Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting news around Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood and other theme parks and cruise lines.
Weekly Roundup of Theme Park and Cruise News
- Hoppy Fourth of July! You can celebrate America's 250th birthday at Disney and Universal theme parks from coast to coast. We're breaking down all the festivities at each resort, and first up, we're covering Disneyland Resort! In honor of the 250th, the new overlay for Soarin' Across America officially debuted July 2, 2026, at Disney California Adventure Park. During the rest of the holiday weekend, catch a special pre-show tribute ahead of World of Color, "Disney's Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" fireworks (July 3, 4 and 5), military band performances and a celebratory cavalcade (and of course, there will be red, white and blue treats!).
- Meanwhile, at Walt Disney World Resort, the majority of the festivities are taking place at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. "Disney's Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" fireworks will light up the sky above Cinderella Castle on July 3, 4 and 5, at Magic Kingdom, and the "Heartbeat of Freedom" finale follows directly after Luminous at EPCOT. There will also be a flyover by the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing from Patrick Space Force Base over Magic Kingdom and EPCOT beginning at 10:30 a.m. July 4 (weather permitting). Be sure to catch special lighting on Spaceship Earth, echo set performances by the Voices of Liberty, characters in patriotic outfits, specialty treats and more. Hop over to our Fourth of July at Disney World guide for all the details!
- Universal Studios Hollywood invites you to its star-spangled celebration on July 3 and 4, 2026, featuring a new fireworks show (starting at 9 p.m.), live fife and drum performances and festive decor — all included with general park admission. Plus, there will be limited-time treats at select CityWalk locations.
- Over at Universal Orlando, enjoy Fourth of July fun all across the resort, from a special holiday fireworks show at Epic Universe (9 p.m.) to live DJs in CityWalk. At Universal Studios Florida, you'll also find live DJs, characters and a brief pyrotechnics show at 10 p.m. If venturing beyond the theme parks, select Universal hotels are offering dining and drink specials, activities and entertainment.
- It's another house reveal! Universal is bringing the original "Hellraiser" trilogy to Halloween Horror Nights at both Orlando and Hollywood. The legendary Pinhead actor Doug Bradley will reprise his character and lend his voice to both haunted houses. Guests will enter the Lament Configuration puzzle box and ultimately end up in the Labyrinth, where Pinhead and the Cenobites eagerly await new souls to torment. "Hellraiser" joins "Stranger Things 5" and "Sinners" in this year's house lineup at Orlando and Hollywood.
- As Universal's first regional destination, Universal Kids Resort officially opened its doors July 1, 2026, in Frisco, Texas. The theme park is specially designed for kids and their families, featuring kid-friendly attractions, character meet-and-greets, playgrounds, splash pads, shows and more. Located only steps away from the park entrance, Universal Kids Resort Hotel offers colorful, fun guest rooms and family suites, complete with bunk beds, Early Park Admission and amenities (including an outdoor pool, full-service bar, fitness room and game room). You can save on discount tickets and hotel stays through Undercover Tourist!
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
