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
- Boo to you! Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates have materialized, and the spooky season is kicking off earlier than ever, with the first party taking place Aug. 7, 2026, at Magic Kingdom Park. The annual special event brings back exclusive entertainment, trick-or-treating, character greetings, specialty food, merch and more. New this year, Stitch takes over the Tomorrowland dance party, and Disney teased that you may see new and returning Disney villains creeping through the streets. Disney Resort hotel guests can buy tickets starting May 5, and tickets for the general public will become available May 12 — including discount party tickets through Undercover Tourist! In the meantime, here are our top tips for planning a Halloween trip to Disney World.
- Pair your Halloween candy haul with international bites. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival also returns this fall, hoppening daily from Aug. 27 to Nov. 21, 2026. While full menus will be released at a later time, Disney shared three returning items — Street Corn-style Dumplings, Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer and Kirschwasser Torte. Festival staples such as Emile's Fromage Montage, Remy's Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series are also confirmed.
- The Force was strong this week in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Park. The timeline has expanded in Batuu, introducing characters from the original "Star Wars" trilogy, including Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo and Darth Vader. While walking around, you can also hear John Williams' iconic score playing throughout the land. In Tomorrowland, you can still meet Kylo Ren over at Star Wars Launch Bay, and the Hyperspace Mountain overlay is back now through June 1, 2026.
- For the first time since 1976, Magic Kingdom is getting a new ferryboat, increasing the fleet from three to four! The pieces are almost ready to be shipped to Disney World property, where the vessel will be assembled and painted over the next year. It's expected to launch in 2027, ready to take guests between the Ticket & Transportation Center and the park entrance. As part of a tradition to name the ferryboats after individuals who've had a significant impact on Disney World's legacy, this fourth ferryboat will honor Meg Gilbert Crofton, Disney World's fourth president.
- The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness makes its long-awaited return this weekend, starting May 3, 2026. We're so frogcited to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with its new track, ride vehicles and Rainbow Caverns scene. Because of its new enhancements, the safety team was able to lower the height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches.
- Summer fun awaits you at Universal Orlando Resort! New and returning experiences will bring your favorite cinematic stories to life all summer long. Be sure to catch the Universal Mega Movie Parade (select dates May 23 to Aug. 23), Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular (select dates now through Aug. 23) and Hogwarts Always (select dates now through Aug. 24). Additionally, in honor of Steven Spielberg's upcoming "Disclosure Day" release and past iconic blockbusters, you'll find a Spielberg Summer Blockbusters exhibit at Universal Studios Florida, as well as "Jaws" merch, photo-ops and themed food and drinks in the San Francisco area. Plus, Volcano Bay Nights (a separately ticketed event) returns on select nights and Universal CityWalk hosts the Summer Music Series at the waterfront stage and Summer Movies Series at Cinemark. Don't miss out — take advantage of Undercover Tourist's Buy 3 Days and Get 2 Days FREE current ticket deal!
- Discovery Cove is hosting Paradise Nights this summer on select nights from June 5 to Aug. 8, 2026. This separately ticketed, family-friendly dinner show experience includes all-you-care-to-eat cuisine, beer and wine and live entertainment. If you want to elevate the night even more, there are additional add-ons, including a Premium Drink Package and a sloth encounter.
- Royal Caribbean announced that it's adding a sixth and seventh ship to the Icon Class. The unnamed ships are expected to join the fleet in 2029 and 2030, respectively. The Icon Class first debuted in 2024 with Icon of the Seas, followed by Star of the Seas in 2025. The Legend of the Seas will debut in July 2026, and then Hero of the Seas in 2027. There is also an unnamed fifth ship, which will set sail in 2028.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park and cruise news.
Hoppy planning!
