Disney World News: 2026 Discounts, Spaceship Earth Reopening, New Food & More!

Epcot's Spaceship Earth Reopening

• 💡 Spaceship Earth is scheduled to reopen on October 25th after a temporary refurbishment, as indicated by the Disney World website.
• 📌 The refurbishment closure is temporary, and guests can anticipate riding again soon.

2026 Disney World Discounts

• 💰 Major discounts for Disney World in 2026 have been released, including $250 off per night on room and ticket packages for Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts.
• 💸 Annual Passholders can save up to 35% on hotel rooms this spring, with varying discounts for different date ranges.
• 🌴 Florida residents can also receive discounts of up to 30% on stays through April 30th.

New Character Meet-and-Greets and Disney Cruise Line

• 🎭 Disney's Hollywood Studios has introduced new character meet-and-greets on Hollywood Boulevard, featuring characters like Pinocchio, Mary Poppins, and Bert.
• 🚢 The Disney Cruise Line will welcome the Disney Destiny in November, featuring new dining, entertainment, and a "heroes and villains" theme with traveling storytellers.

Park Construction and Dining Updates

• 🏗️ Construction is underway for a new snack kiosk in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
• 🍽️ Level 99, a 45,000 sq ft interactive gaming venue, is opening soon in the former NBA Experience building at Disney Springs.
• 🏨 The lobby refurbishment at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter is complete, featuring new decor and furniture.
• ⚠️ Construction at Disney's Beach Club Resort is ongoing, with the Port Kosher reopening delayed until November.
• 🏢 The former Star Wars Galactic Star Cruiser building is being converted into office space for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Additions

• 🥟 The Gozas of the Galaxy booth offers new Japanese dumplings, including buffalo style, French onion soup style, and street corn style.
• 🦀 The Coastal Eats booth returns with a lump crab cake, Peruvian ceviche, and a seaside pot pie.
• 🍹 New drink options at the festival include a pineapple colada and various wines.

New Chicken Tender Offerings and Drink Flights

• 🍗 Disney World is introducing 13 new sauced chicken tender snacks across various locations starting October 8th, with some arriving in 2026.
• 🍹 A new signature cocktail flight is available at The Polite Pig in Disney Springs, featuring four different drinks.
• 🥤 The Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Bar in Disney Springs offers a new mocktail flight with unique flavor combinations.

Disneyland and Merchandise Updates

• 🚧 The reopening of Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa has been delayed to early 2026 due to a remodel.
• 🛍️ New fall and Halloween merchandise, including a Haunted Mansion mug and peppermint swirl Loungefly backpack, is available.
• 🎁 A limited edition Christmas advent calendar priced at $299 is available at Disney Springs, featuring hand-blown ornaments.

Park Closures and Lightning Lane Pricing

• 🎢 Several attractions are closed for refurbishment, including Spaceship Earth (until Oct 25th), Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (both until 2026).
• ⚡ Lightning Lane prices for October range from $18 to $37, depending on the park and attraction.
• 📉 Crowds are currently low, suggesting that paying for Lightning Lane may not be necessary for all guests.