Construction Walls Fall as Animation Courtyard Reopens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The landscape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is officially opening up just in time for the massive summer crowds. After a lengthy period behind construction barriers, the walls have finally come down around Animation Courtyard, fully restoring access to this classic corner of the park and revealing a beautifully refreshed space.
The timing of the reopening aligns perfectly with the upcoming launch of the park-wide Cool Kids’ Summer celebration on May 26, ensuring that families have maximum room to navigate the park’s newest offerings.
Guests walking past the iconic Chinese Theatre toward the right side of the park will notice an immediate difference in traffic flow. The maze of brown construction walls that previously choked the entrance to the courtyard has been completely cleared away.
The entire plaza has been cleaned up, offering wide-open sightlines of the classic animation building and the nearby theaters. The extra walking space is a welcome relief for a section of the park that routinely sees heavy stroller traffic throughout the afternoon.
The Magic of Disney Animation Updates
The crown jewel of the courtyard’s return is the reopening of The Magic of Disney Animation building. The interior has received a significant upgrade designed to give families a premier spot to cool down out of the Florida sun.
Inside, guests will find a brand-new interactive play area designed specifically for younger kids to burn off some energy. Additionally, the character meet-and-greet spaces have been fully updated, offering a sleek and bright backdrop for families looking to secure photos with their favorite Disney characters.
Preparing for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live
The removal of the walls also opens up the Disney Jr. Plaza, which serves as the main gateway for the park’s youngest demographic.
Clearing this area was a top priority for park operations, as the courtyard is expected to see a major surge in daily attendance starting next week. The newly widened pathways lead directly to the theater hosting the brand-new high-energy show Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live, which officially premieres next Tuesday.
🐭✨ Here is a first look at Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! premiering at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26th. Join Mickey and Minnie as they hit the road to round up Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto for the ultimate, high-energy dance party finale! 🎧🕺 It is packed with fun, music, and non-stop energy for the whole family. Are you adding this to your summer Disney itinerary? Let us know below! 👇🍿 #disneyjunior#mickeymouse#hollywoodstudios#disneyparks#CoolKidsSummer#CoolKidSummer
With the walls out of the way, the courtyard is officially ready to handle the crowds for what promises to be a very busy summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Behind the Scenes: Every Hidden Muppet Easter Egg Inside the New Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
If you thought Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets was strictly about high-speed loops and a zero-to-60 mph launch, you will want to slow down and look around. Walt Disney Imagineering has dialed the nostalgia up to eleven for Muppet fans. As you make your way through the reimagined G-Force Records building at the end of Sunset Boulevard to catch the ultimate Electric Mayhem concert, the journey itself becomes a massive tribute to Muppet history.
The entire facility is now under the fictional management of Muppet real estate tycoon J.P. Grosse. From the entrance gates to the final brake run, the experience is packed with historical props, deep-cut visual puns, and literal pieces of the late, great Muppet*Vision 3D.
Here is the complete, section-by-section breakdown of every blink-and-you-will-miss-it detail hidden inside the attraction.
The Entrance Façade
Before you even step foot inside the building, the tribute to the band begins at the main entrance.
The Golden Key: Take a close look at the massive guitar marquee welcoming guests to the ride. The base of the guitar features a brand-new piano-key design, but one single key is painted solid gold. This is an intentional nod to the asymmetric, gold-toothed smile of The Electric Mayhem’s iconic frontman and keyboardist, Dr. Teeth.
The Gallery Case Room
Upon stepping into the lobby of G-Force Records, guests enter the Gallery Case Room. This space features an in-progress historical exhibit that has been lovingly “curated” by Yolanda the Rat. It is filled with authentic pieces of Muppet lore:
Miss Piggy’s High Fashion: The exhibit features a glamorous, moi-focused tribute to Miss Piggy, showcasing her memorable pink and green polka-dot dress complete with the matching hat.
The Rainbow Connection Banjo: Kermit the Frog’s legendary banjo from his iconic performance of “The Rainbow Connection” is represented here. While the authentic instrument was recently donated by Muppet Studios to the Walt Disney Archives for safekeeping, Imagineers meticulously recreated an exact replica specifically for this display case.
Original Mayhem Instruments: Rock music fans will appreciate the guitars displayed on the back wall, belonging to Floyd Pepper and Janice. These are not replicas—they are actual, original instruments used during the production of The Muppet Show.
The Alley Queue
Moving outside into the outdoor alleyway queue, the density of Easter eggs increases dramatically. This area serves as a living museum for Disney history, containing several original assets saved and relocated directly from Muppet*Vision 3D following its closure:
Muppet*Vision 3D Relics: Look closely at the themed environment to spot original shipping crates from the Muppet Labs courtyard. Most notably, the actual theater seats once used by professional hecklers Statler and Waldorf in their famous balcony box have been installed right in the alley.
Gonzo’s Stunt Corner: The Great Gonzo has taken over a section of the alleyway to promote “Gonzo’s Stunt School – Hollywood.” Hanging prominently is his original “The Great Gonzo” banner rescued from the old MuppetVision pre-show holding room, alongside his stunt airplane. Nearby, you can spot the classic MuppetVision cannon that the penguins used to target the Swedish Chef.
Local Sightings: Eagle-eyed fans will notice a stack of prop pizza boxes from PizzeRizzo, the Muppet-themed quick-service spot. Additionally, the famous Muppet-style Mona Lisa portrait from the neighboring Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has found a new home hanging in the alley.
The Squeakeasy & Alley Posters: The alleyway walls are plastered with concert and promotional posters featuring deep-cut, obscure Muppet characters. Keep an eye out for flyers highlighting Bean Bunny, Marvin Suggs, and Angus McGonagle (the Argyle Gargoyle who famously appeared in just a single episode of The Muppet Show). There is also a visual running gag featuring Sweetums, who has posted “Missing” flyers all along the brick walls because he is still actively searching for Bean Bunny—a direct callback to the finale of Muppet*Vision 3D. You will also pass by the exterior door for a hidden rodent nightclub called “The Squeakeasy.”
The Recording Studio (Pre-Show)
Inside the main recording studio where the new pre-show takes place, the modern Muppet experience blends seamlessly with the attraction’s classic rock-and-roll past.
Audio-Animatronic Stars: The pre-show space features fully functional Audio-Animatronic figures of Scooter attempting to manage the studio, alongside a crew of chaotic Muppet Penguins causing havoc with the technical equipment.
The Aerosmith Guitar Tribute: Imagineering paid respect to the ride’s original 1999 incarnation. Hanging on the back wall behind Scooter is the exact black Gibson Les Paul guitar that was featured in the original Aerosmith pre-show film—the very one Joe Perry famously told “Chris” to grab before heading out to the concert.
Kermit’s Studio Banjo: Hanging right next to the classic Gibson guitar on the studio wall is another one of Kermit the Frog’s personal banjos.
Scooter’s Coffee Mug: Look at the mug Scooter is holding while he handles the chaotic production. It features the phrase “Hey, hey, hey,” which is a direct nod to the catchphrase spoken by Aerosmith’s manager in the original pre-show video.
Get a First Look at the queue for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets! 📷 We just love all of the details and hidden easter eggs! If you are a Muppet fan you are going to love all of the details! #muppets#hollywoodstudios#coolkidsummer#coolkidssummer#disneyworld
As you exit the studio and head down to the boarding gates, you enter the facility’s garage, which has officially been re-branded as the Muppet Labs Parking Garage.
L.I.M.O. Upgrades: The ride vehicles—the super-stretch limousines—are now formally integrated into the story as Lengthy Immediate Motion Objects (L.I.M.O.s). The garage area features thematic set dressing showing that these high-speed limos have been specially modified and tuned by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker using experimental Muppet Labs technology to ensure they reach the concert on time.
The Hollywood 101 Freeway & Backstage Concert
Once your L.I.M.O. launches from 0 to 60 mph into the darkened show building, the Easter eggs continue flying by at high speed along the neon-lit Southern California highway.
The Soundtrack Clues: The audio tracking inside your ride vehicle features a dynamic playlist of tracks recorded by The Electric Mayhem alongside major guest artists. The promotional stickers on the ride’s marketing materials accurately hinted at these tracks, including a guitar pick marked “LK” for Lenny Kravitz, a spotlight sticker hinting at Jennifer Hudson and Questlove’s soulful version of “Love Rollercoaster,” and an “Original Idol” sticker representing Kelly Clarkson’s rock cover of “Walking on Sunshine.”
The Final Destination: After screaming through the loops and corkscrews of the Hollywood 101 Freeway, your limo pulls up to the red carpet VIP backstage entrance. Keep your eyes peeled as you enter the final brake run and unloading area for a surprise, comedic concluding cameo from two of the Muppets’ most infamous critics, wrapping up the high-speed experience with a classic punchline.
Anne Hathaway Bringing ‘Ella Enchanted’ Series to Disney+
The classic 2004 fantasy-comedy Ella Enchanted is reportedly poised for a television revival, with a brand-new series adaptation currently in development for Disney+. In an exciting twist for fans of the original movie, its starring princess, Oscar winner Anne Hathaway, is officially attached to executive produce the potential streaming series.
According to Deadline, the project will be written by Ilana Wolpert (Anyone But You), with Beth Schwartz (Arrow, Sweet Tooth) serving as showrunner. The streaming series will be co-produced through a partnership between Miramax Television and Paramount Television Studios.
The reimagining of the classic fairy tale tells the story of Ella, a young woman cursed with the “gift” of absolute obedience who sets off on a quest to break the spell and protect her kingdom. However, this Disney+ adaptation is steering away from the traditional romantic fantasy elements of the 2004 film. Instead, the series will adopt a distinct coming-of-age tone, shifting the narrative focus to a contemporary boarding school setting—a major departure from the original movie’s structure.
This project marks yet another high-profile collaboration between Anne Hathaway and Disney. The announcement comes right on the heels of her massive success starring alongside Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Released on May 1, the highly anticipated sequel completely shattered box office expectations, claiming the number one spot worldwide and pulling in a staggering $233.6 million globally. Driven by that blockbuster release, Disney has officially made history as the very first studio to surpass $2 billion at the global box office in 2026.
New Sorcerer’s Apprentice Snack Arrives at All-Star Movies
A brand-new treat has materialized over at Walt Disney World, and it is almost too beautiful to eat! If you are a fan of classic Disney animation, rich chocolate flavors, or just looking for the perfect Instagram-worthy snack to cap off your park day, you will want to head on over to the value resorts for this latest culinary masterpiece.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Chocolate Hat has officially debuted at the World Premiere Food Court inside Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, and it is already casting a spell on guests!
This gorgeous dessert is meticulously designed to look exactly like Mickey Mouse’s iconic blue sorcerer’s hat from the “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” segment of Fantasia. The vibrant blue hat is beautifully crafted and comes complete with delicate white chocolate stars and a crescent moon, all resting on a soft, delicious cookie base that adds the perfect amount of texture to every bite.
But this treat isn’t just about looks—the flavor profile is pure sorcery for chocolate lovers! When you slice into the hat, you’ll discover a incredibly rich, creamy dark chocolate mousse layered with decadent chocolate ganache. To balance out the deep chocolate flavors, Disney’s pastry chefs have hidden a subtle, sweet strawberry ganache center right in the middle, creating a fruit-and-chocolate combination that is absolutely magical.
Whether you are staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort or just fancy a resort-hopping snack break from the parks, this premium dessert is an absolute must-try.
Location: World Premiere Food Court (Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort)
Price: $6.49
Be sure to add this to your Disney foodie bucket list on your next trip!
Disney+ Greenlights ‘Behind the Attraction’ Season 3 and ‘Imagineer That’ Return
If you are a fan of Disney history, park secrets, and the brilliant minds behind Walt Disney Imagineering, you are going to want to clear your streaming schedule! Disney+ has just announced two exciting additions to its library that will give Disney Experiences fans an unprecedented look at how the magic is made.
From the high seas to retro television archives, here is everything coming to your favorite streaming platform.
Disney Cruise Line Takes Center Stage in ‘Behind the Attraction’ Season 3
Mark your calendars for June 24, because the hit Disney+ original docuseries Behind the Attraction is returning for a highly anticipated third season!
This time around, the series is shifting its focus from the theme parks to the open ocean. A special two-episode event will dive deep into the incredible history and evolution of Disney Cruise Line. Viewers will get a rare, inside look at the fleet’s origins all the way back in 1998, featuring first-hand accounts from the visionaries, Imagineers, and creatives who helped launch Disney’s vacation kingdom at sea.
Even more exciting? The episodes will chronicle the development of Disney’s upcoming, highly anticipated ship, the Disney Destiny—a first-of-its-kind vessel completely inspired by iconic Disney heroes and villains. The fan-favorite series continues to be executive produced by Hollywood powerhouse Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Brian Volk-Weiss.
Retro Revival: ‘Imagineer That!’ Returns to Television Screens
In a massive surprise drop, Disney+ has also added Imagineer That! starring Tom Morrow 2.0 to its streaming lineup!
For Disney fans of a certain generation, this is the ultimate dose of nostalgia. Originally airing as short segments on the Disney Channel between 1999 and 2001, the beloved series follows the robotic host Tom Morrow 2.0 as he tracks down real-life Imagineers to answer burning questions about how iconic theme park experiences come to life.
The classic series now joins heavy-hitters like The Imagineering Story and We Call It Imagineering on Disney+, giving fans another incredible way to stay connected to the creativity and innovation of the parks. Best of all, Disney has confirmed that brand-new episodes of Imagineer That! will continue to debut first on YouTube, with the next installment scheduled to drop next week before eventually joining the streaming platform.
Whether you are dreaming of a cruise on the Disney Destiny or looking to relive early-2000s Disney Channel nostalgia, Disney+ is officially the place to be this summer for ultimate Disney fans.
SeaWorld Reaches Major Milestone with 43,000th Animal Rescue
SeaWorld has officially surpassed 43,000 animal rescues, marking another major milestone for the company’s long-running wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
The 43,000th rescue was an orphaned California sea lion pup discovered earlier this month on the back stairs of a beach house in Carlsbad, California. According to SeaWorld Rescue, the nearly one-year-old female sea lion was severely dehydrated and underweight when she arrived at the SeaWorld Rescue Center in San Diego. The pup is now receiving fluids, formula, and around-the-clock care as she learns to eat fish independently and socialize with other rescued sea lions.
SeaWorld’s rescue teams, based in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio, operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responding to stranded, injured, sick, and orphaned marine animals and birds. Over the decades, the parks have rescued a massive variety of species including manatees, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, otters, seals, sea lions, and aquatic birds.
In Florida alone during the first few months of 2026, SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue team helped rehabilitate 21 manatees, a baby dolphin, nearly 40 turtles and reptiles, plus several birds. One recent success story was Melby, a manatee rescued from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach who was later released back into the wild after gaining more than 100 pounds during rehabilitation.
SeaWorld Orlando continues to operate the largest manatee rescue operation in the United States and serves as one of only five federally designated critical care centers for manatees. Its five-acre rescue facility can care for up to 60 manatees at one time.
Meanwhile, SeaWorld San Diego has already rescued more than 40 pinnipeds, nearly 150 birds, and a dolphin in the first five months of 2026 alone.
SeaWorld emphasized that while the goal is always to return rescued animals to the wild, some animals deemed non-releasable by wildlife authorities receive permanent care at SeaWorld parks. Those animals often help educate guests about the challenges marine life faces in the wild, especially threatened and endangered species such as manatees, sea turtles, sea otters, and Guadalupe fur seals.
The rescue milestone also arrives as SeaWorld continues trying to reshape public perception around its conservation and animal care efforts, with rescue and rehabilitation remaining a major focus of the company’s messaging in recent years.
Disney Parks and Star Wars Voice Legend Tom Kane Dies at 64
Thomas “Tom” Kane, the legendary voice actor behind some of Disney Parks’ most recognizable audio moments and countless beloved animated characters, has passed away at the age of 64.
Disney fans may not have always known his name, but they absolutely knew his voice.
Photo Credit – Tom Kane Facebook
Kane served as the narrator for Magic Kingdom’s “Happily Ever After” nighttime spectacular, delivering the emotional opening lines that have become instantly recognizable to Disney World fans. His voice also echoed daily through Walt Disney World as the announcer for the iconic Monorail system, making him part of countless family vacations, rope drops, and exhausted end-of-night rides back to the Transportation and Ticket Center.
In the galaxy far, far away, Kane became one of the defining voices of modern Star Wars animation. He voiced Yoda and narrated Star Wars: The Clone Wars, while also portraying Admiral Ackbar, Qui-Gon Jinn, Battle Droids, Chancellor Valorum, and many others across games, television shows, films, LEGO specials, and Disney Parks attractions including Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
His Disney résumé stretched far beyond Star Wars. Kane voiced Monkey Fist in Kim Possible, contributed to multiple Marvel animated projects including The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, and portrayed Indiana Jones in LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures.
Photo Credit – Tom Kane Facebook
Outside the Disney universe, Kane’s career was equally legendary. He voiced Professor Utonium and HIM in The Powerpuff Girls, Darwin in The Wild Thornberrys, and later became the voice of Woodhouse in Archer. His voice also appeared in countless commercials, trailers, awards shows, and animated series over the decades.
Kane retired from voice acting following a stroke in 2020. His final credited performance was in the 2022 game LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
For many Disney fans, Tom Kane’s voice became woven into the soundtrack of vacations, fireworks finales, and childhood memories. Whether he was welcoming guests aboard the highway in the sky or reminding audiences that “we all have the courage to fly,” his performances carried warmth, gravity, and unmistakable magic.
Disney World Announces 2026 Fourth of July Fireworks Showtimes for Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
Walt Disney World is already preparing to light up the skies red, white, and blue for Independence Day, with official showtimes now announced for the resort’s annual Fourth of July fireworks spectaculars at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Warrior Games athletes and families watch as Cinderella Castle is lit up with red, white and blue projections of the United States flag during the singing of the national anthem at Magic Kingdom Park on June 21, 2024. The special moment was the highlight of the Welcome Event for the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games being held at Walt Disney World Resort. (Olga Thompson, photographer)
At Magic Kingdom, “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will take over the skies at 9 p.m. on July 3, 4, and 5, 2026. That means guests will get three nights of booming patriotic fireworks over Cinderella Castle, complete with massive bursts, patriotic music, and enough sparkle to make Liberty Bell Mountain feel underdressed. During those dates, “Happily Ever After” will not be performed.
Over at EPCOT, “Heartbeat of Freedom” will once again return following “Luminous The Symphony of Us.” “Luminous” begins at 9 p.m., with the extended patriotic finale launching at approximately 9:15 p.m. on July 3, 4, and 5. The tag is famous for turning World Showcase Lagoon into a full-on pyrotechnic barbecue of freedom and firepower, and it remains one of the most beloved seasonal fireworks moments at Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are not expected to offer dedicated Fourth of July entertainment, though Disney usually rolls out limited-time snacks, patriotic merchandise, themed PhotoPass opportunities, and special character appearances around the holiday weekend.
If you are planning a Fourth of July Disney trip, expect Magic Kingdom and EPCOT to be especially busy during those evenings. In other words, pack your patience, portable fans, and perhaps the spirit of 1776 itself.
More Summer Fun Splashes Into Disney Springs for Cool Kids Summer 2026
Disney Springs is turning up the sunshine and the soundtrack this summer with even more offerings announced for Cool Kids Summer 2026. Running from May 26 through September 8, the seasonal celebration is bringing dance parties, interactive activities, sweet treats, and even a little Christmas magic to Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district.
One of the newest additions is the Disney Springs Kids Club Presented by Coppertone at the Marketplace Splash Pad. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., families can enjoy entertainment inspired by Polynesian culture while kids dance, play, and cool off under the Florida sun. Basically, it sounds like the splash pad is entering its “tiny tiki takeover” era.
Amorette’s Patisserie is also getting in on the summer fun with Mickey and Minnie Cookie Art kits. The adorable activity includes Mickey and Minnie cookies, a painter’s palette cookie, paint brushes, and edible watercolor paints activated with water. It is part snack, part craft project, and part “how did my kid get blue frosting on the ceiling?”
Disney had already announced the DescenDANCE Party x Camp Rock Jam at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage, inspired by Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3, both arriving later this year. The dance party will pop up Tuesdays through Thursdays intermittently from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., bringing plenty of high-energy singalong chaos to Disney Springs this summer.
Guests can also stop by Disney’s Days to Christmas to write and mail Letters to Santa because apparently Disney believes it is never too early to start working the nice list.
Meanwhile, Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life is offering discounted kids tickets during the summer season, giving families another entertainment option once the shopping bags and sugar rushes kick in.
With splash pads, dance parties, cookies, and Christmas in the middle of summer, Disney Springs is fully leaning into the “school’s out” energy this year.
Park Passes Can Now Be Booked Directly in the My Disney Experience App
Walt Disney World guests just got a handy little pixie-dusted app upgrade. Theme park reservations, including Park Passes for Annual Passholders, can now be booked directly inside the My Disney Experience app instead of being bounced over to the Disney World website.
Guests can tap the plus icon at the bottom of the app, choose “Make a Park Reservation,” then select “Reserve” for regular tickets or Annual Passes. Resort guests can also link their hotel reservation and make their Park Pass from the app. The availability calendar now appears right in the process, letting guests choose a date and park in one smoother flow.
It is not the flashiest update in the kingdom, but for anyone who has ever battled the website hopscotch while trying to lock in park plans, this is a very welcome bit of mobile magic. Disney also recently updated the hotel check-in process in My Disney Experience, breaking it into clearer steps to make arrival day a little less “where do I tap next?” and a little more “let the vacation begin.”
Disney Sued in Class Action Lawsuit Over New Park Gates Facial Scans
Disney is facing a new lawsuit following the deployment of its controversial facial recognition technology at park entrances. A newly filed class-action lawsuit accuses the entertainment giant of violating privacy, competition, and consumer protection laws through the implementation of biometric scanning at Disneyland Resort. The legal challenge targets the system’s practice of capturing photographs of guests’ faces at the turnstiles and comparing them to images on file from when they first scanned their theme park ticket or Magic Key pass to verify identity.
Filed in California federal court, the class-action complaint alleges that Disney fails to adequately disclose its biometric collection, leaving consumers—including children—unaware that their highly sensitive data is being captured. While signs featuring a slashed silhouette offer four alternative entrances to bypass the technology, the lawsuit argues this does not constitute meaningful notice. “Guests should be able to expressly opt in to this type of sensitive facial recognition technology with written consent – the onus of privacy rights should not be on the victim,” stated Blake Yagman, attorney for the proposed class.
Disney implemented the facial recognition gates at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure to streamline park entry and prevent ticket fraud. According to its privacy policy, Disney disposes of the biometric data within 30 days unless needed for legal or fraud prevention reasons. However, the lawsuit challenges this claim, arguing it cannot be true if the system must continuously compare scans against images associated with tickets or annual passes over longer periods. The complaint further notes that Disney utilizes biometric data through its MagicBand and PhotoPass programs, creating valuable consumer profiles across its various business arms.
While venues nationwide increasingly adopt facial recognition to manage crowd flow and enhance safety, the mass rollout has sparked widespread concerns over corporate surveillance and data commercialization. In California, businesses may use the technology but must disclose its usage and allow consumers to limit data sharing. Other states enforce much stricter consent mandates. The proposed class action seeks to represent affected park visitors and is pursuing at least $5 million in damages, following a $10 million settlement Disney paid to the FTC over a children’s data collection dispute on YouTube.
Disney Launches Massive ‘Blockbuster Summer’ Crossover Campaign
This summer, Disney is positioning itself as the ultimate entertainment destination with the launch of its massive new “Disney Blockbuster Summer” campaign. Uniting the worlds of Pixar, Star Wars, and live-action Disney, the crossover event invites fans of all ages to take their fandom to infinity and beyond. With an incredible slate of highly anticipated theatrical releases hitting the big screen—including Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, and Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana—the company is bringing its unparalleled storytelling, theme park experiences, toys, and fashion together in a way that only Disney can.
Kicking off the excitement is a brand-new promotional spot titled Summer Starts Here, designed to showcase the absolute best in entertainment and inspire families to plan their perfect seasonal lineup. Whether it’s organizing an opening-night trip to the theater, settling in for a cozy Disney+ streaming marathon, booking a magical vacation to the Disney theme parks, or beating the heat with interactive new toys, the campaign marks Disney as the definitive hub for summer fun, creating memories that will last long after the season ends.
“‘Disney Blockbuster Summer’ brings together the best of Disney storytelling and experiences, uniting our biggest films, destinations, streaming, and products into one unforgettable season with more ways, more places, and more moments to create lasting memories,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Whether you want to travel through hyperspace with the Mandalorian and Grogu at Disney Parks, stream a Toy Story movie marathon with friends and family on Disney+, or unlock the power of play with new Moana-inspired toys, there is something for everyone to live their best Disney summer.”
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22)
The Mandalorian hits the big screen on May 22 with Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Beyond the theater, fans can experience an all-new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, enjoy themed experiences on Disney Cruise Line, stream the entire saga on Disney+, and collect new LEGO sets or the RSVLTS apparel line.
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 (June 19)
Bonnie’s toys return for a new adventure when Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19. Fans can celebrate over 30 years of the franchise by stepping into the magic at Disney Parks’ character meet-and-greets, enjoying themed dining and play areas on Disney Cruise Line, or streaming a movie marathon on Disney+.
Disney’s Live-Action Moana (July 10)
Disney’s live-action Moana sails into theaters on July 10, bringing the epic wayfinding voyage to life. The adventure extends across Disney Experiences, allowing guests to explore Journey of Water at EPCOT, watch the brand-new Disney The Tale of Moana Broadway-style show aboard the Disney Treasure cruise ship, or stream the original animated favorite on Disney+.
Theme Park & Cruise Line Magic
Walt Disney World: From May 26 through September 8, 2026, “Cool KIDS’ SUMMER” brings DJ-led dance parties, special character appearances, and major attraction updates to Florida. Highlights include the opening of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, an all-new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and the grand debut of Soarin’ Across America.
Disneyland Resort: The “Kids Rule Summer” event runs through August 9, 2026, coinciding with the resort’s massive 70th Anniversary celebration. West Coast guests can look forward to new Star Wars experiences and the California debut of Soarin’ Across America on July 2.
Summer Ticket Deals: Both North American resorts are offering limited-time summer ticket discounts, including multi-day savings, special kids’ pricing, and military discounts.
Exclusive Merchandise & Retail Activations
Disney Consumer Products is teaming up with world-class brands for exclusive summer retail drops, kicked off by a new stop-motion crossover digital short titled Lights, Camera…Play!
Fashion & Toys: Look out for Jessie-inspired Crocs, Mandalorian Classic Clog slippers, Moana toys from Mattel, and interactable Toy Story 5 action figures.
Fan Experiences: Walmart is anchoring the season with exclusive, theater-inspired popcorn buckets paired with collectible Fandango movie tickets. Plus, look for LEGO Big Builds photo-ops at premieres and real-time shoppable trading cards from Topps NOW.
Disney Publishing: Keep the stories going with new titles like Don’t Close This Book! (Toy Story 5), Moana: The Official Cookbook, and The Mandalorian Visual Guide.
Streaming, Music, & More
Disney+ & Hulu Bundle: Beat the summer heat with massive streaming collections, Star Wars and Toy Storymovie marathons, and generational throwback favorites. Eligible subscribers can also unlock exclusive rewards through Disney+ Perks all summer long.
Disney Summer Songs: Keep the vibes going with the official Disney playlist on Spotify, packed with feel-good anthems and music from this summer’s biggest blockbusters.
The official Summer Starts Here brand spot is now live across Disney’s YouTube and social media channels!
