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
- From Mardi Gras to the holidays, you can expect seasonal fun all year long at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando released more details about its 2026 events lineup, including dates for Halloween Horror Nights (confirmed to start Aug. 28 and end Nov. 1) and Holidays at Universal (daily from Nov. 14, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027). Volcano Bay Nights is also set to return (dates to be announced), as well as Harry Potter-inspired celebrations — Butterbeer Season (March 1 to May 31) and Back to Hogwarts (Aug. 1 to Sept. 1).
- The holiday season may be over, but the party isn't stopping! The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration continues on (now through Aug. 9, 2026). After taking a pause for the holidays, Wondrous Journeys and the Celebrate Happy cavalcade are back, as well as Mickey and friends' special 70th party outfits. Starting Jan. 30, 2026, Paint the Night returns to light up Main Street, U.S.A. And what's a party without food? More new and returning bites are now available throughout the resort.
- Every year, Disneyland teams up with the Anaheim Ducks for a fun-filled day at Disney California Adventure Park, celebrating the NHL hockey club. On Feb. 22, 2026, fans can meet select Ducks players and Wild Wing, join the Take Flight Fan Rally and even test out their own hockey skills at the fan zone in Hollywood Land. Plus, there will be Ducks-inspired photo-ops, exclusive merch and specialty food and beverage items.
- The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is serving up a feast for your eyes and taste buds! From vibrant rainbow cakes and Figment-inspired treats to bold bites including soft shell crab sliders and deconstructed BLTs, the menus are pure edible art. Running daily from Jan. 16 to Feb. 23, 2026, this festival is a colorful culinary adventure you won't want to miss. Check out the full list of items in our Festival of the Arts menus post!
- On your mark, get set, go! The runDisney 2026-2027 race schedule is here, and it's time to mark your calendars. This season, Disney World will host its usual four race events: Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Oct. 22-25, 2026), Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Jan. 6-10, 2027), Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 25 - March 1, 2027) and Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 8-11, 2027). Races at Disneyland have paused due to upcoming construction around the resort, but there will still be opportunities to join virtual races, including a brand-new Halloween theme.
- Summer is shaping up to be a frogtastic time to visit Disney World! Cool Kids' Summer returns from May 26 to Sept. 8, 2026, with even more family-friendly activities across the resort. New this year, Toy Story pals will take over the Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom for some rootin' tootin' fun. Plus, Disney confirmed both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open from May 26 to Sept. 8. During this time, Disney Resort hotel guests can enjoy free admission to one of the water parks on their arrival day.
- Lock in your Disney World vacation now! Along with the news of summer hoppenings, Undercover Tourist is offering several limited-time deals for vacation packages, theme park tickets, hotels and even Florida Resident tickets. Find out more info about saving money on Disney World tickets here.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
