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Disney After Hours 2027: Dates, Tickets, and Dinner Recs

Foodie Guide, News, Special Events By September 18, 2026 Tags: , , No Comments

Looking for a way to experience Walt Disney World with shorter lines, complimentary snacks, cooler temps, and a more relaxed pace? Disney After Hours 2027 lets you stay in the parks after they close to day guests, with a limited number of tickets, lower wait times on popular attractions, and special character meet and greets. Here is everything you need to know to plan your night, including all 2027 dates, ticket prices, the best restaurants to book in each park, and our favorite way to make the evening even better.

What Is Disney After Hours?

Disney After Hours is a separately ticketed, limited-capacity event held on select nights at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Your ticket gives you access to the park after regular hours, with much shorter waits on select attractions, complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn, and bottled beverages, and the chance to meet characters in a calmer setting. Best of all, your event ticket lets you enter the park as early as 7:00 PM, well before the official event begins. It’s pretty much the perfect night at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney After Hours 2027 Dates

Below are all the confirmed 2027 Disney After Hours dates for each park. These events are very popular and individual nights can sell out, so book early and confirm current availability with your travel agent or on DisneyWorld.com before you plan your trip.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom After Hours runs from 10:00 PM-1:00 AM, and your ticket lets you enter as early as 7:00 PM. Tickets are $189-$209 per person, plus tax, with no discounts available. The 2027 dates are:

January 11, 2027
January 18, 2027
February 1, 2027
February 8, 2027
February 15, 2027
February 22, 2027
March 4, 2027
March 8, 2027
March 15, 2027
April 5, 2027
April 12, 2027
April 26, 2027
May 17, 2027
May 24, 2027
June 14, 2027
June 21, 2027
June 28, 2027
July 15, 2027
July 19, 2027

Magic Kingdom After Hours ends after July 19 to make way for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so that is your last chance of the year.

Magic Kingdom After Hours Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

EPCOT

EPCOT After Hours runs from 9:30 PM-12:30 AM, with entry as early as 7:00 PM. Tickets are $159-$189 per person, plus tax, and Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $30 per ticket. The 2027 dates are:

January 21, 2027
February 18, 2027
April 1, 2027
April 15, 2027
April 22, 2027
May 6, 2027
May 13, 2027
June 3, 2027
June 12, 2027
July 8, 2027
July 22, 2027
July 29, 2027
August 7, 2027
August 12, 2027
August 19, 2027

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios After Hours runs from 9:30 PM-12:30 AM on most nights, with entry as early as 7:00 PM. Tickets are $159-$199 per person, plus tax, and Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $30 per ticket. The 2027 dates are:

January 16, 2027
January 27, 2027
February 13, 2027
February 24, 2027
March 13, 2027
March 17, 2027
March 24, 2027
April 7, 2027
April 24, 2027
April 28, 2027
May 19, 2027
May 26, 2027
June 2, 2027
June 9, 2027
June 16, 2027
June 23, 2027
June 30, 2027
July 5, 2027
July 12, 2027
July 26, 2027
August 4, 2027
August 25, 2027

Note that the April 24 event runs from 10:30 PM-1:30 AM instead of the usual hours.

Hollywood Studios After Hours Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Our Favorite Strategy: Book a Sit-Down Dinner During the Mix-In Hours

Here is the move that makes a Disney After Hours night truly special. Because your event ticket lets you enter the park as early as 7:00 PM, you have a generous mix-in window before the crowds clear out and the event officially begins. That window includes both regular day AND party guests, so it can feel busy. Instead of waiting for attractions, use that time to enjoy a relaxing table-service dinner inside the park.

When you dine during the mix-in hours, you are fueled up and ready to go the moment the park empties, so you can spend the rest of the night riding your favorites with little to no wait instead of stepping away for a meal. It is the perfect way to turn a great evening into an unforgettable one.

Here is another insider tip worth knowing. The complimentary bottled drinks are unlimited, so there is nothing stopping you from grabbing as many as you would like throughout the night. Stash the extras in the bottom of your stroller and take them home with you. This is especially handy if you are staying on site, since you can stock your room or resort refrigerator with drinks for the rest of your trip.

The catch? The best in-park restaurants book up fast, and the most popular reservations can disappear months in advance. That is where we come in. Let MouseDining help you snag those hard-to-get dining reservations so your After Hours night goes off without a hitch.

Top Restaurants to Book for Your Disney After Hours Night

Not sure where to dine during the mix-in hours? Here are our top table-service picks in each After Hours park. Book an early reservation, around 7:00 PM, so you finish dinner just as the crowds clear out.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom serves up some of the most iconic dining at Walt Disney World, so these tables go quickly:

  • Be Our Guest Restaurant: dine inside Beast’s enchanted castle, and do not skip “The Grey Stuff,” the cookies-and-cream dessert made famous by “Beauty and the Beast.”
  • Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen: order the “Tastes Like Chicken Because It Is!” crispy-fried chicken, and ask your server for the off-menu Brazilian cheese bread.
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table: the only spot that lets you dine inside Cinderella Castle itself, served as a prix fixe multi-course meal, so you are paying for the unforgettable experience as much as the food.

EPCOT

With World Showcase at your fingertips, EPCOT has the widest range of dining of any park:

  • Space 220 Restaurant: this prix fixe meal comes with sweeping views of Earth from “space,” so be sure to save room for the signature Cosmic Cheesecake.
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse: the Canada pavilion classic where the cheddar cheese soup and pretzel breadsticks are must-orders alongside a perfectly cooked steak.
  • Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria: split a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, like the classic Margherita, in the Italy pavilion.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios leans into themed, experience-driven dining that the whole family will remember:

  • The Hollywood Brown Derby: order the original Famous Cobb Salad and finish with the legendary Grapefruit Cake.
  • Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: grab a classic burger and a thick, old-fashioned milkshake while you watch sci-fi clips from your vintage convertible.
  • 50’s Prime Time Cafe: dig into Mom’s fried chicken or pot roast, then cool off with a hand-dipped milkshake, and remember to keep your elbows off the table.

Menus and availability can change, so confirm current offerings when you book. Ready to lock in the perfect table? MouseDining can help you land those hard-to-get reservations.

Tips for the Perfect Disney After Hours Night

  • Arrive at 7:00 PM to maximize your time in the park.
  • Book your table-service dinner for the early part of your visit, before the event officially starts.
  • Save the headliner attractions for after regular park hours, when waits are shortest.
  • Take advantage of the complimentary snacks and bottled drinks included with your ticket, and grab extra bottled drinks to stash in the bottom of your stroller and take back to your room.
  • Buy your tickets and dining reservations early, since both can sell out.

Disney After Hours 2027 Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Disney After Hours tickets cost?

In 2027, Magic Kingdom tickets run $189-$209 per person plus tax, while EPCOT and Hollywood Studios tickets run $159-$189 and $159-$199 per person plus tax.

What time does Disney After Hours start?

Magic Kingdom After Hours runs from 10:00 PM-1:00 AM, and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios run from 9:30 PM-12:30 AM on most nights. At all three parks, your event ticket lets you enter as early as 7:00 PM.

Are snacks included with Disney After Hours?

Yes. Your ticket includes complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn, and bottled beverages at select locations. The bottled drinks are unlimited, so you can grab extras to take back to your resort.

Do you need a separate ticket for Disney After Hours?

Yes. Disney After Hours is a separately ticketed event, so you need an event ticket to attend. You do not need a separate daytime ticket or park reservation to enter at 7:00 PM with your event ticket.

Ready to plan your night? Lock in your Disney After Hours 2027 tickets, then let MouseDining help you secure the dinner reservation that makes it all come together.

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2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival – Everything You Need to Know

General, News, Special Events By August 24, 2026 Tags: , , No Comments

Updated August 19, 2026: If you have been dreaming of sipping your way around World Showcase while live music drifts through the warm Florida evening air, the wait is almost over. The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival opens in just over a week, and we have the latest details to help you plan your visit.

First things first, the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival runs August 27-November 21, 2026. That is 87 days of global flavors, live entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. The late-summer-to-pre-holiday run is the event’s signature format and is nearly identical to last year’s festival window. And best yet, the entire festival is included with your standard EPCOT park ticket.

What Is the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival?

First celebrated in 1996 as a modest 30-day event, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival has grown into one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved annual traditions. Today it transforms EPCOT into a globe-trotting culinary adventure, with Global Marketplace booths scattered throughout the park offering dishes and drinks inspired by cultures across six continents.

Whether this is your first visit or your 100th, there is always something new to discover alongside the fan-favorite dishes guests plan entire trips around. The magic here is not rides or characters. It is the cumulative experience of great food, great music, and World Showcase at its absolute best.

Mark Your Calendars

The festival runs August 27-November 21, 2026, giving you an 87-day window to plan around. The best part? No separate ticket is required. Access to every booth, every concert, all of it is covered by your standard EPCOT park admission.

Global Marketplaces: A World of Flavor Awaits

One of the best parts of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is the chance to sample dishes and drinks inspired by cuisines from around the world. For 2026, Disney has released the complete Foodie Guide, giving us a look at the food and beverage offerings coming to EPCOT throughout the festival.

The 2026 festival also celebrates its 30th anniversary, with 30 dishes returning from previous years. We’ve noted those selections below, along with the new dishes and drinks joining the festival lineup this year.

CommuniCore Hall

The Wedge Hosted by Dairy Does More

Available September 18 through November 8

  • Selection of Cheeses — NEW
  • Cheesesteak Macaroni and Cheese
  • Las Jaras Superbloom Rosé — NEW
  • Crab and Corn Macaroni and Cheese — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Crab Mac N Cheese Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Cannoli Milk Shake — NEW

Food and Wine Cannoli Milkshake Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
  • Wine and Cheese Pairing — NEW

Wine and Cheese Pairing Food & Wine Festival Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Bodegas Avancia Old Vines Godello — NEW
  • Wine Flight

Festival Favorites

Available starting September 9

  • Bo Ssam Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Pork Lettuce Wraps Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Frozen S’mores
  • Beer Flight
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Trifle — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Pumpkin Mousse Trifle Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen
  • Parish Brewing Co. SIPS Cabernet Franc Strawberry Berliner Weisse
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Beach Blonde Ale
  • Potato Pierogi — 30th Anniversary
  • Frozen Apple Blossom — NEW

Frozen Apple Blossom Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

World Celebration

Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey

  • Wing Experiments: Buffalo-Dill Pickle — NEW

Buffalo Wings Food & Wine

  • Wing Experiments: Unnecessarily Spicy Yet Extremely Tasty Carolina Reaper Pepper-Curry
  • Civil Society Brewing Everyday I’m Waffle’n IPA — NEW
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Peanut Butter Blondie Blonde Ale — NEW
  • Playalinda Brewing Co. Pumpkin Cheesecake Blonde Stout
  • Ciderboys Cherry Jubilee Hard Cider — NEW
  • Wing Experiments: Garlic-Parmesan
  • Sweet Chile-Lime Plant-based Chicken Strips — NEW

Plant Based Chile Lime Chicken Strips Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Pickle Milk Shake — 30th Anniversary
  • Beer Flight
  • Ciderboys Pumpkin Spice Hard Cider
  • Wing Experiments: Korean Barbecue
  • Fried Pickle Spears
  • Frozen Pomegranate & Raspberry Tea

Frozen Pomegranate and Raspberrry Tea Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Bold Rock Apple Crumble Hard Cider
  • Hard Cider Flight

Connections Eatery

  • BBQ Braai Chicken Pizza — NEW

Chicken Pizza Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Caramel-Apple Cheesecake Baumkuchen — NEW

Caramel Apple Baumkuchen Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Frozen Waffle Old Fashioned — NEW

Frozen Waffle Old Fashioned Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Connections Café

  • Pistachio-Chocolate Mochi Doughnut — NEW

Mochi Donut Food & Wine Festival Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Near Creations Shop

Coastal Eats

Available starting October 2

  • Crab Cake
  • Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pot Pie Food & Wine Festival Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Rileys Lookout Sauvignon Blanc
  • Boyd & Blair Pomegranate Codder

Gyozas of the Galaxy

  • Basil Pesto Chicken Dumplings — NEW

Basil Pesto Dumplings Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris
  • Edamame Dumplings — NEW

Edamame Dumplings Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Street Corn-style Dumplings

Flavors from Fire

  • Rodizio-style Grilled Beef Skewer — 30th Anniversary

Beef Skewer Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Left Hand Brewing Co. Sawtooth Amber Ale
  • 1000 Stories Bourbon Barrel-Aged Zinfandel — NEW
  • Smoked Corned Beef
  • Swine Brine
  • Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding — NEW

Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

The Fry Basket

Located near Test Track presented by General Motors

  • Adobo Yuca Fries
  • Barrel of Monks Blood Orange Bliss Sour Ale — NEW
  • Fry Flight

Fry Flight Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Boyd & Blair Grapefruit Mule

World Nature

Earth Eats

Located near the Land Pavilion

Available starting October 2

  • Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib
  • Lemon-Almond-Olive Oil Cake — NEW

Lemon Olive Oil Cake Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Minute Maid Aguas Frescas – Strawberry Hibiscus
  • Harken Barrel Fermented Chardonnay

Sunshine Seasons

  • Mickey-shaped Celebration Macaron — NEW

Mickey Celebration Macaron Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Remy Milk Shake

World Showcase

Australia

Located near Disney Traders

  • Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer

Australia Shrimp Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Bulletin Place Sauvignon Blanc
  • Roasted Lamb Chop — 30th Anniversary
  • Fowles Farm to Table Shiraz
  • Mixed Berry Pavlova

Berry Pavlova Australia Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Yalumba ‘The Y Series’ Viognier
  • Wine Flight

Mexico

  • Tostada de Osso Buco — NEW

Osso Buco Tostada Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Fruta de la Pasión — NEW
  • Taco de Camarón — 30th Anniversary

Shrimp Taco Mexico Food & Wine Festival Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Mexican Craft Beer
  • Paleta de Moras — NEW

Paleta de Moras Mexico Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Cherry Nostalgia — NEW

Norway

  • Caramel Cream and Gjetost Norwegian Brown Cheese Bolle — NEW

Norway Caramel Boller Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

China

  • Dumplings Trio — 30th Anniversary

China Dumpling Trio Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Baijiu Punch
  • Smoked Duck Bao Bun
  • Mango-Peach Bubble Tea
  • Frozen Strawberry-Jasmine Cocktail
  • Beijing Zhajiang Noodles

Beijing Zhajiang Noodles Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Honghe Rice Lager Draft Beer — NEW
  • Hainan Prosperity — NEW

India

Located near China

Available starting October 2

  • Potato-Pea Samosas — 30th Anniversary

Potato Pea Samosa Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Chicken Tikka Masala — 30th Anniversary

Chicken Tikka Masala Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Mango Lassi
  • United Breweries Taj Mahal Premium Lager
  • Sula Tropicale Brut Sparkling Wine
  • Mango Lassi with Camikara 8-Year-Old Cask Aged Rum

Refreshment Outpost Hosted by Coca-Cola

  • Berbere-spiced Beef Stew
  • Breckenridge Brewery Palisade Peach Wheat Ale — NEW
  • Midnight Safari — NEW
  • Sweet Potato Mealie Pap — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Sweet Potato Mealie Pap Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Coppertail Brewing Co. Cherry Cola Hard Cider — NEW
  • South African Cream Liqueur Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Mousse South Africa Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • 3 Daughters Brewing Cinnamon Donut Hard Cider — NEW

The Alps

Located near Germany

Available starting October 2

  • Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Swiss Raclette Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Schlumberger Klassik Brut — NEW
  • Tartiflette — NEW

Tartiflette Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Salomon Undhof Stein Kremstal DAC Riesling — NEW
  • Kirschwasser Torte
  • Loimer Lois Grüner Veltliner — NEW
  • Wine Flight

Germany

  • Wiener Schnitzel — NEW

Schnitzel Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Weihenstephaner Festbier
  • Beer Flight
  • Schinkennudeln — 30th Anniversary
  • Schöfferhofer Orange Spritz Hefeweizen — NEW
  • Selbach-Oster Riesling
  • Apple Strudel — 30th Anniversary
  • von Trapp Brewing Oktoberfest Märzen-style Lager

Sommerfest

  • Zwiebelkuchen
  • Cinnamon Pretzel Cold Brew — NEW

Pretzel Cold Brew Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Spain

Located between Germany and Italy

  • Croquetas de Jamón — NEW

Croquets Spain Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Summer in Spain
  • Paella Caldoso — 30th Anniversary

Paella Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Volver Quinta del ’67 Garnacha Tintorera
  • Basque Cheesecake

Italy

  • Stromboli — NEW

Stromboli Italy Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Peroni Pilsner
  • Cantine Guidi Selezione Privata Luca Red Blend — NEW
  • Amaretto Bellini — NEW
  • Pollo al Marsala — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Chicken Marsala Italy Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Saracco Moscato d’Asti — NEW
  • Italian Red Sangria
  • Almond Panna Cotta — NEW

Almond Panna Cotta Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Prosecco
  • Villa Matilde Falanghina Campania IGP White Wine — NEW
  • Italian-inspired Blood Orange Margarita

American Adventure

Block & Hans
  • Spicy Strawberry-Mango Smoothie — NEW
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue Hosted by Coca-Cola
  • Blackberry Buckle — NEW

Blackberry Buckle Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Pumpkin Pie Milk Shake — NEW
Hops & Barley
  • Smoked Brisket and Cheddar Melt — NEW

Smoked Brisket and Cheddar Melt Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Harpoon Brewery Southie Lager — NEW
  • Beer Flight
  • Gulf Coast-style Seafood Roll — 30th Anniversary
  • Allagash Brewing Company Haunted House Hoppy Dark Ale — NEW
  • Freshly Baked Chocolate Pudding Cake

Chocolate Pudding Cake Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Samuel Adams Boston Brick Red Irish Red Ale — NEW
Funnel Cake
  • Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake — NEW

Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Japan

  • Spicy Temaki Hand Roll — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Temaki Hand Roll Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Mango-Apple Fruit Pearl — NEW
  • Sapporo Reserve
  • Beef Wagyu Temaki Hand Roll — NEW
  • Mango-Apple Fruit Pearl with wasabi potato chips — NEW

Mango Apple Fruit Pearl with Potato Chips Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Teriyaki Chicken Bun
  • Sapporo Reserve
  • Autumn Breeze — NEW
  • Kirinzan Lemonade Sake — NEW

Greece

Located between Japan and Morocco

  • Chicken Souvlaki Gyro — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Chicken Gyro Greece Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Mylonas Winery Assyrtiko Dry White
  • Zoe Rosé
  • Spanakopita
  • Greek Melon Limeade

Greek Melon Limeade Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Griddled Cheese
  • Kir-Yianni Naoussa Xinomavro Dry Red
  • Wine Flight

Morocco

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
  • Chermoula Chicken Hummus Bowl — NEW

Chicken Bowl Morocco Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Plant-based Falafel Wrap
  • Keel Farms Golden Apple Chai Hard Cider
  • Spiced Flank Steak Hummus Bowl — NEW
  • Chocolate-Pistachio Cookie — NEW

Chocolate Pistachio Cookie Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Carib Brewery Honey & Fig Dream Hard Cider — NEW
  • Hard Cider Flight
  • Ras el Hanout Cauliflower Bowl — 30th Anniversary
  • Fig Cocktail
  • Keel Farms Goji Berry Citrus Hard Cider — NEW

Belgium

  • Belgian Waffle — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Belgian Waffle Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Brouwerij Verhaeghe Duchesse Red Sweet & Tart Cherry Ale
  • Beer-braised Beef
  • Van Steenberge Piraat 7 Strong Ale — NEW
  • Beer Flight
  • Chilled Belgian Coffee
  • Brouwerij St. Bernardus Watou Blond Ale — NEW
  • Chilled Belgian Coffee with ChocoLat Deluxe Salted Caramel Chocolate Liqueur

Brazil

Located between Morocco and France

  • Moqueca de Camarão — NEW

Moqueca de Camarao Brazil Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Pão de Queijo — 30th Anniversary

Pao de Queijo Brazilian Cheese Bread Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Frozen Caipirinha
  • BrewDog Brewing Company Peach Mango Wheat Ale — NEW

France

  • Boeuf Braise vin Rouge et Echalottes, Gâteau de Pomes de Terre — NEW

Braised Short Ribs France Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Crème Brûlée Pistache, Confiture de Fruits Rouges — NEW

Pistachio Creme Brulee France Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Brioche aux Epices avec une Garniture Mornay de Trois Fromages — NEW
  • Plaimont ELIA Colombard — NEW
  • La Roche Prestige Cuvée — NEW
  • Chilled French Cosmo
  • Trio d’Escargots, Garniture a l’ail et au Persil — 30th Anniversary

United Kingdom

UK Beer Cart
  • Sparkling Cucumber-Gin Cocktail — NEW

Canada

Canada Popcorn Cart
  • Northern Ruby — NEW
Canada
  • Cheddar and Bacon Soup — 30th Anniversary

Cheddar and Bacon Soup Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Filet Mignon — 30th Anniversary
  • Collective Arts Brewing Festbier — NEW
  • Château des Charmes Pétales Rouge
La Poutinerie Hosted by Air Canada
  • Seoul, South Korea: Bo Ssam Pork Poutine — NEW

South Korea Pork Poutine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Spiced Apple Slushy — NEW

Shimmering Sips

Located near Port of Entry featuring Pandora Jewelry

  • Strawberry Champagne Trifle

Strawberry Trifle Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Mimosa Flight
  • Tropical Mimosa
  • Berry Mimosa
  • Blood Orange Mimosa

Hawai’i

  • Slow-roasted Pork Slider — 30th Anniversary

Pork Slider Food & Wine Hawaii Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Florida Avenue Brewing Co Lei’d Back Double IPA — NEW
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • Hawaiian Rice Bowl
  • Pineapple Cheesecake

Pineapple Cheesecake Food & Wine Hawaii Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • O’ahu Sunrise

Walkway Between Imagination! Pavilion and World Showcase

Bramblewood Bites

  • Brûléed Sweet Potatoes — NEW

Bruleed Sweet Potatoes Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Spiced Apple Rum Old Fashioned
  • Grilled Cider-brined Pork Tenderloin
  • Crooked Can Brewing Company Banana Bread German Style Wheat Beer — NEW
  • Cast Iron-seared River Trout

River Trout Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Milled & Mulled

  • Butternut Squash and Ginger Bisque

Butternut Squash Bisque Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • 3 Daughters Brewing Apple Strudel Hard Cider
  • Freshly Baked Carrot Cake — 30th Anniversary
  • Apple-Cinnamon and Caramel Mini Churros Sundae

Apple Churro Sundae Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Southern Tier Brewing Company Sweater Weather Vanilla Toffee Amber Ale — NEW

Forest & Field

  • Spicy Black Bean-Mushroom Chili — NEW

Mushroom Chili Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Brewery Ommegang All Hallows Treat Imperial Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout
  • Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli — 30th Anniversary

Pumpkin Ravioli Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Famille Hugel Classic Pinot Noir
  • Schiacciata Sandwich
  • Daou Vineyards Chardonnay

Swirled Showcase

  • Liquid Nitrogen Almond Truffle Mousse — 30th Anniversary

Nitrogen Truffle Mousse Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Irish Milk Shake
  • Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone
  • Strawberry Beer Float
  • Floats
  • Früli Strawberry Belgian White Beer
  • Frozen Szarlotka non-alcoholic — NEW; 30th Anniversary

Frozen Szarlotka Food & Wine Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

  • Frozen Szarlotka — NEW
  • Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red

Throughout the Park

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

The American Adventure
  • Affogato alle Mandorle Cold Brew — NEW
Near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
  • Affogato di Marshmallow Cold Brew — NEW
Near Disney Traders
  • Dolce Affogato Cold Brew — NEW
Between UK and Canada
  • Notte di Caramello Cold Brew — NEW

You’ll notice that some booths are not open during the entire festival with some opening in September and October. If there’s a specific booth you’re coming for, make sure you check the date before planning your visit.

Live Music: The Eat to the Beat Concert Series Returns

The beloved Eat to the Beat Concert Series returns for 2026 at the America Gardens Theatre inside the American Adventure Pavilion, running nightly from August 27-November 16, 2026. That means the concert series wraps five days before the festival itself closes on November 21, so keep that in mind if you are planning a late-festival trip around a show. Shows typically run multiple times nightly, around 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM.

Disney has released the full 2026 lineup, including three artists making their EPCOT debut this year: Lauren Alaina, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Grace Potter. They join returning favorites like Boyz II Men, Yellowcard, and The Beach Boys. For the complete artist list, showtimes, and Dining Package strategy, check out our full guide: Your Complete Guide to the 2026 Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series Photo Credit: Disney Parks BlogF

MouseDining Tip

Dining Packages for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series sell out quickly, but spots do open up. Set a MouseDining alert for participating restaurants so you are notified the moment a reservation becomes available.

For a complete breakdown of the concert series, showtimes, participating restaurants, and Dining Package strategy, see our full guide: Your Complete Guide to the 2026 Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

Family Fun: Remy’s Hide & Squeak and Emile’s Fromage Montage

The festival is not just for grown-up foodies, and Disney makes sure of it. Two beloved family activities are confirmed returning for 2026.

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak

The festival’s signature scavenger hunt invites guests to track down hidden Remy figurines placed throughout World Showcase. Purchase a themed map and stickers, then track your progress as you find him in each pavilion. Spot Remy in every location and a special keepsake awaits. It is one of the best ways to keep younger guests engaged while the rest of the group explores the booths at a comfortable pace.

Emile’s Fromage Montage

For the cheese lovers in the group, this activity challenges guests to purchase five select cheese dishes from participating Global Marketplaces, collect a stamp in their Festival Passport for each one, and redeem the completed passport for a specialty prize. It adds a fun, structured element to booth-hopping and is highly recommended for anyone who takes their fromage seriously.

The participating dishes for 2026 are:

  • Belgian Waffle
  • Pão de Queijo
  • Fried Pickle Spears
  • Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
  • Apple-Cinnamon and Caramel Mini Churros Sundae

food and wine 2026

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

New This Year: CommuniCore Hall’s Cheers to Cheese

Starting September 18, 2026, CommuniCore Hall trades its summer theme for an all-new interactive exhibit celebrating one of the world’s most beloved foods: cheese. You’ll find fun facts and the history of cheese around every corner of the space.

Keep in mind the exhibit opens three weeks into the festival, so if you’re visiting between August 27 and September 17, you’ll miss it. CommuniCore Hall is built to flex with whatever season EPCOT is celebrating, so expect it to look different again once Food & Wine wraps.

Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots

Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout EPCOT will be offering new and returning Magic Shots for the festival. New for 2026 is a Waiter Mickey Mouse Magic Shot appearing in select World Showcase pavilions, including Mexico, China, Italy, Japan, and France.

Returning favorites include a Giant Empanada, the Leaning Tower of Cheeza with Max Goof, a Swedish Chef Magic Shot, and Chef Figment. If you want to keep these photos long after your trip, consider adding a Memory Maker package to your vacation.

Food and Wine PhotoPass Collage Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Food & Wine Merchandise

This year’s collection leans into playful color, with pieces like a festival tee, chef-themed ears with a moveable rolling pin and whisk, a cozy sweatshirt, and a baseball cap, plus fun extras like a wine glass and a churro-shaped tote bag. Check the Disney Parks shopping app or your nearest EPCOT shop for current availability and pricing.

Tips for Planning Your 2026 Food & Wine Visit

With 87 days on the calendar, you have real flexibility. But a little planning goes a long way. Here is what we tell every guest who asks how to get the most out of it:

  • Book dining reservations early. EPCOT’s table-service restaurants fill up fast during the festival, especially if you are eyeing an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. Disney’s reservation window opens 60 days before your arrival date. Be ready.
  • Visit on weekdays when possible. Crowds run lighter Tuesday through Thursday, and local entertainment takes the America Gardens Theatre stage on those nights for a relaxed, low-key evening.
  • Pace yourself across multiple visits. With 30+ booths, trying to cover everything in one day is not realistic and takes the enjoyment out of the experience. Spread your visits and actually savor each stop.
  • Download My Disney Experience before you arrive. Showtimes, booth locations, dining reservations, and park hours are all in one place. It is essential for navigating the festival.
  • Arrive early for popular concerts. Without a Dining Package, general seating is first-come, first-served. For headliners that draw large crowds, plan to be in place 30 to 40 minutes before showtime.

Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2026

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog
MouseDining Tip

Already missed a reservation or cannot get the date you want? Do not give up. Cancellations happen every single day. Set a MouseDining alert for any restaurant on your list and you will be notified the moment a table opens up.

Stay Tuned — More Details Are Coming

Disney is still finalizing the complete Global Marketplace booth and menu list and the official Foodie Guide. The Eat to the Beat lineup and Dining Package details are both out now, so check our concert guide for the latest. We’ll keep updating this page as more announcements roll in, so bookmark it and check back often.

The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival opens on August 27, 2026. Start planning your trip now, and when you are ready to lock in dining, visit MouseDining.com to set alerts and secure the reservations that make your festival truly exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival?
The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs August 27-November 21, 2026, giving you an 87-day window to visit.

Do I need a separate ticket for the Food & Wine Festival?
No. The festival is included with standard EPCOT park admission, so you do not need to buy anything extra to access the Global Marketplace booths or entertainment.

Is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series free?
Yes. Every Eat to the Beat concert is included with regular EPCOT admission. Seating is first-come, first-served unless you book a Dining Package for a guaranteed seat.

When does the Eat to the Beat Concert Series end?
The concert series runs nightly from August 27-November 16, 2026, which is five days before the festival itself closes on November 21.

What food items are confirmed to return for 2026?
Disney has confirmed three returning dishes so far: the Street Corn-style Dumplings at Gyozas of the Galaxy, the Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer at the Australia Marketplace, and the Kirschwasser Torte at The Alps Marketplace. The full Global Marketplace menu has not been released yet.

Is CommuniCore Hall’s Cheers to Cheese exhibit open for the entire festival?
No. It opens September 18, 2026, three weeks into the festival, so guests visiting between August 27 and September 17 will miss it.

How can I get hard-to-find dining reservations during the festival?
Set a MouseDining alert for any restaurant on your list, and you will be notified the moment a table opens up, even if it currently shows no availability.

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Disneyland Holidays 2026: Dates & Haunted Mansion

News, Special Events By July 25, 2026 Tags: , , 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 the calendar just changed. Disney first listed a November 18 start, then moved the season up five days. The holidays now run November 13, 2026 – January 6, 2027. Here is everything you need to start planning, including the Haunted Mansion Holiday dates and what is returning.

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 run November 13, 2026 – January 6, 2027. Both dates are now confirmed on the official Disneyland calendar.

Here is the twist worth knowing. Disney first listed a November 18 start, then moved it up five days to November 13. That original date would have been unusually late. The corrected date puts the season right back where it usually lands, on the second Friday of November, in line with the last couple of years.

The calendar leaves less than two weeks between the close of Halloween Time on October 31 and the start of the holidays. That is a fast turnaround for the crews swapping overlays and decor. If you are visiting in early November, expect a few attractions to sit behind refurbishment walls during the changeover.

it's a small world holiday 2026 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.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Entrance 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.

Sally in Haunted Mansion Holiday 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.

Holidays at Cars Land Mater's Jingle Jamboree 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:

  • 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.

small world holidays at Disneyland Resort Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Start Planning Your Holiday Visit

With the dates now locked in, you can plan with confidence. The season runs nearly eight weeks, November 13, 2026 – January 6, 2027, so you have room to pick your window. Dining reservations open 60 days in advance, and the most popular tables go fast during the holidays. Set up MouseDining alerts so you get a text or email the moment a hard-to-book table opens. If you are 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.

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Disneyland vs. Disney World Halloween 2026: Both Coasts Compared

Special Events By July 20, 2026 Tags: , , No Comments

Disneyland vs. Disney World Halloween 2026: Comparing Both Coasts

Halloween season is almost here, and both Disney coasts are ready to celebrate. If you are deciding between a fall trip to California or Florida, the two resorts approach Halloween very differently. Therefore, understanding those differences up front helps you plan the right trip and budget for it correctly. Below, you will find a clear side-by-side look at Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort and Halloween at Walt Disney World, including what is included, what costs extra, and which experiences you can only find on one coast.

Disneyland vs. Disney World Halloween at a Glance

First, here is a quick comparison of how the 2026 season shapes up on each coast. Afterward, we break down each element in more detail.

  • Season dates: Disneyland runs August 21 – October 31, 2026, while Disney World’s party nights run August 7 – October 31, 2026
  • Where it happens: Disneyland goes resort-wide across both parks, Downtown Disney District, and the hotels, whereas Disney World concentrates the fun at Magic Kingdom park
  • Included with admission: at Disneyland, most of it is, including decor, ride overlays, and nighttime shows; at Disney World, a regular day brings only light seasonal decor, since the signature entertainment sits behind the party ticket
  • Separately ticketed party: Disneyland has Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park, and Disney World has Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park
  • Signature exclusives: Disneyland is known for Haunted Mansion Holiday, Plaza de la Familia, and Oogie Boogie Bash, while Disney World is known for the Boo-To-You Parade and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, both of which are performed only during the party
  • Costumes for adults: allowed at both parties, Oogie Boogie Bash on the West Coast and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on the East Coast

Shop Disney Store Halloween

The Biggest Difference: How Each Celebration Is Structured

When it comes to Disneyland vs. Disney World Halloween, the single most important thing to understand is how each resort packages its Halloween fun. At the Disneyland Resort, Halloween Time is a resort-wide seasonal overlay, and almost all of it comes with your regular park admission. As a result, you can experience decorations, attraction overlays, character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes, and even a nighttime spectacular without buying a special ticket. Only one event, Oogie Boogie Bash, requires a separate purchase.

Walt Disney World works the other way around. There, the marquee Halloween experience lives almost entirely inside a separately ticketed after-hours event: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park. Consequently, a daytime guest on a non-party day will find only modest seasonal decor. To enjoy the parade, the fireworks, the stage show, and trick-or-treating, you need a party ticket. In short, Disneyland gives you far more Halloween for free, while Disney World reserves its signature moments for the paid party.

2026 Halloween Time Disneyland Pumpkin Festival Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort runs August 21 – October 31, 2026, and it transforms both parks along with Downtown Disney District and the three hotels. Because so much is included with admission, it is one of the best values of the year. For the full rundown, see our complete guide to Halloween Time at Disneyland 2026.

What You Get at Disneyland Park

  • Main Street Pumpkin Festival covers Main Street, U.S.A. with hundreds of hand-carved character pumpkins
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday reimagines the classic ride as a Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas mash-up, and you can only find it here
  • Halloween Screams is the nighttime spectacular, with projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle and fireworks on select nights
  • Character meet-and-greets feature Mickey, Minnie, and friends in seasonal Halloween attire

What You Get at Disney California Adventure Park

  • Radiator Screams turns Cars Land into a Haul-O-Ween celebration with overlays on Mater’s and Luigi’s attractions
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark gives the Mission Breakout ride a seasonal story each afternoon and evening
  • Mickey’s Trick and Treat is a daytime show that is perfect for younger kids
  • Plaza de la Familia honors Día de los Muertos with live entertainment inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Coco, and it runs slightly longer, through November 2, 2026

The Signature Party: Oogie Boogie Bash

Oogie Boogie Bash is the Disneyland Resort’s signature Halloween party, and it is a West Coast exclusive with no equivalent in Florida. This separately ticketed event takes over Disney California Adventure Park on select nights August 18 – October 31, 2026, across 33 nights. Highlights include immersive Trick-or-Treat Trails, the atmospheric Villains Grove, rare character encounters, and shorter ride waits. In addition, new for 2026, the party debuts “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake,” a Haunted Mansion street party that replaces the Frightfully Fun Parade while the nearby Coco-themed area is under construction. Announced ticket prices start around $139 and rise to $199 for Halloween night, though you should check the Disneyland app for exact date-by-date pricing. For everything else, see our Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 guide.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 Full Guide Header

Halloween at Walt Disney World

At Walt Disney World, the Halloween story centers on Magic Kingdom park and its beloved after-hours event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. You can read our overview of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for the basics.

The party takes place on select nights August 7 – October 31, 2026, running 7:00 PM to midnight, with 38 nights on the calendar. Notably, party ticket holders can enter Magic Kingdom park as early as 4:00 PM, which stretches your evening to as many as eight hours. Because the party sells out year after year, popular dates go quickly. In fact, Halloween night sold out on the very morning general tickets went on sale in 2026.

What the Party Includes

  • Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is led by the Headless Horseman and runs twice per night, with the first performance early enough for little ones, and you can only see it during the party
  • Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular brings the Sanderson Sisters and a lineup of Disney villains to the Cinderella Castle stage, and it too is performed only on party nights
  • Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular is the party-exclusive fireworks show hosted by Jack Skellington
  • A Masquerade with Stitch is new for 2026, an ever-changing dance party in Tomorrowland with Stitch, Lilo, and Angel
  • See Spirited Swashbucklers is also new for 2026, featuring Captain Jack Sparrow in Adventureland
  • Trick-or-treating, rare character meet-and-greets, event-exclusive merchandise, and seasonal treats round out the night

Announced ticket prices range from $119 to $229 depending on the date, and Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket on select nights. For the exact price of your date, check DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app. Or, of course, contact your travel agent to make it part of your vacation.

2026 Mickey's Not-so-Scary Halloween Party Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disneyland vs. Disney World Halloween: The Two Parties Compared

Since the separate-ticket party is the heart of the Halloween experience on both coasts, it deserves a closer look. Both events let guests of all ages wear costumes, which is normally not allowed for anyone 14 and older. Both also offer exclusive characters, trick-or-treating, and unique entertainment you cannot see on a regular day. However, the personalities differ.

Oogie Boogie Bash leans into immersive, walk-through experiences. For example, its Trick-or-Treat Trails and Villains Grove are atmospheric strolls rather than stage shows, and the event feels intimate at Disney California Adventure Park. By contrast, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is built around big showpieces: a parade, a castle stage show, and a fireworks spectacular. Keep in mind that both of the events Disney World is best known for, the Boo-To-You Parade and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, are performed only on party nights. In other words, no amount of regular park admission will get you in front of them. Meanwhile, Disney World’s party starts earlier in August and runs more nights, so you have more chances to snag a date, although demand is intense either way.

2026 Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Which Coast Is Right for You?

Ultimately, your choice comes down to what you value most. Consider these quick pointers as you decide.

  • Choose Disneyland if you want maximum Halloween atmosphere without a mandatory extra ticket, or if West Coast exclusives like Haunted Mansion Holiday, Plaza de la Familia, and Oogie Boogie Bash are on your bucket list
  • Choose Disney World if you love a classic Halloween party built around a parade, fireworks, and a villain stage show, and you do not mind that those experiences require a party ticket
  • Traveling with young kids? Both coasts deliver, but Disneyland’s daytime shows and included overlays make casual, low-commitment days easier
  • Costume fans of any age will be happy at either party, since both waive the usual adult costume rules

Whichever coast wins, remember that Halloween season is a complicated booking window. Party tickets are date-specific and sell out, hotel rates swing week to week, and the best dining times disappear early. If you would rather not track all of that yourself, reach out to your favorite travel agent. A good agent can compare dates across both coasts, watch for room and ticket offers, and handle the booking details while you focus on the fun parts of the trip.

Oogie Boogie Bash Cars Land Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Dining During Halloween Season

Fall is one of the busiest dining stretches of the year on both coasts, and reservations fill up fast. Therefore, plan meals early, especially for seasonal character dining and party nights in October. If your preferred restaurant, date, or time is not available when you first look, set a free dining alert at MouseDining.com and get notified the moment a spot opens or a cancellation appears. This is often the difference between a wish-list meal and a missed one during the Halloween rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a special ticket for Halloween at Disneyland?

No, not for most of it. Nearly all of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, including decorations, ride overlays, and the Halloween Screams nighttime show, comes with regular park admission. However, Oogie Boogie Bash is a separately ticketed party that does require its own ticket.

Do you need a special ticket for Halloween at Disney World?

Yes, if you want the signature experience. The main Halloween celebration at Walt Disney World is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a separately ticketed after-hours event at Magic Kingdom park. Both of the events the resort is best known for, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, are performed only on party nights. The Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks and trick-or-treating are party-only as well, so a regular day ticket will not get you any of them.

When does Halloween start at Disneyland and Disney World in 2026?

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort runs August 21 – October 31, 2026. Meanwhile, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World runs on select nights August 7 – October 31, 2026, so Florida’s party actually starts a couple of weeks earlier.

What Halloween experiences can you only find at Disneyland?

Two big ones stand out. First, Haunted Mansion Holiday transforms the ride into a Nightmare Before Christmas experience, and it is exclusive to Disneyland Park. Second, Plaza de la Familia celebrates Día de los Muertos at Disney California Adventure Park with no direct equivalent at Walt Disney World.

Can adults wear costumes at Disney Halloween parties?

Yes. Both Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party allow guests of all ages to wear costumes, which is a notable exception to Disney’s usual rule against costumes for guests 14 and older. Still, official costume guidelines apply, and cast members always have the final say.

How much do the Halloween party tickets cost?

For 2026, announced Oogie Boogie Bash prices start around $139 and reach $199 for Halloween night, while Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ranges from $119 to $229 depending on the date. Because prices vary by night, check the Disneyland app or the My Disney Experience app for exact date-by-date pricing before you buy.

Which Disney Halloween party sells out faster?

Both sell out, but Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been especially competitive lately, with every date selling out in recent years and Halloween night selling out the morning tickets went on sale in 2026. As a result, you should buy early for either party if you have a specific date in mind.

Overall, both coasts do Halloween brilliantly, just in their own ways. Disneyland wraps the entire resort in seasonal magic that mostly comes with admission, while Disney World concentrates its spookiest fun into one unforgettable ticketed party. Whichever coast you choose, plan your dates and dining early, and set your MouseDining.com alerts so you do not miss the reservations that make the trip.

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Halloween Time at Disneyland 2026: Oogie Boogie Bash Dates and More

Special Events By July 8, 2026 Tags: , , No Comments

Halloween Time at Disneyland 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is one of the most popular times of year to visit the parks, and 2026 is shaping up to be a great fall season. Whether you are planning your first October trip or are a returning guest who looks forward to this every year, this guide covers the dates, attractions, entertainment, dining, and tips you need to plan your visit.

What Is Halloween Time at Disneyland?

Halloween Time is the resort-wide fall seasonal celebration that transforms both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, along with Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels. You will find seasonal decorations, Halloween-themed attraction overlays, special entertainment, character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes, limited-time food and merchandise, and more throughout the entire resort.

The best part for many guests: virtually everything included in Halloween Time is covered by your regular park admission. There is no extra ticket required to experience the seasonal decorations, attraction overlays, or the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular. The only separately ticketed event during this season is Oogie Boogie Bash (more on that below).

2026 Halloween Time Dates

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort runs August 21 – October 31, 2026. This is the third consecutive year the season has launched in the August off-season, which was historically a big shift from the traditional start after Labor Day. Plaza de la Familia, the resort’s Día de los Muertos celebration at Disney California Adventure, begins the same day and runs slightly longer, through November 2, 2026.

Pre-Season Entertainment in Mid-August

If you visit right before Halloween Time begins, you can still catch some 70th Celebration favorites. The “Paint the Night” parade and “Wondrous Journeys” continue at Disneyland Park August 10 – August 20, 2026. World of Color Happiness will have its final show on August 9, 2026 and World of Color – ONE returns to Disney California Adventure beginning August 10 and runs through the Halloween season.

2026 Halloween Time Disneyland Pumpkin Festival Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

What Is Included with Regular Park Admission

Disneyland Park

Main Street Pumpkin Festival

One of the first things you will notice when you arrive at Disneyland Park is the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins line Main Street, U.S.A., many shaped like Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. The giant Mickey jack-o-lantern near the park entrance is one of the most photographed spots of the season. Throughout the park, you will also find land-specific character jack-o-lanterns surrounding the Partners statue in the Central Plaza.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

Haunted Mansion Holiday is one of the most beloved experiences of the entire Halloween Time season and one you can only find at Disneyland Park. The classic Haunted Mansion attraction transforms into a mash-up of Halloween and Christmas featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, Oogie Boogie, and other characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The overlay is detailed and different enough from the original that it genuinely feels like a separate experience. Keep an eye out for the gingerbread house in the ballroom scene, and if you are in the area between 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM, watch for the mansion to light up as the Ghost Host makes a special appearance.

Haunted Mansion typically closes for a few weeks in August to install the overlay before reopening for the season. Specific closure and reopening dates for 2026 have not been announced yet. We will update this article when that information is confirmed.

Disneyland 2026 Haunted Mansion Holiday Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Halloween Screams

Halloween Screams is Disneyland’s seasonal nighttime spectacular and runs on select nights throughout the Halloween Time season. The show combines projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle with special effects, flames, and rising ghosts, with Jack Skellington serving as the host. Villains including Ursula, Maleficent, and others appear throughout the show. Fireworks are included on select nights, typically weekends and holidays. The show is available to all guests with standard park admission for Disneyland Park.

Character Meet-and-Greets

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other Fab Five characters meet guests throughout Disneyland Park in their Halloween costumes. For 2026, the new outfits feature harlequin motifs and swirling confection details in shades of orange, yellow, and black. Mickey and friends can typically be found in Town Square throughout the day in their seasonal attire. Jack Skellington and Sally also make appearances near Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square. If you prefer to meet Mickey and Minnie in their classic looks rather than Halloween costumes, head to Mickey’s Toontown, which does not participate in seasonal theming.

Seasonal Food and Merchandise

Halloween Time brings a full rotation of limited-time food and treats throughout Disneyland Park. Seasonal beignets at the Mint Julep Bar and Halloween churros are perennial favorites. New seasonal items for 2026 include the Oogie Boogie Lemonade at Smokejumpers Grill and the Heatwave Pizza at Alien Pizza Planet. The full rundown of seasonal sweets and treats hasn’t been released yet, but once it is, you’ll find it in our Disneyland Halloween foodie guide.

Disney California Adventure Park

Radiator Screams in Cars Land

Cars Land goes all in on Halloween Time. The entire area transforms into Radiator Screams, with Haul-O-Ween decor, character “car-stumes,” and seasonal overlays on two attractions. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree with a new Halloween soundtrack, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. Both are fun and worth experiencing, particularly for families with young kids who love the Cars characters.

Disneyland 2026 Halloween Time Cars Land Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark

Starting each afternoon and running through the rest of the day, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout transforms into Monsters After Dark at Disney California Adventure. The seasonal overlay changes the ride’s soundtrack and story to a mission rescuing Baby Groot from creatures overrunning the Collector’s fortress. This is one of the more elaborate Halloween overlays at the resort and is exclusive to this time of year.

Mickey’s Trick and Treat

Mickey’s Trick and Treat returns as a daytime show at Disney California Adventure, where Mickey and friends dress up to celebrate the season. It is included with regular park admission and perfect for little kids. As a bonus, everyone gets a small treat after the show!

Buena Vista Street and Park Entrance Decor

Disney California Adventure gets an extensive Halloween makeover along Buena Vista Street. Look for a 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman at Carthay Circle, black bats swarming the theater’s bell tower, and Oogie Boogie’s oversized silhouette marking the park entrance.

Plaza de la Familia

Running August 21 – November 2, 2026, Plaza de la Familia is the resort’s celebration of Día de los Muertos in Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure. Several times daily, “The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco!” features live Folklórico dancers and Mariachi singers and musicians retelling the story from Disney and Pixar’s Coco. You can also meet Miguel, add a note to the Memory Wall, and explore the Árbol de la Vida. Paradise Garden Grill features a special menu with Mexican cuisine during this time. Plaza de la Familia is a genuinely special experience that is easy to overlook during a busy park day. It is worth making time for, especially for families with kids who love Coco.

For 2026, Disneyland Park also honors Día de los Muertos with a vibrant installation in Frontierland near Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. Look for catrinas and calacas (traditional skeleton figurines), colorful marigolds, and ofrenda displays.

Disneyland Halloween Time 2026 Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Downtown Disney and the Hotels

Halloween decor extends into Downtown Disney District, and shops throughout the area carry seasonal Halloween and Día de los Muertos merchandise. Beginning in September, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit returns as a family-friendly scavenger hunt. You purchase an activity map and search for Disney character-themed pumpkins hidden around Downtown Disney, then redeem your completed board for a keepsake prize.

Disney has confirmed the 2026 hotel offerings, and each of the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort gets its own seasonal touches:

  • Pixar Place Hotel features new decor inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.”
  • The Disneyland Hotel adds Haunted Mansion-inspired touches, Halloween cocktails at Broken Spell Lounge, and seasonal confectionery displays.
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa offers seasonal confectionery displays, themed bites at the Great Hall Cart in the lobby, and Halloween-inspired treatments and salon services at Tenaya Stone Spa.
  • Overnight guests at all three hotels can enjoy trick-or-treat trails on select afternoons.

Halloween Time Disneyland 2026 Pluto Pumpkin Pusuit Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Halloween Time Character Dining

One of the best dining experiences of the entire fall season is Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween at the Disneyland Hotel. This is the seasonal version of the popular character dining experience, where Goofy and friends appear in Halloween costumes alongside a special Halloween-themed buffet with enhanced menu offerings for brunch and dinner. The experience also includes Disney PhotoPass digital downloads and a Halloween-themed button. Disney has confirmed it returns for 2026, and while specific dates have not been released, reservations will open on Disneyland.com later this summer.

Over at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Storytellers Cafe returns with two seasonal character meals for 2026. Mickey’s Autumn Adventures Breakfast Buffet brings Mickey and friends out in their fall finery to start your day, while Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner offers a themed evening character meal. Reservations for both will open on Disneyland.com later this summer.

Adults 21 and older can also stop by Broken Spell Lounge at the Disneyland Hotel for a special Halloween cocktail menu, a fun add-on before or after a seasonal meal.

Disney has not released 2026 pricing for these experiences yet, so check the Disneyland app for current prices once booking opens. Because these seasonal meals are among the hardest reservations to land all season, set up a free dining alert on MouseDining so you are notified the moment reservations open, or when a last-minute cancellation appears.

Oogie Boogie Bash: The Separately Ticketed Halloween Party

If you want to take Halloween Time to the next level, Oogie Boogie Bash is the event to know about. It is a separately ticketed, after-hours Halloween party at Disney California Adventure featuring immersive Trick-or-Treat Trails, Villains Grove at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, rare character meet-and-greets exclusive to the event, shorter attraction wait times, and the ability for guests of all ages to wear costumes in the park.

The party runs on select nights August 18 – October 31, 2026, which means it actually begins a few days before the main Halloween Time season opens. Tickets are sold separately from park admission and are not available at the gate.

2026 Oogie Boogie Bash Ticket On-Sale Dates

Disney has confirmed when tickets go on sale for the 2026 party. These nights sell out, so set a reminder if you plan to attend.

  • Inspire Magic Key holder pre-sale: June 16, 2026
  • All Magic Key holder pre-sale: June 17, 2026
  • General public on-sale: June 18, 2026, no earlier than 9:00 AM PT

New for 2026, the party adds “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party,” hosted by Madame Leota herself. For the full breakdown of dates, dining packages, and tips for the night, check out our complete Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 guide.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 Halloween TIme

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Dining Tips for Halloween Time

Halloween Time is one of the busiest periods at Disneyland Resort, and dining reservations fill up fast. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Table-service restaurants inside the parks and at the hotels book up weeks in advance during peak fall dates. If you want a sit-down meal at a specific restaurant during October, plan ahead.
  • Seasonal dining experiences like Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween are among the hardest reservations to get during this season. Set up an alert on MouseDining.com to be notified when spots open up.
  • Counter-service options throughout both parks are always available, and mobile ordering through the Disneyland app can save significant time during busy meal periods.
  • Plaza de la Familia at Paradise Garden Grill offers a special seasonal menu with Mexican cuisine during the Día de los Muertos celebration, so don’t miss it.

Shop Disney Store Halloween

Tips for Visiting Disneyland During Halloween Time

  • Halloween Time is one of the most popular periods of the year. October dates, especially those close to Halloween, tend to draw the largest crowds. If you have flexibility, visiting in late August or early September on a weekday is a good strategy for shorter waits.
  • If you are visiting on an Oogie Boogie Bash night, non-party guests are asked to leave Disney California Adventure before the party begins at 6:00 PM. Planning to spend that evening in Disneyland Park, where Halloween Screams is available, is a smart alternative.
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday is a must-do but can build significant wait times, especially on weekends and in October. Visiting early in the morning or using Lightning Lane can help.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark is only available starting in the afternoon, so plan your schedule around that if it is a priority.
  • Both parks are beautifully decorated from the moment you enter. Build some time into your plan just to walk around and take in the atmosphere, especially in Cars Land and along Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure.
  • Seasonal food items sell out. If a specific treat or limited-time menu item is on your must-try list, track it down earlier rather than later in the day.

Halloween Screams 2026 Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Halloween Time included with regular Disneyland tickets?

Yes. All Halloween Time decorations, entertainment, and attraction overlays are included with your regular park admission. The only exception is Oogie Boogie Bash, which requires a separately purchased event ticket.

Do I need a Park Hopper to enjoy both parks during Halloween Time?

You do not need a Park Hopper to enjoy Halloween Time, but having one is useful if you want to spend time in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day. If you plan to attend Oogie Boogie Bash, the event ticket covers your Disney California Adventure admission for that evening starting at 3:00 PM.

When does Plaza de la Familia start and end in 2026?

Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure runs August 21 – November 2, 2026, slightly outlasting the rest of Halloween Time, which closes on October 31.

Is Halloween Time appropriate for young children?

Yes. Halloween Time is generally family-friendly and not designed to be frightening. The Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay has a spooky atmosphere but is not a scare attraction. Villains Grove (at Oogie Boogie Bash) is atmospheric but similarly not a horror experience.

When should I make dining reservations for Halloween Time?

You can make dining reservations at most Disneyland Resort restaurants up to 60 days in advance. For popular experiences like Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween, book as early as the 60-day window allows. If you miss the initial release, MouseDining.com can alert you to cancellations and last-minute availability.

What is Haunted Mansion Holiday?

Haunted Mansion Holiday is a seasonal overlay that transforms the classic Haunted Mansion attraction into a Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed experience. It is only available at Disneyland (not Walt Disney World), making it a distinctive draw for Halloween Time visitors. It is scheduled to return August 21, 2026.

Halloween Time is genuinely one of the best times of year to visit the Disneyland Resort. The seasonal overlays, nightly entertainment, decorations, and limited-time food and experiences feel distinct from any other time of year. Planning ahead, especially for dining, makes a significant difference. Head to MouseDining.com to set up alerts for the reservations you want so you do not miss your window.

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Disneyland Evening Ticket: $59 Nighttime Deal 2026

News, Special Events By July 1, 2026 Tags: , , , 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.

Galaxy's Edge at Night 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.

Tapestry of Happiness Disneyland 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.

Blue Bayou Disneyland 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.

World of Color 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.

Paint the Night 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.

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Disney World Fireworks: Every Way to Watch (2026)

General, Special Events By June 29, 2026 Tags: , , , , , , 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.

Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios 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.

Epcot Fireworks 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.

Fireworks at Magic Kingdom 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.

Bay Lake Tower Fireworks

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.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Main Street View 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.

4th of July Fireworks Walt Disney World 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.

Jollywood Nights Jingle Bell Jingle Bam 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.

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

News, Special Events By June 26, 2026 Tags: , , , , , 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

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 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.

Jollywood Nights 2026 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

Epcot 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.

Jingle Cruise Walt Disney World 2026 Holidays 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.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Holidays 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.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Holidays 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.

Toy Story Land Holidays 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

 

Disney Springs Holidays 2026 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.

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Bluey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Everything Families Need to Know

News, Special Events By June 3, 2026 Tags: , , No Comments

Bluey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Everything Families Need to Know

If your kids are obsessed with Bluey, your next trip just got a whole lot more exciting. Bluey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is officially here, and Bluey’s Wild World is now open at Conservation Station as part of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Walt Disney World Resort. This is the first time EVER that Bluey has been at Walt Disney World! Think interactive play, real Australian animals, themed food and drinks, and Bluey and Bingo joining your family for games in one of the most unique settings at any Disney park. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

What Is Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station?

Bluey’s Wild World is a new immersive experience at Conservation Station inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is built around the world of the Australian animated series Bluey, which if you know, you KNOW. If you don’t know, it follows a six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy and her family through imaginative, everyday adventures. The show has become one of the most beloved kids’ programs in the world, and this experience brings that energy into the park with familiar games, music, and characters.

Conservation Station is located in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch area of the park, which means you will need to take the Wildlife Express Train to get there. Find the train station near Harambe Market in Africa.

The experience opened May 26, 2026, and Disney has confirmed it will stick around beyond the summer. This is not a limited-time summer-only activation, though in the same breath, there is no announced end date, so it will not last forever.

How to Get Into Bluey’s Wild World

Good news if you have been holding off: Bluey’s Wild World no longer uses a virtual queue. The experience opened May 26, 2026 with a virtual queue as the only way in, and that system stayed in place through June 1. Starting June 2, 2026, Disney switched Bluey’s Wild World to a standby queue, so you can now walk up and wait in a traditional line.

There is no Lightning Lane option, and you do not need to grab a boarding group in the My Disney Experience app anymore. Disney has noted that the virtual queue could return for Bluey’s Wild World if demand requires it, so it is worth checking the My Disney Experience app or the official Walt Disney World site before you go.

To reach Bluey’s Wild World, Jumping Junction, and the Animal Care experiences, you still need to ride the Wildlife Express Train. Find the train station near Harambe Market in Africa, then join the standby line once you arrive at Conservation Station.

Bluey and Bingo: What to Expect Inside

This is not a traditional Disney character meet and greet. If you are picturing a line, a posed photo, and an autograph, this is something completely different. Bluey’s Wild World is a group play experience where Bluey and Bingo arrive and lead the whole crowd through activities together. Think of it less like meeting a character and more like joining in on one of the Heeler family’s famous games.

Familiar music from the show plays throughout, and guests get to participate in some of the family’s most iconic activities, including Keepy Uppy and the transformative Magic Asparagus game that Bluey fans will instantly recognize. The grand finale is a shower of bubbles with Bluey and Bingo, which is exactly the kind of joyful, everyone-at-once moment that little ones will be talking about for the rest of the trip.

Because the whole group experiences it together, there is no waiting in a character line and no individual photo opportunity built into the experience itself. The Magic Shots from Disney PhotoPass (covered below) are how you get a Bluey-and-Bingo photo to take home.

Bluey and Bingo New at Walt Disney World Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

See Real Australian Animals at Jumping Junction

One of the most exciting additions tied to the Bluey experience is Jumping Junction, a brand new habitat where you can see kangaroos and wallabies. These animals are native to Australia, Bluey’s home country, which makes the connection feel genuinely thoughtful rather than just themed decor.

A few fun facts worth knowing before your visit:

  • Kangaroos and wallabies are both marsupials, meaning their babies (called joeys) continue developing in their mother’s pouch after birth.
  • You can tell them apart by size. Kangaroos are significantly larger, while wallabies are roughly half as big.
  • Both animals live in groups called a mob.

You reach Jumping Junction the same way as the rest of Conservation Station, by riding the Wildlife Express Train and joining the standby line once you arrive.

Animal Care Experiences at Conservation Station

Conservation Station has long offered behind-the-scenes animal care content, and that continues alongside the Bluey activation. Here is what you can explore:

  • The Veterinary Treatment Room, where you can look inside the space where animals receive medical care and sometimes observe procedures in progress.
  • The Animal Nutrition Window, where you can see how Disney’s expert nutrition team prepares meals for the park’s animal residents.
  • The Amphibian, Reptile and Invertebrate Windows, featuring frogs, lizards, and some of the smallest species in the park.
  • The Science Center, where Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team shares what they are currently working on.

These areas give the experience real depth beyond the characters, especially if your kids are drawn to animals as much as they are to Bluey.

Pssst…. speaking of animal care, who is watching yours while you’re gone?

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Bluey-Themed Food and Drinks at Animal Kingdom

This is where things get really fun for families who love a themed snack moment. Disney has rolled out a lineup of Bluey-inspired food and beverages at several locations across the park, and they are worth building into your day.

Pizzafari on Discovery Island

Pizzafari is serving up several Bluey-themed items that lean into Australian food culture:

  • Fairy Bread Cake: a Vanilla Birthday Cake dipped in White Chocolate and Rainbow Sprinkles, served with a Raspberry Dipping Sauce. Fairy bread is a beloved Australian party treat, and this is Disney’s elevated take on the classic.
  • Wackadoo Fruit Freeze: a frozen drink made with Simply Fruit Punch and garnished with Fruit Salad, inspired by Bluey’s love of fruit salad in the show.
  • Bluey’s Berry Lemonade: Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade blended with Blueberry, Blackberry, and Raspberry flavors. This drink is also available at Eight Spoon Café.
  • Bluey Sipper: a super-sized souvenir cup sold with a fountain beverage. Limited to two per person per transaction, while supplies last.

Bluey at Disney's Animal Kingdom Fairy Toast

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Isle of Java on Discovery Island

Isle of Java is serving Pretzel’s Pretzels: soft mini pretzels with homemade cheese and blueberry-mustard dipping sauces. The blueberry-mustard combo is a clever nod to Bluey’s blue coloring and a genuinely fun snack to share.

For a broader look at what Animal Kingdom has to offer on the food front, the MouseDining Animal Kingdom dining guide covers the full park from snacks to signature dining.

Bluey Merchandise at Animal Kingdom

If your family wants to bring a piece of the experience home, Bluey merchandise is available in two spots: Island Mercantile on Discovery Island and at Conservation Station itself. The current collection includes:

  • Bluey (and sometimes Bingo) t-shirts, hoodies and rain jackets for adults and children
  • Water bottles, bags, toys and more
  • Bluey and Bingo Create Your Own plush, arriving later this summer
  • Bluey and Bingo plush headbands, also arriving later this summer

Conservation Station also stocks select baby care products including diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications, and formula.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Bluey Merchandise Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

PSSSSTTT….You can find Bluey merch from home on the Disney Store!

Bluey at Disney Store

Bluey Magic Shots from Disney PhotoPass

Disney PhotoPass photographers are stationed at two locations to offer Bluey-themed Magic Shots: at the entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and along the Discovery River pathway between Africa and Asia. Three different Magic Shots are available:

  • Janet and Rita, the beloved granny alter-egos that Bluey and Bingo play in the show, shuffling into your photo
  • A butterfly Keepy Uppy shot featuring Flappy and Bluey
  • A Dance Mode Magic Shot with Bluey and Bingo

Since Bluey’s Wild World is a group play experience rather than a character photo opportunity, these Magic Shots are your best bet for getting a Bluey and Bingo keepsake image from your visit.

Bluey Magic Shot at Disney's Animal Kingdom Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Tips for Planning Your Visit

  • Visit early in the day or on a weekday if you can, especially in early June before peak summer crowds build. The standby line tends to be shortest first thing in the morning.
  • Download the My Disney Experience app before your trip to check wait times and confirm whether a virtual queue has returned.
  • Pizzafari and Isle of Java are counter service locations on Discovery Island, making them easy stops before or after your time at Conservation Station.
  • The Wildlife Express Train is the only way to reach Conservation Station, Bluey’s Wild World, and Jumping Junction. It departs near Harambe Market in Africa.
  • If you have an Annual Pass, check out the V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days discounts, which include significant savings at Animal Kingdom restaurants like Tiffins and Tusker House through July 31, 2026.

Do You Need a Dining Reservation for This Experience?

The Bluey food and drink items at Pizzafari, Isle of Java, and Eight Spoon Café are all counter service, meaning no reservation is required. You order, pay, and enjoy. These are among the most accessible stops in the park, which makes it easy to work them into any day.

If you want to pair your Bluey visit with a sit-down meal at Animal Kingdom, Tiffins and Tusker House are the top dining options in the park. Both require advance reservations and fill up quickly, especially in summer. Use MouseDining to set up alerts for your preferred dates so you can get notified the moment a reservation opens up.

FAQ: Bluey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

When does Bluey’s Wild World open at Animal Kingdom?

Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station opens on May 26, 2026.

How long will Bluey be at Animal Kingdom?

Disney has confirmed the experience will be available beyond the summer of 2026, so it is not a limited-time event. But at the same time, we don’t know when it will end.

Do you need a reservation for Bluey’s Wild World?

You do not need a dining-style reservation, and as of June 2, 2026, you no longer need a virtual queue either. Bluey’s Wild World now uses a standby line, so you can ride the Wildlife Express Train to Conservation Station and join the queue when you arrive.

Where is Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom?

Conservation Station is in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch area of the park. You access it by taking the Wildlife Express Train, which departs near Harambe Market in Africa.

Is Bluey food available without joining the virtual queue?

Yes. The Bluey-themed food and drinks at Pizzafari, Isle of Java, and Eight Spoon Café are counter service locations on Discovery Island. You do not need a virtual queue boarding group to purchase food and beverages there.

What Bluey food is available at Animal Kingdom?

The current lineup includes Fairy Bread Cake, Wackadoo Fruit Freeze, Bluey’s Berry Lemonade, the Bluey Sipper, and Pretzel’s Pretzels with blueberry-mustard dipping sauce.

Where can I buy Bluey merchandise at Animal Kingdom?

Bluey merchandise is available at Island Mercantile on Discovery Island and at Conservation Station.

Can I meet Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom?

Bluey and Bingo are part of Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station, but this is not a traditional character meet and greet. Rather than waiting in a line for a posed photo, the whole group plays together with Bluey and Bingo as part of a shared experience. You will need a virtual queue boarding group to access it. If you want a photo keepsake with the characters, the Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots are the way to go.

Does Bluey’s Wild World still use a virtual queue?

Bluey’s Wild World used a virtual queue from its May 26, 2026 opening through June 1, 2026. Starting June 2, 2026, it moved to a standby line and no longer requires a boarding group. Disney has said the virtual queue could return if demand calls for it, so check the My Disney Experience app before your visit.

Start Planning Your Trip

Bluey at Animal Kingdom is exactly the kind of experience that makes a Walt Disney World trip feel genuinely special for little ones. Between the interactive play, real Australian animals, themed snacks, and character fun, it covers everything families are looking for in one area of the park.

Dining is one of the easiest parts of the trip to lock in ahead of time, and it makes a real difference in how smoothly your day goes. Head to MouseDining to set dining alerts for Animal Kingdom restaurants and make sure your family’s table is waiting when you arrive.

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DVC Welcome Home Weeks 2026 | Dining Discounts and Free Perks at Disney World

General, News, Special Events By May 10, 2026 Tags: , , No Comments

DVC Welcome Home Weeks 2026: Dining Discounts, Free Perks, and How to Book

If you are a Disney Vacation Club member, you already know the summer dining discounts are one of the best perks of membership. This summer, Disney is bringing back Welcome Home Weeks from July 22 through August 26, 2026, and it includes up to 40% off at select table-service restaurants plus a solid lineup of free treats and member-only experiences. This article covers everything confirmed for Welcome Home Weeks 2026 at Walt Disney World, including the full restaurant list, the dining discount dates, the free perks, the fine print, and how to make sure you actually get a reservation before availability disappears. If you are also an Annual Passholder, Disney is running a separate V.I.Passholder Summer Days program from May 1 through July 31, 2026, with its own restaurant list and discounts. We have a full breakdown of that program here: V.I.Passholder Summer Days 2026 Dining Discounts.

What Is DVC Welcome Home Weeks?

Welcome Home Weeks is Disney Vacation Club’s annual member appreciation event. It runs at all major Disney destinations including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. This year’s event kicks off earlier than last year, starting July 22 instead of mid-August, giving members more time to take advantage of the perks. To be eligible, you must be a DVC member with active Membership Extras. The member listed on your Digital Membership Card must be present to receive any of the discounts or free items. Have your Digital Membership Card ready in the My Disney Experience app and bring a government-issued photo ID.

The Dining Discount: Up to 40% Off Table-Service Restaurants

The headline perk for Walt Disney World is up to 40% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at select table-service restaurants. This discount is valid Monday through Thursday throughout the entire event window, meaning any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from July 22 through August 26, 2026 qualifies. A reservation that falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will not receive the Welcome Home Weeks discount.

Confirmed Restaurant List

Disney has confirmed the full restaurant list for Welcome Home Weeks 2026. Here is every participating location and the meal periods covered.

40% Off

  • Hollywood and Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: lunch and dinner
  • Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT: lunch
  • Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: dinner
  • Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT: dinner
  • Garden Grill Restaurant at EPCOT: lunch and dinner
  • Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: brunch and dinner
  • Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk: breakfast and dinner

20% Off

  • The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom: lunch and dinner
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom: lunch

When planning your trip, build your big dining days around Mondays through Thursdays. Set your MouseDining alerts now so you are ready to book the moment availability opens at your preferred restaurants.

DVC Welcome Home Week 2026 Tusker House

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Free Perks During Welcome Home Weeks 2026

The dining discount is the big draw, but Welcome Home Weeks includes several other confirmed perks for Walt Disney World members. Many of these perks are available on specific days of the week only, so pay close attention to the details before you plan your visit.

Welcome Home Wakeup: Free Coffee and Morning Treats

Complimentary coffee and a morning treat are available at two confirmed Walt Disney World resort locations, each on specific days of the week. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort hosts the event at the Top of the World Lounge on Fridays and Saturdays starting July 24, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge hosts the event at Reunion Station on Saturdays and Sundays starting July 25, also from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Eligibility for this perk requires a resort reservation at the same resort where the event is being held on that date. The limit is one Welcome Home Wakeup per member, per week, while supplies last.

Disney Character Closeups

Members can meet beloved Disney Characters at a special event held at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk. The event runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on July 22, July 27 through 28, August 4 through 5, August 12 through 13, August 17 through 18, and August 26, 2026. There is no resort parking available for this event, and members are strongly encouraged to use Walt Disney World Resort transportation.

DVC Welcome Home Week 2026 Characters

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Free Mickey Ice Cream Treats

Members can claim a complimentary Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar, ice cream sandwich, or fruit bar at select locations across all four Walt Disney World parks and Disney Springs. The limit is one treat per person, per week, per location. Your Digital Membership Card and photo ID are required.

Disney Springs Perks: One Location Per Day of the Week

Welcome Home Weeks includes confirmed offers at five Disney Springs locations, with each venue available on a specific day of the week only. Here is the full schedule.

  • Mondays, starting July 27: The Polite Pig. Receive 15% off your order plus a complimentary Hop Salt Pretzel when you purchase a specialty drink (cocktail or mocktail).
  • Tuesdays, starting July 28: CityWorks Eatery and Pour House. Receive a complimentary Welcome Home Weeks slushie with the purchase of any entree.
  • Wednesdays, starting July 22: Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew. Receive a complimentary Welcome Home Weeks donut. No purchase necessary.
  • Thursdays, starting July 23: eet by Maneet Chauhan. Receive a complimentary Desi ice cream. No purchase necessary.
  • Fridays, starting July 24: Frontera Cocina. Receive a complimentary Half and Half appetizer when you purchase the DVC Welcome Home Weeks cocktail or mocktail. Valid only while ordering at the bar.

Each offer is available during the venue’s normal operating hours. The limit is one per member, per week, while supplies last. Your Digital Membership Card and photo ID are required to redeem. If you want to take advantage of multiple Disney Springs perks, plan to visit on different days of the week. All five weekdays are covered, so a multi-day stay makes it easy to work through the full list.

Free Candy at Resort Movie Screenings

Members attending outdoor Movies Under the Stars at select Walt Disney World resorts will receive free candy. Dates vary by resort, so check with the recreation team at your resort for specific dates and times.

The Fine Print

The member listed on the Digital Membership Card must be present. The dining discount covers the member plus up to three dining companions. The Welcome Home Wakeup and Character Closeup events cover the member plus up to four guests, or the number of additional guests on the reservation. Alcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity are not included in any discount. The dining discount is valid Monday through Thursday only from July 22 through August 26, 2026. It cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion, including the Disney Dining Plan. Dine-in only; carryout orders are not eligible. EPCOT festival packages and Fantasmic! dining packages are excluded. Valid park admission and a park reservation are required for in-park restaurant locations. All offers are subject to change without notice.

DVC Welcome Home Week 2026

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Tips for Making the Most of Welcome Home Weeks

Book Your Dining Reservations Now

The restaurant list has been confirmed and availability at the most popular spots will move fast. Tiffins, Hollywood and Vine, and Tusker House in particular tend to fill quickly during discount periods. Have your party size, preferred dates, and meal periods ready to go and book as soon as possible. Head to MouseDining to set your alerts now so you are notified the moment a table opens at your preferred restaurant and date.

Plan Your Disney Springs Days Strategically

The Disney Springs perks rotate across all five weekdays, with a different venue each day. If you want to take advantage of more than one offer, you will need to visit on multiple days of the week. A stay of five or more days gives you the best shot at hitting every location.

Bring Your ID and Have Your Membership Card Ready

The discount will not be applied automatically. You need to present your Digital Membership Card from the My Disney Experience app alongside a government-issued photo ID. Add the card to your phone’s digital wallet before your trip so it is easy to pull up at the restaurant or event check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Annual Pass for Welcome Home Weeks? No. Welcome Home Weeks is open to any eligible DVC member with Membership Extras. You do not need a Walt Disney World Annual Pass to participate. If you do have an Annual Pass, the separate V.I.Passholder Summer Days program running May 1 through July 31 may also be worth your attention. You can read about that program here: V.I.Passholder Summer Days 2026 Dining Discounts.

Can the discount be used for my whole family? The dining discount covers the member plus up to three dining companions, for a maximum of four people. Parties larger than four will not receive the discount for the full group. Note that the Character Closeup and Welcome Home Wakeup events cover the member plus up to four guests, or the number of guests on the reservation.

Can I use the discount more than once? Yes. There is no stated limit on how many times you can use the dining discount during the event period, as long as you meet all requirements at each visit and dine on a qualifying Monday through Thursday date.

Is this the same as V.I.Passholder Summer Days? They are two separate programs. V.I.Passholder Summer Days runs May 1 through July 31 and requires an Annual Pass. Welcome Home Weeks runs July 22 through August 26 and requires DVC membership. The restaurant lists and discount structures are different. Full details on the Passholder program are here: V.I.Passholder Summer Days 2026 Dining Discounts.

Book Your Welcome Home Weeks Dining with MouseDining

The 40% dining discount makes some of Disney World’s best restaurants genuinely accessible, but only if you can get a reservation. Availability at high-demand spots moves fast, and it moves even faster during known discount windows. MouseDining monitors Disney’s reservation system around the clock and alerts you the moment a table opens at the restaurant, date, and party size you want. You book directly through Disney once you get the alert. It is the simplest way to make sure a discount seat has your name on it. Set your MouseDining alerts today and lock in your Welcome Home Weeks dining before someone else does.

Always verify current eligibility and participating locations on the official Disney Vacation Club member portal before your visit. All offers are subject to change without notice.

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