🏰 Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando News Roundup
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jan 5
- 15 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Last updated: June 5, 2026
This page is updated weekly with the most recent Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando park news,
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✨June 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.
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.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | June 22, 2026
Disney Springs Transportation Rules Changing June 28
If you enjoy resort hopping from Disney Springs, there's an important change to know before your next visit.
Beginning June 28, 2026, Walt Disney World will require guests boarding Disney Resort buses and Disney Springs watercraft to have a qualifying reservation. This follows several holiday and spring break test periods and is now becoming a permanent policy.
To board transportation from Disney Springs to a Disney Resort hotel, you'll need one of the following:
A Disney Resort hotel reservation
A dining reservation at a Disney Resort hotel
A confirmed resort recreation or experience reservation
Cast Members may ask to verify your reservation using your MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass, or the My Disney Experience app before allowing access to the transportation area. The new policy applies to both resort buses and the Sassagoula River Cruise boats serving Disney's Port Orleans Resorts, Disney's Old Key West Resort, and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This change only affects transportation departing from Disney Springs. Transportation from the theme parks to Disney Resort hotels continues to operate as normal, so if you're planning a resort dining reservation or want to explore Disney resorts, you may want to start your journey from a theme park instead.
🍷 More 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Details Released
Disney shared another round of updates for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival this week! The full Eat to the Beat Concert Series lineup is now available, featuring returning favorites like Hanson, Boyz II Men, MercyMe, Yellowcard, and The Fray, along with several artists making their EPCOT debut.
Disney also confirmed the return of the popular Parisian Breakfast Buffet at Chefs de France and released the list of participating restaurants for the Eat to the Beat Dining Packages, with reservations opening July 16. We've updated our complete Food & Wine Festival Guide with all the latest details—and we'll continue adding new information as Disney announces booths, menus, and more.
New 2-Day Disney Ticket Announced
Disney has introduced a brand-new 2-Day, 2-Park Ticket for late summer and early fall visits.
Starting at $199 plus tax, the ticket includes one day at EPCOT and one day at Disney's Animal Kingdom for visits between August 3 and October 3, 2026. Even better, this offer is available to all guests—not just Florida residents like the similar promotion earlier this year.
If you're planning a shorter Walt Disney World getaway or a Food & Wine Festival trip, this could be one of the best ticket values Disney has released this year.
👉 Find out more in our Disney World Discounts Guide
Stranger Things Returns to Halloween Horror Nights
Universal announced its third haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 35 this week, and it's one many fans have been hoping for. Stranger Things is returning with an all-new house inspired by the fifth and final season of the hit Netflix series.
Guests will journey through familiar locations like the Wheeler House, Hawkins National Laboratory, the Upside Down, and the mysterious Abyss while facing Vecna, Demogorgons, and other terrifying creatures from the show's epic conclusion.
We'll continue updating our Halloween Horror Nights 2026 Guide as more haunted houses, scare zones, entertainment, and event details are announced throughout the summer.
Epic Universe Nighttime Show Officially Confirmed
Last week we shared that Universal had begun testing a new nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe. This week, Universal made it official! Universal Celestial Goodnight will debut on June 27, bringing fountains, lighting, music, and projection effects to Celestial Park each evening at park close.
We've updated our Epic Universe Guide with everything we know so far, and we'll continue adding viewing tips and details as the show officially debuts.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | June 15, 2026
🎢 Universal Orlando 2027 Vacation Packages Are Now Available
Universal Orlando has officially opened vacation package bookings for travel dates through April 2027, giving families their first chance to start planning next year's adventures.
The biggest surprise? The popular Buy 3 Days, Get 2 Days Free ticket offer did not carry over into the newly released 2027 packages. Instead, Universal is using a revised Bundle & Save promotion that offers package discounts of up to $200 on longer stays.
The good news is that ticket prices do not appear to have jumped dramatically so far. The bigger change is how the savings are structured, which could make longer trips more expensive than comparable 2026 vacations.
If you're already thinking about Spring Break 2027, now is a great time to start planning. Package bookings currently extend through April 2027, and booking early can help secure the best selection of resorts and room types.
Is Epic Universe Getting a New Nighttime Spectacular?
Audio testing this week revealed the name "Universal Celestial Goodnight," which appears to be tied to a future nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe. Universal has not officially announced the show yet, but recent testing described it as a fireworks spectacular, sparking plenty of excitement among Universal fans.
What's interesting is that guests attending Epic Universe previews and grand opening events already caught glimpses of special nighttime entertainment. During our preview visit, we watched a beautiful combination of fountains, projections, drones, and fireworks near Helios Grand Hotel that felt very much like a preview of something bigger to come.
At the moment, Epic Universe's regular nighttime offering is the Cosmos Fountain show, so it remains to be seen whether Universal Celestial Goodnight will be an enhanced version of that experience or an entirely new nighttime spectacular.
We'll be keeping an eye on future announcements, because a major nighttime show could have a big impact on touring plans, park hours, and evening entertainment at Epic Universe.
👉 Planning your first visit? Check out our Epic Universe Planning Guide for tips, attraction guides, touring strategies, and everything you need to know before you go.
New Baby Animals Arrive at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom's baby boom isn't slowing down anytime soon! Disney recently shared updates on several adorable new arrivals, including Willow's giraffe calf Ivy, Mabel the first Ankole calf born at Walt Disney World in more than two decades, Parker the nyala calf, and four tiny red river hog piglets.
Of course, we also checked in on some familiar faces. Bakso may officially be in his tiger-teen years and Tucker is growing up fast, but they're still two of our favorite Animal Kingdom sightings.
We've updated our full guide with the newest baby animals, where to find them, and tips for spotting them during your next visit.
👉 Read more: Animal Kingdom Baby Animals (2026)
🌎 Rare Cuba Earthquake Felt in Central Florida
A rare 6.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cuba on Monday afternoon was felt across parts of Florida, including the Orlando area. While no significant damage was reported, guests at Walt Disney World noticed several attractions temporarily pause operations as safety checks were performed. Attractions including TRON Lightcycle / Run, Space Mountain, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train were among those listed as temporarily unavailable before reopening later in the day.
The earthquake was the strongest recorded in the Gulf region in modern times and was felt from Cuba and Mexico all the way into Central Florida. Fortunately, there was no tsunami threat and no reports of injuries related to the quake.
While earthquakes are incredibly uncommon in Florida, the brief attraction closures are a good reminder that Disney and Universal both have extensive safety procedures in place whenever unusual events occur.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | June 5, 2026
Disney Reveals the Story Behind Monstropolis
Disney shared new details this week about Monstropolis, the upcoming Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests won't simply be walking into the monster city—they'll be arriving during H.U.M.A.N. Day (Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice), a citywide celebration marking the first time humans have officially been invited into
Monstropolis following the city's transition from scream power to laugh power.
The announcement also confirmed several familiar locations from the film, including Harryhausen's restaurant, the Glob Theater, and the famous Door Vault. More importantly, it gives guests a reason to be part of the story itself rather than simply observing it. We took a closer look at what Disney's new backstory reveals about the future of Monstropolis and why it may be one of the most immersive lands Disney has ever built.
🌸 EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival Has Wrapped Up for 2026
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival officially concluded on June 1, bringing an end to another season of stunning topiaries, outdoor kitchens, and Garden Rocks concerts.
While we're always a little sad to see the flowers go, the end of Flower & Garden marks the unofficial start of EPCOT's summer season—and means Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner. Disney has not yet released full details for this year's festival, but announcements are typically expected later this summer.
If you're visiting EPCOT in the coming months, you'll still find plenty to do as the park transitions between festivals. And if Food & Wine is on your radar, now is a great time to start planning a fall visit.
👉 Planning an EPCOT day? Check out our EPCOT Planning Guide, and keep an eye on our Food & Wine Festival Guide for upcoming 2026 announcements.
🎬 Universal Orlando Unveils New Summer 2026 Experiences
Universal Orlando has officially released details about its Summer 2026 offerings, and this year is shaping up to be a celebration of blockbuster movies. Through August 10, guests can explore the new Spielberg Summer Blockbusters exhibit, strike a pose at JAWS-inspired photo ops, and discover special Minions & Monsters experiences featuring new characters, themed treats, and exclusive merchandise.
Returning favorites include the Universal Mega Movie Parade, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, and Hogwarts Always in Hogsmeade. While summer crowds, heat, and longer park hours remain part of the equation, these limited-time offerings add even more reasons to stay in the parks later and build entertainment into your touring plans. We've updated our Universal Orlando 2026 Events & Planning Guide with all the newest details and what they mean for your trip.
🎃 Oogie Boogie Bash Dates Announced at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort has officially announced the return of Oogie Boogie Bash for the 2026 Halloween season, and we're especially excited about this one.
This fall we'll be doing something we've never done before—attending both Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World during the same trip. We'll be flying from Orlando to California to experience both events firsthand, and we can't wait to compare the entertainment, characters, atmosphere, and overall experience.
If you've ever wondered which Disney Halloween party is worth your time (or your ticket money), stay tuned. We'll be sharing plenty of Disneyland content and comparisons after our trip.
👉 In the meantime, check out our complete Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide to start planning your Walt Disney World Halloween visit.
👑 runDisney Princess Half Marathon Registration Rescheduled
If you were planning to register for the 2027 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, you'll need to update your calendar. General registration was originally scheduled to open on June 2, but widespread technical issues prevented many runners from accessing the registration system. After several delays throughout the day, runDisney ultimately postponed registration and later announced a new registration date.
Disney has now announced a new registration opening date of Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern. Club runDisney Gold and Platinum members still received their early registration window beginning May 26. The 2027 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place February 25–March 1, 2027, featuring races themed to Tiana, Snow White, Jasmine, and Ariel.
Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Popular runDisney events often sell out quickly, especially the Challenge. If you're hoping to run, make sure you're logged into your runDisney account before registration opens and be ready a few minutes before 10 AM ET.
For a backlink, you could end with:
➡️ Thinking about a runDisney vacation? Check out our Walt Disney World Planning Guide to start planning your race weekend stay, park days, and dining reservations.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | May 31, 2026
🎬 Disney Reveals First Official Map + New Details for The Magic of Disney Animation
Disney has shared the first official map and a whole batch of new details for The Magic of Disney Animation, the new experience still targeting a late summer 2026 opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This is shaping up to be much more than a simple walkthrough exhibit.
The newly released map reveals multiple themed zones inside the reimagined Animation building, including “Drawn to Wonderland,” an indoor play space inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland artwork, an Olaf-hosted learn-to-draw experience, a Once Upon a Studio theater, animation galleries, and interactive surprises scattered throughout the building.
Disney is also leaning into a playful storyline where the animators are away and Disney characters have taken over the studio, with themed animation departments tied to specific characters and creative disciplines.
For families? This could quietly become one of Hollywood Studios’ most valuable air-conditioned escape spots — especially for younger kids needing a break from heat, rain, crowds, or thrill rides. Between the indoor play area, drawing experience, theater, and character spaces, this feels less like a traditional attraction and more like a blend of Animation Academy, the DCA Animation Building, and immersive family play space.
We’re updating our full coverage with the newest details, planning tips, and a closer look at what all of this could mean for your Hollywood Studios park day. ✨
🎡 Major Carousel of Progress Changes Confirmed for Magic Kingdom
One of Magic Kingdom’s most nostalgic attractions is getting its biggest update in decades.
Disney has officially confirmed that Carousel of Progress will close July 6, 2026, with a reopening expected in 2027 — and the changes go far beyond a simple refurbishment.
The update will include a brand-new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic introduction, new timeline changes for the Carousel family, refreshed scenes spanning the Moon Landing era, the 1980s, and a Y2K-inspired scene, plus a newly reimagined future finale.
Before longtime Disney fans panic: “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” is expected to stay. 🎶
For our family, Carousel of Progress is one of those core memory attractions we still make time for almost every trip — but even we can admit it’s an attraction that has struggled to balance nostalgia with staying relevant for today’s average guest. That’s part of what makes these updates feel equal parts emotional, fascinating… and maybe a little necessary.
👉 We took a deep dive into the attraction’s history, Walt Disney connection, new announcements, and what these changes could mean for the future of Carousel of Progress in our full guide: Carousel of Progress History & 2026–2027 Updates
🧙♂️ Hagrid’s Will No Longer Accept Universal Express Beginning July 1
Big change for Universal Orlando planners: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is being removed from the Universal Express lineup beginning July 1, 2026. Universal says the move is intended to improve ride flow and operations for all guests.
This is a pretty significant shift, especially since Hagrid’s only gained Express access about a year ago. For guests staying at Universal’s Premier hotels — where Unlimited Express is included — or anyone budgeting for Express Pass specifically to skip Hagrid’s famously long lines, this changes strategy a bit.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If Hagrid’s is high on your must-do list, plan for Early Park Admission rope drop, late evening rides near park close, or flexibility in your Islands of Adventure touring plan.
Still wondering if Universal Express is worth the splurge? Our Universal Express Pass Guide covers participating attractions, included hotel perks, and smart strategies for navigating Universal Orlando — including what to know now that Hagrid’s is leaving Express Pass.
🎨 Major Room Refresh Announced for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney has confirmed that Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will begin a major room refurbishment in Summer 2027, bringing updates to both the popular Family Suites and the resort’s Little Mermaid standard rooms. The resort is expected to remain open during construction, with work happening in phases.
Planning a stay? Check our Disney World Resort Refurbishment Guide for the latest hotel construction updates.
That’s pretty significant news for one of Walt Disney World’s most popular Skyliner Value Resorts — especially since Art of Animation hasn’t seen a room overhaul of this scale since opening back in 2012.
Disney hasn’t released full concept art or a complete construction schedule yet, but early details suggest guests can expect updated room designs, refreshed furnishings, and improved functionality. One of the biggest confirmed changes? The Little Mermaid rooms are expected to receive pull-down Murphy beds similar to the layouts now found at Disney’s other refurbished Value Resorts, giving guests more flexible living space during the day.
The refurbishment will include:
✔️ Family Suites (Finding Nemo, Cars, and Lion King sections)
✔️ Little Mermaid standard rooms
✔️ Phased construction while the resort remains open
For guests planning future stays, Disney has not announced impacts to the Skyliner, pools, dining, or common areas at this time. However, as with most Disney resort refurbishments, guests visiting during construction may notice temporary room closures, daytime work, or construction activity in select sections of the resort.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Planning an Art of Animation stay for 2027 or 2028? Keep an eye on which resort section you book. Disney typically refurbishes hotels in phases, so construction activity may vary depending on whether you’re staying in Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King, or Little Mermaid buildings.
👉 Trying to decide between Pop Century, Art of Animation, and the All-Stars? Our Disney Value Resorts Guide breaks down the pros, cons, transportation, and family suite options
🔎 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
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