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
- On July 7, 2026, Universal Epic Universe officially debuted an all-new nightly fireworks show, Universal Celestial Goodnight. Celebrating the characters and stories of each portal, the nighttime spectacular also features dancing fountains, voiceovers, synchronized lighting and a musical score, as the fireworks light up the night sky. Check out our YouTube video below to watch the full show! And that wasn't the only new Celestial Park offering that day. Located at the former Meteor Astropub pickup window, Satellite Shakes now offers three specialty milkshakes via mobile ordering through the Universal Orlando app.
- In other epic news, Universal Orlando announced a new after-hours event, Universal Nights at Epic Universe. Taking place Oct. 3 and 17, 2026, the limited-capacity event will allow guests to stay later than ever before at Epic Universe from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. All attractions and experiences will be open, along with character meet-and-greets, unlimited snacks and a refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle cup. Tickets will go on sale Aug. 13, 2026.
- A fan-favorite show has been confirmed to return to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida this season, though completely re(vamp)ed. Leaving the circus behind, Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir will lure you into a vampire-ridden metropolis with death-defying stunts. Hop here for all our tips for planning your visit to Universal's premier scare event, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
- The new live-action "Moana" is now in theaters, and you can get a taste of tropical flavors with two "Moana"-inspired treats at Disney World. Find the Motunui Ube Sundae — ube soft-serve with tropical fruits, coconut, raspberry crumbs and macadamia — at Anandapur Ice Cream Truck in Animal Kingdom. And after you explore the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT, hop over to The Land Cart for the Heihei Delight, a tropical blend of pineapple and coconut, topped with a pineapple slice and SKITTLES POP'd Original Freeze Dried Candy.
- A couple weeks shy of its 71st birthday, Disneyland Resort recently welcomed its one-billionth guest to The Happiest Place on Earth. Selected as the special billionth guest, a family was surprised with an honorary ceremony and photo-op with the Disneyland Ambassadors, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Donald and Daisy Duck. The family also unveiled an updated population sign above the Main Street, U.S.A. train station to commemorate the milestone visit.
- Who's a good boy? Benny the Security Dog has retired after six years of working as a security cast member and keeping Disneyland guests safe. At Benny's retirement party, he ate his very first hot dog (security dogs' diets are strict!) and got showered by tennis balls, but still went for his favorite red chew toy. Benny gets to enjoy his retirement with his K9 handler, Kevin, who's excited to take Benny on hikes and play along the beach for the first time.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
