🏰 Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando News Roundup - January 2026
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Feb 1
- 13 min read
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✨ January 2026 Disney World News
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This weekly roundup covers the most significant Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando updates from January of 2026.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | January 26, 2026
🌸🎶 Garden Rocks Concert Lineup Announced for EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2026
Disney has officially released the Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup for the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, running March 4 through June 1, 2026 at EPCOT. The popular concert series returns to the America Gardens Theatre with a mix of returning fan favorites and first-time performers, with shows included with regular park admission.
While Outdoor Kitchen menus, topiary lists, and festival merchandise haven’t been released yet, Disney confirming both the festival dates and concert lineup gives us a solid look at what to expect for spring 2026. As always, most Flower & Garden booth and activity locations remain consistent year to year — and we’ll keep our full festival guide and maps updated as new details are announced.
👉 See the full Garden Rocks lineup and planning tips in our EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2026 Guide
🏰 Castle Show Schedule Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom (Late January 2026)
Starting January 28, 2026, daytime castle entertainment at Magic Kingdom will look a little different as Cinderella Castle begins a multi-month repaint returning it to its original color palette.
As part of this refresh:
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire will move to an afternoon-only schedule, with performances at 1:00 PM, 2:05 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:15 PM
Morning castle shows are being removed
Let the Magic Begin, the park’s opening welcome show, is temporarily paused
Disney has confirmed these changes are directly tied to the castle’s refurbishment work, which requires adjustments to stage access and show flow.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If seeing a castle show is a must-do, plan your Magic Kingdom day to start with rides and character meets — then pivot to the hub area in the early afternoon once performances resume.
👉 Curious why Cinderella Castle’s colors are changing? We break down the history of the castle, past refurbishments, and what this makeover means in Once Upon a Castle: The Changing Looks of Cinderella Castle
🎢 Fast & Furious Coaster Officially Announced for Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando has officially confirmed that a brand-new Fast & Furious roller coaster is coming to Universal Studios Florida, replacing the former Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster. The new attraction, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, is currently slated to open in 2027.
According to Universal, Hollywood Drift will be a high-speed thrill coaster inspired by the Fast & Furious film franchise, featuring ride vehicles capable of 360-degree drifting and a dramatic vertical spike that sends riders soaring high above the park. While full ride stats haven’t been released yet, Universal is positioning this as a major new thrill experience — and a significant evolution for the park’s coaster lineup.
As part of this announcement, Universal also confirmed that Fast & Furious: Supercharged will permanently close in 2027, marking the end of the franchise’s current ride experience at Universal Studios Florida and clearing the way for this next-generation attraction.
Construction has already begun following the closure of Rip Ride Rockit in 2025, and Universal says additional details — including ride specifics and visuals — will be shared closer to opening.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This is a long-term project, but it’s a big signal that Universal Studios Florida is continuing its shift toward more modern, thrill-forward attractions to complement Epic Universe’s expansion.
👉 Planning a Universal trip around upcoming attractions like Hollywood Drift? Start with our Universal Orlando Planning Hub for ride guides, park tips, and 2026–2027 planning updates.
🍔 Gideon’s Bakehouse Expands with Six Ravens at Disney Springs
One of Disney Springs’ most popular spots, Gideon’s Bakehouse, is expanding with a brand-new concept called Six Ravens slated to open later this year. Unlike the original cookie and coffee shop, the new location will focus on savory eats — including hand-pie style “coffyns,” yeast rolls with hearty fillings, local draft beers, and more. Six Ravens will be part of Disney Springs’ vibrant dining scene and a fresh foodie destination for visitors and locals alike.
If you’re already wondering whether the original Gideon's Bakehouse is worth adding to your Disney Springs plans, we break it all down here — including whether Gideon’s actually lives up to the hype. 👉 Gideon’s Bakehouse 2026 Guide
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | January 19, 2026
🎨 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2026 Is Here!
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts officially kicked off on January 16, 2026, bringing back its signature mix of visual art, live performances, interactive experiences, and creative Disney storytelling. This fan-favorite festival celebrates the artistry behind Disney animation, Imagineering, and culinary creativity, with experiences spread throughout World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Showcase. The festival runs daily through February 23, 2026.
✨ What’s New for 2026
This year’s festival includes several new additions worth checking out:
🎨 Drawing on Inspiration A brand-new Imagineering concept art exhibit located in the breezeway between World Celebration and World Discovery (near Creations Shop and Club Cool). This walk-through display offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney ideas begin, featuring early sketches and concept art that bring attractions and experiences to life.
🃏 Disney Lorcana Art & Trading Experiences
Disney Lorcana makes its Festival of the Arts debut with multiple art-focused experiences centered around the Morocco Pavilion. Guests can explore larger-than-life Lorcana card displays, participate in a World Showcase scavenger hunt, and pick up an Ink & Find quest from the distribution station located on the bridge between World Celebration and World Showcase.
Each quest includes a booster pack from the Archazia’s Island set with 12 random cards, which can be traded with other guests to complete the experience and earn a special rare Donald Duck Lorcana card. Additional booster packs are available for purchase at Disney TRADERS, and card trading also takes place at The Illumineer’s Lounge in the Morocco Pavilion. The experience is designed to be fun and approachable — no prior gameplay experience required.
We’ve updated our EPCOT International Festival of the Arts guide with these new experiences, along with everything else you need to plan your visit — from art and performances to food studios and interactive activities. You can also use our Festival of the Arts map to easily find food studios, exhibits, and key festival locations while you’re in the park.
❄️ Freezing Temperatures Impact Central Florida & Walt Disney World
Central Florida is experiencing unusually cold winter weather this week, with overnight temperatures dipping to near-freezing levels across the Orlando area. These conditions are rare for the region and can impact both park operations and guest planning.
Cold weather has already led to adjustments across Walt Disney World, including weather-dependent closures and operational changes. Guests visiting this week should plan for chilly mornings, layered clothing, and possible late openings or temporary closures for water-based attractions and transportation.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Florida “cold” hits differently — pack a real jacket, gloves for early mornings, and warm layers even if the forecast shows sunshine later in the day.
🌊 Weather-Related Water Park Impacts
With temperatures hovering near freezing, Typhoon Lagoon may experience extended closures or delayed reopenings this week. Cold snaps often result in temporary water park shutdowns for guest safety, even if daytime highs improve.
Guests planning water park visits should monitor daily operating hours and have backup plans in place.
👉 Want a deeper dive into Typhoon Lagoon? You can find current closures and seasonal patterns updated in our Typhoon Lagoon Guide for 2026.
🏃♀️ runDisney Marathon Weekend Wrap-Up: Big Wins & Growing Pains
The 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend wrapped up last weekend, bringing thousands of runners to Disney World for race events ranging from the 5K through the full marathon. As always, the weekend delivered high energy, themed courses, and a strong sense of community among participants.
However, the event also came with notable logistical challenges, including early-morning road closures, transportation delays, and guest reports of congestion around race routes and resorts. While these impacts are expected during large runDisney events, being aware of what’s happening — and when — is a key part of planning a smooth Disney trip. Knowing race weekends in advance helps non-runners avoid unexpected road closures, transportation delays, and early-morning congestion.
Looking ahead, several major runDisney weekends are still on the 2026 calendar:
Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 26 – March 2, 2026
Springtime Surprise Weekend: April 16 – 19, 2026
Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: October 22 – 25, 2026
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Even if you’re not racing, runDisney weekends affect park transportation and morning access — always check race schedules when planning winter and spring trips.
🎶 Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Concert Series & Celebration Preview
Universal Orlando is gearing up for its 2026 Mardi Gras celebration — Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval — running February 7 through April 4 at Universal Studios Florida. The event includes free nightly concertson the Music Plaza Stage with headliners like Bebe Rexha, Zedd, Kaskade, Portugal. The Man, and more, plus a festive parade, international food offerings, and themed treats throughout the park. It’s included with regular park admission and brings a big dose of New Orleans-style energy to Orlando this spring.
👉 For help planning around this and other major events in 2026, check out our full 2026 Universal Orlando events calendar
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | January 12, 2026
🌞 Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026 Details Released
Disney has officially shared new details about Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026, its seasonal lineup of kid-focused entertainment and experiences running from May 26 through September 8, 2026.
This summer program features limited-time activities across all four theme parks and select resorts, with a focus on interactive fun, character experiences, and indoor-friendly entertainment designed for families traveling during the hottest months. Highlights include experiences like Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station, seasonal kid-centric entertainment at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, and a new Disney Jr. stage show at Hollywood Studios.
While summer at Walt Disney World comes with intense heat, it can be a great time to visit with the right expectations and pacing. Longer park hours, seasonal entertainment, and family-focused offerings can make summer trips work well when paired with early mornings, midday breaks, and flexibility.
We’ve put together a full Cool KIDS’ SUMMER 2026 planning guide that breaks down what’s included, who this season is best for, and how to plan around the heat without burning out.
💸 Summer 2026 Disney World Discounts Released
Disney has officially released its Summer 2026 Walt Disney World discounts, now available to book as of January 6, 2026.
Key offers include:
A package deal with two free room nights and two free park days on select 4-night, 4-day (or longer) stays
Room discounts of up to 30%, with higher savings for Florida Residents (up to 35%) and Annual Passholders (up to 40%)
Free water park admission on check-in day for onsite guests between May 26 and September 8, 2026
A returning free dining plan for kids ages 3–9 with a qualifying package
Availability varies by resort and room type, and some offers have limited booking windows.
🧭 Our Planning Breakdown
Summer discounts aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve broken down how each Summer 2026 Disney World deal works — and which types of trips they fit best — in our full guide.
🎨 Festival of the Arts 2026 Food Menus Are Out
Disney Parks Blog has officially released the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Food Studio menus, giving us our first full look at what’s new (and returning) for this year’s festival. As expected, Festival of the Arts continues to lean into creative presentation, smaller-but-elevated plates, and visually striking desserts, with several new items joining the lineup across World Celebration, World Discovery, World Showcase, and World Nature.
This year’s menus include a strong mix of new savory dishes, colorful desserts tied to the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, and playful Figment-inspired treats, along with updates to returning fan favorites. Festival of the Arts also remains one of the best EPCOT festivals for Disney Dining Plan snack credits, thanks to its elevated ingredients and shareable portion sizes — but it’s also a festival where pacing really matters, especially if you plan to tackle Colorful Cuisine.
To help make sense of it all, we’ve put together a complete 2026 Festival of the Arts Food Guide with every Food Studio menu organized by location, clearly marked Colorful Cuisine dishes, highlights of what’s new this year, dessert strategy (not a crawl!), and practical tips for pairing food stops with art installations and live performances.
👉 Read the full breakdown here: EPCOT Festival of the Arts Food Guide 2026
✨ Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Gets Major Refurb Reveal
On January 10, 2026, Good Morning America shared new inside details from Walt Disney Imagineering on the extensive refurbishment of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom. The updated attraction will feature new interactive scenes, handheld blasters for better aim, reactive targets, and a brand-new support bot named “Buddy”, offering a fresh and modernized experience for Space Rangers when it reopens in Spring 2026.
You can also find an official Walt Disney Imagineering video in our Buzz Lightyear update, showcasing the new interactive targeting system and a brand-new way to score points when Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens in Spring 2026.
🏗️ New Disney Construction Permits Filed Around Walt Disney World
Disney has quietly filed a new wave of construction permits across Walt Disney World — and while permits don’t always equal immediate closures or announcements, they do give us a really good look at where Disney’s attention is focused heading into 2026.
Recent filings point to a mix of attraction updates, rethemes, and infrastructure work across multiple parks, including Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and the water parks. Some permits align with already-announced projects (like Rock n Roller Coaster or the new Bluey meet & greet), while others suggest maintenance, safety updates, or early prep work ahead of larger changes.
This steady stream of permits reinforces what we’re already seeing across the resort: 2026 is shaping up to be a big transition year, with Disney balancing new offerings, refreshed experiences, and long-term expansion projects — all while keeping the parks operational for guests.
👉 Planning a nearer-term trip? Our New Attractions coming to 2026 at Walt Disney World guide breaks down what’s opening, what may be under construction, and how to plan around it with minimal disruption.
🎢 Universal Orlando Releases 2026 Special Events Calendar
Universal Orlando has officially released its 2026 special events calendar, giving guests an early look at what’s returning throughout the year — including seasonal festivals, after-hours events, and holiday celebrations.
Here’s what we know so far:
🎭 Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
🗓️ February 7 – March 29, 2026
Universal’s springtime celebration returns with themed food booths, live concerts, and the nightly Mardi Gras parade on select evenings.
🎃 Halloween Horror Nights
🗓️ Select nights, September – October 2026
Universal’s signature after-hours Halloween event returns for fall 2026. Exact dates and ticket details have not yet been announced.
🎄 Holidays at Universal Orlando
🗓️ Late November – December 31, 2026
Seasonal celebrations return across Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, including Grinchmas, holiday decor, and limited-time entertainment.
🧙 Wizarding World Holiday Experiences
🗓️ During Universal’s holiday season
Expect seasonal overlays and themed experiences in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, including holiday décor and special entertainment offerings.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | January 5, 2026
🏃♂️✨ runDisney Kicks Off 2026 with Big Announcements!
runDisney news is heating up as we head into the new year! Disney just released its full 2026–2027 race calendar, giving runners a clear look at upcoming race weekends, registration windows, and virtual race opportunities — beginning with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend next week. All eyes are on the expanded season, which launches with classic favorites like Wine & Dine, Princess, and the Springtime Surprise weekends, and continues into 2027 with registration dates already slated.
Disney has released the full 2026–2027 runDisney race calendar, with all major Walt Disney World events and virtual races scheduled along with registration windows — from Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in October through the Springtime Surprise Weekend in April.
See the full calendar here.
Disneyland runDisney events remain on hiatus due to ongoing construction, concentrating all in-person races at Walt Disney World for this cycle. And if you’re racing in style, Disney and Brooks have also just dropped new themed running shoes inspired by Chip ’n Dale, Cinderella Castle, and more to celebrate the Marathon Weekend!
🧁 Sprinkles Has Closed at Disney Springs (and Beyond)
Sprinkles Cupcakes has officially closed its Disney Springs location, ending its run as one of the original dessert spots in the shopping and dining district—and this closure is part of a broader shutdown, with all Sprinkles locations closing, not just Disney Springs. Known for its cupcake ATM and rotating seasonal flavors, Sprinkles was a longtime favorite for a quick sweet treat between shopping stops.
Disney has not yet announced what will replace the space, but with Disney Springs continuing to evolve, we expect news on a new tenant in the coming months.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If Sprinkles was a must-stop for you in the past, now’s a great time to explore some of Disney Springs’ newer dessert options—or plan a dedicated treat stop instead of relying on “tradition snacks” that may no longer be there.
🏰 Walt Disney World News Roundup | December 29, 2025
🎆 New Year’s Eve at Disney & Universal: What You Need to Know
New Year’s Eve is almost here — and at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, that means some of the heaviest crowds of the entire year are already building.
If you’re planning to ring in the new year in the parks, this is not a “go with the flow” kind of night. Popular parks can reach capacity, wait times climb quickly by mid-afternoon, and transportation gets noticeably slower as midnight approaches.
We’ve put together a full New Year’s Eve planning guide that breaks down:
Which parks tend to feel the most crowded
When to arrive (and why earlier really is better)
The difference between Disney’s NYE experience vs. Universal’s party atmosphere
What expectations actually look like for fireworks, rides, and park hopping
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: On New Year’s Eve, park timing matters more than park choice. Arriving early, planning a midday break, and committing to one location can make the difference between an unforgettable night and a very long one.
❄️ Looking Ahead: What Comes After the Holidays
Once the confetti settles, Orlando shifts into a much calmer (and cooler) season. Festival of the Arts kicks off soon at EPCOT, and winter is one of our favorite times to tour — lower humidity, easier pacing, and fewer holiday-level crowds.
Behind the scenes, we’ve also been busy updating our planning tools and major park guides for 2026, so everything you’re reading now reflects what’s ahead — not last year’s info.
🔎 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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