🏰 Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando News Roundup
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jan 5
- 18 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Last updated: May 9, 2026
This page is updated weekly with the most recent Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando park news,
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✨May 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 | May 18, 2026
New Smugglers Run Mission Featuring Mando & Grogu Launches May 22
Disney has released new details about the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu update coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland on May 22, 2026 — the same day The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters.
In the new mission, Hondo Ohnaka learns about a deal involving ex-Imperial officers and pirates on Tatooine and recruits guests to team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down across the galaxy.
Disney also confirmed guests will be able to choose their destination for the first time ever, leading to possible adventures on Tatooine, Bespin, Coruscant, or near the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor.
Another new gameplay feature will allow engineers to interact with Grogu during the mission. Disney says the attraction is using Unreal Engine 5 technology developed alongside Industrial Light & Magic, allowing for more dynamic visuals and mission variations. Disney also released a brand-new attraction poster for the updated experience this week.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Expect Smugglers Run wait times to jump once this launches next week — especially with the new movie premiering the same weekend
If you’re trying to keep up with all the latest ride updates, new entertainment, reimagined lands, and major Disney World projects, don’t miss our full guide to 👉 What’s Changing at Walt Disney World: New Lands, Rides, and Park Updates (2026 and Beyond) where we’re tracking everything from Hollywood Studios additions to Tropical Americas, Villains Land, new shows, and more.
.Princesses arrive at Hollywood Studios
✨ Surprise character update from Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Rapunzel and Mulan have officially arrived early ahead of the new Magic of Disney Animation experiences and are now alternating meet & greets on Grand Avenue.
Both Princesses will new experiences which are expected to debut later in 2026 as part of the larger Magic of Disney Animation overhaul at Hollywood Studios. A new Rapunzel’s meet & greet with a layered forest scene inspired by classic multi-plane animation techniques, while Mulan will appear in a storyboard-inspired setting themed to Disney animation studios. Rapunzel and Mulan will relocate there once the Magic of Disney Animation opens.
This is a pretty exciting addition for character fans, especially since both princesses can sometimes be harder to reliably find outside of EPCOT or Magic Kingdom. If meeting characters is a priority for your Hollywood Studios day, this is definitely one to keep on your radar. ✨
You can also find our updated Hollywood Studios character map on our Hollywood Studios Character Guide and downloadable Hollywood Studios Cheat Sheets to help plan your day and track the newest meet & greets.
Big Bluey's Wild World News
Disney just released a major new update about Bluey’s Wild World coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 26, 2026 — and this is shaping up to be much bigger than a simple character meet-and-greet.
Disney confirmed the experience will include interactive games, dancing, bubbles, Australian animal encounters, themed snacks, merchandise, PhotoPass Magic Shots, and appearances from Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station. Disney also announced that guests will need to join a Virtual Queue through the My Disney Experience app during the initial opening period.
The Virtual Queue will include:
Bluey’s Wild World
Wildlife Express Train access
Conservation Station
Jumping Junction
nearby Animal Care experiences
Disney has confirmed two daily queue drops:
7:00 AM (no park entry required)
10:00 AM (guests must already be inside Animal Kingdom)
No standby queue will be available initially.
Our full Bluey's Wild World guide explaining everything families need to know about Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom, including the newest announcements, activities, and planning details. We also have a separate step-by-step guide walking through exactly how to join the Bluey Virtual Queue in My Disney Experience.
🎬 Universal Mega Movie Parade Returns May 22
Universal Orlando’s cinematic daytime parade officially returns to Universal Studios Florida on May 22, running on select dates through August 23.
The Universal Mega Movie Parade celebrates some of Universal’s biggest film franchises with massive floats, performers, music, and characters inspired by movies like Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Jaws, Jurassic World, E.T., Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Sing, and more.
This parade originally debuted last summer and quickly became one of the best daytime entertainment offerings at Universal Orlando — especially for movie fans and families looking for a break from attractions during the hottest part of the day.
If you’re planning a Universal vacation this summer or fall, don’t forget to check our full guide to 👉 Universal Orlando 2026 Events: Dates, Crowds & How They Affect Planning for seasonal events, crowd trends, HHN dates, Mardi Gras info, and more planning tips throughout the year.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re planning a summer Universal day, try to catch the parade earlier in your trip. Afternoon storms are common in Orlando this time of year and can occasionally impact outdoor entertainment schedules.
🚢 We’re Heading Back to Sea This Week!
We’re officially heading to Alaska aboard the Disney Magic this week, and we are SO excited to experience Disney Cruise Line in Alaska for the very first time.
Before we set sail, we’ve been reminiscing about our recent Disney Wish weekend cruise — from sail-away on the upper decks to Castaway Cay sunshine and all the little Disney details that made us fall in love with Disney Cruise Line even more. If you missed it, you can read our full review here:
Follow along on our Instagram! We’ll be sharing plenty from Alaska once we’re back too, including planning tips, what surprised us most, and whether Disney Cruise Line to Alaska is really worth the price.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | May 11, 2026
☀️ If it suddenly feels like Disney is trying to launch ALL of Summer 2026 at once, you’re not imagining it.
Summer at Disney World Is About to Hit All at Once
The closer we get to Memorial Day weekend, the more it feels like Walt Disney World is about to flip the switch on an entire wave of new entertainment, attraction updates, character experiences, and summer perks across all four parks. And May 26 is shaping up to be the biggest “everything opens at once” day we’ve seen in a while.
At Hollywood Studios, the big headliner is obviously the grand reopening of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, where Dr. Teeth, Animal, and The Electric Mayhem officially take over the coaster with a new storyline, updated preshow, and what already looks like absolute backstage chaos in the best possible way.
But that’s not the only thing changing at the park. The Magic of Disney Animation and the refreshed Animation Courtyard area are also set to reopen May 26, alongside the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! stage show for younger kids.
Over at EPCOT, Soarin’ Around the World shifts to Soarin’ Across America beginning May 26 as part of the America 250 celebration—which honestly feels like it’s going to make a lot of longtime EPCOT fans very happy. 🌐
Animal Kingdom is also getting in on the summer rollout, with the Wildlife Express Train reopening May 26 alongside the new Bluey experience at Conservation Station. And yes… this probably means Bluey and Bingo meet-and-greet lines are about to become one of the wildest waits at Walt Disney World this summer. 😂
Meanwhile, Typhoon Lagoon officially reopens May 12, meaning both Disney water parks will be operating at the same time for the summer season. Disney Resort guests will also once again receive free water park admission on their check-in day beginning May 26.
Disney looked at the calendar and said: “What if we reopened EVERYTHING at once?” The vibe seems to be - Cool Kids Summer 2026 everything new, everywhere, all at once.
👉 For a full breakdown of the new and updated experiences coming to Walt Disney World this summer—including Bluey, Mando and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, and more—check out our Cool Kids Summer at Disney World 2026 Guide.
If you’re looking for the bigger summer planning picture, our Walt Disney World Summer 2026 Planning Guide covers dates, crowds, weather, hurricane season, heat tips, water parks, and what to expect when visiting Disney World during the summer months.
More Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Muppets Details
We are officially in the final countdown to the May 26 grand reopening of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — and Disney keeps dropping little details that make this retheme feel more delightfully chaotic by the week.
Over the past few days, new exterior photos have shown the refreshed courtyard nearly complete, including the psychedelic repaint of the iconic guitar marquee inspired by The Electric Mayhem’s colorful tour bus. Disney has also revealed more about the attraction’s storyline, which follows the Muppets scrambling to get to their biggest concert ever while guests race across Hollywood in their “L.I.M.O.” ride vehicles. Because of course the Muppets would turn a backstage crisis into complete mayhem.
We’ve also learned more about the ride soundtrack lineup, which includes songs like “Walking on Sunshine,” “Song 2,” and “Born to Be Wild” performed by The Electric Mayhem and friends. Annual Passholder previews are getting ready to begin, and all signs point to Disney treating this as one of the biggest Hollywood Studios additions of the summer.
The closer we get, the more this feels less like a simple overlay… and more like Disney fully embracing the weird, chaotic energy Muppet fans have been begging for.
👉 Read our full Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets retheming guide for opening details, songs, preview info, concept art, and everything we know so far.
🚂 One Week Later: Big Thunder Mountain’s Reopening Is Already Reshaping Magic Kingdom Crowds
After more than a year behind construction walls, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad officially reopened at Magic Kingdom last weekend and guests wasted absolutely no time stampeding back to Frontierland.
Now that the coaster has been open for a full week, one thing is becoming very clear: this wasn’t just a basic refurbishment. Early guest reactions continue to be overwhelmingly positive, especially when it comes to the noticeably smoother ride track, refreshed effects, and the updated Rainbow Caverns scene, which has quickly become one of the most talked-about additions online.
Disney also quietly made the ride more accessible for families by lowering the height requirement to 38 inches, instantly turning Big Thunder into a much bigger “first coaster” option for younger riders at Magic Kingdom.
And yes… Lightning Lane demand has been INTENSE. Between reopening hype and summer crowds starting to build, Big Thunder is quickly reclaiming its spot as one of the hardest Tier 1 selections to grab at Magic Kingdom—especially later in the day.
👉 You can find all the updates, ride changes, photos, and planning tips in our full Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment guide.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If Big Thunder is high on your must-do list this summer, try to ride during Early Entry, late evening, or while Festival of Fantasy Parade crowds are moving through Frontierland. Wait times have been dropping noticeably during parade windows.
New details released for Universal Studios Florida HHN 35
🎃 Halloween Horror Nights 35 is starting to feel less like a normal HHN season… and more like a full celebration of HHN history.
Universal has now confirmed the return of both Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow, along with the first original haunted house announcement: Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control. We also got new details about Premium Scream Night, updated Scream Early timing, and more clues that this year may lean heavily into HHN lore and connected storytelling. 👀
If you’re planning a Universal Orlando trip this fall, now is a great time to start watching dates and ticket prices - especially for peak October weekends and Express Pass availability.
👉 Read our full Halloween Horror Nights 35 Guide for 2026 with dates, tickets, houses, planning tips, food, scare zones, Death Eaters, and everything announced so far.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | May 4, 2026
🍽️ 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced
Disney has officially confirmed the dates for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival:
👉 August 27 – November 21, 2026
This continues EPCOT’s now-familiar festival schedule, kicking off in late August and running through the week before Thanksgiving.
You can expect the return of:
Global Marketplace food booths
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt
Seasonal merchandise and festival experiences
Our EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Guide is updated for 2026 with all the announced deets
We will continue to update it with marketplace menus, festival booths, and the concert lineup as Disney releases them.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: For the best balance of crowds and full booth availability, aim for mid-September—you’ll avoid opening weekend chaos and October peak crowds.
🎃 MNSSHP 2026 Dates & Details Announced
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is officially returning to Magic Kingdom on select nights from August 7 through October 31, 2026! 🎉 Tickets go on sale May 5 for Disney Resort guests and May 12 for all other guests, and fan-favorite entertainment like Boo-To-You Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks are all set to return.
✨ New this year: Stitch is taking over Tomorrowland with a playful dance party featuring Lilo and Angel—complete with surprise costume changes throughout the night!
👻 Planning a fall Disney trip? We’ve updated our full MNSSHP guide with 2026 dates, tips, and what to expect this year.
🚂 Big Thunder Mountain Reopening This Weekend – New Details Emerge
🎢 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Is Officially BACK at Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened today (May 3, 2026), and after more than a year behind construction walls, guests are already racing back to Frontierland to ride.
Early reactions? Very positive. The full retrack has made the ride noticeably smoother, while still keeping that classic “wildest ride in the wilderness” feel. The updated Rainbow Caverns scene is already getting a lot of attention, along with refreshed lighting, effects, and deeper storytelling tied to the mountain’s легенд.
One of the biggest changes for families: the height requirement has officially dropped to 38 inches, making this a much more accessible first coaster.
👉 You can find all the details (plus planning tips!) in our updated Big Thunder Mountain Guide
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This instantly becomes one of the hardest Lightning Lane selections to grab. If it’s a must-do, choose it as your Tier 1—or plan to ride early morning or late at night for the best chance at shorter waits.
🌿 New Details Released for Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom
Disney shared new details this week about the upcoming Tropical Americas land replacing DinoLand U.S.A.—and it continues to look like one of the most immersive additions coming to Walt Disney World. The new land, set to open in 2027, will feature experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, all centered around a richly themed village called Pueblo Esperanza.
This isn’t just a simple re-theme—this is a full land transformation, and construction is already well underway as Animal Kingdom continues its biggest evolution in years.
👉 See everything coming in What’s New & Upcoming at Walt Disney World
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If Animal Kingdom feels like a “half-day park” to you right now, this expansion is one of the biggest reasons that could change in the next few years.
🎟️ Universal Orlando Adds New Ticket Deals (and a Small Change to Know About)
Universal Orlando just rolled out some new ticket promotions—and if you’ve been thinking about planning a trip, these could save you a decent chunk of money.
First up, the “3 + 2” promo gives you two extra days free when you buy a 3-day ticket (either base or Park-to-Park). That’s essentially turning a long weekend into a full vacation without paying for those extra days—always a win.
There’s also a Florida Resident “1 + 1” deal, where locals can get a second day free with a 1-day Park-to-Park ticket for Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure—perfect for a quick getaway.
And for summer visitors, Universal is leaning all the way in with seasonal entertainment, including the return of the Mega Movie Parade, the nighttime lagoon show CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, and new character meet-and-greets.
One important update to note: ticket usage windows are getting slightly shorter. Most multi-day tickets will now have one less day to use them (for example, a 5-day ticket is now valid for 7 consecutive days instead of 8). Not a huge change, but something to keep in mind when planning rest days or travel days.
👉 Not sure when to plan your trip around these deals? Check out our full breakdown of Universal Orlando events in 2026 (dates, crowds & planning tips)—this is huge for understanding when crowds spike, parks close early, and how events can impact your touring strategy.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: These “extra days free” promos can make Universal feel much more relaxed—you don’t have to rush, and it’s easier to build in pool time or park hopping. Just be mindful of that shorter usage window when mapping out your trip!
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | April 27, 2026
🌼 Flower & Garden Festival Update: What We Noticed Last Week
We just got back from the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and if you’re thinking about visiting soon… this is a really good window.
🌸 Here’s what stood out during our visit:
🌿 The park is absolutely gorgeous right now—topiaries are fully in bloom and everything feels fresh and colorful
🍽️ Festival booths were running smoothly, with shorter lines than peak spring break weeks
📱 Mobile ordering was noticeably easier to grab (huge win during festival season)
🌤️ Weather + crowds hit that sweet spot—busy, but not overwhelming
👉 It really felt like we’ve shifted into that post–spring break “shoulder season” sweet spot where you can enjoy the festival without the chaos.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you can swing a weekday visit right now, it’s one of the best combinations of lighter crowds + full festival offerings you’ll get all season.
🔗 Planning Your EPCOT Day?
🌌 May the 4th Returns to Walt Disney World with New Treats, Merch & Collectibles
Star Wars Day is almost here, and while Walt Disney World doesn’t host a full-scale event like Disneyland, there’s still plenty of fun planned—especially if you’re heading to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
This year’s celebration is centered around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with a mix of limited-time food, new merchandise, and collectible souvenirs available beginning May 4 (with some items lasting a few days longer).
✨ Here’s what to expect:
🍿 Limited-time snacks & drinks at locations like Docking Bay 7, Kat Saka’s Kettle, and Oga’s Cantina
🪣 New collectible souvenirs, including a Jabba’s Sail Barge popcorn bucket and themed drink mugs
👕 2026 Star Wars merchandise collection, featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu-inspired items, plus MagicBand+ designs and accessories
🛍️ Additional themed items may also appear at Disney Springs
While there are no special shows or ticketed events announced, Galaxy’s Edge is still the place to be for immersive Star Wars vibes on May the 4th.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If this is on your must-do list, plan to arrive early—popular snacks and popcorn buckets have a history of selling out fast (sometimes before noon
🔗 Planning Your Day?
If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios for May the 4th, these guides will help you maximize your time:
🛳️ Kids Sail 50% Off on Disney Cruise Line (Limited Time!)
If a Disney Cruise has been on your wishlist, this might be one of the best deals we’ve seen in a while 👀
Disney Cruise Line just released a new “Kids Sail 50% Off” offer, making it significantly more affordable for families to cruise in late 2026 and early 2027.
✨ Here’s how it works:
👨👩👧👦 Book a stateroom with 2 full-fare adults
🧒 Up to 3 kids (ages 17 and under) sail for 50% off their cruise fare
📅 Valid on select sailings from October 1, 2026 – March 27, 2027
⏰ Must be booked by June 14, 2026
This includes many Caribbean and Bahamas sailings—including itineraries that visit Disney’s private islands.
👉 The discount applies to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th guests, which is where cruise pricing usually jumps for families—so this can add up to some pretty significant savings.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This deal is best for families of 4–5—if you were already considering a cruise, this is one of those rare offers that can noticeably drop your total price.
👉 If you’re traveling with kids, start here: Kids Sail 50% Off Disney Cruise Details
👉 Want the full breakdown of ALL current deals (including Alaska + Europe)? Disney Cruise Deals Guide
🔗 Thinking About a Cruise?
🚤 Wilderness Lodge Boat Service Temporarily Suspended
If you’re staying at or visiting Disney's Wilderness Lodge soon, there’s a small—but important—transportation update to know.
Boat service between Wilderness Lodge and Magic Kingdom is temporarily unavailable from April 13 through May 1 due to routine refurbishment.
✨ What this means for your plans:
🚍 Bus transportation is available as the primary alternative
⏰ Travel times may be slightly longer, especially at park opening and closing
🚶♀️ You may want to allow a little extra time if you have early dining or Lightning Lane reservations
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you loved the convenience of the boat, plan to head out a bit earlier than usual—Magic Kingdom mornings can get backed up quickly when transportation options are limited.
👉 Want a deeper dive into transportation options at Walt Disney World - Our Walt Disney World Transportation Guide and Cheat Sheet has got all the deets.
⚡ ICYMI: Quick Park Updates
Here are a couple smaller updates you might have missed this week:
🍔 New menu items have been added at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant—always a fun spot if you’re looking for a themed dining break
🎢 Expedition Everest has an updated safety video, a small refresh but something returning visitors may notice
🍽️ Disney Dining Plan Update: Deluxe Plan Returns for 2027
The Disney Dining Plan is getting a big update in 2027—including the return of a fan-favorite option!
Starting with 2027 packages, Disney will offer three dining plans:
Quick-Service Dining Plan
Table-Service Dining Plan (formerly the standard plan)
Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan (returning!)
💲 Pricing has also been released:
Quick-Service: $62.78/adult, $25.82/child
Table-Service: $99.87/adult, $31.94/child
Deluxe: $163.01/adult, $46.85/child
The returning Deluxe plan now includes 2 table-service meals + 1 quick-service meal per night, but it’s more structured than the pre-2020 version—meaning less flexibility for mixing and matching credits.
🚨 One important change for families: the “kids eat free” dining offer from 2026 is not continuing. Instead, Disney is shifting to a smaller kids discount, which may impact overall value.
👉 Bottom line: More options are back—but you’ll want to run the numbers carefully to decide if a dining plan still makes sense for your trip.
Want the full breakdown of what’s included, how the plans work, and whether they’re actually worth it? Check out our Disney Dining Plan 2027 FAQ guide for all the details.
🎟️ 2027 Disney World Packages Now Available
Disney has officially released 2027 Walt Disney World vacation packages, with bookings now open for travel dates through October 31, 2027.
Packages continue to include:
Resort hotel stay
Theme park tickets
Optional dining plan add-ons
🎟️ Ticket pricing remains relatively stable, with 1-day tickets starting around $119 and most dates falling in the $159–$169 range.
There are no major structural changes to tickets or packages this year:
Standard date-based tickets still don’t require park reservations
Park Hopper and other add-ons remain available
Popular perks like Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours are continuing
However - the popular “kids eat free” dining offer from 2026 is not continuing. Instead, Disney is shifting to a smaller kids discount, which may impact overall value.
👉 Bottom line: 2027 packages look very similar to 2026, with steady pricing and familiar options—but now with updated dining plan choices layered in.
👉 Trying to decide when to go? Take a look at our Disney World Packages 2026 & 2027 Guide to compare pricing, perks, and dining plan changes before you book.
🎬 Hollywood Studios Updates: Sorcerer Hat Returns + Muppets Take the Stage 🎸
There’s a mix of nostalgia and new energy heading to Hollywood Studios!
✨ Sorcerer Mickey Hat Reinstalled (in a new way!)
The iconic Sorcerer Mickey Hat has officially returned—this time as part of the upcoming “The Magic of Disney Animation” experience. Instead of dominating the park entrance like it once did, the hat will sit atop the new attraction building in Animation Courtyard, serving as a nod to the park’s past while anchoring its future animation-focused space.
🎸 Muppets Taking Over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Over on Sunset Boulevard, the transformation of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is full steam ahead for its Summer 2026 debut. The ride will feature Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem as the new headliners, with a chaotic concert storyline and updated visuals throughout the attraction.
🎶 First Song Confirmed: “Song 2” by Blur
Disney has also revealed the first track for the reimagined ride—a Muppet-style cover of Blur’s “Song 2.” Expect more high-energy songs to be announced as we get closer to opening.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This is a big shift in identity for Hollywood Studios—between the Animation Courtyard overhaul and the Muppets coaster, the park is leaning hard into character-driven, family-friendly storytelling again (less “studio,” more immersive lands).
🛳️ Disney Cruise Deals: Save Up to 25% on 2026 Sailings
Disney Cruise Line has released a new wave of discounted sailings for Summer 2026, including select itineraries to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.
The biggest standout? 25% off select Alaska and European cruises—which are some of Disney’s most in-demand (and rarely discounted) itineraries 👀
There are also savings on shorter Bahamian sailings aboard the Disney Wish and longer Caribbean itineraries on the Disney Treasure.
👉 Most of these deals are tied to GTY (guarantee) staterooms, meaning you’ll save money—but won’t choose your exact room location.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’ve been eyeing Alaska or Europe, this is one of those “don’t wait too long” deals—those discounted categories tend to disappear quickly.
👉 Read the full breakdown + strategy here: Summer 2026 GTY Disney Cruise Line Discounts
Need help finding the best rate or figuring out if this deal is right for your trip?
If you Book with Bren, I’ll handle all the details—from pricing and stateroom strategy to planning your full vacation—with concierge-level service at no additional cost to you.
🌟 Universal Introduces “Express Now” Single-Ride Line Skipping
Universal Orlando just rolled out a brand-new way to skip the lines—and it’s a big shift in how Express works 👀
The new Universal Express Now option lets guests pay to skip the line for one attraction at a time, instead of purchasing a full Express Pass. It’s available day-of inside the parks through the app, with limited availability and pricing that can change based on demand (we’re seeing around $25+ per ride so far).
✨ This can be a great backup option if you’re only trying to hit one or two big rides—but it’s not something you can reliably plan your day around.
👉 Want to see how it compares to regular Express (and whether it’s actually worth it)? Check out our full Universal Express Pass guide here.
🔎 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
