Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando News Roundup
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jan 5
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Last updated: August 2, 2026
This page is updated weekly with the most recent Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando park news,
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August 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 | August 2, 2026
Ozzy Osbourne's Legacy Lives On at HHN 35
One of the most talked-about announcements of the week is also one of the most unexpected. Universal Orlando has revealed Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness, the tenth and final haunted house coming to Halloween Horror Nights 35. Created in collaboration with the Osbourne family, the house will take guests on a journey through Ozzy's legendary career with scenes inspired by his music, iconic album imagery, and larger-than-life theatrical sets. Rather than simply adapting a movie or TV series, Universal is celebrating the legacy of one of rock's most influential performers in a way that feels especially fitting during HHN's 35th anniversary season.
Fortnite Invades Halloween Horror Nights
Halloween Horror Nights is getting a gaming twist this year with the addition of FORTNITEMARES, an all-new scare zone inspired by Fortnite's annual Halloween event. Guests will venture into Freaky Fields, where they'll encounter the iconic Battle Bus, familiar Fortnitemares creatures, and exclusive characters created just for HHN. Even if you've never played Fortnite, the scare zone looks like it will add another immersive layer to this year's event, while longtime fans of the game will likely spot plenty of recognizable details and Easter eggs.
More Street Entertainment Announced for HHN 35
Universal isn't just expanding the haunted house lineup—it's adding even more energy to the streets. This week the resort confirmed the return of Mel's D-I-E IN, where zombie carhops once again take over Mel's Drive-In, along with the roaming Chainsaw Horde, famous for catching unsuspecting guests off guard throughout the park. Guests can also look forward to the all-new Club Horror, transforming the San Francisco area into an undead dance party complete with a zombie DJ, music, lighting effects, and roaming monsters. These additions join the previously announced Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir stage show and Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins lagoon spectacular, making HHN 35's entertainment lineup one of the most robust in recent years.
👉 Our Halloween Horror Nights 35 Guide has also been updated with everything we know about the new house, plus all 10 haunted houses, the latest scare zone announcements, entertainment lineup, and everything you need to plan your visit.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Kicks Off This Week!
The wait is almost over! The first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of 2026 takes place August 7, officially launching another season of trick-or-treating, exclusive entertainment, spooky snacks, and Halloween magic at Magic Kingdom.
We'll be following along with all the first-night announcements and updating our party guides in real time as Disney reveals this year's entertainment schedules, character locations, merchandise, and any surprise additions. We'll also be refreshing our 2026 MNSSHP Food Guide with photos, reviews, and any menu changes from opening night, so if you're attending later this season, be sure to check back for the latest information.
👉 Start planning now with our 2026 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide, then grab our FREE MNSSHP Map & Cheat Sheet to help you plan your trick-or-treat route, prioritize characters, and make the most of your party night.
Typhoon Lagoon Announces Seasonal Closing Date
If you're planning a fall Walt Disney World vacation and hoping to spend a day at Disney's water parks, take note! Disney has announced that Typhoon Lagoon will close for its annual seasonal refurbishment beginning September 9, 2026.
As in previous years, Blizzard Beach is expected to remain open while Typhoon Lagoon receives its routine maintenance, giving guests a water park option throughout the refurbishment period.
If a water park day is part of your vacation plans—especially if you're taking advantage of Disney Resort guests' complimentary water park admission on arrival day—it's a good idea to check which park will be operating during your visit.
👉 Learn what makes each park unique in our Typhoon Lagoon Guide and Blizzard Beach Guide, and keep an eye on our Disney World Refurbishment & Construction Calendar for the latest closure dates and reopening announcements.
✨ Updated This Week on Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
While Disney and Universal have been making headlines, we've also been busy behind the scenes updating our different fall and Halloween guides!
This week we also updated our Nassau on a Port Day Guide with fresh tips and recommendations from our own visits, making it even easier to decide whether to explore Nassau, enjoy the ship, or find the perfect beach day.
We're also busy planning our own Royal Caribbean fall getaway, so if you're interested in cruising beyond Disney, you'll start seeing more Royal Caribbean planning tips and firsthand experiences being added to our Cruising Guide on Practically Perfect Pixie Dust soon!
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.
🔎 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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