promos, Costco Disneyland
Disney World: Disney raised ticket and Annual Pass prices on Oct. 8, 2025, Oct. 23, 2024 and Oct. 11, 2023. By that pattern, a 2026 increase could land this week. Disney has announced nothing, so treat it as a reason to nudge clients, not a fact.
Disney Cruise Line: a promo tracker shows 148 sailing dates with offers through August 2027. Offers run up to 25% off new bookings, and Disney Adventure Singapore sailings carry 50% off for the 3rd and 4th guest, bookable by Dec. 20. That gives leverage for large family groups and shows where inventory is soft.
Disneyland: Costco is bringing back discounted tickets, saving up to $180. Be ready to explain package value to Southern California clients who see the warehouse price.
Volcano Bay closes Oct. 26 through winter and spring break
Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay will close Oct. 26 and reopen "on or before" April 1, 2027. The closure covers winter and spring break, so advisors with Universal packages in that window should reset expectations on water-park days and rebalance itineraries toward other parks.
The "on or before" wording leaves the exact reopening date uncertain. Confirm the date before building trips around early spring, and check whether package value or pricing reflects the closure.
ASTA asks Amex to restore advisor access to Privileges
ASTA has petitioned American Express to restore advisor access to its Privileges programs via RezSaver. Amex's policy change shut advisors out of booking those programs, so affluent family clients with Amex cards lose advisor-booked perks.
That affects the value pitch and commission on those bookings. Until Amex responds, advisors may need to adjust how they position card benefits and make clear which perks are still available through them.
Kids and add-on upgrades: Bluey on Disney Wish, Savi's Workshop
Disney Wish has expanded Bluey programming, with a Pyjama Party on embarkation night, an upgraded party set and a new meet-and-greet reserved through the Navigator app. It is a clear selling point for families with under-6s and multigenerational groups.
Savi's Workshop at both Disney resorts has a new lightsaber hilt theme and effects. The experience requires a lightsaber purchase and advance reservations, so the refresh may increase demand for slots. Advisors can book these for Star Wars-loving families, so raise it early in planning.