July 2026 Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando News Roundup
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- 2 days ago
- 14 min read
July 2026's Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando park news,
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July 2026 Disney World News
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This weekly roundup covers the most significant Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando updates from the past week.
Walt Disney World News Roundup | July 27, 2026
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Food Guide Is Here for 2026
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off soon, and Disney has revealed this year’s full lineup of spooky snacks, savory bites, drinks, and Halloween treats at Magic Kingdom.
We’ve updated our 2026 MNSSHP Food Guide with all of the new and returning offerings, including where to find them, which treats are available outside party hours, mobile ordering tips, our returning favorites, and the new foods we’re most excited to try this year.
If you’re heading to the party, you can also find this year’s entertainment, characters, trick-or-treating details, and planning tips in our 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide, then download our 2026 MNSSHP Party Map & Cheat Sheet to help keep everything straight once you’re inside Magic Kingdom.
With the first party just around the corner, now is a great time to start deciding what makes your must-do—and must-eat—list!
Disney Cruise Line Secures Icy Strait Point Visits Through 2041
Disney Cruise Line is making a long-term commitment to Alaska. DCL has signed a new 15-year agreement with Huna Totem Corporation that gives Disney ships preferential weekly docking access at Icy Strait Point through at least 2041. The agreement comes as Disney has expanded its Alaska offerings in 2026, with both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailing select Alaska itineraries.
We had the chance to visit Icy Strait Point aboard the Disney Magic this summer, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise. Our small-boat whale-watching excursion gave us incredible views of humpback whales, porpoises, and eagles, with even orcas spotted nearby.
If an Alaska cruise is on your Disney bucket list, our Disney Alaska Cruise Ports Guide: Disney Magic vs. Disney Wonder Itineraries breaks down the ports and itinerary differences to help you decide which sailing is right for you.
And if you'd like a peek at what the experience is actually like, come along with us in our Disney Magic Alaskan Cruise Highlights, where we're sharing our favorite moments and experiences from our own 2026 Alaska adventure.
Halloween Horror Nights 35 Adds Evil Dead Burn + Multi-Night Passes
Halloween Horror Nights 35 is getting closer, and Universal Orlando dropped another round of updates this week, including a new haunted house and the release of multi-night tickets.
Evil Dead Burn is now the ninth confirmed haunted house for HHN 35, bringing the lineup one step closer to completion with just one house still waiting to be revealed. The newest addition brings the Evil Dead franchise back to Halloween Horror Nights with plenty of Deadites, gore, and the franchise's signature over-the-top horror.
Universal has also released its 2026 multi-night HHN passes, including Rush of Fear, Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus, and Ultimate Frequent Fear. One important change this year: the former Fear Pass + Express bundles are gone. Guests who want Express will need to purchase it separately for each event night.
We've updated our Halloween Horror Nights 35 Guide with the newest house, current ticket and Frequent Fear Pass information, confirmed entertainment and scare zones, and everything else we know so far.
👉 See all the latest announcements in our updated Halloween Horror Nights 35 Guide
Back to Hogwarts Returns to Universal Orlando for 2026
Wands at the ready! Back to Hogwarts is returning to Universal Orlando Resort from August 1 through September 1, 2026, with this year’s celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film.
Guests can look for limited-time food and beverage offerings, special 25th anniversary merchandise, a commemorative Butterbeer mug while supplies last, and the return of the Hogwarts Always nighttime projection show at Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade.
With The Wizarding World of Harry Potter now stretching across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe, there’s more Wizarding World magic to explore than ever. Before your visit, check out our Complete Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando for attractions, dining, spells, transportation between the lands, and our best planning tips.
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Back to Hogwarts is just one of the seasonal celebrations happening around the resort. Our Universal Orlando Events Guide keeps track of special events and limited-time experiences throughout the year so you can see what might be happening during your vacation.
The Untrainable Dragon Closing for September Refurbishment at Epic Universe
The Untrainable Dragon at Epic Universe is scheduled to temporarily close for refurbishment in September 2026. The live stage show in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk features large-scale sets, puppetry, aerial performers, and some pretty impressive mechanical effects, so we'll be watching to see if the downtime brings any noticeable changes when the show returns.
We’re particularly interested in this refurbishment after our own experiences with the show. We attempted to see The Untrainable Dragon during two different Epic Universe visits, roughly six months apart, and both times mechanical elements of the show failed and the performance was ultimately canceled. Despite two tries, we still haven't managed to see the entire show!
Universal has not indicated that those technical issues are related to the scheduled refurbishment, but we're hopeful the downtime will give the team an opportunity to work out some of the kinks along with any routine maintenance.
If you're visiting Universal Orlando this fall, check our Universal Orlando Refurbishment & Closure Calendar for the latest attraction and entertainment closures before your trip.
And if Epic Universe is part of your plans, our Epic Universe Guide has everything we've learned from our own visits, along with touring tips, attractions, dining, and the latest park updates to help you plan your day.
Walt Disney World News Roundup | July 20, 2026
Opening Date for The Magic of Disney Annimation
Disney has officially announced that The Magic of Disney Animation will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026 completing the transformation of Animation Courtyard into a celebration of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The new experience includes an interactive drawing attraction hosted by an Audio-Animatronic Olaf, immersive character encounters, a Mary Blair-inspired playground, and new ways to explore the art of Disney animation.
We've updated all the newly released details in our Magic of Disney Animation Guide.
More Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates Sell Out
Tickets continue disappearing for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026, with several popular party nights already completely sold out. Disney notes that party tickets often sell out well before the event, especially opening night, early August dates, Halloween, and select October parties. As of this week, August 7, 11, 14, and 18, along with October 13 and Halloween night (October 31), are no longer available.
If you're hoping to attend this fall, now is a great time to secure your tickets before more dates disappear. We've updated our 2026 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide with the latest sold-out dates, ticket information, entertainment, parade and fireworks details, plus our favorite planning tips to help you choose the best party night.
Halloween Horror Nights 35 Adds New Shows, Scare Zones & Major Ticket Changes
Universal Orlando has released another wave of Halloween Horror Nights announcements!
Guests can look forward to the return of Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir, plus an all-new Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins live show celebrating all five seasons of the hit Netflix series. Universal also revealed two new scare zones—Infernal Carnival of Nightmares, featuring Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow, and Sideshow of Decay.
In addition, Universal has confirmed a significant ticketing change for 2026. Multi-night Fear Passes can no longer be purchased with Express Passes, meaning Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear guests will need to purchase standard nightly Express Passes separately if they want expedited access.
With eight haunted houses, two scare zones, and two live entertainment offerings now announced, Halloween Horror Nights 35 is quickly taking shape. Check out our complete Halloween Horror Nights 2026 Guide for the latest announcements, planning tips, ticket information, and everything we know so far.
Last Chance to Ride Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Universal Orlando has officially announced that Fast & Furious – Supercharged will permanently close after August 16, 2026.
While the attraction has had a mixed reception since opening in 2018, guests hoping to experience it or say goodbye have about a month left before the ride races into retirement.
The closure comes as Universal continues preparing for the all-new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, expected to open in 2027. Universal has not yet announced what will replace the former Supercharged attraction.
👉 Stay up to date on attraction closures, refurbishments, and reopening dates with our Universal Orlando Refurbishment Calendar, and start planning your visit with our complete Universal Planning Guide and Universal Orlando Downloadable Cheat Sheets.
Walt Disney World News Roundup | July 13, 2026
Tomorrowland Continues Its Quiet Transformation
If you've walked into Tomorrowland recently and thought something looked different, you're not imagining it. Disney has now removed the final entrance tower from the land's 1994 makeover, officially bringing an end to those iconic spaceport-style structures that welcomed guests for more than 30 years. On its own, it might seem like a small change. But taken together with the recent Buzz Lightyear refresh, the ongoing Carousel of Progress overhaul, the addition of TRON Lightcycle / Run, and other subtle updates around the land, Tomorrowland has been quietly evolving piece by piece.
Disney hasn't announced what's next for the entrance, and there are plenty of rumors floating around about bigger projects in Tomorrowland. For now, though, that's all they are: rumors. What we do know is that Tomorrowland looks a little different today than it did even a year ago, and we'll be watching closely to see what Imagineering has planned next.
👉 Want a deeper dive into all of the upcoming changes and new additions to Walt Disney World? Our What's Coming and Changing in Walt Disney World guide breaks down all the released details.
Animal Kingdom Welcomes a New Silverback
Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomes Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Bakari's transfer isn't simply about introducing a new gorilla to Animal Kingdom. It's a carefully planned move through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, which helps accredited zoos work together to protect endangered species by maintaining healthy, genetically diverse populations. Western lowland gorillas continue to face serious challenges in the wild, so every successful transfer is one small but meaningful step toward helping secure the future of the species.
Bakari steps into some pretty big footprints, taking over the role held for nearly 30 years by the fan-favorite silverback, Gino. We're excited to watch Bakari begin this next chapter for the troop. While he'll eventually take on the important role of leading and protecting the family troop, introductions like this don't happen overnight. Animal care experts carefully monitor the gorillas as they get to know one another, allowing new relationships to develop naturally before a silverback fully settles into his role.
It's one of those updates that may not change your touring plan, but it's a wonderful reminder of one of our favorite things about Disney's Animal Kingdom: it's also an accredited zoological park playing a real role in wildlife conservation. We'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Bakari on our next walk through Gorilla Falls.
Planning a day at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Our complete Animal Kingdom Guide covers everything from must-do attractions and animal trails to Lightning Lane strategies, dining, and our favorite hidden details throughout the park, including Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Hollywood Studios Gets Extended Evening Hours This Fall
If you're staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort this fall, you just got another reason to stay up a little past your bedtime! Beginning September 16, Disney is shifting Extended Evening Hours to Disney's Hollywood Studios on select Wednesday nights while Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. That means eligible guests can enjoy two extra hours in the park with much shorter waits for favorites like Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, and more.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tips: Don't try to do everything. Use the regular park day for shows, character meet-and-greets, shopping, and lower-priority attractions, then save the headliners for Extended Evening Hours. You'll spend far less time standing in line and much more time actually enjoying the park.
Remember, this perk is only available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and select partner hotels like the Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green, and you'll still need valid park admission to take advantage of it.
👉 Planning a visit? Our Hollywood Studios Guide will help you make the most of your park day, and our Extended Evening Hours Guide breaks down who qualifies, how it works, and our favorite strategy for making every extra minute count.
Epic Universe Is Getting Its First-Ever After-Hours Event
If you are like us, and have been longing to experience Epic Universe with lower crowds (and cooler tempertures), your wish is about to come true! Universal has announced Universal Nights, the first-ever after-hours event at Epic Universe. The limited-capacity event will take place on October 3 and October 17, with event guests enjoying exclusive access from 9:00 PM until midnight. Even better, your event ticket allows entry beginning at 7:00 PM, giving you even more time to enjoy the park. Tickets go on sale August 13.
Along with shorter waits for attractions, Universal Nights will include character meet-and-greets, complimentary specialty snacks, and unlimited Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages. Universal has also announced that all attractions and experiences are expected to be available during the event, making it a great opportunity to experience Epic Universe after dark.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tips: Don't just rush from ride to ride the moment the event begins. Since admission starts at 7:00 PM, use those first couple of hours to explore the lands, enjoy dinner, or catch the new Celestial Goodnight nighttime spectacular. Then, once the park officially transitions to the after-hours event at 9:00 PM, you can focus on the headliner attractions while crowds are at their lowest.
👉 Thinking about visiting Epic Universe? Our Epic Universe Planning Guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
Walt Disney World News Roundup | July 6, 2026
Carousel of Progress Begins Its Next Great, Big, Beautiful Chapter
On July 5, 2026, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress officially closed its stage for an extensive refurbishment, beginning of one of the attraction's biggest updates in decades. When the attraction returns in 2027, guests will be welcomed by the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in a Walt Disney World attraction. Disney has also shared that the show will have newly updated scenes, while still preserving the heart of this beloved classic, including the Sherman Brothers' timeless anthem, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow."
We were in Magic Kingdom on July 3 with grand plans to take one final journey through time with John, Sarah, and their whole family before the attraction closed. Unfortunately, Carousel of Progress spent a portion of the afternoon down, and by the time it reopened, we'd already claimed our spot for the Independence Day fireworks. It wasn't quite the farewell we'd hoped for, but we're already looking forward to seeing Walt welcome guests when the attraction returns in 2027
Want to learn more about the planning Walt Disney animatronic? You can find all the released details in our guide: What’s Changing at Walt Disney World: New Lands, Rides, and Park Updates.
New! Disney Cruise Line Fall 2026 Offer
Disney Cruise Line has released a brand-new Fall 2026 offer, giving guests the chance to save up to $500 per person on select sailings. The offer is available to book June 30 through August 30, 2026, for eligible cruises departing October 1 through December 31, 2026 aboard the Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Treasure.
A few important details:
Concierge and suite-level staterooms are not eligible for this offer.
This promotion cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.
Disney Vacation Club points cannot be used to book sailings under this promotion.
Savings and availability vary by sailing, and blackout dates may apply.
👉 If you've been thinking about a Disney cruise this fall or Christmas, this a strong offer, and prices do not get any better than this. To find out all the details about the offer and which sailings are eligible, head over to our 2026 Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Discount Guide.
More Horrors Revealed for Halloween Horror Nights 35
Universal has been busy this week, announcing five new haunted houses for Halloween Horror Nights 35 and bringing the lineup to eight of the ten houses expected for this year's event. Joining the previously announced Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, Sinners, and Stranger Things 5 are the original houses H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular, MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals, Cybergoria, and INVASION: Alien Abduction, along with the newly announced Hellraiser, inspired by the first three films in the iconic horror franchise. With just two haunted houses still to be revealed, the full HHN 35 lineup is quickly coming together.
👉 We've updated our Halloween Horror Nights 35 Guide with details on every announced house, planning tips, ticket options, and everything you need to know before the fog rolls in.
Walt Disney World News Roundup | June 29, 2026
Halfway to the Holidays Brought a Whole Sleigh Full of Disney News
If you've been waiting to start planning a Walt Disney World holiday vacation, this was your week! Disney officially pulled back the curtain on the 2026 holiday season, announcing dates and details for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Jollywood Nights, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and a brand-new lineup of Fall & Holiday 2026 resort discounts.
We've updated all of our planning guides with the newly released information, including party dates, ticket details, entertainment updates, festival information, and everything we know so far.
Planning a Magic Kingdom party night? Our 2026 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Guide has the latest dates, ticket information, entertainment lineup, and planning tips to help you decide which night is right for your family.
More of a Hollywood glamour fan? Our 2026 Disney Jollywood Nights Guide covers this year's event dates, returning entertainment, rare character meet-and-greets, and everything announced for the 2026 season.
Looking ahead to EPCOT? Our 2026 International Festival of the Holidays Guide has been refreshed with this year's dates, plus everything we know about Holiday Kitchens, Candlelight Processional, Holiday Storytellers, and the festive traditions returning around World Showcase.
And if a holiday trip is on your wish list, don't miss our detailed breakdown of the new 2026 Walt Disney World Fall & Holiday Discount Offers. Disney released savings for the general public, Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, and a new Disney+ vacation package offer, so we compare each promotion to help you figure out which one may be the best fit for your trip.
Needless to say, we've booked our December trip, and our Christmas planning spreadsheets have officially made their return, and we couldn't be happier.
Planning a Disney Fourth of July
Next week we're heading back to Florida to celebrate Lyn's birthday the Disney way! We'll be spending Independence Day at Walt Disney World, testing out our own summer planning strategy with patriotic fireworks, Disney After Hours, Keys to the Kingdom, Drawn to Life, and plenty of afternoon resort breaks to beat the Florida heat.
Before we pack our bags, we put together a brand-new Disney World Fourth of July Guide covering everything you need to know about holiday fireworks, crowds, special entertainment, and our favorite tips for surviving the summer heat. If you're visiting this holiday weekend—or planning ahead for a future trip—we think you'll find it helpful.
🎉 Stitch Day Brings a Rare Disney Cruise Deal
In honor of everyone's favorite blue experiment, Disney Cruise Line surprised us with a limited-time Stitch Day offer featuring up to 30% off select summer and early fall sailings on the Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. The biggest thing to know is that these discounts are only available on Guaranteed Staterooms with Restrictions, meaning Disney assigns your room before sailing. If you're flexible about your stateroom location, it can be a great way to save. The offer is available through June 29, or while eligible staterooms last.
👉 We've added all the details to our 2026 Walt Disney World & Disney Cruise Line Deals Guide, where you can also find the latest Walt Disney World resort offers and other current Disney vacation discounts.
Universal Announces MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals for HHN 35
Universal added another original haunted house to the Halloween Horror Nights 35 lineup this week: MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals.
This new house sends guests into the ruins of an old zoo in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have turned on each other to survive. Universal is describing this one as bloody, aggressive, and very much not for the faint of heart, so if you like your HHN houses intense, this may be one to watch.
🔎 Looking for Past Updates?
Our Pixie Dust News Roundup is updated weekly with the latest Disney & Universal park news. If you’d like to catch up on earlier weeks, check out our monthly archives:
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
