Disney Parks News: Halloween, Food & Wine, Disneyland 70th Anniversary, Epic Universe & More!

Disney Parks Halloween & Fall Events

• 🎃 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom with special parades, characters, trick-or-treating, and fireworks.
• 👻 The party runs on select nights from August 15th to October 31st, with tickets going on sale May 22nd, ranging from $119 to $229.
• 🍎 The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place from August 28th to November 22nd, featuring over 35 global marketplaces.
• 🎶 The festival will include returning favorites like Emil's Fromage Montage, Remy's scavenger hunt, and the Eat to the Beat concert series.

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration

• 🎂 Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary with new decorations, character outfits, and limited-time treats.
• ✨ Special offerings include a Toy Story Mania ride overlay, Miguel and Dante on It's a Small World, the return of the Paint the Night Parade, and the new World of Color show.
• 🏰 The celebration continues until summer 2026, with more additions like a Walt animatronic coming later this summer.

Universal Orlando's Epic Universe & Halloween Horror Nights

• 🚀 Epic Universe officially opens on May 22nd, with a grand opening celebration including pyrotechnics, drones, and celebrity guests, live-streamed on May 21st.
• ⚡ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction initially used a virtual queue, but has since reopened with a standby queue.
• 💀 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando begins August 29th with dates running through November 2nd, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment.

Disney World Passholder Perks & New Offerings

• 🔑 Passholder Days are ongoing through July 31st, offering discounts and exclusive perks.
• lounge in Epcot's Morocco Pavilion, providing a place to relax with complimentary snacks and drinks.
• 💎 The newest passholder magnet features Maleficent and is available at the Creations Shop in Epcot.
• 🧜‍♀️ The new Little Mermaid musical adventure show opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios on May 27th, featuring both standby and Lightning Lane entrances.

Dining and Merchandise Updates

• 🍦 Custom Dole Whip options are now available at Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs, including a new blue corn cone.
• 🍔 Spitfire Grill in Epic Universe offers unique bowls like the Valka's vegan bowl and Hiccup salmon bowl, with some surprisingly spicy options.
• 🍰 The Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom now features a s'mores cake dessert, a rich and decadent treat.
• 🦞 Paddlefish in Disney Springs has reintroduced lobster corn dogs and offers a highly-rated Burrata Panzanella.
• 🛍️ New bulk candy containers resembling Magic Kingdom trash bins are available for purchase at various Disney locations.

Other Disney News

• 📺 Disney is launching a new ESPN streaming service in Fall 2025 for $29.99/month, with bundled options available.
• ✈️ Orlando International Airport is undergoing a $72 million bathroom renovation project expected to be completed by 2027.
• 🥂 California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special limited-time menu featuring returning favorites and the Monterey cocktail.
• 👕 Old Navy has released a new Disney collection featuring Mickey Mouse-themed apparel, including t-shirts and swim trunks.