Disney Parks News: EPCOT Food & Wine, Halloween Horror Nights, D23, and New Snacks

Major Theme Park Events Kick Off

• 🎡 EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival has officially begun and will run through November 22nd, featuring top eats and a limited-edition compass design.
• 👻 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando has also started, offering scare zones, haunted houses, and live entertainment on select nights through November 2nd.
• 🏰 Disney's fan convention, Destination D23, has kicked off in Disney World, featuring shopping, presentations, and special events.

New Dining and Snack Experiences

• 🍸 Beacon Barrel, a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland, has opened but requires reservations.
• 🎁 A new Gashapon Corner has opened in EPCOT's Japan Pavilion, offering collectible mini blind box toys at prices ranging from $9 to $15 per item.
• 🍰 A limited-edition Sid Spiced Berry Lunchbox tart is available at Woody's Lunchbox for $4.99.
• 🍦 Vivoli Gelato in Disney Springs is offering new treats including Corona Sorbetto, Lemonchello Spritz, Guava Cannoli, Tres Tiramisu, and Pumpkin Spice Avocado.
• 🥨 Caramel Lusha has released three new treats: Bananas Foster caramel, a gourmet pretzel, and a pumpkin butter bar.
• 🍩 The Deep Fried Hawaiian Roll is a limited-time offering at Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs on the Boardwalk, described as a must-try sweet treat.
• 🧀 The baked mac and cheese has returned to 8 Spoon Cafe in Animal Kingdom, with options for pulled pork and buffalo chicken.

Ride Refurbishments and Schedule Changes

• ⚙️ The original Remy ride at Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris is undergoing extensive renovations and is expected to reopen in Spring 2026.
• 🎢 Major refurbishments are underway at Magic Kingdom, with Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin closed until 2026 and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed until next year.
• 🚀 Spaceship Earth in EPCOT is also undergoing a routine refurbishment and is expected to reopen later this year.
• 🎆 Magic Kingdom's nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, and the Happily Ever After fireworks show have adjusted their showtimes due to earlier sunsets.

Special Events and Merchandise

• 📚 The Disney Adults book crawl featuring themed drinks at various Disney World restaurants is available only until August 31st.
• 🎶 The Great Irish Hoolie music festival is taking place at Raglan Road from August 29th to September 1st.
• 🎃 A Pluto skeleton sipper is available for a limited time in Disneyland.