Let’s take a look at the latest news around the Walt Disney Company, including Disney Parks, Experiences, and Entertainment.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 Schedule Released
The highly anticipated 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is almost here. From August 14 through August 16 in Anaheim, CA, fans from around the world will gather to celebrate their love for all things Disney. This year’s festivities will feature over 50 panels, immersive experiences, and the largest show floor ever at the Anaheim Convention Center. Over at the nearby Honda Center, major showcases will feature stars, storytellers, and exciting reveals from film, television, and fan experiences around the world.
The full program schedule (minus a few hidden surprises yet to be revealed) has been published by D23. Here are a few of the highlights:
Anaheim Convention Center
Friday, August 14:
- Beauty and the Beast: A Tale as Old as Time
- The Simpsons: Stories from Springfield
- Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration
- Disney Rewind Concert
- The Muppets Musical History with Seth MacFarlane
Saturday, August 15:
- D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest
- Celebrate 65 Years of Marvel’s Spider-Man!
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 3
- Floating Mountains: A Conversation with Joe Rohde
- Disney|Marvel: A Legacy of Stories
- Bluey: From the Backyard to the Big Screen
Sunday, August 16th:
- A Whole New World of Alan Menken
- 75 Years of Nonsense: Alice in Wonderland
- Disney and The Grammys: A Musical Legacy
- The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds
Honda Center Showcases
- August 14 – 7:00 PM | Disney Entertainment Showcase
- August 15 – 7:00 PM | Disney Experiences Showcase
- August 16 – 1:30 PM | Disney Legends Award Ceremony
In addition to the showcases and panels, there will be many opportunities to see and meet legends from across the Disney spectrum. For cosplay fans, there will be themed meet-ups every day of the event. Last, but certainly not least, there will be plenty to see and do on the show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Visit the D23 website for the full schedule and more information on each showcase and panel.
Walt Disney World
Here’s what’s happening at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
The Magic of Disney Animation – Opening September 14, 2026
The massive reimagining of the former Animation Courtyard (and more recently Star Wars Launch Bay) is nearly complete, and animation is once again returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in September 2026. The Magic of Disney Animation will be the centerpiece of a rethemed land called The Walt Disney Studios Lot, inspired by Disney’s real-world Burbank headquarters.
Whimsical new posters have been released to celebrate the experience (and here is my favorite, inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair).
The Magic of Disney Animation will include several endearing experiences:
- Olaf Draws!: A new Animation Academy-style experience where an advanced Olaf audio-animatronic teaches guests (with a little help from some talented Disney artists) how to sketch Disney characters.
- Once Upon a Studio Theater: A dedicated theater showing the award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio with enhanced physical effects and characters that “pop up” from the artwork on the walls.
- Off the Page!: A high-concept character meet-and-greet hub featuring six unique departments, including Mulan in the story department and Rapunzel in layout.
- Drawn to Wonderland: A dreamlike indoor playground for children inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art, featuring a musical flower garden and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.
- Living Portraits: Interactive displays where Disney characters appear to come to life as guests walk through the building.
Magic Kingdom Extended Evening Hours for the Rest of 2026
Guests at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and select third-party hotels (like the Swan & Dolphin and Shades of Green) have long enjoyed the perk of Extended Evening Hours, offering low wait times for headline attractions after the general public has been cleared from the parks. Traditionally, this perk has reliably been celebrated on Mondays at EPCOT and Wednesdays at Magic Kingdom.
But starting in late August 2026, Disney is relocating Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom for the foreseeable future, with the movement expected to last through the remainder of the year.
Beginning the last week of August, Extended Evening Hours will be discontinued at Magic Kingdom, moving instead to a combination of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This shift will ease the evening congestion at Magic Kingdom, which hosts Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party several nights a week in the Fall, followed immediately by Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party through the remainder of the year.
The perk will reside at Animal Kingdom for the remainder of August, move over to Hollywood Studios for September and October, then back to Animal Kingdom for November and December to make way for Disney Jollywood Nights.
EPCOT’s Wednesday Extended Evening Hours are expected to remain unchanged.
Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland
The holidays are coming!
Now is the best time to plan your holiday vacation to Walt Disney World, whether that be for the spooky Halloween season or the cheerful Christmas season. Disney released details for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party back in May, and released all the details for the Christmas holiday season in June.
Over at Disneyland, Oogie Boogie Bash is the big draw.
There is plenty to see and do in both parks, and room and package discounts are available to save on the fun. The time to book is now, so you get your choice of the party dates and discounts! (I can help you book your next holiday!)
Entertainment News
A few notes from the big screen and television.
Avengers: Doomsday – First Official Trailer Released
Avengers: Doomsday is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2026. The next ensemble film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be released in theaters on December 18, 2026, and Marvel/comics/film fans around the world are stoked!
At long last, Marvel has given us a full taste of what is to come, releasing the first official trailer for the film. The trailer introduces Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, sees Thor take on a leadership role among the heroes, showcases multiversal clashes between the X-Men and Fantastic Four, and marks the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. Not to mention a Loki sighting!
Watch the trailer here:
And if you haven’t seen them already, check out this series of teaser trailers released for the film last winter.
Steve Rogers Will Return (released December 23, 2025):
Thor Will Return (released December 30, 2025):
The X-Men Will Return (released January 6, 2026):
The Wakandans and the Fantastic Four Will Return (released January 13, 2026):
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian – Coming to Disney+ September 2, 2026
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian – a new special from Lucasfilm and LEGO – is coming soon to Disney+. This animated galactic adventure celebrates favorite stories and characters from all three seasons of The Mandalorian. In classic LEGO fashion, the special will be filled with laughs and action-packed fun, making it perfect for Star Wars and LEGO fans looking for the lighter side of the galaxy far, far away.
Lucasfilm has also shared a whimsical re-creation of Din Djarin and baby Grogu’s very first meeting.
Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi – Coming to Disney+ August 5, 2026
The acclaimed Star Wars: Visions anthology series is releasing another volume in its growing library of stories. The Ninth Jedi follows Lah Kara, a force-sensitive sabersmith’s daughter who must deliver mysterious, color-changing lightsabers to a gathering of warriors. The series is set in the distant future, long after the Empire and the Rebel Alliance, when the Jedi have faded into legend. The eight-episode series will blend classic galactic lore with traditional Japanese animation, breathing fresh life into the Star Wars mythology.
Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi debuts August 5 on Disney+ and Hulu.
New Theatrical Shorts Coming to Theaters
Lilo & Scratch: A new Walt Disney Animation Studios short combines hand-drawn 2D and CG animation over gorgeous watercolor backgrounds. The short will follow Stitch as he tries to watch a mischievous rescue cat. It will debut in theaters on November 25, 2026, ahead of Disney’s feature film Hexed.
Loving Dory: A new Pixar short film directed by Lou Hamou-Lhadj will follow the lovable Dory as she confuses a plastic bag for a gentle jellyfish and is moved by its curious nature. Naturally, it doesn’t take long for her new romance to escalate from a little clingy to outright toxic!
Unnamed Frozen Short: A brand-new Frozen short film is expected to release in October 2026, ahead of the release of Frozen 3 on November 24, 2027, as part of what Disney is calling the “biggest ever cross-company movie marketing campaign in 2027.”
Mickey’s Home Alone – Coming to Theaters
Mickey’s Home Alone – a brand-new holiday adventure inspired by Home Alone and starring Mickey Mouse – is coming to Disney+, Disney Jr., and Disney Channel for the 2026 holiday season. In the full-length animated special, “Mickey can’t wait to spend Christmas at home, but his plans take a turn when Minnie surprises him and the gang with tickets to spend Christmas at a world-famous Ice Palace.” The morning rush to make it out the door finds Mickey and Pluto left behind and home alone. Mickey and Pluto must protect their home from two feisty villains, while Minnie and the rest of the gang desperately try to make their way back home to Mickey.
Disney has not yet announced an exact release date for Mickey’s Home Alone.
Box Office Bits
Here’s a quick look at box office numbers for a couple of recently released films under the Disney umbrella.
Toy Story 5: Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang have passed the $900 million mark and are poised to hit $1 billion soon. The fifth installment in Pixar’s tentpole franchise is not only a box office juggernaut; it is also a hit with critics, earning a strong 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a 95% rating from audiences. Once again, the film pulled heartstrings of all ages (who will never think of a lunchbox quite the same way again) and left the door open for another installment.
Moana: How far will Moana go? Not nearly as far as Disney would like. Disney’s live-action remake struggled to swim in its second weekend of release, earning $80 million globally for a worldwide total of $170 million – still a far cry from its $250 million budget (not including marketing). The adventure film opened to mediocre reviews and is underperforming with both audiences and critics. With a relatively short window of ten years between the original animated film and the remake, the shot-for-shot critique plaguing the remake, and the very recent release of the animated sequel Moana 2 (only two years ago), it seems Moana burnout may have set in.
Disney Parks and Experiences Sales and Promotions
Here are the latest promotions for visits to Disney Destinations.
Walt Disney World: Disney+ Perks Members Save on Select Packages This Holiday Season
Disney+ Perks members can save up to 25% on rooms and get free Park Hopper benefits added to your ticket when purchasing a 4-night, 4-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels this holiday season.
This promotion is valid for stays most nights within the following date ranges:
- September 25 to October 8, 2026
- October 19 to 31, 2026
- November 15 to 28, 2026
- December 13 to 24, 2026
The actual discount varies by resort, ranging between 15% and 25% (I can help you find the best available discounts).
Walt Disney World: Save Up to 20% on Rooms This Holiday Season
Looking to celebrate the best time of the year in a Disney Resort hotel with plenty of benefits, including early theme park entry and, for guests of Disney Deluxe Resort hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas, extended evening park hours? Friends and families can save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels.
Save up to 20% on select rooms with the Disney Resorts Collection this holiday season—for stays:
- Most Sunday to Thursday nights from October 4 to November 19, 2026
- Most nights (including weekends) from November 22 to December 24, 2026
The actual discount varies by resort, ranging between 10% and 20% (I can help you find the best available discounts).
Walt Disney World: Florida Residents – Save Up to 25% on Rooms This Holiday Season
Florida residents always get a great deal, including this holiday season, where they can save up to 25% on select rooms with the Disney Resorts Collection.
This promotion is valid for stays most nights within the following date ranges:
- October 19 to 31
- November 15 to 28
- December 13 to 24, 2026.
The actual discount varies by resort, ranging between 15% and 25% (you guessed it! I can help you find the best available discounts).
Disneyland: Save Up to 25% on Select Stays of 4 or More Nights at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
This existing promotion rewards guests looking to enjoy a longer Disneyland vacation this summer. Guests staying in a Disneyland Resort hotel for 4 or more nights can save up to 25% on select room types, from May 22 through September 7, 2026.
Disneyland: Save Up to 15% on Select Shorter Stays Sunday Through Thursday Nights at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Guests looking for a shorter Disneyland vacation this summer – this promo is for you. Guests staying in a Disneyland Resort hotel Sunday through Thursday nights can save up to 15% on select room types, from May 22 through September 7, 2026.
Disneyland Halloween Time Tickets – Only $104 on Select Dates
Disney is offering the lowest-priced 1-Day, 1-Park ticket for $104, for guests 10 years of age and older, on the following dates:
- September 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 29
Aulani: Save Up to 35% on Select Stays of 5 or More Nights This Fall
Visit Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi, this fall and save up to 35% on select rooms—including Partial Ocean View Rooms or Ocean View Rooms and Villas – as detailed below.
- Save up to 30% on select rooms for stays of 5 or more consecutive nights.
- Save up to 25% for stays of 4 consecutive nights.
Disney Visa Cardmembers can save even more during these same dates when using their Disney Visa Card or Rewards Redemption Card to book their stay.
- Save 35% on stays of 5 or more consecutive nights
- Save 30% on stays of 4 consecutive nights
Both offers are valid for stays most nights from October 19 to December 23, 2026 (with checkout no later than December 24, 2026).
Disney Cruise Line: Save Up to 25% Off Voyage Fare on Select Sailings
Embark on an unforgettable Disney cruise on select dates and take advantage of special savings on prevailing rates as quoted on Disney Cruise Line. Guests select a category (Verandah, Oceanview, or Inside stateroom under the Guaranteed Stateroom with Restrictions category). Disney Cruise Line will choose your stateroom for you, and it will be assigned closer to your embarkation date.
The Fine Print
- Valid for new bookings only.
- Valid only on Guaranteed Stateroom with Restrictions category: IGT (Inside), OGT (Oceanview) or VGT (Verandah).
- The assigned stateroom will be in the selected category or higher and may have an obstructed view.
- A specific stateroom will be assigned at a later time, based on availability.
Reach out to me for full details and sailing dates for this promotion.
Other Disney Parks and Experiences News and Promotions:
Are you interested in visiting a Disney destination? Please reach out to Facts and Figment Vacation Planning to get started. My travel planning services are absolutely FREE to you, and I can help you score the best, hardest-to-get deals to make your vacation more affordable (and magical). I can also take care of your dining reservations, attraction reservations, and any other special requests.
Did you know? I also plan trips to Universal destinations, other (non-Disney) cruises, and all-inclusive resort vacations. Ask me how I can help you plan your next adventure.
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