12 New Disney World Menu Items to Try This Summer

12 New Menu Items Just Debuted at The Hollywood Brown Derby and Sunshine Seasons

To start, Disney World rolled out a batch of new dishes in the final days of June, and they are on menus now as you plan your July visit. In total, Disney Eats revealed 12 new items across two popular spots. First, a full seasonal refresh arrived at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Meanwhile, a fresh set of bowls and desserts landed at Sunshine Seasons in EPCOT.

Below, you will find every one, restaurant by restaurant. Of course, prices change often, so check current pricing in the My Disney Experience app before you order.

The New Disney World Menu Items by Restaurant

The Hollywood Brown Derby: 7 New Dishes

Photo Credit: Disney Eats

First up, the signature restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard refreshed its menu with new entrees and desserts. In all, five new plates and two new desserts join the lineup.

Pan-Roasted Halibut: Leek vichyssoise risotto, peas, and citrus.
Char Grilled Octopus: Herb-roasted potatoes, chimichurri, and chipotle-harissa aioli.
Fried Pork Chop: Yuzu beurre blanc and summer vegetables.
Braised Center-Cut Short Rib: Hominy purée, roasted vegetables, smoky adobo glaze, and beef jus.
Filet Mignon: Rhubarb-red wine demi-glace, Yukon gold potato, and braised endive.
Honey Pot de Crème: Strawberry compote, salted streusel, and ginger sponge cake.
Vanilla-Fruit Cheesecake: Vanilla cheesecake, peach sponge, strawberry panna cotta, streusel, strawberry-peach compote, mango coulis, and a crunchy tuile.

Photo Credit: Disney Eats

Sunshine Seasons: 5 New Items

Next, the quick-service food court at the base of The Land pavilion added three customizable rice bowls and two desserts. Notably, each bowl is built over cilantro-lime rice.

Photo Credit: Disney Eats

Plant-based Sofritas Bowl: Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, onions, peppers, plant-based feta, and pico de gallo.
Pork Carnitas Bowl: Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, onions, peppers, cotija, and pico de gallo.
Beef Barbacoa Bowl: Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, onions, peppers, cotija, and pico de gallo.
Mickey-shaped Strawberry Lemonade Macaron: A pink macaron with lemonade filling and a strawberry jam center.
Peanut Butter Cookie: Topped with cookies-and-cream icing.

Photo Credit: Disney Eats

Planning a Visit

First, Sunshine Seasons is quick service, so you can simply walk up and order. The Hollywood Brown Derby, however, is a signature table-service restaurant that takes reservations, and it can be hard to book on short notice. Therefore, set a MouseDining dining reservation alert so you get notified when a Brown Derby table opens. As a result, you can grab it yourself before your trip.

Photo Credit: Disney Eats

New Disney World Menu Items: Frequently Asked Questions

How many new menu items did Disney World add?
In total, Disney Eats revealed 12 new items for summer 2026: seven at The Hollywood Brown Derby and five at Sunshine Seasons. Moreover, they debuted in the final week of June, so they are on menus now.

What is new at The Hollywood Brown Derby?
First, five new entrees arrived: Pan-Roasted Halibut, Char Grilled Octopus, Fried Pork Chop, Braised Center-Cut Short Rib, and Filet Mignon. In addition, two new desserts join them, namely the Honey Pot de Crème and the Vanilla-Fruit Cheesecake.

What is new at Sunshine Seasons?
Altogether, five items debuted. First, there are three rice bowls: Plant-based Sofritas, Pork Carnitas, and Beef Barbacoa. Then, two desserts round it out, a Mickey-shaped Strawberry Lemonade Macaron and a Peanut Butter Cookie with cookies-and-cream icing.

Where are these restaurants?
First, The Hollywood Brown Derby sits on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Meanwhile, Sunshine Seasons is inside The Land pavilion at EPCOT.

Do I need a reservation?
Yes for one, but not the other. Specifically, The Hollywood Brown Derby is table service and takes reservations. Sunshine Seasons, by contrast, is quick service, so no reservation is needed.

How much do the new menu items cost?
Prices vary and change often. Therefore, check the My Disney Experience app for current pricing before you order.

In other Disney World dining news this week, one EPCOT restaurant is on a clock. See why you should visit Coral Reef Restaurant before it closes on September 8.

Coral Reef Restaurant Closing at EPCOT September 8

News By Kim Fidler July 1, 2026 Tags: Coral Reef, Coral Reef Closing, Epcot Restaurant, Restaurant Closure, walt disney world No Comments

Coral Reef Restaurant Closing at EPCOT: Dine Under the Aquarium Before It’s Too Late

Disney just dropped a surprise on EPCOT diners. Coral Reef Restaurant, the seafood spot where you eat beside a living coral reef, will close beginning September 8, 2026. Disney has not shared a reason. If you have ever wanted a table next to the aquarium, your window is closing fast.

Here is what you need to know, why you should book now, and exactly what to order before the lights go out.

A Surprise Closure With No Explanation

According to Disney’s official website, Coral Reef Restaurant will be temporarily closed beginning September 8, 2026, and is expected to reopen later in 2026. No specific reopening date has been set.

What makes this one stand out is the silence. Most scheduled Disney closures come with a stated reason, even a broad one like refurbishment. This notice gives none. Coral Reef also quietly switched to dinner-only service in late 2025 after lunch was removed, which points to softening demand at this location.

Some industry watchers speculate the closure is a cost move during September, a slow stretch between the summer and fall crowds. That is speculation only. Disney has not confirmed any reason for the closure.

The timing is notable for another reason. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs August 27 – November 21, 2026. Coral Reef will be closed once the festival gets going, so if it is on your must-do list, plan to visit before September 8 rather than counting on it during the event.

Why You Should Book Coral Reef Now

To be clear, this is a temporary closure. Disney’s website says Coral Reef is expected to reopen later in 2026. The catch is that no reopening date has been announced, so the restaurant could stay dark for months, and there is no guaranteed way to know when those aquarium-side tables return.

That uncertainty is the reason to go now. The stretch before September 8 is your sure thing. Dinner is the only service each day, and reservations at this one-of-a-kind spot tend to fill fast once word of a closure spreads. If Coral Reef has been on your Disney bucket list, treat this summer as the deadline and book before Labor Day weekend.

Photo Credit: Disney

What Makes Coral Reef Unlike Any Other Disney World Restaurant

Coral Reef sits inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in EPCOT’s World Nature. The entire dining room wraps around one wall of the pavilion’s massive saltwater aquarium, with panoramic windows standing about 8 feet tall.

That tank is one of the largest re-created ocean environments on the planet. It holds enough water to fill 54 Olympic-sized swimming pools and is home to roughly 2,000 sea creatures across more than 60 aquatic species. As you eat, watch for sharks, sea turtles, and rays gliding past your table. Seating is tiered, so nearly every seat gets a clear view of the water.

The mood matches the setting. Lighting stays low, and the room glows in soothing blues and greens. It is one of the few places at Walt Disney World where the entertainment is the meal’s backdrop.

Top Menu Items to Order Before It’s Too Late

The menu leans seafood, with plenty of options for guests who do not eat fish. Prices change often, so check current pricing in the My Disney Experience app before you go.

Seafood Favorites

Lobster Bisque: A long-running guest favorite and the classic way to start your meal.
Seared Mahi Mahi: One of the restaurant’s signature entrees.
Surf and Turf: Filet mignon paired with grilled shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes, and key lime chimichurri.

Photo Credit: Disney

For Non-Seafood Eaters

Cajun Chicken Pasta: Cajun-spiced chicken with parmesan cream sauce, roasted mushrooms, peas, peppers, and onions.
Caribbean Salad: Tomatoes, onions, avocado, crispy plantains, pigeon peas, and key lime vinaigrette.

Desserts Worth Saving Room For

Chocolate Mousse Bar: Chocolate ganache, almonds, and an orange coral garnish.
Key West Sunset: A key lime tart with chantilly and raspberries.
Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding: Served with vanilla ice cream, warm rum caramel, and shaved coconut.

Signature Drinks

Coral ‘Rita: A margarita made with Patron Anejo tequila and Cointreau.
The Abyss: Vodka, rum, blue curacao, and pineapple juice.
The Shark Tank: A refreshing lemonade inspired by the aquarium, and a fun pick for kids.

How to Book Before September 8

Coral Reef serves dinner only and typically opens at 5:00 p.m. Reservations open 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app or website. You will need valid EPCOT admission for the day of your reservation, since a dining reservation does not include park entry.

With a closure looming, tables are likely to book up fast. Set a MouseDining dining reservation alert so you get notified the moment a Coral Reef table opens, and grab it before September 8. If you work with a travel agent, they can help you plan the rest of your trip around it.

Coral Reef Restaurant Closing: Frequently Asked Questions

When is Coral Reef Restaurant closing?
Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT will close beginning September 8, 2026.

Is Coral Reef Restaurant closing for good?
No. Disney’s website lists it as a temporary closure and says the restaurant is expected to reopen later in 2026. No reopening date has been announced.

Why is Coral Reef Restaurant closing?
Disney has not given an official reason. Any explanation beyond that is speculation.

What food does Coral Reef Restaurant serve?
Mostly seafood, plus steak, chicken, and vegetarian options. It serves dinner only and typically opens at 5:00 p.m.

What makes Coral Reef Restaurant special?
The dining room wraps around a wall of the saltwater aquarium inside The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion, where sharks, sea turtles, and rays swim past your table while you eat.

How do I get a Coral Reef reservation before it closes?
Reservations open 60 days in advance in the My Disney Experience app, and you will need EPCOT admission for that day. Set a MouseDining dining reservation alert to catch a table before September 8.

Disney expects Coral Reef back later in 2026, but with no date on the calendar, the weeks before September 8 are your safest bet. If it is on your list, now is the time. For more of this week’s Disney World food news, see our roundup of the 12 new menu items that just landed across the resort.

Disneyland Evening Ticket: $59 Nighttime Deal 2026

News, Special Events By Kim Fidler July 1, 2026 Tags: $59 Disneyland ticket, Disneyland Evening Ticket, Disneyland Nighttime Ticket, Disneyland ticket sale No Comments

Disneyland’s $59 Evening Ticket: The Nighttime Deal and a Plan for Each Park

Disneyland just handed summer guests a rare deal. The new $59 Disneyland Evening Ticket, which many fans are already calling the $59 nighttime ticket, gets you into one park for the evening on select nights this summer. It is one of the lowest Disneyland ticket prices in years, and it lands in the final days of the 70th Celebration.

Here is everything you need to know before you book the Disneyland Evening Ticket, plus a ready-to-go plan for a great night at each park.

What is the Disneyland Evening Ticket?

Price $59 per person, ages 3 and up, for admission to one park. Kids 2 and under visit free.
Dates Sundays through Wednesdays, July 12 – August 5, 2026.
Entry times Disneyland Park from 7 p.m. Disney California Adventure Park from 5 p.m.
How long you get Your ticket is good through park close. Disneyland typically closes around midnight and Disney California Adventure around 10 p.m., so you get about five hours either way.
On sale now Buy through the Disneyland website or the Disneyland app. For your other tickets, hotel, and the rest of the trip, a travel agent can handle the booking.

How big is the discount? A regular one-park Disneyland ticket runs from about $104 on the lowest days up to $224 on the busiest. At $59, the Evening Ticket comes in around 60% off a typical weekday ticket, and up to 68% off a Sunday. You trade a full day for about five evening hours, so the value depends on how much you pack into that window.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Read this before you book

A few rules shape how you plan your night.

Park reservations are required and they come from a separate, limited pool. Book your date as early as you can, since Disney warns availability gets harder to find as the offer winds down.
One park only The Evening Ticket does not include park hopping.
Fine print Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable, cannot be combined with other discounts, and are limited to eight per day.
Plan around a late start Lightning Lane options can be limited this late in the day, and most daytime character meet-and-greets have usually wrapped by then. You can often still catch Mickey and friends in Town Square at Disneyland and on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure.

Last chance to catch the 70th after dark

Here is the real reason to grab an Evening Ticket now. The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration wraps up on August 9, 2026, just days after this offer ends. That makes these nights one of your final, and most affordable, chances to see the anniversary’s headline entertainment before it retires. Put these on your list.

Paint the Night The dazzling nighttime parade lights up Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park with more than a million LED lights. Anna and Elsa ride the Frozen float for the first time since the parade’s original run. It is scheduled through August 20, 2026.
Wondrous Journeys This Disneyland Park nighttime spectacular turns Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, and “it’s a small world” into a moving canvas that celebrates Walt Disney Animation Studios. It is a projection show at its core, and Disney adds fireworks on select nights. Fireworks have been running nightly through the summer, but showtimes can change, so click the Disneyland app to confirm the plan for your date.
World of Color Happiness! Over at Disney California Adventure, this water, light, and projection show closes out the 70th on Paradise Bay. Its final performances run through August 9, 2026, before World of Color One takes over.
Tapestry of Happiness While you are near Fantasyland, watch the “it’s a small world” facade come alive with this nightly projection tribute.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disneyland or Disney California Adventure: which should you pick?

You can only choose one park per ticket, so here is the quick verdict. Want the most hours and the new headliner? Pick Disney California Adventure. Its 5 p.m. start gives you two extra hours, and you get the brand-new Soarin’ Across America plus World of Color Happiness! to close the night. Want classic Disneyland magic and the most nighttime entertainment? Pick Disneyland Park. You get Pirates of the Caribbean with its new effect, plus both Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys in the same evening. Just remember park hopping is not included, so commit to one before you book.

A perfect night at Disneyland Park

Your window opens at 7 p.m. Here is a plan that mixes classics, a headliner, and a sit-down dinner.

Head straight to New Orleans Square Start your night where Disneyland feels most magical after dark.
Ride Pirates of the Caribbean and watch for the new effect The ride reopened in late June with a next-generation animatronic in the treasure grotto. A pirate now transforms from a living soul into a skeleton and back in real time as he lifts a cursed gold coin. Sit on the left side of your boat and keep your eyes on the treasure pile.
Reserve dinner at Blue Bayou The waterside restaurant sits right inside the Pirates building, so you can drift past the glowing lanterns on the ride, then go enjoy that view for yourself. Tables here book up fast. Let MouseDining help you lock in a reservation so it is one less thing to chase.
Add the nearby heavy hitters You are steps from Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Jungle Cruise. Cross into Frontierland for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, now running its new Mandalorian and Grogu mission.
Time the parade and the fireworks Claim a Main Street, U.S.A. spot for Paint the Night, then stay for Wondrous Journeys. Check the Disneyland app for showtimes so you can ride during the first showing and watch the second, or the other way around.
Finish in Tomorrowland If you still have time before close, Space Mountain and the Matterhorn Bobsleds tend to move quickly late at night.

Photo Credit: Disney

A perfect night at Disney California Adventure Park

Your window opens earlier here, at 5 p.m., which gives you a little daylight to start.

Fly the new Soarin’ Across America The Disney California Adventure version opens July 2, 2026, taking you from sea to shining sea across more than a dozen American landscapes, set to a fresh arrangement of the classic score. It is one of the most in-demand rides in the park, so grab a Lightning Lane return time as soon as you enter if you can. See our full guide to Soarin’ Across America for more tips.
Book a table on Buena Vista Street or Pixar Pier Carthay Circle is the park’s signature sit-down spot and an easy walk from the entrance. Lamplight Lounge on Pixar Pier is the more casual pick, with waterfront views and a lively vibe. Either one works well for an early dinner before the evening crowd builds.
Hit the headliners Work in Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! in Avengers Campus, then WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure next door. In Cars Land, Radiator Springs Racers is the park’s top draw, and on Pixar Pier the Incredicoaster and Toy Story Midway Mania are both back from refurbishment.
End with World of Color Happiness! Grab a viewing spot along Paradise Bay for the 70th water and light spectacular. Its last performances run through August 9, so an Evening Ticket night is a perfect time to catch it. See the Disneyland app for showtimes.

Want MouseDining to handle the dining reservations for either park? Set a dining alert with MouseDining and we will help you build the night around your must-do rides.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

The “maximize your ride time” plan

Only have five hours and want to spend every minute on rides and entertainment? Eat before you walk in.

Downtown Disney does not require a park ticket, so you can enjoy a full sit-down meal there before your entry time. Book a table before 7 p.m. for a Disneyland night, or before 5 p.m. for a Disney California Adventure night. Finish dinner, walk to the gates, and use your entire window for attractions instead of a dinner break. See our guide to the newest Downtown Disney restaurants to pick your spot.

Time it right Aim for a reservation that wraps up 20 to 30 minutes before your park entry time.
Stay close Downtown Disney sits steps from both park entrances, so the walk in is quick.
Let us book it MouseDining can reserve your Downtown Disney table too, so your night runs on schedule.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Is the Evening Ticket worth it?

For the right guest, it is one of the best summer values Disneyland has offered in a while. Locals, weekend visitors, and anyone adding a Disney night to a Southern California trip get cooler temperatures, a park lit up after dark, and a much lower price. Add in the final nights of the 70th entertainment and the value climbs. The trade-off is time. You get about five hours, and the late start limits Lightning Lane. If you plan your must-dos in advance and stay through close, the math works in your favor.

Turning your evening into a bigger trip? A travel agent can line up your hotel, dining, and the rest of your days so the Evening Ticket drops neatly into the plan, often with room and package deals you will not find on your own. Reach out to your travel agent to build the full itinerary around your night in the parks.

Frequently asked questions

Is the $59 nighttime ticket the same as the Disneyland Evening Ticket?

Yes. The Evening Ticket is Disney’s official name for the offer. Many guests call it the $59 nighttime ticket. They are the same limited-time summer deal.

What are the Disneyland Evening Ticket dates?

The ticket is valid Sundays through Wednesdays, July 12 – August 5, 2026. It went on sale June 30, 2026.

What time can you enter with the Evening Ticket?

You can enter Disneyland Park starting at 7 p.m. or Disney California Adventure starting at 5 p.m. Either way, your ticket is good through park close, which is typically around midnight at Disneyland and 10 p.m. at Disney California Adventure.

Can you park hop with the Evening Ticket?

No. The Evening Ticket is good for one park only, and park hopping is not included. Decide which park you want before you book.

How much do you save?

A regular one-park ticket runs about $104 to $224 depending on the date. At $59, you save roughly 60% off a typical weekday ticket and up to 68% off a Sunday.

Do you have to be a California resident?

No. Unlike the California Resident ticket deals, the Evening Ticket has no residency requirement. Anyone can buy it, up to eight tickets per day, and a park reservation is required.

Where do you buy the Evening Ticket?

Buy it on the Disneyland website or the Disneyland app. Reservations come from a separate, limited pool, so book your date as early as you can. For the rest of your tickets and trip planning, a travel agent can take the booking off your plate.

Disneyland or Disney California Adventure: which is better with the Evening Ticket?

Both parks give you the same five hours, so it comes down to what you want. Disney California Adventure starts earlier at 5 p.m. and offers the new Soarin’ Across America plus World of Color Happiness! Disneyland Park starts at 7 p.m. and offers Pirates of the Caribbean with its new effect plus two nighttime shows, Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys. Pick based on the earlier start versus the extra nighttime entertainment.

Ready to go? Check reservation availability and buy your Evening Ticket on the Disneyland website or app. To wrap the rest of your tickets, hotel, and dining into one plan, reach out to your travel agent, and let MouseDining help with the dining so your night is set.

Disneyland Holidays 2026: Dates & Haunted Mansion

News, Special Events By Kim Fidler July 1, 2026 Tags: Haunted Mansion Holiday, Holidays Disneyland, small world holiday No Comments

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort 2026: Dates, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and What’s New

The most magical time of year is coming back to the Disneyland Resort, and this year the calendar comes with a twist. Disney has confirmed when the Disneyland holidays 2026 season begins, locked in the Haunted Mansion Holiday closure and opening dates, and quietly told us what is returning. Here is everything you need to start planning, plus the one date change that catches a lot of guests off guard.

Here is something worth knowing before you compare coasts. At Walt Disney World, much of the marquee holiday entertainment lives behind a separately ticketed hard-ticket party like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Jollywood Nights. At Disneyland, it works the other way around. Nearly all of the holiday magic is included with regular park admission. That means the parade, the fireworks, the ride overlays, the decor, and the snow on Main Street, with no separate party ticket required. It’s an amazing value if you’re looking for a holiday heavy Disney trip.

When Do the Holidays Start at Disneyland in 2026?

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort officially begin November 18, 2026. That is the date listed on the official Disneyland calendar, and it is later than the resort’s recent norm.

For more than a decade, the holiday season kicked off on the Friday of the Veterans Day weekend. In 2026 that would have been November 6. Instead, you are looking at a start roughly ten days later. With Christmas already one of the busiest stretches of the year, a shorter season means crowds get compressed into fewer days. If you have flexibility, plan around it.

Disney has not yet announced an official end date for the 2026 holiday season. Based on recent years, expect the celebration to wrap in the first week of January 2027. We will update this article once Disney confirms the final date.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Haunted Mansion Holiday: The Star of the Season

No overlay at Disneyland does it quite like Haunted Mansion Holiday. The classic attraction transforms into a collision of two holidays, with Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, Oogie Boogie, and the rest of the Halloween Town crew from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas taking over the eerie estate. The soundtrack changes. The pacing shifts. Entire rooms tell a different story.

The centerpiece is the gingerbread house in the ballroom scene. Disney’s teams build a brand-new design every single year, right down to a scent that fills the room. Tracking the new creation has become a tradition of its own for return guests.

One detail worth knowing: this is a single, continuous overlay. Haunted Mansion Holiday opens with Halloween Time and stays in place straight through the Christmas season. It does not close and reset between the two. So if you visit anytime from late August through early January, you are riding the holiday version.

That also means the classic Haunted Mansion is unavailable at Disneyland for most of the fall and winter. If you prefer the original, here is the good news: the classic Haunted Mansion runs year-round at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It does not get the seasonal overlay, so you can experience the timeless version any time of year over in Florida.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Haunted Mansion Closure Dates for 2026

Here is the closure that surprises people. To install the overlay, the classic Haunted Mansion goes down for refurbishment first.

Haunted Mansion closed: August 8 – August 20, 2026
Reopens as Haunted Mansion Holiday: August 21, 2026 (the first day of Halloween Time)

If your trip falls in early-to-mid August, the attraction will be down while Jack and friends move in. Plan accordingly.

At the other end of the season, the overlay comes back out and the classic Haunted Mansion returns. That removal closure usually starts in early-to-mid January and runs roughly ten days to two weeks. Disney has not yet posted the 2027 removal dates. For reference, last season the overlay’s final day was January 11 and the classic ride reopened January 23. We will update this guide when the new dates appear on the calendar.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

What Else Is Confirmed for the 2026 Holidays

During Disney’s “Halfway to the Holidays” celebration in late June 2026, the resort confirmed that several fan favorites are coming back. Nothing brand-new was announced, but the return of these classics is now official:

“it’s a small world” Holiday wraps the attraction in thousands of lights and blends the classic tune with carols like “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls,” a Disneyland exclusive you will not find at Walt Disney World
Christmas in Cars Land brings the holiday overlays back to Radiator Springs including Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
Haunted Mansion Holiday continues from Halloween Time into the Christmas season, as noted above
A Christmas Fantasy Parade returns to Disneyland Park with festive floats, characters in their holiday best, and Santa
Believe… In Holiday Magic fireworks light up Sleeping Beauty Castle with pyro, projections, and snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

Based on the official Disneyland holidays page, you can also expect the experiences that round out the season each year: characters in festive attire, Santa, snow on Main Street, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle lit each evening, and the Festival of Holidays celebration over at Disney California Adventure with food, entertainment, and ¡Viva Navidad! Downtown Disney joins in with a family-friendly ornament search, too.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

What We Are Still Waiting On

A few pieces of the 2026 holiday puzzle have not been confirmed yet. Treat the following as still-to-come rather than locked in:

The official holiday season end date
Seasonal dining menus and character dining details
Details for the holiday guided tour
The 2027 Haunted Mansion overlay removal dates
World of Color information

The biggest open question is which version (if any) of World of Color takes the nighttime slot at Disney California Adventure this season. The holiday edition, World of Color – Season of Light, usually returns for Christmas. But World of Color – ONE came back for the Halloween season, so Disney has not confirmed which show runs once the holidays begin. We will update this article as soon as Disney confirms its World of Color holiday plans.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Start Planning Your Holiday Visit

The combination of a later start date and a compressed season makes early planning more important than usual this year. Dining reservations open up to 60 days in advance, and the most popular tables go fast during the holidays. If you’re thinking of a trip, the time to contact your favorite authorized Disney Travel Agent is now.

Headed to the resort earlier in the fall? See our complete Halloween Time at Disneyland 2026 guide for everything during the spooky season, including more on Haunted Mansion Holiday.

New Downtown Disney Restaurants: Open Now & Coming Soon

News By Kim Fidler July 1, 2026 Tags: disneyland resort, Downtown Disney, Restaurants No Comments

Downtown Disney Restaurants Are in the Middle of Their Biggest Food Glow-Up Ever

Something is happening on the west end of the Disneyland Resort, and your taste buds are going to want in on it.

The Downtown Disney District has spent the last couple of years swapping out old favorites for a fresh lineup of restaurants, food halls, and carts. Some are already open and serving. Several more are on the way. Here is what you can eat right now, plus what to watch for next.

One quick note before you plan. Menus, hours, and prices change often, so always check the Disneyland app for the latest details before you go. You do not need a park ticket to eat in Downtown Disney, which makes it an easy date night or a relaxed first or last day of your trip.

New Downtown Disney Restaurants Open Now

Earl of Sandwich (New Permanent Flagship)

Opened June 26, 2026

The biggest news in the district right now. After years of pop-ups and temporary spots, Earl of Sandwich finally has a permanent two-story home near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage, between Din Tai Fung and D-Lander. It is the largest Earl of Sandwich in the entire chain. You will still find the toasted hot sandwiches fans love, plus two new additions: The Carvery, an open carving station where pastrami is sliced fresh in front of you, and The Pub, serving draft beer, wine, and frozen cocktails. An expanded bakery rounds it out with oversized cookies and cinnamon rolls.

The restaurant is in its soft opening period now, with the official grand opening set for July 15, 2026. The upstairs gastropub, Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, has not opened yet (see the Coming Soon section below).

Three to try:

The Original 1762, roasted beef, cheddar, and horseradish sauce
The Full Montagu, the loaded house classic with roast beef and turkey
Earl’s Pastrami, the new Carvery signature with fresh-carved pastrami, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Dijonnaise on marbled rye

Earl of Sandwich is one of the most budget-friendly sit-down options in the district. It is open daily, generally from 8 a.m. to late, but click into the Disneyland app for current hours.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Happy Ice

Opened June 19, 2026

Happy Ice traded its pop-up days for a permanent home in Downtown Disney, landing on Juneteenth just in time for summer. This Philadelphia-style Italian water ice spot is a refreshing walk-and-snack pick, and it is debuting a treat made especially for Disney.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Din Tai Fung

Opened July 1, 2024

This world-famous Taiwanese brand picked Downtown Disney for its first-ever standalone, built-from-the-ground-up location. Expect handcrafted dumplings, family-style sharing, and a line worth planning around. Din Tai Fung uses its own reservation system, so book ahead and arrive hungry.

Three to try:

Pork Xiao Long Bao, the signature soup dumplings the whole brand is built on
Pork Chop Fried Rice, a crispy, savory crowd favorite
Green Beans, fresh, flavorful and everyone’s favorite side

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Paseo

Opened May 1, 2024

Climb the staircase to this upstairs table-service stunner from Mexico’s first Michelin-starred chef, Carlos Gaytan. Paseo pairs Mexican heritage with French technique in an elegant dining room and bar, plus an upper patio with fresh views of the district. This is your sit-down, special-occasion pick.

Three to try:

Cochinita Pibil, roasted marinated pork built from the chef’s mother’s recipe
Pulpo Enamorado, roasted octopus finished with a creamy tuna aioli
Mejillones, mussels with saffron, chorizo, and pickled jalapenos

Centrico

Opened May 1, 2024

Centrico is the lively, social heart of the new Downtown Disney, also from Chef Gaytan. Think upscale Mexican plates, tequila-forward cocktails, and an open, airy courtyard feel. It takes reservations and walk-ins, so it works whether you planned ahead or not.

Three to try:

Quesabirrias, rich and crispy birria-stuffed tacos
Chicken Enchiladas, a comforting house favorite
Tlayuda, a shareable Oaxacan dish that eats like a crunchy pizza

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Tiendita

Opened May 1, 2024

Tiendita is the grab-and-go member of Chef Gaytan’s trio. Order from a self-serve kiosk and watch the team work through the kitchen window. It is also open for breakfast, which makes it a great fuel-up before rope drop.

Three to try:

Esquites, warm roasted Mexican street corn
Fish Tacos, a quick and satisfying classic
Chilaquiles, marinated tortilla chips with egg for breakfast

Parkside Market

Opened January 5, 2025

Parkside Market is a two-story food hall on the west end of the district. Order downstairs and grab a table, or head upstairs for full service, a bar, and two patio balconies. One handy perk: the downstairs counters share an ordering system, so your group can mix and match across menus. It’s like four Downtown Disney restaurants in one. Here is what you will find inside.

GG’s Chicken Shop

A family-friendly chicken spot from Michelin-starred Chef Lee Wolen, and the brand’s first West Coast location. Sandwiches, strips, salads, and sides are the move here.

Three to try:

Original Fried Chicken Sandwich, with pickles, cabbage, spicy mayo, and hot honey on a brioche bun
Crispy Chicken Strips, hand-breaded and generously sized
The California Salad, with avocado, roasted sweet potato, and tahini miso dressing

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Seoul Sister

A quick-service spot serving Korean rice bowls with a California twist. Build your bowl, pick your sauce, and customize to your table’s taste.

Three to try:

Bibimbap Rice Bowl, with your choice of meats and vegetables
Japchae Noodle Bowl, the same fresh build over glass noodles
Korean-Inspired Salad Bowl, a lighter option with house sauces like kogi, kokio, or gochu

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Parkside Market Coffee

The food hall’s cozy cafe for signature lattes, teas, frozen drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and small bites. You can mobile order here, which is perfect for a morning caffeine grab.

Vista Parkside Market

The upstairs full bar with two patio balconies. Sip signature cocktails, mocktails, frozen lemonades, and espresso martinis. Snag a spot on the right-hand balcony for a view of the bands on the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage at night.

Coming Soon to Downtown Disney

Here is where the district is headed next. One important heads-up: Disney has confirmed each of these restaurants is coming, but has not announced official opening dates for them. Anything you see elsewhere claiming a specific opening day is speculation until Disney says so. We will update this guide the moment dates are official.

Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby

Upstairs from the now-open Earl of Sandwich, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is opening a 1960s British Invasion themed gastropub named after London’s Carnaby Street. Expect a full bar, indoor and outdoor seating, live music energy, and Ramsay signatures. The Earl of Sandwich below is open, but this second-floor gastropub is still to come. It’s one of the Downtown Disney restaurants we’re most looking forward to. Opening date not yet announced by Disney.

What Disney says to expect:

Beef Wellington, Chef Ramsay’s most famous dish
Fish and Chips, a crisp British classic
Sticky Toffee Pudding, the decadent finish

Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon

Taking over part of the former Tortilla Jo’s space, this full-service steakhouse comes from Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori. Look for prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, chops, salads, and sandwiches, anchored by a lively center bar with an impressive bourbon list. Opening date not yet announced by Disney.

Pearl’s Roadside BBQ

Right next door to Arthur & Sons, and also from Chef Isidori, Pearl’s brings a quick-service barbecue option with house-made sauces. Opening date not yet announced by Disney.

What Disney says to expect:

Pulled Pork, slow-cooked and saucy
Beef Brisket, a barbecue staple
Smoked Heritage Turkey, served with craft beers and moonshine cocktails

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe

The Southern California fan favorite is finally coming to Downtown Disney, on the former La Brea Bakery and Earl of Sandwich site. This will be the first Porto’s with sit-down table service and a full bar. Out of all of the quick service options, this is the one we’re looking forward to the most. Opening date not yet announced by Disney.

What Disney says to expect: Porto’s signature Cheese Rolls, Potato Balls, Cuban-inspired pastries, cakes, and savory dishes. Portions are small, can be ordered a la carte and easily shared. We can’t wait to have a Porto’s feast in Downtown Disney!

Bopo Go!

Boba is coming to the district. Bopo Go! is a spinoff of Southern California’s Bopomofo Cafe from Eric and Philip Wang, built on high-quality ingredients with no artificial additives. It will take over the current Jamba location. Opening date not yet announced by Disney.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Big Boi Lumpia Co.

A Los Angeles-based Filipino comfort food cart from Chef Barb Batiste is joining the district, serving savory and sweet lumpia with signature dipping sauces. The location within Downtown Disney and the opening date have not been confirmed yet. (Its counterpart, the Happy Ice cart, is already open and listed above.)

Plan Your Downtown Disney Meal

The district is changing fast, and the food keeps getting better. For current menus, prices, hours, and reservations, click into the Disneyland app before your visit. Walk-ups are often available at the table-service spots, but a reservation makes busy nights so much easier.

See you in Downtown Disney. Bring your appetite.

Disney World Fireworks: Every Way to Watch (2026)

General, Special Events By Kim Fidler June 29, 2026 Tags: Epcot, Fireworks, Fourth of July, Happily Ever After, Luminous, Magic Kingdom, walt disney world No Comments

Every Way to Watch Fireworks at Walt Disney World (2026 Guide)

Few moments top a Walt Disney World day like the sky lighting up over Cinderella Castle. The good news is you have far more than one way to see it. You can watch from a packed Main Street curb, a quiet resort beach, a private boat, a covered restaurant patio, a moving gondola, or your own balcony.

This guide walks you through all of it. You will find the nightly shows in each park, the dessert parties and dining packages, the restaurants with a view, the private cruises, the resorts with fireworks-view rooms, and the unique angles most guests never think to use. We also cover the special shows for the Fourth of July and the after-hours holiday parties.

Showtimes shift by season and weather, so always confirm the current schedule in the My Disney Experience app before you head out.

The Nightly Fireworks Shows, Park by Park

Start here, because the regular shows are included with your park ticket. No extra purchase required.

Magic Kingdom: Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After is the marquee show and the one most people picture. It pairs perimeter fireworks with full castle projections set to a soaring score. It runs nightly on most evenings, usually once per night. On hard-ticket party nights the park closes early and Happily Ever After does not play, so plan your visit on a non-party night if this is your goal.

The classic head-on view is the central plaza in front of the castle. For a different angle on a repeat viewing, the platform above the Main Street Train Station puts you above the crowd and gives you the quickest exit. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and the back of the castle near Prince Charming Regal Carousel offer quieter, lesser-known perspectives.

After the fireworks, watch for the nightly Electrical Water Pageant, a floating parade of light-up sea creatures that drifts across Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. You can catch it from the Magic Kingdom area resorts and beaches, and it makes a gentle encore to the main show.

EPCOT: Luminous The Symphony of Us

Luminous The Symphony of Us is EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular over World Showcase Lagoon. It blends fireworks, fountains, lasers, and lights set to an original score plus Disney songbook favorites. Because the lagoon is large, the crowd spreads out more than at Magic Kingdom. Many show elements sit lower to the water, so aim for a spot right along the lagoon railing for the best view. If you visit in late November or December, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays surrounds the lagoon with Candlelight Processional, Holiday Kitchens, and storytellers, a festive backdrop for the show. See our EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2026 guide for dates and details.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Fantasmic! and Wonderful World of Animation

Hollywood Studios does not run a traditional aerial fireworks show, but it offers two nighttime options. Fantasmic! is a water-and-light spectacular in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater that includes pyrotechnics, projections, and a cast of characters. Wonderful World of Animation is a projection show on the Chinese Theater with sparkle accents. If you want pyro, Fantasmic! is your pick.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom does not have fireworks, and that is by design. The park is home to hundreds of live animals, and loud booms and bright nighttime bursts would stress them. Disney keeps the skies quiet here to protect their wellbeing. Plan your fireworks night at one of the other parks, and enjoy Animal Kingdom for its daytime experience instead.

Dessert Parties and Fireworks Dining Packages

Want a guaranteed spot and a treat in hand? These add-ons trade a higher price for less stress and a reserved view. None are required for a good view, but they are worth it for a first viewing, a celebration, or a busy holiday week.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties

All three take place at Tomorrowland Terrace and include a spread of desserts and drinks inspired by each land in the park. The difference is when and where you watch.

Pre-Party Enjoy desserts first, then move to a reserved standing area in the Plaza Garden for the show.
Post-Party Watch from the reserved Plaza Garden area first, then return for desserts after.
Seats & Sweets Stay seated on the Tomorrowland Terrace patio the entire time, with table seating for the show.

Pricing starts around $99 per adult for the pre-party and post-party, with Seats & Sweets running higher. Prices vary by date, so see the My Disney Experience app for current numbers. Book up to 60 days out and keep checking, since cancellations open up often. MouseDining can set an alert for these hard-to-get reservations, so you do not have to keep refreshing the app yourself.

EPCOT Luminous Dining Packages

EPCOT offers a full sit-down meal plus reserved patio viewing of Luminous. You stay in your seat for the whole show.

Rose & Crown Dining Room A prix fixe British meal with an appetizer, entree, dessert, and unlimited beverages. The patio offers an excellent open view over the lagoon. Starts around $92 per adult.
Spice Road Table Mediterranean small plates, a shared tagine, a dessert platter, and unlimited beverages on a covered patio in the Morocco pavilion. Starts around $81 per adult.

Both reserve a lagoon-front section, though Rose & Crown is the more coveted view. Confirm current pricing and showtimes in the app before booking.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Hollywood Studios Fantasmic! Dining Package

The Fantasmic! Dining Package pairs a meal at a participating Hollywood Studios restaurant with reserved seating in the Fantasmic! amphitheater. Choices range from 50’s Prime Time Cafe to The Hollywood Brown Derby to the Hollywood & Vine character meal. Your section is reserved, but seats within it are first come, first served, so still arrive early for the center rows.

Restaurants With a Fireworks View

You do not need a dessert party to dine with the show. Several signature restaurants pipe in the music, dim the lights, and time your meal around showtime so you can step out and watch.

California Grill At the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this rooftop signature has floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor observation deck. The lights dim and the Happily Ever After music plays inside, and the kitchen schedules service around the show. Step onto the deck for a close, elevated view of Magic Kingdom.
Narcoossee’s This waterfront spot at Disney’s Grand Floridian looks across Seven Seas Lagoon toward the castle. The fireworks music is piped in, and you can step out to the dock to watch.
Topolino’s Terrace On the rooftop of Disney’s Riviera Resort, you can catch EPCOT’s Luminous, and on a clear night, glimpses of more than one park. Time your reservation around the show and head to the terrace.

Because these restaurants book around the nightly show, reserve a table for the window that lines up with fireworks time, then confirm the showtime in the app two weeks out and again the day of.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Private Fireworks Cruises and Boat Tours

For a crowd-free view from the water, charter a private boat. These are pay-one-price outings, so they get more economical the larger your group.

Private Fireworks Cruises put your party on a pontoon boat with a Disney captain who positions you on the water for either Happily Ever After or Luminous. Magic Kingdom cruises depart from the monorail resort marinas. EPCOT cruises depart from Disney’s Yacht Club. Snacks, water, and soft drinks are included, and the captain can decorate the boat for a celebration on request. Boats seat up to 10 guests, and theme park admission is not required.

Pricing is per boat, not per person, which is what makes a bigger group such a good value. Rates start around $449 plus tax and vary by date. For the Fourth of July weekend, July 3 – July 5, 2026, rates start higher, around $499 plus tax per boat, and you must call to check availability. Book up to 60 days in advance through the app or by phone, and confirm your show two weeks out, since fireworks can be rescheduled or canceled for weather.

Capacity is very limited. Only a small number of boats sail each night, so these cruises sell out fast and are often fully booked in the near term, including the current week. Book as far ahead as you can, and let MouseDining set an alert so you hear the moment a cancellation opens up.

Resorts With Fireworks-View Rooms

Here is the perspective many guests overlook. You can watch from your own balcony. Disney labels a room as a theme park or fireworks view only when the view is genuinely strong, so booking the right category and requesting a high floor makes a real difference. Outside the parks you trade the projections for scale, and the pyro looks enormous from across the water.

Magic Kingdom Area Resorts

Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary The closest and most elevated view. Theme Park View villas on higher floors look straight at the castle, with fireworks reflecting off the water.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Theme park and Bay Lake view rooms deliver a close angle over Tomorrowland. The fourth-floor observation deck is open to all and a reliable free spot.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort The Island Tower sits southwest of the castle, so the view is nicely centered with Seven Seas Lagoon in the foreground. The resort beach is a beloved viewing spot with the music piped in.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lagoon-facing and corner rooms catch the show across the water. The marina near Gasparilla Island Grill lines up directly with the castle.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge A quieter option. Nature Fireworks View rooms and the Old Faithful Club level can glimpse the show over the treetops.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

EPCOT Area Resorts

Disney’s Riviera Resort Standard rooms on high floors see Spaceship Earth lit up and a good slice of Luminous, plus distant Magic Kingdom bursts. Topolino’s Terrace on the rooftop catches multiple parks at once.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas Higher water-view and BoardWalk-view rooms facing EPCOT can catch the tall Luminous bursts over Crescent Lake.
Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts Select rooms get fireworks views, and the shared Stormalong Bay pool area sees the higher EPCOT pyro.
Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs The budget-friendly pick, with tower views toward both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios from a Moderate resort price point.

Unique Viewing Perspectives

These are the angles that turn a fireworks night into a story you retell. Most are free.

From the Disney Skyliner

Yes, you can catch fireworks from the gondola. Riding the Skyliner during EPCOT’s show gives you a moving, in-air vantage point you cannot get anywhere else, and the bridge and overlook near the Caribbean Beach station offer a distant view of the higher bursts. The Skyliner is also the smoothest way to clear out after EPCOT, since it tends to run later in the evening. Confirm operating hours that day, and remember the gondolas pause during lightning.

From the Monorail and Resort Decks

The monorail loop links three resorts with strong castle views, which makes a relaxed resort-hop a fun way to spend a fireworks evening. The Contemporary’s fourth-floor deck, the Polynesian beach, and the Grand Floridian marina all line up with the castle, and several pipe in the show music. One heads-up: the monorail resorts restrict parking to guests with a room or dining reservation near showtime, so plan to arrive by monorail, boat, or with an Advance Dining Reservation.

From Elevated Spots Inside the Parks

At Magic Kingdom, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover gives you a calm, elevated, often walk-on view during the show, and you can sometimes re-ride. The platform atop the Main Street Train Station rises above the crowd. At EPCOT, the upper level of the Japan pavilion near Mitsukoshi looks out over the lagoon with fewer people than the bridges.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Seasonal and Special-Event Fireworks

Certain nights swap the regular show for something bigger or rarer. These are worth building a trip around.

Fourth of July 2026

Independence Day brings the most patriotic pyro of the year, and 2026 is expanded as part of the nationwide 250th anniversary celebration. Magic Kingdom presents Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, with perimeter fireworks and a simultaneous display over Seven Seas Lagoon for a near 360-degree effect. EPCOT adds a patriotic finale tag to Luminous. Both are currently scheduled across three nights, July 3 – July 5, 2026, the first time the holiday has run over three nights at both parks.

Dates and showtimes can change, and the third night has shifted in past years, so reconfirm in the My Disney Experience app closer to your visit. Expect very high crowds and arrive early for a spot.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

This separately ticketed Magic Kingdom event runs select nights from August 7 – October 31, 2026, from 7:00 PM to midnight, and party ticket holders can enter as early as 4:00 PM. The exclusive fireworks show is Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, hosted by Jack Skellington, with projections, lasers, and a haunted-house storyline starring Mickey and friends. It is the only fireworks at Magic Kingdom on party nights, so Happily Ever After does not play. Tickets generally run from around $119 to $229 by date, and two Halloween dessert parties at Tomorrowland Terrace offer reserved viewing. Confirm current pricing with Disney. For every party night and our planning tips, see our Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guide.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The holiday after-hours party returns to Magic Kingdom select nights from November 8 – December 22, 2026, again from 7:00 PM to midnight with 4:00 PM early entry. Its signature show is Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, a festive spectacular with castle projections and classic carols. The party also brings snowfall on Main Street, the holiday parade, and complimentary cookies and cocoa. The Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks dessert party returns as a separate add-on. After the final party on December 22, the holiday fireworks often move to regular park hours for day guests through the end of the month. For dates, tickets, and the full lineup, see our Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 guide.

Disney Jollywood Nights

Over at Hollywood Studios, this after-hours holiday event runs 15 select nights from November 7, 2026 – January 5, 2027, extending into January for the first time. You can enter as early as 5:30 PM, with the party running from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Its nighttime spectacular, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, pairs projections and fireworks for a Hollywood-style holiday show you will not see during regular park hours. For the full lineup and every party night, see our Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 guide.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

New Year’s Eve

Disney rings in the new year with special presentations on December 30 and 31. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT both stage holiday fireworks, and EPCOT adds dance parties around World Showcase. These are among the busiest nights of the year, so claim a spot well ahead. Confirm the lineup in the app as the dates approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Magic Kingdom have fireworks every night?

Almost every night. Happily Ever After runs nightly on most evenings, except on hard-ticket party nights with early closures, when the party’s exclusive show plays instead. Always check the app for that day’s schedule.

Can you see fireworks without going into a park?

Yes. Resort beaches, marinas, observation decks, the Skyliner, and many resort rooms all offer views, often with the music piped in. Theme park admission is not required for a private fireworks cruise either.

Which resorts have the best fireworks-view rooms?

For Magic Kingdom, look at Bay Lake Tower, the Contemporary, the Polynesian Village (Island Tower), and the Grand Floridian. For EPCOT, look at the Riviera, the BoardWalk, and the Beach and Yacht Club. Request a high floor for the best odds.

Are the dessert parties and dining packages worth it?

They are not required for a good view, since plenty of free spots work well. They shine when you want a guaranteed, low-stress spot, a treat in hand, or a celebration, especially during a busy holiday week.

Can you watch fireworks from the Skyliner or monorail?

You can catch EPCOT’s show from the Skyliner and its stations, and Magic Kingdom’s show from the monorail resort decks and beaches. Neither transit system positions you for a full, head-on view, but both make for a memorable angle.

What special fireworks shows happen in 2026?

Disney’s Celebrate America! over the Fourth of July, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular during the Halloween party, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks during the Christmas party, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! during Jollywood Nights, and special New Year’s Eve presentations.

Our Best Fireworks Tips

There is no single best way to watch Walt Disney World fireworks, only the one that fits your night. Splurge on a private cruise for a celebration, book a dessert party for a stress-free first viewing, or simply find a quiet resort beach and let the show come to you. Whatever you choose, confirm the schedule in the My Disney Experience app, arrive early, and look up.

La Poutinerie at EPCOT: Menu, Prices, and What Changed at the Canada Pavilion

News By Kim Fidler June 28, 2026 Tags: Canada Pavilion, Disney food, Epcot, Epcot Restaurant, La Poutinerie, Walt Disney World Resort No Comments

La Poutinerie at EPCOT: Menu, Prices, and What Changed at the Canada Pavilion

La Poutinerie opens July 1, 2026, at EPCOT, and it gives the Canada Pavilion a fresh new flavor. This Canadian-themed quick-service spot replaces Refreshment Port near the entrance to World Showcase, and it leans all the way into poutine. Below you will find the full La Poutinerie menu, current prices, and a clear look at how it differs from the stand it replaced.

What is La Poutinerie?

La Poutinerie is a quick-service counter at EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion, hosted by Air Canada. The airline serves as the Official Canadian Airline of Walt Disney World Resort, so the partnership ties neatly into the pavilion theme. You will order at the same window Refreshment Port used, just before you reach Canada in World Showcase, facing the lagoon.

The new concept does more than swap a name. Disney rethemed the building with fresh stonework on the columns, a repainted roof, updated signage, and a centerpiece of Canada geese in flight. New maple trees, flowers, and landscaping round out the look, so the location now feels built into the pavilion rather than parked beside it.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

When does La Poutinerie open?

La Poutinerie opens July 1, 2026, which is also Canada Day. That timing fits the Air Canada partnership and gives Disney a splashier debut. The location closed as Refreshment Port on January 12, 2026, and it has been under refurbishment ever since.

The full La Poutinerie menu and prices

The menu centers on two poutines, then adds a short Canadian drink list with both non-alcoholic and alcoholic picks. Disney published the full lineup with prices on its official website and in the My Disney Experience app. Here is everything.

Prices reflect Disney’s announced menu and can change. You need valid ID for any alcoholic order.

What La Poutinerie replaced, and how it is different

La Poutinerie takes over the exact spot that Refreshment Port held for years. If you visited before, you remember a grab-and-go stand with a wider mix of snacks. Refreshment Port served multiple poutines, chicken fingers, a dessert, and DOLE Whip, plus rotating festival items. It sold poutine, but it never built its identity around the dish.

La Poutinerie flips that approach. The new stand narrows the food menu to two signature poutines and makes the Canadian classic the whole point. So you trade variety for focus, and you get a more defined Canadian theme in return.

What is gone

DOLE Whip, which longtime fans grabbed at this spot for years
Chicken fingers and the former dessert offering
The broad grab-and-go snack mix, now replaced by a tighter poutine lineup

What is new or expanded

A dedicated poutine focus, with a classic version and a Montréal smoked meat version
New Spiced Apple drinks, including a frozen slushy and a vodka mule
An expanded alcohol list with Canadian-leaning beer and sparkling wine
A full retheme of the building, signage, and landscaping

One note for returning guests. The classic Québec: L’authentique poutine is the same recipe Refreshment Port served before the switch, so your go-to fries, curds, and gravy survive the makeover.

Will festival poutine return during Food and Wine?

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival runs starting August 27, 2026. In past years, this location served festival-only items like the Braised Beef Poutine. Disney has not confirmed festival offerings for La Poutinerie yet, so treat that as a hopeful maybe rather than a sure thing. We will update this guide if the festival menu adds anything here. For festival planning, see our 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival guide.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Frequently asked questions

What is replacing Refreshment Port at EPCOT?

La Poutinerie, a Canadian-themed quick-service stand hosted by Air Canada, replaces Refreshment Port at EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion. It opens July 1, 2026.

When does La Poutinerie open?

La Poutinerie opens July 1, 2026, on Canada Day. Refreshment Port closed on January 12, 2026, for the refurbishment.

How much does poutine cost at La Poutinerie?

Poutine starts at $10.99 for the Québec: L’authentique. The Montréal: Viande Fumée with smoked meat runs $12.49.

Where is La Poutinerie located?

You will find La Poutinerie in EPCOT’s World Showcase at the Canada Pavilion, in the former Refreshment Port spot, facing the World Showcase Lagoon.

Does La Poutinerie still serve DOLE Whip?

No. The announced menu focuses on poutine and Canadian drinks, so DOLE Whip is not part of the new lineup.

Who sponsors La Poutinerie?

Air Canada hosts La Poutinerie. The airline is the Official Canadian Airline of Walt Disney World Resort.

Planning an EPCOT day around World Showcase? La Poutinerie gives the Canada Pavilion a stronger snack stop, and the classic poutine still anchors the menu. Add it to your route, then bookmark this page for any festival updates we spot after opening day.

Disney Springs Transportation Change: What Every Visitor Needs to Know

News By Kim Fidler June 27, 2026 Tags: disney news, Disney Springs, Disney Transportation, Disney Update, walt disney world No Comments

Disney Springs Transportation Change: What Every Visitor Needs to Know

The Disney Springs transportation change is now in effect. As of June 28, 2026, you need a qualifying reservation to board a resort bus or the Sassagoula River Cruise from Disney Springs. Here is what changed, who keeps access, and how a dining reservation fits in.

What is the Disney Springs transportation change?

Walt Disney World limits who can board resort-bound buses and boats that leave Disney Springs. Cast members check for a valid reservation before you board. Guests without one are turned away.

The change is permanent. Disney ran the same verification during New Year’s and the Easter season, and it is now a standing rule. The restriction applies only at Disney Springs.

When did the change take effect?

The new policy took effect Sunday, June 28, 2026. It now applies to every trip, so plan for it before you go.

Which transportation is affected?

Two services are affected at Disney Springs. The first is the resort bus service to the Disney hotels. The second is the Sassagoula River Cruise, which carries guests by boat to Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter.

Everything else stays the same. The monorail, the Skyliner, and the buses and boats at the parks and resorts still run for every guest, free of charge.

Who can still ride the buses and boats?

You keep access if you can show one of these:

Disney resort hotel stay (an active reservation at a Disney hotel)
Dining reservation (a table booking at the resort you are heading to)
Enchanting Extras or experience reservation (a recreation or special booking at that resort)

Guests at the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green receive the same access as other on-site guests.

One detail matters if you ride on a dining or experience reservation. You can board within two hours of your reservation time, so build that window into your plan.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

What if you do not have a reservation?

You can still enter Disney Springs. It stays free to visit, with its own parking. To reach a resort without a qualifying reservation, park at a theme park first, then ride Disney transportation from there. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios both work well as hubs.

How a dining reservation keeps your access

A dining reservation now does double duty. Book a table at the resort you want to visit, and that same reservation clears you to board the bus or boat.

Heading to Disney Springs itself to eat? You do not need transportation clearance to walk in. You just need a table. The top spots book fast, so reserve early.

Top 3 Disney Springs restaurants worth a reservation

If a Disney Springs meal is on your list, start with the three tables that consistently rank at the top and sell out first.

The BOATHOUSE (waterfront American seafood, steaks, and chops in The Landing, and one of the hardest weekend tables to get)
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Southern comfort food and famous fried chicken, and one of the most requested reservations in the district)
Morimoto Asia (Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s pan-Asian dining room, set in a striking two-story space in The Landing)

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

All three open reservations 60 days out and fill quickly for Friday and Saturday dinner. Book the moment your window opens, or check availability on MouseDining.com. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, be sure to set an alert.

Want help deciding where to eat? See the MouseDining dining guides for menus, must-order dishes, and booking tips. Planning a holiday trip? See our 2026 Disney World holidays guide for party dates, events, and room offers.

What this means for MouseDining readers

Plan your reservations before you go. If a resort meal is on your itinerary, book it early so you keep your transportation options open. If you are staying off-site, add a theme park stop to your resort-hopping plan. A little planning keeps the new rule from slowing you down.

For current pricing on any restaurant, check the menu in the My Disney Experience app, since prices change throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Disney Springs transportation change take effect?
The policy took effect June 28, 2026.

Do I need a reservation to enter Disney Springs?
No. Disney Springs stays free to enter with its own parking. The reservation rule applies only to resort buses and boats.

Does a dining reservation let me ride the bus?
Yes. A dining reservation at the resort you are visiting qualifies, within a two-hour window.

Are the monorail and Skyliner affected?
No. Those services, plus park and resort buses and boats, run for all guests as usual.

Disney World Holidays 2026: Changes, Confirmed Parties, and Events

News, Special Events By Kim Fidler June 26, 2026 Tags: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Holidays, Jollywood Nights, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Walt Disney World Holidays No Comments

Disney World Holidays 2026: Changes, Confirmed Parties, and Events

The holidays at Walt Disney World Resort 2026 are now mapped out. Disney confirmed the full season on June 24, 2026, including two notable changes, both after-hours parties, and the festive offerings included with park admission. Here is everything confirmed so far, from the retired Grand Floridian gingerbread house to the expanded Christmas party dates.

What is confirmed for Disney World holidays 2026?

The 2026 holiday season at Walt Disney World runs November 13, 2026 – January 6, 2027. During that stretch, all four parks, the resort hotels, and Disney Springs get seasonal decorations, entertainment, and special food and drink.

Two separately ticketed parties headline the season. Plenty of seasonal fun also comes included with regular park admission. First, here are the changes you need to know about before you plan.

The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is retired for good

Disney has permanently retired the life-size gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It will not return for the 2026 season or any future year.

The display debuted in 1999 and became one of the most-visited holiday stops at Walt Disney World. It stood in the Grand Lobby and took the culinary team months to plan and build each year. The house also skipped 2025 because of the lobby remodel that brought in The Perch lobby bar.

In its place, the Grand Floridian culinary team will create smaller gingerbread displays around the resort. Disney has not released details on those displays yet. Expect more information closer to the start of the season.

Cinderella Castle Dream Lights will not return

The Cinderella Castle Dream Lights will not light up Magic Kingdom for the 2026 holidays. Many guests asked Disney to bring back the icicle effect, but it stays retired this year. Instead, Disney will use projection effects on the castle for its nighttime holiday look.

Which gingerbread displays are still happening?

The retirement applies only to the Grand Floridian. Disney expects its other resort gingerbread traditions to continue, including these favorites:

Gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Gingerbread Cinderella Castle display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Gingerbread house at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Gingerbread animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Chocolate cabin at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Treat this list as expected rather than final. Disney usually confirms its gingerbread lineup, start dates, menus, and merchandise in late October or early November.

After-hours holiday parties confirmed for 2026

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Two separately ticketed parties return for the 2026 season. Both need a special ticket on top of, or in place of, regular park admission. Tickets go on sale July 9 for Disney resort hotel guests and July 16 for the general public.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom on 25 select nights, November 8 – December 22, 2026. The party runs 7 PM – 12 AM, and you can enter the park as early as 4 PM.

Confirmed party nights:

November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29
December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22

Highlights include Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade with its marching toy soldiers, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, the Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show, snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A., holiday ride overlays, and complimentary cookies and cocoa.

Prices vary by night. See Disney or the My Disney Experience app for current ticket pricing.

See our full Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 guide for every party night, the entertainment lineup, and character greetings.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Jollywood Nights

Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for its largest season yet. The event runs 15 nights, November 7 – January 5, 2027, and extends into January for the first time.

Confirmed party nights:

November 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23
January 3, 5, 2027

This glitz-and-glamour party leans into vintage Hollywood. Confirmed entertainment includes the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! fireworks, the Glisten! ice show, Disney Holidays in Hollywood hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and a Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along. Themed party zones return, including the Tip Top Club near Tower of Terror. Special character greetings include Duffy, Santa Stitch, and Disney Afternoon characters.

Prices vary by night. See Disney for current ticket pricing. The limited-time food lineup has not been released yet.

See our full Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 guide for every party night, the shows, and the character lineup.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays returns November 27 – December 30, 2026, included with park admission. The festival celebrates seasonal traditions from around the world across World Showcase. See our full EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2026 guide for the Candlelight Processional, Holiday Kitchens, and more.

Confirmed offerings include:

Candlelight Processional (the Nativity story told by a celebrity narrator with a live orchestra and mass choir)
Holiday Storytellers around World Showcase
Holiday Kitchens food booths
Holiday Cookie Stroll
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition scavenger hunt
Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display and countdown
Glimmering Greenhouses overlay on Living with the Land

Disney will announce the Candlelight Processional narrator list and the Holiday Kitchens menus at a later date. We will update this guide once those drop.

Holiday offerings included with park admission

You can skip the after-hours parties and still find plenty of seasonal fun across the resort. Here is what Disney confirmed at each park.

Magic Kingdom

Two favorites return with regular admission. The Jingle Cruise gives the Jungle Cruise a madcap holiday makeover. A Frozen Holiday Surprise brings a stage show and projection mapping to Cinderella Castle. On non-party nights, the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade continues to run.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sunset Seasons Greetings returns to Sunset Boulevard with snow flurries and projection mapping on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Festive decor and seasonal character appearances round out the park.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The Merry Menagerie returns to Discovery Island with artisan-crafted animal puppets. After dark, the Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition lights up with seasonal projections and music. Mickey and Minnie greet guests in holiday outfits at Adventurers Outpost. Artist Rob Kaz will appear at Island Mercantile from November 1 – November 22.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Holidays at Disney Springs

Disney Springs needs no ticket or park admission, and it returns as a festive shopping and entertainment stop. Confirmed offerings include the Christmas Tree Stroll with trees inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars, nightly snowfall in Town Center, live music at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage, and Santa appearances. Seasonal menus return at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar.

Holiday room and package offers for 2026

Disney confirmed several ways to save on a holiday stay with the Disney Resorts Collection. Here are the current offers and the dates they cover.

Disney+ Perks members: save on select packages

Disney+ Perks members save up to 25% on rooms and get free Park Hopper benefits added to their ticket. The deal applies when you buy a 4-night, 4-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels. It covers the holiday season plus select fall dates. Valid for stays most nights:

September 25 – October 8, 2026
October 19 – 31, 2026
November 15 – 28, 2026
December 13 – 24, 2026

Get the full offer details from your travel agent.

Save up to 20% on rooms

Save up to 20% on select rooms with the Disney Resorts Collection this holiday season. Valid for stays:

Most Sunday to Thursday nights, October 4 – November 19, 2026
Most nights including weekends, November 22 – December 24, 2026

Your travel agent can provide the full offer details and availability.

Florida residents: save up to 25% on rooms

Florida residents save up to 25% on select rooms with the Disney Resorts Collection this holiday season. Valid for stays select nights from October 19 – December 24, 2026.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

What this means for your holiday trip

Book your parties early. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights both sell out dates most years, so mark July 9 and July 16 on your calendar. If a stop at the Grand Floridian gingerbread house was on your list, swap it for the Beach Club carousel or the Contemporary castle display this year.

For exact ticket pricing on a given night, check the My Disney Experience app, since party prices vary by date.

Related holiday guides

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 Disney World holiday season?
The season runs November 13, 2026 – January 6, 2027.

What are the 2026 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates?
The party runs 25 select nights, November 8 – December 22, 2026, from 7 PM to 12 AM.

What are the 2026 Disney Jollywood Nights dates?
Jollywood Nights runs 15 nights, November 7 – January 5, 2027, and extends into January for the first time.

When do holiday party tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale July 9 for Disney resort hotel guests and July 16 for the general public.

What holiday offerings are included with park admission?
Plenty, including the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, the Jingle Cruise and A Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom, Sunset Seasons Greetings at Hollywood Studios, and the Merry Menagerie at Animal Kingdom.

Are there discounts for the 2026 Disney World holidays?
Yes. Disney confirmed room and package offers, including a Disney+ Perks package deal, a save-up-to-20% room offer, and a Florida resident room offer. See the offer details linked above.

Is the Grand Floridian gingerbread house coming back?
No. Disney has permanently retired it. Smaller gingerbread displays will appear around the resort instead.

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2026: Dates, Food, and Entertainment

News By Kim Fidler June 26, 2026 Tags: Candlelight Processional, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, Holiday Kitchens, Holidays at Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Resort No Comments

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2026: Dates, Food, and Entertainment

The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2026 returns November 27 – December 30, 2026, included with regular park admission. The festival fills World Showcase with global holiday traditions, the Candlelight Processional, Holiday Kitchens, and a gingerbread Spaceship Earth. Here is everything Disney has confirmed.

What is the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays?

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth celebrates how cultures around the world mark the season. You get holiday storytellers across World Showcase, seasonal food booths, live entertainment, festive decor, and the Candlelight Processional. The festival comes with regular EPCOT admission, though food and drinks cost extra.

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2026 dates

The festival runs November 27 – December 30, 2026. It opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through the heart of the season, giving you just over a month to take it all in.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

The Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional returns nightly at the America Gardens Theatre. The performance pairs a celebrity narrator with a mass choir and a full orchestra for a retelling of the Christmas story, with multiple showtimes each evening.

Disney has not announced the 2026 celebrity narrators or the Candlelight Processional dining package details yet. Both usually arrive closer to the festival, and we will update this guide when they do.

Holiday Kitchens and food

The Holiday Kitchens return with seasonal bites and drinks from around the world, and each booth carries its own menu tied to holiday traditions. Disney plans to release the full Foodie Guide closer to the festival.

The Holiday Cookie Stroll also returns. Buy five qualifying cookies from participating Holiday Kitchens, collect a stamp for each in your Festival Passport, then redeem the completed stroll for a bonus treat.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Live entertainment

Beyond the Candlelight Processional, the festival brings back these performances:

Holiday Storytellers (live tellings of seasonal traditions throughout World Showcase)
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season (a gospel, jazz, and R&B show built around Christmas and Kwanzaa)
Voices of Liberty as the Dickens Carolers (Victorian-era holiday caroling)

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Decor and displays

Every World Showcase pavilion gets its own festive theme. A few highlights stand out:

Gingerbread Spaceship Earth display (with the Celebration Countdown presented by Citizen lighting the icon after dark)
Spaceship Earth holiday lighting (a separate nightly lighting treatment on the sphere)
Glimmering Greenhouses on Living with the Land (the boat ride decked out with lights and seasonal displays)
Scentsy Festive Fragrances garden

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Family fun and characters

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition scavenger hunt returns across World Showcase for a small fee. Santa Claus greets guests during the festival, including a location inside CommuniCore Hall, and Goofy appears in his holiday best.

Disney has not yet shared the full Holiday Kitchens menus, the Candlelight narrators, or the complete entertainment schedule. We will update this guide as each lands.

Save on your holiday stay. Disney has holiday room and package discounts for the 2026 season, including a Disney+ Perks package offer and room savings on select dates. See the full list in our 2026 Disney World holidays guide, then call your travel agent to check dates and book your trip.

Festival of the Holidays Santa Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

What this means for MouseDining readers

This festival is the most budget-friendly headline event of the season, since it comes with park admission. Build a slow World Showcase evening around the Candlelight Processional, then snack your way through the Holiday Kitchens.

Related holiday guides

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Frequently asked questions

What are the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays dates?
The festival runs November 27 – December 30, 2026.

Is the festival included with park admission?
Yes. The festival comes with regular EPCOT admission. Food and drinks at the Holiday Kitchens cost extra.

Who are the 2026 Candlelight Processional narrators?
Disney has not announced them yet. The narrator lineup and dining package details usually arrive closer to the festival.

What is the Holiday Cookie Stroll?
Buy five qualifying cookies from participating Holiday Kitchens, collect a stamp for each, then redeem the completed stroll for a special treat.

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