Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around Universal Orlando, the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, other theme parks and more.
Weekly Roundup of Theme Park News
- Disney After Hours 2026 Dates were announced for Walt Disney World. That's right, After Hours is back! Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios will host After Hours on select nights in 2026. Guests can enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times, special character meet-and-greets and unlimited popcorn, ice cream novelties and bottled drinks. After Hours is a specialty ticketed event, with tickets going on sale Oct. 9 for Disney Resort guests and Oct. 14 for the general public. Of course, you can also save when purchasing through your favorite frogs at Undercover Tourist.
- LEGOLAND California just revealed details on its first new coaster in 20 years. The Galacticoaster will be a space-themed indoor roller coaster designed for families. It’s set to open in early 2026 and marks a big expansion for the park to include two additional space-themed attractions, Junior Astronaut Training Zone and Galactic Grub and Gear. Prepare for lift off!
- Start your engines! Universal Studios Hollywood is adding some serious speed with Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Opening sometime in 2026, this new outdoor coaster will launch riders at speeds of up to 72 mph along a 4,100-foot track. The ride experience includes multiple launches and 360-degree spinning cars, making it Universal Destinations & Experiences' fastest coaster to date. Stay tuned for more!
- From regions beyond, guests aboard the Disney Treasure can embark on a new interactive experience: a Haunted Mansion-themed scavenger hunt. This activity begins in October and invites you to use your DisneyBand+ to uncover hidden ghosts throughout the ship. Once complete, head to the Haunted Mansion Parlor for a swinging wake with Madame Leota.
- The upcoming Disney Destiny is on her way to begin sea trials as she prepares for her inaugural sailing in November. This Heroes and Villains–themed ship will bring larger-than-life storytelling to the seas, continuing Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of one-of-a-kind experiences. The Disney Destiny will be home to the Doctor Strange-inspired Sanctum lounge, the pirate-themed Cask & Cannon pub and De Vil’s, a "101 Dalmatians" piano bar.
- Downtown Disney is getting into the fall spirit! Downtown Disney is hosting free Halloween-themed movie nights every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. The event is first-come, first-served and features family-friendly films. Nearby, the Disney Wonderful World of Sweets cart offers limited-time M&M’S Chocolate treats, available from Sept. 19 through Oct. 31, 2025.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
