This Week at Walt Disney World — Holiday Ride Surprises, Monstropolis Reveals & More

October 9, 2026 · Disney News & Updates

We’ve got holiday music coming to three attractions, new details about dining in Monstropolis, a beautiful new resort opening for reservations, and some fun additions to Jollywood Nights. And yes, we’ll cover those price increases, too. Grab your coffee and let’s catch up!

Three Walt Disney World Rides Are Getting Holiday Makeovers! 🎄

Three attractions are getting seasonal soundtracks, and you won’t need a separately ticketed holiday party to hear them. Two start November 4, while Guardians joins the fun later in the month.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

The Electric Mayhem is getting into the holiday spirit with an Obligatory Holiday Overlay — and we love that name. 😂

Alien Swirling Saucers

Even the little green aliens are joining the Christmas celebration!

A fun seasonal extra for families with younger riders.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Guardians fans get a holiday soundtrack too — just on a slightly different schedule.

If you’re visiting earlier in November, this one won’t have started yet.

Monstropolis Is Getting Some Very Interesting Places to Eat! 👀

Disney revealed more dining concepts for the Monsters, Inc.-inspired area coming to Hollywood Studios. The details look like they could make mealtime part of the entertainment.

Harryhausen’s Restaurant

Remember the sushi restaurant from Monsters, Inc.? Disney is bringing that idea to life as a table-service restaurant.

One of the planned highlights is an eight-tentacled Audio-Animatronics sushi chef. We’re definitely curious to see that in action!

Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza and Blort

There’s also a planned quick-service pizza location and a wonderfully strange-looking beverage concept called Blort.

Disney Lakeshore Lodge Is Now Taking Reservations

Disney Lakeshore Lodge is scheduled to open July 1, 2027, and reservations opened to the general public on October 8.

The 967-room resort draws inspiration from nature, with a fiber-optic river feature, bronze artwork, “Colors of the Wind”-inspired glass, and waterfront Lake Houses in the plans.

A First Look at Branch & Brush

The nature-inspired design continues in the planned Branch & Brush lounge.

Reservations are now open. We’ll be watching for the practical details families care about, from transportation to dining and room layouts.

More Disney News Families Should Know

A few smaller updates are worth keeping on your radar as you plan your next visit.

Savi’s Workshop Has New Lightsaber Details

Star Wars fans have a refreshed Protection and Defense lightsaber design to discover at Savi’s Workshop, introduced October 5.

Savi’s is a paid experience, separate from park admission. The design and experience details can change, so check current options before booking.

Jollywood Nights Is Adding More Holiday Fun

Disney Jollywood Nights is bringing new additions to Hollywood Studios, including the Checkin’ It Twice Lounge, appearances by George Sanderson and Needleman, and new characters during Glisten!

And here’s something new! Jollywood Nights is extending into January, with parties on January 3 and 5, 2027. That’s two more chances to enjoy the holiday fun after Christmas!

Scat Cat’s Club Is Temporarily Closed

If Mickey-shaped beignets are on your must-eat list, there’s a temporary change at Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

Vacation Fun Is Taking a Short Break

The Vacation Fun animated short at Hollywood Studios is scheduled to close temporarily beginning October 28.

Disney expects it to return later in 2026, but no specific reopening date has been announced. If it’s one of your favorite indoor breaks, check its status before your visit.

A Familiar Voice for Carousel of Progress

Debi Derryberry, who previously voiced Patricia, is returning as Grandmother for updated scenes in Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

It’s a fun little piece of Disney history to look forward to as the attraction continues to evolve.

Walt Disney World Prices Went Up This Week 💸

Now for the news nobody really wants before planning a Disney vacation. Disney raised prices on several tickets, Annual Passes, food and drinks, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass. But the increases don’t apply equally to every date or product.

Theme Park Tickets

Disney’s ticket prices vary by park and date, and some peak dates in 2027 are getting especially expensive.

Annual Pass Prices Have Increased

All four Walt Disney World Annual Pass tiers increased in price this week.

Prices before applicable tax. Florida residency, qualifying Disney Vacation Club membership, and blockout restrictions apply to certain pass types.

Food, Drinks, and Lightning Lane

Some snacks and beverages also cost more now, and those little purchases can add up quickly on a family park day.

Disney Resort Discounts Could Help Families Save

After all those price increases, here’s something more encouraging! Disney has several offers for select resort stays, with additional savings for eligible Annual Passholders.

Spring 2027 Offers

Holiday 2026 Offers

A Little More Holiday Magic Is on the Way! 🎄

Between the ride soundtracks and Jollywood Nights additions, there’s a lot to look forward to this holiday season.

And if you’re visiting sooner, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival is still underway while Halloween celebrations continue through October. There’s always something new to discover!

October 11 Planning Update: Two Ride Changes to Know

Before you finalize those park plans, here are two updates worth a quick look. One could change your Magic Kingdom must-do list, and the other could give eligible guests more time for a Hollywood Studios favorite.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Temporary Closure Starts November 2

Have someone in your family counting down to a ride with Princess Tiana? Check the calendar before making promises! Disney says Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will close temporarily for routine maintenance beginning November 2, 2026, with reopening expected in December 2026. Disney has not confirmed a specific reopening day in the announcement we verified.

If Tiana’s is at the top of your family’s list, have a backup favorite ready for a November visit. It’s much easier to change a plan before everyone is standing at the entrance!

Rise of the Resistance Joins Extended Evening Hours

Here’s a nice bonus for families staying at eligible Disney hotels: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has joined the participating attraction lineup during Extended Evening Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Upcoming Extended Evening Hours dates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios include October 14 and October 28, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 PM. These extra hours are available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, and select other eligible hotels.

That gives eligible guests another chance to experience a big family favorite after regular park hours. Attraction availability can change, so check the current Extended Evening Hours lineup before heading over.

Update added October 11, 2026. Attraction schedules and eligibility are subject to change.

A Little Planning Can Make a Big Difference

Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or planning next year’s trip, having your details together makes vacation planning a little easier. Our FREE 17-page printable Disney Vacation Planner was made for just that.

That’s Your Disney World Catch-Up for This Week!

What a week! Some not-so-fun price news, but plenty to get excited about, too. We’re especially curious about the Muppets holiday soundtrack and that eight-tentacled Monstropolis sushi chef. 😂

What are you most excited to see on your next Disney visit?

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