5 Walt Disney World Updates You Need to Know This Week ✨

September 13, 2026

Hi Disney friends!

Disney dropped a whole stack of Walt Disney World news this week — including something opening tomorrow. Here are the five updates we think are most worth having on your radar.

The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a big dose of animation nostalgia and hands-on fun. The new experience includes Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page!, Olaf Draws!, the Once Upon a Studio Theater, character encounters and lots of hidden details. Disney says all 64 Walt Disney Animation feature films are represented somewhere in the experience.

Why we’re watching: This looks like one of those areas that can work for a lot of different Disney fans — animation lovers, character fans, little ones who need a play break, and anyone who misses the old animation feel at Hollywood Studios.

Resource: Disney Parks Blog — The Magic of Disney Animation

Image: Disney Parks Blog / Walt Disney World Resort

New Walt Disney World resort and package offers are live

Disney released several 2027 offers, including savings of up to $250 per night on select 4-night, 4-day room-and-ticket packages for select nights January 3 through July 28, 2027. Select Disney Resort rooms can be discounted by up to 25% for certain nights January 3 through April 29.

Passholder note: Annual Passholders can save up to 35% on select rooms for select nights January 3 through April 29. Disney Visa Cardmembers also have an additional offer.

Resource: Disney Parks Blog — Walt Disney World Spring Offers and Returning Events

Offers are subject to availability and Disney’s terms. Image: Disney Parks Blog / Walt Disney World Resort

Disney After Hours returns to three parks in 2027

After Hours dates are now set for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These are separately ticketed, limited-capacity nights with lower waits plus included ice cream, popcorn and bottled drinks.

Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels, the Swan and Dolphin, and Shades of Green can already purchase tickets. Sales open to all other guests on September 22, 2026. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $30 per ticket on eligible dates.

Resource: Disney Parks Blog — Disney After Hours Dates, Tickets & Tips

Image: Disney Parks Blog / Walt Disney World Resort

Festival of the Arts dates are official

The 2027 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs January 15 through March 1. Disney says the festival will return with the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, interactive art, Animation Academy, the giant paint-by-number mural, Disney Lorcana experiences and 19 Food Studios.

Worth noting: Disney says the festival is getting an extra week compared with the previous schedule.

Resource: Disney Parks Blog — EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Dates & Offerings

Image: Disney Parks Blog / Walt Disney World Resort

Flower & Garden returns March 10–May 31

EPCOT’s spring festival is officially set for March 10 through May 31, 2027. Character topiaries, gardens, Outdoor Kitchens and the Garden Rocks Concert Series are all returning. Disney hasn’t released the full concert lineup or menus yet, so there’s more to come.

Our take: If spring EPCOT is your favorite version of EPCOT, these are the dates to save now — especially before dining package and concert details start rolling out.

Resource: Disney Parks Blog — EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Dates & Details

Image: Disney Parks Blog / Walt Disney World Resort