- Mar 13, 2024
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Can you believe we’re already almost halfway through 2026?
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Magical Guides-–-Cinderella-Castle-–-Construction-–-Main-Street-U.S.A.-–-Magic-Kingdom-–-Walt-Disney-World-Photo-May-05-2026-9-46-11-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Main Street crowds
While there has been a lot that has already happened in 2026 at both Disney World and Disneyland, there is still so much fun coming soon! From special events, fun holidays, and more, these are all the dates for 2026 that real Disney fans know.
If you haven’t heard, TONS of new experiences are hitting Disney World on May 26th to kick off the summer activities. It’s officially the day Cool Kids’ SUMMER kicks off! Cool Kids’ Summer is filled with so many fun activities for little ones to enjoy! Meet your favorite Toy Story characters at Magic Kingdom, check out GoofyCore at EPCOT as CommuniCore Hall is retransformed, a dance party at Disney Springs, plus much more.
It’s Cool Kid Summer!
What else is coming to Disney World on May 26th? Oh, yeah…Bluey for the very first time! The beloved show, Bluey, is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get ready to experience Bluey’s Wild World as Bluey and Bingo take over the Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
©Disney
On May 26th, the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Hollywood Studios will officially be open to experience. May 26th will also bring a brand-new show — Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! This live show is inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, and invites everyone to celebrate with the ultimate party at the Clubhouse. Oh, and did we mention that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets will open on May 26th?
©Disney
Since we’re on the topic of new experiences, get ready to experience a brand-new version of Soarin’ Around the World on May 26th, called Soarin’ Across America! This patriotic makeover is for the 250th birthday of the U.S.A.
©Disney
BOTH water parks will be open this year, starting on May 26th through September 8th. May 26th is also the first day of the free water park hotel perk, which is back after its debut in 2025. Guests staying at a Disney World hotel will get a free ticket to visit a water park on their check-in day!
Typhoon Lagoon
See, we weren’t kidding when we said May 26th was a big day for Disney fans!
Blizzard Beach
EPCOT festival fans have June 1st marked on their calendar because this is the last day of this year’s Flower and Garden Festival. Be sure to head to the park to enjoy the outdoor kitchens and entertainment before the festival ends.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magical Guides-Booths-Atmos-Menus-Spreads-Fleur-de-Lys-2026-EPCOT-Flower-and-Garden-Festival-Photo-Mar-04-2026-1-700x525.jpg
Fleur de Lys Full Spread
This one is a smaller holiday, but it does bring some fun to the Disney parks! 626 day is also known as Stitch day (for experiment 626). On this day, we usually get some fun snacks to celebrate our favorite alien, and you might even find Stitch roaming around the parks for a photo op.
Experiment 626 Cone
The annual fireworks show, Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will play across all three nights of the holiday weekend on Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th. This will be for both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, so you can celebrate Independence Day on each coast!
The sky just lights up with this show
This is the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the year! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. The event will return for select nights from August 7th through October 31st, 2026.
2025’s trick-or-treat bag!
D23 is Disney’s official fan club, and as part of the fan club, D23 puts on a HUGE fan convention each year. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience will take place from August 14th to 16th, 2026, in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Disney fans know to watch this event like a hawk, as this is where we get some BIG news about the Disney parks.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
The one and only Oogie Boogie — along with lots of his fellow Disney Villains — hosts the Oogie Boogie Bash as part of Halloween Time in Disneyland Resort! This extra-ticket event will return for 33 select nights from August 18th to October 31st, 2026.
Oogie Boogie
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of global cuisine in Disney World! The dates for the 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival are August 27th through November 21st, 2026.
Mexico Booth at Food & Wine Festival 2025
This is the last day of Cool Kids’ Summer at Disney World! It is also the last day to enjoy the free water park ticket perk for resort guests.
2025 Cool Kids’ Summer Booklet
runDisney fans have this weekend marked down as the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! Even if you aren’t a runner, this weekend will draw some large crowds to the parks.
©Disney
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday is on November 18th! That’s right, the power couple of the century SHARE a birthday because they both premiered in “Steamboat Willie” on November 18th, 1928. And every year, there’s one super rare and quite unique way to celebrate their birthday! Fans know that if they head to Magic Kingdom and head for Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid, you can find an ultra-rare hidden Mickey and Minnie shadow that only appears for a short period of time.
Hidden Mickey!
Disneyland will close out the year with Holidays at Disneyland (beginning November 18th), inviting you to celebrate diverse holiday traditions with enchanting décor, festive entertainment, and delicious seasonal treats. This seasonal celebration includes Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, adding even more fun and flavor to the winter season.
©Disney
You might be thinking you already saw this date — you have! This is the last date to enjoy this year’s Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT. If you want to try some delicious food and experience the festival, be sure to head here before it’s over.
2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
There are also Dapper Days happening at Disneyland Resort! Not familiar with Dapper Day? (Actually, make that Dapper Days because this event takes place a couple of times a year on BOTH coasts). The basic idea is to dress up in vintage outfits, just like what you might have seen when Disneyland first opened.
Dapper Day Expo
Speaking of Dapper Days, over at Disney World on Saturday & Sunday, December 5th & 6th: Holiday Outing, you can find events!
@cherylthrift and @gretchensarah at Dapper Days!
There are three other major events in 2026 that we don’t have the dates for them just yet. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. Last year, the party took place on select nights from Friday, November 7th to Sunday, December 21st, 2025.
2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Similarly, Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It took place on thirteen select nights between November 8th and December 22nd, 2025. We are keeping an eye out for this year’s dates!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Magical Guides-_-Merchandise-Collection-_-Jollywood-Nights-_-Hollywood-Studios-_-Disney-World-Photo-Nov-08-2025-7-07-00-PM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Jollywood Nights mug
Finally, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays usually begins after Thanksgiving. In 2025, the dates were November 28th (the day after Thanksgiving) through December 30th. We believe the dates will be similar this year, and we are keeping an eye out for the official announcement soon.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Magical Guides-Atmosphere-Festival-of-the-Holidays-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-Disney-World-Photo-Nov-26-2025-10-53-37-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
2025 Festival of the Holidays
Whew! There is still a lot to look forward to in 2026. For more Disney Parks news and information, stay tuned to Magical Guides!
Which of the dates are you excited for this year? Be sure to tell us in the comments below!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Magical Guides-–-Cinderella-Castle-–-Construction-–-Main-Street-U.S.A.-–-Magic-Kingdom-–-Walt-Disney-World-Photo-May-05-2026-9-46-11-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Main Street crowds
While there has been a lot that has already happened in 2026 at both Disney World and Disneyland, there is still so much fun coming soon! From special events, fun holidays, and more, these are all the dates for 2026 that real Disney fans know.
May 26th
If you haven’t heard, TONS of new experiences are hitting Disney World on May 26th to kick off the summer activities. It’s officially the day Cool Kids’ SUMMER kicks off! Cool Kids’ Summer is filled with so many fun activities for little ones to enjoy! Meet your favorite Toy Story characters at Magic Kingdom, check out GoofyCore at EPCOT as CommuniCore Hall is retransformed, a dance party at Disney Springs, plus much more.
It’s Cool Kid Summer!
What else is coming to Disney World on May 26th? Oh, yeah…Bluey for the very first time! The beloved show, Bluey, is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get ready to experience Bluey’s Wild World as Bluey and Bingo take over the Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
©Disney
On May 26th, the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Hollywood Studios will officially be open to experience. May 26th will also bring a brand-new show — Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! This live show is inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, and invites everyone to celebrate with the ultimate party at the Clubhouse. Oh, and did we mention that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets will open on May 26th?
©Disney
Since we’re on the topic of new experiences, get ready to experience a brand-new version of Soarin’ Around the World on May 26th, called Soarin’ Across America! This patriotic makeover is for the 250th birthday of the U.S.A.
©Disney
BOTH water parks will be open this year, starting on May 26th through September 8th. May 26th is also the first day of the free water park hotel perk, which is back after its debut in 2025. Guests staying at a Disney World hotel will get a free ticket to visit a water park on their check-in day!
Typhoon Lagoon
See, we weren’t kidding when we said May 26th was a big day for Disney fans!
Blizzard Beach
June 1st
EPCOT festival fans have June 1st marked on their calendar because this is the last day of this year’s Flower and Garden Festival. Be sure to head to the park to enjoy the outdoor kitchens and entertainment before the festival ends.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magical Guides-Booths-Atmos-Menus-Spreads-Fleur-de-Lys-2026-EPCOT-Flower-and-Garden-Festival-Photo-Mar-04-2026-1-700x525.jpg
Fleur de Lys Full Spread
June 26th
This one is a smaller holiday, but it does bring some fun to the Disney parks! 626 day is also known as Stitch day (for experiment 626). On this day, we usually get some fun snacks to celebrate our favorite alien, and you might even find Stitch roaming around the parks for a photo op.
Experiment 626 Cone
July 4th
The annual fireworks show, Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will play across all three nights of the holiday weekend on Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th. This will be for both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, so you can celebrate Independence Day on each coast!
The sky just lights up with this show
August 7th
This is the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the year! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. The event will return for select nights from August 7th through October 31st, 2026.
2025’s trick-or-treat bag!
August 14th
D23 is Disney’s official fan club, and as part of the fan club, D23 puts on a HUGE fan convention each year. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience will take place from August 14th to 16th, 2026, in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Disney fans know to watch this event like a hawk, as this is where we get some BIG news about the Disney parks.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
August 18th
The one and only Oogie Boogie — along with lots of his fellow Disney Villains — hosts the Oogie Boogie Bash as part of Halloween Time in Disneyland Resort! This extra-ticket event will return for 33 select nights from August 18th to October 31st, 2026.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/20250817-Magical Guides-_-Oogie-Boogie-_-Villain-Treat-Trail-_-Oogie-Boogie-Bash-_-Disney-California-Adventure-_-Disneyland-Resort-13-700x394.jpg
Oogie Boogie
August 27th
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of global cuisine in Disney World! The dates for the 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival are August 27th through November 21st, 2026.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Magical Guides-Atmosphere-Mexico-Booth-Food-and-Wine-Festival-EPCOT-Festivals-WDW-Aug-28-2025-3x-700x508.jpg
Mexico Booth at Food & Wine Festival 2025
September 8th
This is the last day of Cool Kids’ Summer at Disney World! It is also the last day to enjoy the free water park ticket perk for resort guests.
2025 Cool Kids’ Summer Booklet
October 22nd-25th
runDisney fans have this weekend marked down as the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! Even if you aren’t a runner, this weekend will draw some large crowds to the parks.
©Disney
November 18th
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday is on November 18th! That’s right, the power couple of the century SHARE a birthday because they both premiered in “Steamboat Willie” on November 18th, 1928. And every year, there’s one super rare and quite unique way to celebrate their birthday! Fans know that if they head to Magic Kingdom and head for Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid, you can find an ultra-rare hidden Mickey and Minnie shadow that only appears for a short period of time.
Hidden Mickey!
Disneyland will close out the year with Holidays at Disneyland (beginning November 18th), inviting you to celebrate diverse holiday traditions with enchanting décor, festive entertainment, and delicious seasonal treats. This seasonal celebration includes Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, adding even more fun and flavor to the winter season.
©Disney
November 21st and 22nd
You might be thinking you already saw this date — you have! This is the last date to enjoy this year’s Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT. If you want to try some delicious food and experience the festival, be sure to head here before it’s over.
2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
There are also Dapper Days happening at Disneyland Resort! Not familiar with Dapper Day? (Actually, make that Dapper Days because this event takes place a couple of times a year on BOTH coasts). The basic idea is to dress up in vintage outfits, just like what you might have seen when Disneyland first opened.
- Saturday, November 21st & Sunday, November 22nd: Holiday Boutique at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
- Sunday, November 22nd: Holiday Outing to Disneyland Park
Dapper Day Expo
December 5th and 6th
Speaking of Dapper Days, over at Disney World on Saturday & Sunday, December 5th & 6th: Holiday Outing, you can find events!
- December 5th: Magic Kingdom
- December 6th: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
@cherylthrift and @gretchensarah at Dapper Days!
Unknown Yet
There are three other major events in 2026 that we don’t have the dates for them just yet. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. Last year, the party took place on select nights from Friday, November 7th to Sunday, December 21st, 2025.
2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Similarly, Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It took place on thirteen select nights between November 8th and December 22nd, 2025. We are keeping an eye out for this year’s dates!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Magical Guides-_-Merchandise-Collection-_-Jollywood-Nights-_-Hollywood-Studios-_-Disney-World-Photo-Nov-08-2025-7-07-00-PM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Jollywood Nights mug
Finally, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays usually begins after Thanksgiving. In 2025, the dates were November 28th (the day after Thanksgiving) through December 30th. We believe the dates will be similar this year, and we are keeping an eye out for the official announcement soon.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Magical Guides-Atmosphere-Festival-of-the-Holidays-EPCOT-Festivals-EPCOT-Disney-World-Photo-Nov-26-2025-10-53-37-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
2025 Festival of the Holidays
Whew! There is still a lot to look forward to in 2026. For more Disney Parks news and information, stay tuned to Magical Guides!
Join the Magical Guides Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Which of the dates are you excited for this year? Be sure to tell us in the comments below!
