If you only have a few minutes, here’s the family-planning version of what mattered this week. We skipped the tiny merchandise and construction updates and kept the things that could actually change what you ride, book, eat or pack for an upcoming trip.

1. It’s No Longer “Coming Soon” — Lilypad Has Arrived at Alien Swirling Saucers

Friday, September 25 is the start date for Alien Swirling Saucers: Lilypad’s Jams at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Toy Story Land attraction now gets a new musical layer led by Lilypad, the frog-shaped smart tablet from Toy Story 5.

Disney says the soundtrack mixes reimagined Toy Story favorites with original songs written for the attraction, moving through styles including pop, country, EDM and alt-rock. Imagineers recorded the new music with musicians in Nashville.

The update is not limited to guests riding the saucers. Disney says Lilypad also entertains guests around the attraction between songs with track introductions, drawing challenges, puzzles and “home videos” featuring familiar Toy Story pals. That gives families with someone who skips the spinning ride a chance to catch some of the new entertainment too.

2. 2027 Disney After Hours Tickets Are Now on Sale to Everyone

General-public ticket sales opened September 22 for 2027 Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The dates themselves were announced earlier this month; the development this week is that the general ticket-sales window is now open.

Disney After Hours is a separately ticketed, limited-capacity event with three hours of after-hours park time, lower waits at select attractions, character encounters and included snacks such as popcorn, ice cream novelties and select bottled beverages. Event-ticket holders can enter the park before the official event begins.

3. Disney’s 2026 Halloween Foodie Guide Is Here

If your trip falls between now and Halloween, Disney gave you a new reason to check the menus before you arrive. The 2026 Walt Disney World Halloween Foodie Guide was published September 24 and rounds up seasonal food and drinks around the resort through October 31.

There are new and returning treats across the parks and resorts. Rather than copying Disney’s enormous menu here, our advice is simple: take a look before your park day and make a short “must-try” list. Seasonal treats can be scattered across multiple locations, and knowing what you actually want ahead of time saves a lot of wandering when everyone is hungry.

4. Planning Ahead: Spring 2027 Disney World Discounts Are Available

This one was not announced this week—Disney originally released the offers September 10—but we’re including it because it is too useful for 2027 planners to miss.

The headline savings are “up to” amounts, so the actual discount depends on resort, room type and travel dates. Disney also limits the number of rooms and packages available under each offer. If you already have a 2027 reservation, Disney’s package-offer page says to check whether an existing reservation can be changed to an eligible vacation offer.

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5. The Turf Club Bar & Grill Reopens September 30

The Turf Club Bar & Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is reopening September 30, and Disney gave guests a first look at the refreshed menu this week.

The returning table-service restaurant keeps its equestrian-inspired setting and adds a menu ranging from French onion soup and sweet-and-spicy Brussels sprouts to prime rib, fried chicken and waffle, pasta and a Turf Club burger. For families staying at Saratoga Springs—or anyone looking for another Disney Springs-area dinner option—it is worth putting back on the list.

6. Coral Reef Restaurant Is Showing an Earlier Return

There is a useful EPCOT dining-calendar change to watch. Coral Reef Restaurant had previously been showing a November 4 return, but Disney’s operating and reservation calendar has since shown availability beginning September 29.

There is one important wrinkle: Disney’s main Coral Reef restaurant page still uses the broader wording that the restaurant is expected to reopen “later in 2026.” Because those two pieces of Disney’s own planning information are not perfectly synchronized, we would treat September 29 as a date to recheck in My Disney Experience rather than assume every reservation will be available immediately.

For families with upcoming fall EPCOT trips who had already crossed Coral Reef off the list, it is worth checking again. The restaurant’s panoramic windows look into The Seas aquarium, home to more than 2,000 sea creatures.

7. JetBlue Joins Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer Service

JetBlue has joined the airlines supported by Walt Disney World’s Airport Luggage Transfer service, alongside American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.

The pilot is currently available for eligible guests staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach and Pop Century Resorts and traveling on a participating domestic flight through Orlando International Airport (MCO).

For arrivals, Disney directs eligible guests to register with BagCheck in advance; checked bags can then be transferred from MCO to the participating Disney Resort. For departures, luggage must be turned over to the designated Resort luggage-assistance location within Disney’s required window. Because airline, resort and timing requirements can change, use Disney’s current instructions before relying on the service.

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