Free Halloween Movie Nights Return to Downtown Disney This Season
Downtown Disney is launching a free, family-friendly film festival featuring six classic Halloween movies. The event will take place at the outdoor shopping mall in Anaheim, located next to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, kicking off with a screening of “Hocus Pocus.”
The free Halloween movie series at Downtown Disney will run every Wednesday night from September 24 through October 29. All films will be screened at 7 p.m. at the Downtown Disney Live stage. This outdoor viewing area is located between the Din Tai Fung restaurant and the new Parkside Market food hall.
While the rest of the film lineup has yet to be finalized, the other Halloween-themed movies will be revealed weekly on the official Downtown Disney Instagram feed. Past possibilities have included beloved titles like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,”“Haunted Mansion,”“Coco,” and “Halloweentown.”
The Disney Wonderful World of Sweets cart, located right next to the Downtown Disney Live lawn, will be open throughout the film festival. It will sell a variety of treats, including Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookies with M&Ms, Minnie Caramel Apples, Peanut Butter Cookie Pies, and Mickey Chocolate Cake Pops.
Disney Agrees to Historic $233 Million Settlement Over Anaheim Wage Dispute
A long and winding legal battle between Disney and its workers has come to a close with a record-breaking settlement. A judge in Orange County, California, has approved a $233 million payout to thousands of Disneyland Resort employees after Disney was found to have violated Anaheim’s Measure L by underpaying workers. The agreement marks the largest wage-related class action settlement in California history.
The case centered on Measure L, a law passed in 2018 requiring employers in Anaheim’s Resort District who received city subsidies to pay a minimum of $15 an hour, with annual increases. Disney argued that it was exempt from the measure but ultimately underpaid more than 51,000 cast members.
Now, many longtime Disney workers will see thousands of dollars in back pay, plus interest, finally making its way into their pockets.
“This has been a rollercoaster from the beginning, but it’s been incredible winning this settlement,” said Michael Levia, a 16-year cast member and UFCW Local 324 union member. “The people of Anaheim voted for this, and their voices helped Disney hear our voices and got us the money that we deserve.”
For cast members like Michi Cordell, a 17-year Disney veteran who helps transform kids into princesses and knights, the payout will be life-changing. “I love what I do, but I have to be able to afford to live while doing it. This settlement will be a major help to my family thanks to the union and the Anaheim voters who supported Measure L.”
Unions including UFCW Local 324, SEIU-United Service Workers West, Teamsters Local 495, and BCTGM Local 83 all rallied behind Measure L. Their organizing efforts — from gathering ballot signatures to knocking on doors — laid the groundwork for this moment.
“Every day, cast members make someone’s visit to the Disney Resort special, and now they’re finally receiving the money that they’ve long deserved,” said Andrea Zinder, President of UFCW Local 324. “This historic settlement is the result of solidarity and perseverance.”
2026 Disney After Hours Dates and Planning Tips for the Perfect Night Out
There’s just something magical about the parks after dark. Whether it’s the neon glow of Tomorrowland, the sight of fireworks bursting above Cinderella Castle, or the thrill of hopping on your favorite ride with a near-zero wait time, Disney After Hours has become the ultimate late-night perk for Walt Disney World fans.
Disney has now released the full lineup of dates for 2026, along with fresh details on what guests can expect across Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. With exclusive snacks, surprise character encounters, and access to the most popular attractions, these limited-capacity events are shaping up to be a highlight of the new year.
Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels, the Swan and Dolphin, or Shades of Green can purchase After Hours tickets beginning October 9, 2025. All other guests can join the fun starting October 14, 2025.
Each After Hours ticket includes complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn, and bottled drinks, plus early entry into the parks at 7 p.m. — giving you extra time to soak in the atmosphere before the official event kicks off.
Magic Kingdom After Hours 2026
Running from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Magic Kingdom After Hours brings the classics to life under the stars.
Highlights include:
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Peter Pan’s Flight
Jungle Cruise
Don’t miss Disney Enchantment, presented by Pandora Jewelry, a fireworks and projection spectacular that caps off your evening with a dose of Disney magic.
Magic Kingdom Dates: Jan 12, Jan 19, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Apr 13, Apr 20, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, Jun 1, Jun 22, Jun 29, Jul 13, Jul 27
Hollywood Studios After Hours 2026
From Batuu to Toy Story Land, this is your chance to experience blockbuster thrills with shorter waits. Events typically run from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., though May 30 (10:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.) and Sept 12 (10 p.m.–1 a.m.) have adjusted hours.
Highlights include:
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Slinky Dog Dash
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Tower of Terror
Surprise character encounters, Oga’s Cantina open for walk-ups, and plenty of snacks make it a star-studded night.
Hollywood Studios Dates: Jan 14, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 21, Feb 25, Apr 29, May 6, May 14, May 30, Jun 3, Jun 10, Jun 17, Jun 24, Jul 1, Jul 8, Jul 15, Jul 22, Jul 29, Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19, Aug 26, Sep 2, Sep 12
EPCOT After Hours 2026
Running 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., EPCOT’s After Hours now goes an extra half-hour later into the night. With Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and a newly reimagined Test Track on the lineup, there’s no shortage of thrills.
Plus, characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy will be out and about for low-key meet and greets.
EPCOT Dates: Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 19, Mar 5, Mar 12, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 15, Apr 23, Apr 30, May 21, Jun 11, Jun 18, Jul 9, Aug 6, Aug 13, Sep 16, Sep 24
If you’re arriving in summer 2026, Resort guests can sweeten the deal with complimentary admission to a Disney water park on check-in day. Picture this: a lazy river glide at Typhoon Lagoon by day, then TRON Lightcycle / Run at night. That’s what we call the perfect first day of vacation.
Final Tips
Buy your tickets early, as many dates will sell out.
Enter at 7 p.m. to maximize your time in the parks.
Don’t skip the free snacks — they’re a fan-favorite perk.
For Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members, don’t forget the $30 per ticket discount at Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.
With smaller crowds, special surprises, and Disney icons glowing after dark, 2026 After Hours events are a must-do for anyone planning a trip.
Disney Plans to Replace Union Nurses with Third-Party Staffing
Disney is planning to end its relationship with the union nurses at its Burbank studio lot, choosing instead to use a third-party staffing company. This decision comes less than a year after the company successfully negotiated a new contract with IATSE.
According to Deadline, the company first notified IATSE Local 80—the union that represents studio nurses, among others—in July that it planned to invoke a provision within the union’s Basic Agreement. This move allows Disney to switch from union staff to hiring subcontracted nurses through a third-party medical staffing company instead.
“Their official reason, to me, verbally, is they want to get out of the business of directly providing medical care to the crew, [because] there’s a liability, so they’re trying to avoid liability,” Local 80 business manager DeJon Ellis told Deadline.
A studio source indicated to Deadline that this decision will only affect the Burbank studio lot and that the medical services provided to employees will not change. The stated reason for the switch is to streamline backend processes, including staffing and reporting. A representative for Disney declined to comment.
While no timeline for the change has been announced, the move has already caused a stir among local crew members. A petition urging Disney to continue hiring union nurses has quickly gathered over 700 signatures.
“This, to me, is an assault on unionism and and a weaponization of the language [of the contract],” Ellis insisted. “This is just a principled attack, if you will, in my opinion, on the union workers. It’s just one less headache for that [labor relations] department.”
The decision to swap union nurses for contract staff is possible because the IATSE Basic Agreement with Hollywood studios only prohibits subcontracting work “which has not heretofore been subcontracted in the multi-employer bargaining unit.” This provision provides a loophole for Disney, especially since studio nurses were previously subcontracted at Universal Studios back in 1989. This clause was a major point of contention during the most recent bargaining cycle, with union leadership spending “hours” trying to get it removed.
Disney’s Burbank lot has a deep history with union nurses, employing them for 85 years. This tradition includes Hazel George, a union nurse famously tapped by Walt Disney himself to tend to a neck injury. George became one of his most trusted confidantes, even helping secure employee support and funding for the ambitious project that became Disneyland, before eventually returning to be his personal caretaker until his death in 1966. The current contract requires the studios to notify IATSE in writing of any intent to subcontract this work.
Aloha Holidays! Why the Stitch Holiday Loungefly Collection Needs to Be Under Your Tree
That Stitch Holiday Loungefly Collection is seriously bringing the festive cheer this year! If you’re looking to add some mischievous alien charm to your holiday ensemble, you’ve gotta check out these bags. They’ve totally captured the spirit of Lilo & Stitch and blended it with the best of the holiday season, making for some super fun and eye-catching accessories.
First up, we’ve got the Stitch & Scrump Iridescent Holiday Ornament Mini Backpack for $90, and let me tell you, it’s a showstopper. Imagine Stitch peeking out from a giant, colorful ornament right on the front pocket, it’s adorable! But the best part? Scrump is dangling from the ornament hook, ready to swing back and forth as you move. How cute is that for a little bit of playful, interactive fun?
The rest of the bag is covered in a beautiful pearlescent background with classic ornament designs, and the plaid straps really tie the whole festive look together. This isn’t just a bag; it’s a whole holiday vibe ready to make your outfit feel extra celebratory!
And don’t overlook the Lilo & Stitch Holiday Tote Crossbody Bag for $80. This one is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of customization. The front of the tote features a scene with Stitch sitting next to a Christmas tree surrounded by presents. The cool part is the front material is perforated faux leather, and the bag actually comes with enamel pins shaped like ornaments! You get to attach the pins to the perforated leather and literally decorate Stitch’s Christmas tree however you like. The sides have a cozy, holiday-themed plaid print, and the back continues the festive look with a pearlescent material featuring snowflakes and more ornaments. It’s a fun, unique tote that lets you personalize your holiday style while keeping all your essentials handy.
So whether you’re team mini backpack or team crossbody tote, the Stitch Holiday Loungefly Collection has a super cute way to carry your stuff and share some holiday sparkle. Which one are you adding to your holiday wish list?
Sprinkle Some Sparkle! The Tinker Bell Holiday Loungefly Collection is Pure Pixie Dust
Ready to sprinkle some serious pixie dust on your holiday look? Well, get ready because the Tinker Bell Holiday Loungefly Collection is here to make your season sparkle! This isn’t just any merch; it’s a couple of genuinely magical pieces that are perfect for showing off your love for Tink while rocking some serious holiday cheer. If you’re hunting for that perfect elegant accessory to complete your festive fit, look no further!
First up, feast your eyes on the Tinker Bell Holiday Cosplay Sequin Mini Backpackfor $90. Seriously, your holiday style is totally incomplete without this little stunner! This mini backpack is designed to look like Tink’s iconic green dress, totally decked out in sequins that will catch every light at your holiday party.
But the details are what truly make this bag shine: we’re talking gorgeous gold edge paint, a beautiful satin bow, and get this, a real working bell! Plus, those PVC wings with embossed details extending from the sides? Pure magic. It’s the ultimate bag for anyone who wants an elegant and playful holiday accessory this year.
But wait, there’s more pixie magic! Check out the Tinker Bell Holiday Sequin Crossbody Bag with Charms for $75. This is another must-have for adding that special something to your wardrobe this season. The sides of this crossbody are covered in festive sequins, and the front is where the real charm (pun intended!) comes in. It features beautiful embossed designs, delicate leaves, and another lovely satin bow. The best part, though, has to be the metal charms, a keyhole, a bell, Tinker Bell herself, a thimble, and a star! It’s such an elegant, festive accessory that’s versatile enough to pair with any fantastic outfit you put together this holiday season. Go on, treat yourself to a little bit of Neverland!
Ryan Seacrest Takes the Wheel: ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’ Premieres Tomorrow
The world’s most famous wheel is getting a new spin! Ryan Seacrest’s much-anticipated first season as host of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” is set to premiere tomorrow, Friday, September 26, from 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with next-day availability on Hulu. Seacrest, joining the iconic Vanna White, will guide puzzle-loving celebrity contestants as they spin for a chance to win up to $1 million for a charity of their choice.
The premiere episode promises a star-studded start to the season, featuring fan favorites from “Dancing with the Stars.” Viewers can look forward to seeing dancer and choreographer Derek Hough, TV host, judge and choreographer Bruno Tonioli, and dancer and choreographer Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy as they test their wits and luck on the famous wheel.
This season of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” is packed with an exciting lineup of big names from the worlds of entertainment, sports, and music. The roster of celebrity guests includes:
Alex Borstein, actor and comedian
Paul Feig, director and producer
Michael Zegen, actor
Malin Akerman, actor and producer, and her fellow “The Hunting Wives” cast members Katie Lowes and Jaime Ray Newman
Joey McIntyre, singer and actor
Retta, author and actor
Oliver Hudson, actor
Candace Parker, WNBA champion and author
Dwight Howard, NBA Hall of Famer
Rich Eisen, sportscaster and radio host
Big Sean, multi-platinum artist and author
2 Chainz, rapper, author, and entrepreneur
Tori Kelly, GRAMMY® award-winning recording artist
And there are still more big names to be announced!
Don’t miss the premiere of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” with new host Ryan Seacrest, tomorrow night on ABC. It’s a night of fun, famous faces, and a whole lot of spinning for a good cause.
Updated Disney’s Hollywood Studios Map Reveals Reduced Animation Courtyard
A fresh update to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guide map has quietly rolled out a day earlier than expected, and it already reflects the closure of Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. theater. Both attractions officially close September 25, but the new map shows the area slimmed down ahead of time.
The updated design shortens Animation Courtyard, cutting off the walkway just past The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. The buildings that once housed Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! are no longer pictured. Guests should expect construction walls to appear in this area once the closures take effect.
The cover of the new map features a playful photo of a guest holding up a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar to “feed” Gertie the Dinosaur, a whimsical nod to one of Hollywood Studios’ most beloved icons. Inside, the usual park information and transportation guides remain, but the real change is in the renumbered layout. Dining spots like the Market and Joffrey’s Coffee have shifted numbers to account for the removal of the courtyard attractions.
Disney has announced that Animation Courtyard will be reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios lot, inspired by the company’s historic Burbank studio. While details of the reimagining are still under wraps, this latest guidemap is the first look at how the park’s footprint will begin to transform.
Monica Cosson and Agathe Soul Named Disneyland Paris New Ambassadors
Monica Cosson and Agathe Soul have been officially named the new Disneyland Paris Ambassadors for 2026 and 2027 following an emotional ceremony held at Walt Disney Studios Park. The two will serve as the 32nd and 33rd Ambassadors, carrying on the legacy of the Disney Ambassador Program, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Over the past three weeks, Cosson and Soul underwent an intense selection process before their unique personalities and enthusiasm captured the hearts of the jury members. They will now begin their training period with the current 2024-2025 Ambassadors, Jose Alfaro Navarro and Dylan Legras.
Starting on January 1, 2026, the two will officially represent Disneyland Paris and its Cast Members during a period of significant change for the resort. Their term will be marked by major milestones, including the transition of Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World and the opening of World of Frozen in the spring.
About Monica Cosson
Originally from Mexico, Monica Cosson is a trained psychologist with a master’s degree in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. She began her career at Disneyland Paris in 2022 as a receptionist at the Disney Sequoia Lodge before joining the Castle Club team at the Disneyland Hotel. In 2025, she completed the VIP Guide training program. For Cosson, becoming an Ambassador is a natural extension of her passion for meeting people and proudly representing the diversity of talent at Disneyland Paris.
About Agathe Soul
Agathe Soul, who is originally from France, fulfilled a childhood dream by returning to Disneyland Paris as a Cast Member at the age of 18. She began in Guest Flow and later worked as an attraction host at Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril. After pursuing training as a makeup artist in Paris, she rejoined the resort at Pirates of the Caribbean before moving to the Cosmetology division. She has contributed to several key seasons at the resort, and today, she works on Disney Stars on Parade. For Soul, the Ambassador role is a way to celebrate the Cast Members who have inspired her and to shine a light on the magic they bring to life.
Decepticon Drama: Guests Fight in Front of Megatron at Universal Studios Hollywood
A video recently captured by a guest at Universal Studios Hollywood shows the Transformers villain Megatron as he appears to encourage a fight that erupts right in front of him.
A new viral incident at Universal Studios Hollywood was captured on video and shared by TikTok user eljojo100, quickly racking up over 1.9 million views. The caption, simply stating, “Another day at Universal Studios Hollywood,” set the scene for the unexpected drama.
The video starts at the Transformers Meet & Greet area on the Lower Lot, where the focus shifts from Megatron to a fight erupting among a group of guests right in front of him. As the crowd gathers, Megatron’s robotic voice famously booms, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
The guests momentarily stopped fighting, resorting to yelling as Universal security quickly arrived. The two men central to the altercation were then escorted toward the Upper Lot by security; the cause of their argument remains unknown.
As the guests were led away, Megatron finished his performance by laughing and yelling, “The show’s over here!” The camera then returns to the Decepticon, who shakes his head and sighs, proclaiming, “You humans are animals. Just pure animals.” This unique, humorous commentary appears to be entirely improvised by the live actor, adding a bizarre twist to the unexpected park chaos.
Grand Californian’s Napa Rose Will Not Reopen Until 2026
The anticipated return of Napa Rose, the signature dining experience at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, has been postponed. Originally expected to reopen sooner, the restaurant’s return has now been delayed until 2026. Guests looking forward to enjoying the critically acclaimed California cuisine and extensive wine list will need to wait a little longer before they can make reservations at this popular dining location.
Napa Rose, which was initially slated to welcome guests back in Fall 2025, has had its reopening timeline adjusted. According to the Disneyland website, the signature restaurant is now expected to debut its new look in early 2026.
The restaurant closed in April to undergo a major reimagining. Disney has shared concept art confirming not only a design overhaul but also a refreshed menu. The updates will include an expanded exhibition kitchen and enhanced al fresco dining with new fireplaces on the patio seating area. During this extended closure, guests can still enjoy the Princess Breakfast Adventures, which is currently being hosted in the Trillium Room.
Are you looking forward to the reopening of Napa Rose?
Disney Treasure to Feature a New Haunted Mansion Scavenger Hunt
Ready to set sail on the Disney Treasure next month? You can join the grim grinning ghosts of the new Haunted Mansion Parlor for a scavenger hunt! This new interactive experience lets you use your DisneyBand+ to help the happy haunts socialize throughout the ship.
A video of the ship’s new experience was shared on the official Disney Parks Instagram. The caption reads:
“Something is materializing on the #DisneyTreasure #DisneyCruiseLine
Starting this October, use your DisneyBand+ for a Happy Hunt to find hidden ghosts throughout the ship. Return them to Madame Leota for a swinging wake.”
Details of the new “Happy Hunt” event were announced by the Ghost Host voiceover in the video.
“Some of our more “spirited” ghosts have slipped away from the Parlor to play hide-and-seek with unsuspecting souls. Search out the hiding spots of these Happy Haunts and gather them for our swinging wake. That is, if you’re not afraid…”
The video provides a look at the intro screen, which displays Madame Leota and the title, “The Haunted Mansion Happy Hunt: A DisneyBand+ Experience,” alongside the inviting question, “Dare to Play?”
The game involves using your DisneyBand+ to interact with special artwork located around the ship. This is similar to The Muppets Midship Detective Agency game found on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, though that specific game doesn’t require a DisneyBand+ to play.
