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
- We have our first bicoastal Halloween Horror Nights announcement! Based on the award-winning and record-breaking horror film, "Sinners," guests will be transported back to 1930s Mississippi, where twins Smoke and Stack have opened a juke joint. But the opening night celebration gets interrupted by Remmick and his clan of vampires, with little hope of surviving the night. Halloween Horror Nights tickets are now available for Universal Studios Hollywood, and you can save through Undercover Tourist!
- This is the way. You can now experience a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park. The ride's latest update allows the flight crew to control their destiny, with the engineers selecting which destination they'll travel to — Endor, Bespin or Coruscant. For all the details, hop over to our ride guide and check out the new mission's POV videos on our YouTube channel.
- Over the past few days, we frogs have attended a special preview of the Cool Kids' Summer fun starting next Tuesday, May 26, 2026! From rocking out with The Electric Mayhem to playing games with Bluey and Bingo, we've compiled all the experiences you won't want to miss in our Cool Kids' Summer guide. The summer event is hoppening across all four theme parks — plus the water parks, select resort hotels and Disney Springs. Looking for summer savings? The 4-Park Magic Ticket is the perfect deal to make sure you hit it all!
- We're not forgetting about the summer fun at Disneyland Resort! Disney announced new offerings for the season, including a Mickey's Park Rangers activity booklet and Youngling Saber Building Expo experience, plus returning entertainment such as Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Blast and Celebrate Soulfully. And of course, don't miss Bluey's Best Day Ever! or any of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration!
- And just in time for the summer months at Disneyland Resort, starting June 9, 2026, you will no longer need to wait until 11 a.m. to hop to your second park. You'll still need to make a theme park reservation for your starting park, but once you've scanned in, you're free to hop at anytime! Dropping the time restriction is a game-changer and will allow much more flexibility to maximize your day without having to worry about the clock.
- Hoppy birthday, Epic Universe! It's officially been a year since Epic Universe opened its portals for everyone to explore five amazing worlds. To celebrate one year, Captain Cacao, the Celestial Park icon and adorable chocolate teddy bear explorer, is now meeting guests! You can also find brand-new merch collections for all five worlds at Epic Universe and on ShopUniversal.com, with specialty items dropping throughout the summer. We frogs have done a lot of portal hopping over the past year, so we've shared everything we've learned, so you, too, can experience Epic Universe like an expert.
- Hear ye, hear ye — runDisney has a royal decree! The 2027 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend race themes have been revealed ahead of general registration, which will take place June 2, 2026. Tiana takes over the 5K, while Snow White represents the 10K. The star of the half marathon is Jasmine, and the Fairy Tale Challenge features Ariel. All the princesses embody the overall theme, "Dare to Dream."
- Dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation? Undercover Tourist now has 2027 inventory available for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa through Dec. 31, 2027. Plus, save up to 35% at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa or Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas on consecutive 4+ night stays on select days through Oct. 18, 2026.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park and cruise news.
Hoppy planning!
