How the Disney Fan Draft Brought NFL Teams and Iconic Disney Characters Together

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July 17, 2026

How the Disney Fan Draft Brought NFL Teams and Iconic Disney Characters Together

Imagine sitting in a room with a draft board, trying to decide which Avenger represents the New England Patriots, or which Toy Story character perfectly captures the vibe of the Dallas Cowboys. Sounds like a wild fantasy football group chat, right? Well, it actually happened in real life.

At Fanatics Fest NYC, sports culture and childhood nostalgia collided in the best way possible with the debut of the Disney Champion NFL Collection. To kick things off, they hosted the first-ever Disney Fan Draft, pairing up the first eight NFL teams with iconic characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel.

Here is a look at how this insane crossover came to life, why the designs go way deeper than you think, and which teams are already on the board.

The First Round Picks: Who Paired with Who?

The creative team didn’t just throw darts at a board of cartoon characters. Every single pairing had to make sense, blending team history, city identity, and fan culture.

Here are the first eight picks that officially dropped:

Buffalo Bills × Disney’s Beast: Raw strength, high intensity, and a fiercely loyal fanbase (shoutout to Bills Mafia).
Dallas Cowboys × Woody (Toy Story): Classic cowboy iconography packed with confidence and timeless appeal.
Las Vegas Raiders × Darth Vader (Star Wars): The ultimate match. Legacy power, a bit of mystique, and a natural fit for the silver and black.
New England Patriots × Captain America (Avengers): A modern take on heritage, heroism, and enduring leadership.
New York Giants × Wreck-It Ralph: Big, bold, unstoppable strength balanced with a whole lot of heart.
New York Jets × Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story): Speed, flight, and absolute confidence, anchored perfectly in the team’s aviation roots.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers × Captain Hook: A pirate legacy with plenty of attitude. Expressive and unmistakable.
Washington Commanders × Hamm (Toy Story): Grounded strength that serves as a brilliant tribute to the legendary “Hogs” offensive line.

Rule #1: Sports First (And the Easter Eggs to Prove It)

According to Bret Healey and the broader creative team, the golden rule was simple: Sports First. They wanted to make gear that fans would actually want to wear, whether they were lounging on the couch on a football Sunday, hitting up a theme park, or catching a movie.

But the real magic is in the details. The team treated the creative process like trying to move the ball against the number-one defense in the NFL. They refused to repeat characters, meaning every single pick had to stand on its own while fitting into a 32-team master plan.

If you are a diehard sports fan, you are going to love the deep-cut references hidden in these designs:

The Cowboys & Woody: Look closely at the design, and you’ll notice Woody is striking a pose inspired by the original Cowboys logo, way before the legendary star we all know today took over.

The Giants & Wreck-It Ralph: This wasn’t just because Ralph is big; it’s a direct nod to the iconic “Big Blue Wrecking Crew” defenses from the franchise’s glory days.

Let the Group Chat Debates Begin

Like any real world draft, these picks were absolutely meant to be debated. The creators knew that while some connections (like Beast and the Bills) would click instantly, others (like Buzz and the Jets) might make fans take a second look.

But honestly? That pause, that double take, and the inevitable debate with your friends is exactly what makes sports fandom so fun. The draft was designed to be playful, passionate, and just a little bit competitive.

What’s Next for the Collection?

If your favorite team wasn’t in the first wave, don’t panic. The first eight picks are just the opening kickoff.

The complete collection featuring all 32 NFL teams is set to officially launch this August, right in time for the 2026 NFL season. You’ll be able to grab your gear on Fanatics.com, NFLShop.com, DisneyStore.com, and at select Lids locations across the country.

Even cooler? This entire collab is part of Disney and ESPN’s landmark “Year of the Super Bowl,” building up massive hype toward ESPN’s first-ever Super Bowl production in February 2027.

So keep your eyes on the board, because more team reveals are coming down the pipeline and the conversation is just getting started. Which Disney character are you hoping your team gets paired with?

Credit: Disney Parks

The New Loungefly Disney Fairies Collection is Pure Pixie Dust Magic!

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2026

The New Loungefly Disney Fairies Collection is Pure Pixie Dust Magic!

Get your pixie dust ready, because Loungefly has officially brought Pixie Hollow straight to our closets! If you’ve been waiting for the ultimate wave of 2000s nostalgia, the new Disney Fairies Collection available on the Loungefly website is about to make all your magical, cottagecore dreams come true. From stunning embroidery to literal fairy wings, this lineup is packed with the kind of whimsical details that will instantly elevate your theme park style or everyday outfits.

Leading the flock is the absolutely stunning Disney Fairies Exclusive Rosetta Cosplay Mini Backpack ($90). If you’ve always felt a special bond with Pixie Hollow’s resident garden fairy, this web exclusive is calling your name. Loungefly completely nailed her signature look by bringing her gorgeous pink dress to life with ruffles and iridescent satin textures. The best part? Her stunning PVC fairy wings literally extend right out from the sides of the bag, making it look like you’re ready to take flight. Flip it around, and you’ll find a beautiful printed image of Rosetta on the back, perfectly tied together with rose designs running down the straps. It is pure fairy perfection.

SHOP NOW – ROSETTA COSPLAY MINI BACKPACK

If you can’t possibly choose just one favorite fairy, don’t worry, the main Disney Fairies Mini Backpack ($90) has the whole friend group covered. Tinker Bell, Iridessa, Vidia, Rosetta, Fawn, and Silvermist are all front and center on this gorgeous bag. Loungefly went all out with premium textures here, combining crisp embroidery, shimmering iridescent foil, and stunning 3D appliqué flowers that make the scene look like a living garden. Complete with comfortable adjustable straps and a custom-matching interior lining, it’s the ultimate adventure bag for hitting the parks or just adding a dash of magic to your daily routine.

SHOP NOW – DISNEY FAIRIES MINI BACKPACK

For a slightly sleeker, more sophisticated vibe, the Disney Fairies Crossbody Bag ($75) is an absolute must have. Crafted from premium, durable Saffiano material, it features structured clear stone PVC elements that give off a literal gemstone shimmer. The standout feature is definitely the intricate, bright gold embroidery detailing the fairies soaring across the design. It’s elegant, lightweight, and perfect for when you want to showcase your Disney love with a touch of elevated, everyday glamour.

SHOP NOW – DISNEY FAIRIES CROSSBODY BAG

Finally, no magical coordinates are complete without the perfect matching accessory, and the Disney Fairies Wallet ($42) ties the entire collection together. Matching the crossbody bag’s aesthetic, it features the same beautiful Saffiano material, whimsical gold embroidery, and a dangling clear stone PVC charm.

SHOP NOW – DISNEY FAIRIES WALLET

On the outside, a bold 3D bow adds the perfect cute touch, while the inside opens up to a vibrant, colorful custom lining and six handy card slots to keep your essentials organized. It’s a tiny, functional burst of Pixie Hollow magic you can carry with you everywhere you go!

Credit: Loungefly

Best Day Ever! The New Tangled Loungefly Collection is Here

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2026

Best Day Ever! The New Tangled Loungefly Collection is Here

Get ready to clear some space in your closet because a brand new Tangled Loungefly collection is dropping, and it is absolute perfection. Whether you’re dreaming of seeing the floating lanterns or just want to channel some serious Best Day Ever energy, these new arrivals are about to become your new style obsessions.

Let’s start with my personal favorite, the Tangled Pascal Figural Crossbody Bag ($115). Seriously, if you only get one thing from this drop, make it this one! This isn’t just any regular bag, it is a completely 3D, figural masterpiece of everyone’s favorite sassy chameleon. Made with a premium pebble material, it features gorgeous padded appliqué and sleek quilted detailing that makes Pascal totally pop.

SHOP NOW – PASCAL CROSSBODY BAG

But the absolute best part? His tongue actually extends! It’s hands-down the cutest, most creative detail Loungefly has done in a minute. Pascal is supposed to blend into his surroundings, but wearing this, you are guaranteed to stand out in the best way possible.

If you’re a pin trader or just love a bag with serious bells and whistles, you are going to flip for the Tangled Rapunzel Glow Pin Trader Mini Backpack ($90). Loungefly packed this one with so many fun, interactive details. It features stunning debossed artwork and a hidden moving rivet that actually lets Rapunzel swing back and forth across the bag!

SHOP NOW – RAPUNZEL GLOW PIN TRADER MINI BACKPACK

Plus, it has a dedicated window to safely display your favorite Tangled pins, and it comes with an exclusive enamel pin to get your collection started. Oh, and did we mention it glows in the dark? It’s the ultimate park day companion for keeping the magic going long after the sun sets.

To round out the collection, there’s the incredibly precious Tangled Pascal Cookie Zip Around Card Holder ($26). This little cutie features Pascal happily snacking on a cookie, complete with intricate embroidered and debossed detailing that gives it a super high-quality feel. It’s compact but practical, coming with four card slots and a secure zip-around closure to keep your essentials safe while you’re on the go. It pairs perfectly with the rest of the collection, and honestly, who could resist that little face?

SHOP NOW – PASCAL CARD HOLDER

We are completely in love with this collection and are getting everything immediately!

Credit: Loungefly

King Arthur Carrousel Welcomes Back Guests at Disneyland Resort

By

Sara

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July 17, 2026

Disneyland’s Historic King Arthur Carrousel Reopens

Fantasyland is officially whole again! One of Disneyland Park’s most beloved, historic opening-day attractions has officially reopened to guests following a brief refurbishment.

King Arthur Carrousel temporarily closed its gates earlier this month on July 6, 2026, for some standard tender loving care. While Disney initially kept the exact return date quiet, crowds visiting the park on Friday, July 17, 2026, received the ultimate surprise: the construction walls were down, the classic calliope music was playing, and guests were officially lined up to take a spin!

King Arthur Carrousel and Frontierland Shootin' Exposition Temporarily Close for Refurbishment at Disneyland

The timing of the carrousel’s return couldn’t possibly be more magical. July 17 marks Disneyland’s official 71st opening anniversary.

Because King Arthur Carrousel is an original 1955 opening-day masterpiece, having it fully operational for the park’s birthday weekend is a massive win for nostalgic fans and vacationing families alike.

While the carrousel has been a Disneyland staple for over seven decades, its history actually stretches back even further than the park itself!

1922: The merry-go-round was originally built by the William Dentzel Carousel Company for Sunnyside Beach Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
1954: Walt Disney purchased the revolving menagerie to bring his vision of Disneyland to life.
1955: The attraction officially opened alongside the rest of the park on July 17.

When Walt first bought the attraction, it actually featured a mix of different animals, including giraffes, zebras, and deer. However, Walt wanted everyone to be able to ride a regal, galloping horse just like King Arthur. To make that happen, additional antique wooden horses were tracked down and incorporated into the ride, replacing the other animals.

Today, the ride stands as a beautifully kept tribute to classic The Sword in the Stone iconography, complete with the famous anvil and sword monument standing proudly right in front of the queue.

Because this was a routine maintenance closure rather than a major creative overhaul, you can expect the same beautiful, timeless attraction you know and love. All 68 of the intricately carved, hand-painted white horses are back and ready to spin you through a whimsical backdrop of classic Disney tunes.

If you’re in the park this weekend celebrating Disneyland’s 71st anniversary, make sure to pull up your Disneyland App to check on current wait times before heading into Fantasyland to secure your favorite horse!

Ready to book your next Disneyland trip? Contact our partners at Get Away Today!

New Winnie the Pooh Lion Pooh Bear Pumpkin Mini Backpack Is Here!

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2026

New Winnie the Pooh Lion Pooh Bear Pumpkin Mini Backpack Is Here!

Get ready to level up your spooky season style, because the Hundred Acre Wood just dropped the ultimate Halloween crossover! The Winnie the Pooh Lion Pooh Bear Pumpkin Mini Backpack is here to steal the show, and honestly, it might just be the cutest thing to happen to spooky season since candy corn. Retailing at $84.90 and available exclusively at BoxLunch, this isn’t just a bag, it’s a whole mood for your autumn adventures.

The design details on this piece are absolute perfection. Front and center, you’ve got everyone’s favorite silly old bear dressed to impress in a lion costume, complete with a ridiculously soft faux fur mane and a matching tail. He’s cheekily poking out of a huge figural pumpkin front pocket, surrounded by gorgeous embroidered details that make the whole scene pop. To make it even sweeter, the body of the bag features a vibrant, allover candy corn print, topped off with a matching candy corn zipper pull that ties the cozy fall vibe together seamlessly.

SHOP NOW – LION WINNIE THE POOH HALLOWEEN BACKPACK

As if all that charm wasn’t enough, BoxLunch threw in the ultimate bonus: a removable candy corn coin bag that attaches right to the exterior. It’s the sweetest little finishing touch for keeping your loose change, lip balm, or actual Halloween candy secure while you’re out on a pumpkin patch haul. If you want to grab this purr-fectly spooky accessory before it sells out, you’ll definitely want to head over to BoxLunch sooner rather than later!

Credit: Boxlunch

Gordon Ramsay’s The Carnaby Expands Dining Capacity and Hours Due to Demand

By

Sara

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July 17, 2026

Massive Demand Forces Gordon Ramsay’s The Carnaby to Expand Hours and Seating

If you tried to score a reservation for Downtown Disney’s hottest new eatery this week and came up empty-handed, you aren’t alone.

Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby officially opened its doors at the Disneyland Resort on July 13, 2026, and to say it was an instant hit would be a massive understatement. In fact, initial reservation inventory through September sold out within minutes of launching.

But don’t say idiot sandwich just yet! Due to this overwhelming, sky-high demand, the restaurant’s team has moved incredibly fast to adjust operations. The Carnaby has officially expanded its nightly dining capacity, extended its dinner hours, and released a brand-new wave of reservations extending all the way through the end of the year!

Gordon Ramsay’s New Restaurant The Carnaby Makes Its Debut at Downtown Disney District Today ()

To help get more hungry Disney fans through the door, the restaurant is making two major operational adjustments effective immediately:

Extended Hours: The Carnaby will now open nightly at 4:00 PM, pushing its opening time up a full hour from its original 5:00 PM debut. It will remain open until 10:00 PM.
Increased Capacity: The restaurant is carefully opening up more table inventory each evening, maximizing its space without compromising the high-end service guests expect.

The extra hour and added tables mean a massive new batch of reservations has just been unlocked. Guests looking to dine can now book tables through December 30, 2026, via OpenTable or the restaurant’s official website.

Unlocking a full four months of additional reservations just days after opening is a rare move, but the team behind the restaurant knew they had to react to the unprecedented hype.

Robert Earl, Founder of Earl Enterprises (the group partnering with Ramsay on the concept), expressed his excitement over the explosive launch:

“The excitement surrounding The Carnaby has exceeded even our highest expectations. Seeing initial reservations sell out within minutes affirmed what we believed from the beginning: guests were ready for a dining experience unlike anything else at Downtown Disney. As we thoughtfully expand capacity, we’re excited to welcome even more guests while maintaining the exceptional hospitality and culinary experience that define The Carnaby.”

Located on the upper level of the two-story building directly above the new Earl of Sandwich location, The Carnaby transports guests straight into the colorful, rebellious energy of 1960s “Swinging London.”

The gastropub features plush interiors, a lively indoor bar, a cozy outdoor terrace, and a curated soundtrack of classic British hits from the era.

The Menu at a Glance

Style	Headline Dishes	What Makes it Special
Ramsay Classics	Beef Wellington, Fish & Chips, Sticky Toffee Pudding	The legendary dishes that made Chef Ramsay a global icon, executed with perfection.
British Comfort Food	Bangers & Mash, Cottage Pie	Hearty, traditional pub fare elevated with modern culinary techniques.
Global & Plant-Forward	Branzino, Chickpea Tikka Masala	Flavorful alternatives ensuring there is a high-end option for every dietary preference.
Showstoppers	Tableside Prime Rib Cart	Carved right at your table, adding a brilliant layer of interactive theater to dinner.

The beverage program is just as expressive, featuring highly photogenic cocktails like the Passionfruit Royale (complete with a delicate fruit sphere) and the botanical Cherry Baby.

While the new wave of inventory means you finally have another fighting chance at booking a table, don’t wait around. With the holiday season and Disneyland’s late-summer crowds in full swing, these newly released spots will go fast!

Are you putting Gordon Ramsay’s The Carnaby on your must-do list for your next Disneyland trip? Contact our partners at Get Away Today to get your next trip booked!

Cozy Ghosts or Sparkly Spiders? Snag BoxLunch’s New Exclusive Halloween Minnie Ears!

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2026

Cozy Ghosts or Sparkly Spiders? Snag BoxLunch’s New Exclusive Halloween Minnie Ears!

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re planning a trip to the Disney Parks to celebrate the spooky season, you need the perfect accessory to match the vibes. Thankfully, BoxLunch has just dropped two new, exclusive Halloween Minnie ears that are equal parts spooky and adorable. Best of all? They retail for just $29.99 each, making them an affordable way to upgrade your park style.

First up is the Minnie Mouse Crochet Ghost Icon Ears. If your Halloween aesthetic leans more cozy than creepy, these are about to be your absolute favorites. These cream-colored ears feature a super trendy crochet texture complete with a knitted little ghost icon print. To top it all off, there’s a matching cream bow sitting right in the center. They give off major cozy autumn sweater energy and are basically guaranteed to make you look effortlessly cute while strolling past the pumpkins on Main Street, U.S.A.

SHOP NOW – MINNIE MOUSE CROCHET GHOST EARS

If you prefer a little more glitz and glamour with your frights, you’ll want to grab the Minnie Mouse Sequins Spiderweb Ears. These black sequin ears are designed to catch the sunlight or the park lights at night and feature a gorgeous, shimmery spiderweb print layered over the top. Giving the headband a perfectly wicked twist is the centerpiece: a clever, bat wing-inspired bow. They are the ultimate statement piece for anyone looking to bring a little extra sparkle to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

SHOP NOW – MINNIE MOUSE SEQUINS SPIDERWEB EARS

Credit: Boxlunch

Meet Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Captain Who Changed Careers to Follow Her Dream at Sea

By

Sara

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July 17, 2026

Meet the Captain Behind Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

Disney Cruise Line is making history on the high seas! Disney officially introduced its newest ship captain, Captain Maria Gotor, who recently took command of one of the fleet’s most stunning vessels: the Disney Wish.

With her promotion to the bridge, Captain Maria has officially become the first female captain in Disney Cruise Line history.

While stepping into the role of captain on a 144,000-ton flagship is a monumental achievement on its own, her path to the helm makes the milestone even more inspiring. Long before she was donning her captain’s stripes, Maria was practicing law in Spain and never even considered a maritime career.

In an official Disney Q&A, Captain Maria shared her incredible journey from the courtroom to the coastline.

Growing up in Spain, Maria followed a traditional professional path, building a career over six years as a practicing lawyer. However, a single afternoon completely altered the course of her life.

While taking a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to visit some friends, she was invited into the vessel’s wheelhouse and met the ship’s captain. Fascinated, she asked what it took to lead a ship like that and realized an entirely new passion was calling her.

Instead of leaving it as a fun memory, Maria completely pivoted her life:

She went back to school to earn a Master’s Degree in Nautical Engineering and Maritime Navigation—all while continuing to work her day job as a lawyer.
After graduating, her career came full circle when she began piloting the exact same ferry where she first discovered her dream.
Seeking a grander ocean navigation challenge, she officially entered the cruise industry as a junior officer in 2009, eventually working her way up to Staff Captain (second-in-command).

Captain Maria officially joined the Disney Cruise Line family in September 2024 as a Staff Captain before earning her history-making promotion to Captain. For her, sailing under the Disney flag has brought a level of fulfillment unmatched by any other company.

“I’ve sailed for many years, but there is something unique about Disney Cruise Line,” Captain Maria shared. “The joy on board is real, and today I am the happiest I have ever been. I feel it from the guests, from the crew, even standing on the open deck.”

She recalled watching her very first “Let’s Set Sail” deck party aboard the Disney Wish and feeling the overwhelming emotion and happiness radiating from everyone onboard.

Commanding the Disney Wish is a massive responsibility that requires absolute precision. As Captain Maria playfully points out, handling a ship of that magnitude is no easy feat:

“On the Disney Wish, there’s 144,000 tons of steel that you have to stop without brakes. It’s challenging, and it’s rewarding.”

Beyond the technical skills needed on the bridge, Captain Maria emphasizes that her favorite part of the job is stepping away from the wheelhouse to walk the decks, connect with her fellow officers, and meet the families vacationing onboard.

The love goes both ways, too. Captain Maria noted that one of her most unforgettable milestones happened right after her promotion: “I’ll never forget when [the crew] celebrated and cheered me on during my first ship-wide announcement as Captain of the vessel. That was a special moment for me.”

As Disney Cruise Line continues its massive global expansion, inspiring stories like Captain Maria’s remind us that it’s never too late to chart a new course and follow your dreams!

New LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian Special Heading to Disney+

By

Sara

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July 17, 2026

Disney+ Greenlights ‘LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ Animated Special

Get ready to see the galaxy’s most iconic father-son duo like never before. Lucasfilm and The LEGO Group have officially announced that a brand-new animated special, LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian, is officially heading to Disney+ this fall!

Mark your calendars, because this brick-built galactic adventure is set to begin streaming on September 2, 2026.

The exciting announcement arrived alongside the tagline, “Two unlikely heroes click together,” and a brand-new promotional poster. The poster beautifully recreates the iconic, emotional moment from the first season of The Mandalorian when Din Djarin first finds Grogu in his floating pram—except, of course, completely reimagined in classic LEGO minifigure form.

According to the official description from StarWars.com, the new special will be “filled with unexpected laughs and action-packed fun.” Rather than just picking up where the live-action stories left off, this animated adventure will actually celebrate and retell the fan-favorite stories and characters across all three seasons of The Mandalorian series.

Fans can likely expect the classic, self-aware LEGO humor, plenty of meta-jokes, and lots of Grogu-induced mischief as the special condenses Mando’s massive journey into a fun, family-friendly brick format.

If you are attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 in Anaheim next month, you are in luck! Disney recently updated its official D23 schedule, confirming that fans will be treated to an exclusive LEGO Star Wars Screening Event.

The special sneak peek screening will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM on the Hyperion Stage. Attendees will be among the first to get a glimpse of this hilarious new adventure before it drops on streaming.

The timing of this LEGO special couldn’t be better. It follows hot on the heels of the highly anticipated home media rollout for the live-action film The Mandalorian and Grogu. The movie is set to debut on digital platforms next week on July 21, 2026, with the physical 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions hitting shelves on August 25, 2026.

With the live-action film hitting home screens and the LEGO special arriving just days later on September 2, Star Wars fans have a massive late-summer block of Mando content to look forward to!

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Are you excited to see Din Djarin and Baby Yoda get the LEGO treatment?

First Look at Full Collection Inspired by Stranger Things Halloween Horror Nights Haunted House

By

Chris B

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July 17, 2026

Universal Reveals More ‘Stranger Things 5’ Merchandise for Halloween Horror Nights 35

Following the announcement that Stranger Things 5 will headline a haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights 35, Universal has unveiled an expanded collection of merchandise inspired by the fifth and final season of Netflix’s hit series. The newest lineup goes beyond the first wave of preview items, giving fans even more ways to gear up before facing the horrors of Hawkins.

Leading the collection are wearable pieces inspired by the show’s characters, including a replica of Will Byers’ bomber jacket and Holly Wheeler’s colorful necklace. The apparel is designed to bring some of the series’ most recognizable looks into the real world while celebrating the final chapter of the Stranger Things story.

Universal is also adding plenty of accessories for fans looking to complete the look. New items include a Demogorgon-themed scrunchie and matching socks, a detailed Lug crossbody bag featuring the terrifying creature, and a new RSVLTS button-up shirt covered in Stranger Things-inspired artwork. The collection joins the previously announced merchandise that has already started arriving ahead of Halloween Horror Nights.

This latest reveal comes as excitement continues to build for Halloween Horror Nights 35, which kicks off August 28 at Universal Studios Florida. The Stranger Things 5 haunted house joins an already stacked lineup that includes Sinners, Hellraiser, Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!, Cybergoria, MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals, and INVASION: Alien Abduction.

Whether you’re stocking up on merch before entering the Upside Down or planning your first HHN visit, our friends at Get Away Today can help you save on Universal Orlando vacation packages, hotels, and park tickets.

Universal Orlando Resort Shares Close Up Look at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Spike

By

Chris B

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July 17, 2026

Universal Orlando Resort Shares Close Up Look at Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift Spike ()

Universal Orlando Shows Off Jaw-Dropping 170-Foot Spike for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift

Universal Orlando is stepping on the gas with another exciting look at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, giving fans their closest look yet at one of the coaster’s most eye-catching elements. A newly released video showcases the attraction’s towering 170-foot spike, offering a glimpse of the adrenaline-filled experience awaiting guests when the coaster opens at Universal Studios Florida in 2027.

The video begins by racing through the entrance to Universal Studios Florida before soaring toward the massive vertical spike that now dominates the park’s skyline. Earlier this month, construction crews celebrated the completion of the structure by topping it off with an American flag alongside a Fast & Furious 25th anniversary flag, honoring the film franchise that first debuted in 2001.

What makes this element even more thrilling is what riders will experience. As coaster trains climb the towering spike, the ride vehicles will rotate 180 degrees, leaving guests facing the opposite direction before plunging back down into the rest of the high-speed course. It’s one of several innovative features that promises to make Hollywood Drift unlike any other coaster at Universal Orlando.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which permanently closed last summer after entertaining guests for more than 15 years. Meanwhile, Fast & Furious: Supercharged is also preparing to take its final ride, with the attraction scheduled to close next month to make way for the franchise’s exciting new chapter.

Hit the NOS button and get ready to ride like never before as you speed into a towering spike in the track – 170 feet in the air. It’s just one of the high-octane thrills of the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster, coming 2027 to Universal Orlando Resort. @TheFastSaga pic.twitter.com/ZYNv7nUvuL
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) July 16, 2026

With Halloween Horror Nights 35 around the corner and an all-new blockbuster coaster speeding toward 2027, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Universal Orlando fan. If you’re planning your next visit, our friends at Get Away Today can help you save on Universal Orlando vacation packages, hotels, and park tickets.

Killer Klowns From Outer Space Returning to Halloween Horror Nights 35

By

Chris B

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July 17, 2026

Killer Klowns From Outer Space Return to Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Orlando

The popcorn is popping and the cotton candy cocoons are coming back! Universal Orlando has officially announced that the Killer Klowns from Outer Space will return to Halloween Horror Nights 35 as one of this year’s scare zones, bringing the fan-favorite alien invaders back to the streets of Universal Studios Florida.

Universal hasn’t revealed many details just yet, simply teasing fans to “Klown around and find out” while promising more information is on the way. Even without a full description, the announcement has longtime Halloween Horror Nights fans buzzing. The bizarre characters from the 1988 cult classic have become one of the event’s most beloved recurring properties, first invading Orlando with a scare zone in 2018 before receiving a full haunted house in 2019. They also returned to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2022.

The announcement continues to build what is shaping up to be one of the strongest Halloween Horror Nights lineups in years, especially as the event celebrates its 35th anniversary. Confirmed scare zones now include Infernal Carnival of Nightmares starring Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow, Sideshow of Decay, and Killer Klowns from Outer Space. The haunted house lineup features Stranger Things 5, Sinners, Hellraiser, Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!, Cybergoria, MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals, and INVASION: Alien Abduction, with only two house announcements remaining.

With fan favorite Icons returning, classic intellectual properties making a comeback, and one of the most stacked original lineups in recent memory, Halloween Horror Nights 35 is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events in the history of Universal Orlando Resort.

If you’re planning to brave the fog this fall, our friends at Get Away Today can help you book your Universal Orlando vacation with great deals on hotels, tickets, and vacation packag