New Star Wars Racing Game ‘Galactic Racer’ Speeds Toward 2026 Release
A brand-new Star Wars game is revving its engines for 2026, and this one trades lightsabers for landspeeders in a high-octane sprint through the Outer Rim. Star Wars: Galactic Racer has officially been announced for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and it promises a turbo-charged spin on the galaxy far, far away. Think lawless circuits, scrappy underdogs, and enough adrenaline to make a podracer blush.
Developed by Fuse Games in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, Galactic Racer is described as a runs-based, high-stakes reinvention of racing that takes place after the fall of the Empire. With the galaxy slowly rebuilding, an underground league rises from the shadows. The Galactic League is a wild, unsanctioned circuit fueled by syndicates, danger, ambition, and racers with something to prove. No destiny, no Jedi mystique, just pure grit and speed.
Leading the charge is Shade, a brand-new character described as a lone racer chasing both glory and revenge. Fuse Games co-founder Matt Webster teases that Shade’s journey will anchor the entire experience, giving players someone new to root for as they scrape their way up the ranks of this chaotic league.
Players will race across multiple planets, including Jakku and Ando Prime. The trailer also revealed Sentinel One for the first time, a toxic wasteland filled with acid-yellow rivers and a Skakoan listening station. The fumes themselves can interfere with your craft’s stability, so staying alive might be half the race.
Vehicles range from traditional landspeeders to high-precision skim speeders designed for racers who love rhythm and momentum. These machines reward flowing movement, banking through corners, threading impossibly tight gaps, and making split-second decisions before the competition slams past you.
And just when fans thought this new story would exist entirely apart from classic lore, the trailer stinger brought back a familiar face. Sebulba, the infamously aggressive podracer from The Phantom Menace, appears at the end to throw some spice into the mix. The galaxy’s most chaotic competitor is back, and he is still ready to win at any cost.
Galactic Racer is available to wishlist across most major platforms, and Star Wars fans are already buzzing. A fresh character, new planets, gritty racing, and a returning podracing legend feel like the perfect combination for a new era of Star Wars gaming.
Grinchmas Turns 25 at Universal Orlando, And The Whos Are Throwing a Full-On Who-bilation
Grinchmas has been decking the halls of Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure for a quarter of a century, and 2025 is shaping up to be the most Who-tacular celebration yet. What started as a quirky little holiday add-on in the early 2000s has grown into a full-blown tradition for so many families, complete with returning Team Members who have literally spent decades living their best Who lives on stage. This year, Universal is turning the nostalgia dial all the way up to celebrate 25 years of mean, green, merry magic.
Grinchmas first snuck into the parks in late 2000, led by none other than Mike Aiello, now senior director of creative development in entertainment at Universal Orlando. Back then, Mike was covered head to toe in prosthetics and yak fur playing the Grinch himself. He later traded the green for a sash and became Mayor Maywho, leaning into that delightfully over-the-top “vote for me” energy that lives somewhere between political rally and holiday pageant.
These days, you can still hear Mike in Seuss Landing as DJ Drew Who, the unseen Who spinning records and banter in the land’s background audio. For the 25th anniversary, he even re-recorded his classic lines so the whole celebration has a fresh-but-familiar sound running through the air.
The original version of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular looked very different from the show guests pack into today. Back in the early years, the action played out in three separate acts staged outside All The Books You Can Read. Guests met the Whos in one show, the Grinch in another, and wrapped it up with a standalone Who-bilation. Fun, yes, but tricky for families trying to juggle a full park day. In 2002, the entertainment team listened to that feedback and reimagined the story as a single 15 to 20 minute production performed multiple times a day. That update gave guests the full heart-growing-three-sizes story in one sitting, and it’s the foundation of the beloved stage show we know today.
Choreographer-turned-show-director Lora Sauls has been part of that evolution for 24 of Grinchmas’ 25 years. She spent more than a decade directing The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular before stepping into her current role as assistant director of creative development. For her, the Grinchmas crew has become a little holiday family, growing up together in Whoville while refining the show year after year. That long history is part of what makes this anniversary season feel extra special for the Team Members who have been there since those early outdoor shows.
Senior show director Matt Flood also has deep roots in Seuss Landing. His first job at Universal back in 2002 was performing as a Who, and he’s stayed close to Grinchmas ever since. Over the years he’s hopped from performing to coordinating to directing, always circling back to the greenest holiday of them all. For Matt, the magic is knowing that families plan entire trips around Grinchmas and return year after year to make it part of their holiday traditions. That sense of “we’re part of their memories now” is baked into everything the team does.
For 2025, the 25th anniversary celebration is turning Seuss Landing into an even bigger Who-liday playground. Guests can stroll through a brand-new tree farm complete with six character-themed trees inspired by some of your Seuss favorites. There are also new or newly dressed characters roaming the land in fresh costumes, giving returning visitors new reasons to stop, chat, and snap photos with the Whos.
The musical heartbeat of Grinchmas is back in a big way too. The Who-Ops return with a slate of holiday tunes, including fan-favorite “104 Days of Christmas.” Guests can grab sheet music and sing along like honorary Whos, which makes the whole land feel like a walking, talking, rhyming carol session.
Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous is once again home to The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, where you can dine under the big top with the Grinch himself in his Santa best. For the 25th anniversary, Cindy Lou Who is joining the breakfast lineup for the first time, making this year’s event an extra sweet option for families who love her storybook heart. The Whos work the room too, greeting tables and adding a little extra Who-energy to your morning omelets and pastries.
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders get a special treat this season with an exclusive UOAP Grinchmas button featuring the Grinch’s fabulously grumpy face. The button is available through January 4, 2026 at the UOAP Lounge in Islands of Adventure and at The Tonight Shop in Universal Studios Florida, so passholders have plenty of time to add that little bit of collectible cheer to their lanyards or jackets.
If your sweet tooth is feeling particularly Who-ish, Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop is serving two new holiday treats for the season. Guests can cozy up with a Crunch Bunch Ice Cream Bunch ice cream sandwich and pair it with a warm Holiday Hot Chocolate. It’s the kind of combo that screams “Florida winter,” where you can snack on ice cream in a T-shirt and still feel festive.
Guests looking to go all-in on Universal’s holiday offerings, including Grinchmas, can book the Universal Holiday Tour. With a valid 2-Park 1-Day ticket, this guided experience stitches together some of the season’s biggest highlights: a meet and greet with the Grinch and Max, reserved viewing for the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, reserved seating for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, cookie decorating, light bites and non-alcoholic drinks at select locations, plus a meet and greet with Santa himself. It’s a curated way to pack a lot of holiday cheer into a single night without juggling as many separate queues and showtimes.
Throughout it all, the creative team is encouraging guests to slow down and actually hang out in Whoville instead of just racing from stage show to the next attraction. Between impromptu games with the Whos, singalongs in the streets, character banter, and those new tree farm details, there are plenty of smaller, unscripted moments that can quickly become the memories everyone talks about on the way home.
After 25 years, Grinchmas is more than a seasonal overlay. It’s a full holiday tradition stitched into Universal Orlando’s DNA, kept alive by the performers, designers, and creative minds who have grown up right alongside it. Whether you’ve been coming since those early three-act shows or you’re meeting the Grinch for the first time this year, the 25th Who-bilation is ready to wrap you up in lights, laughter, and just the right amount of snarky, green holiday cheer.
Disney World Extends Park Hours for Holiday Week, New Year’s Eve, and Early January
Disney fans hoping to squeeze every last twinkle of holiday magic out of 2025 just got an early present from the parks. Disney World has officially stretched operating hours across Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios from December 28 through January 3, giving guests more rope drop, more nighttime sparkle, and a whole lot more room for merriment during the most wonderfully bonkers week of the year. If you’re visiting for New Year’s Eve, these updates may just feel like Cinderella upgrading your pumpkin to a stretch limo.
Magic Kingdom is doing the heaviest lifting, starting Early Entry at 7:30 am from December 28 through January 3. The park shifts to an 8:00 am opening each of those days, with later nights now lined up across the full run. December 28 and 29 extend to 11:00 pm. December 30 bumps to midnight. And New Year’s Eve itself glitters the longest, stretching the celebration to 1:00 am. January 1 through 3 all land at 11:00 pm closings. Translation: Extra hours = extra snacks, extra rides, and extra chances to stare lovingly at Cinderella Castle like it’s a holiday card come to life.
Animal Kingdom is slipping into its holiday glow with extended evenings too. December 28 and 29 now run until 8:00 pm, December 30 and 31 flow to 7:00 pm, and January 1 through 3 once again return to 8:00 pm closes. Plus, on January 1, the park is offering Extended Evening Hours from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. More time for Tree of Life Awakenings, more time for glowing menagerie critters, more time for simply vibing with the animals after dark.
Hollywood Studios also gets an early holiday boost by shifting Early Entry to 8:00 am from December 28 through 30 and again January 1 through 3. Regular park opening now begins at 8:30 am on those same dates. Closing remains 9:00 pm, which feels fair since the park already throws enough nighttime neon around to light up a small planet.
If you’re traveling during that end-of-year rush, consider these expanded hours your theme park fuel. Early birds get shorter lines, night owls get extra sparkle, and everyone gets a slightly easier path to tackling the busiest (and most festive) stretch of the season.
Stitch Helps Disney World Cast Donates More Than 25,000 Toys to Children
Walt Disney World is making holiday magic for Central Florida families through the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, supporting Toys for Tots. Adding a touch of mischief and a lot of heart, Stitch from Lilo & Stitch joined the effort as part of his mission to land on Santa’s nice list! To date, the incredible generosity of cast members and guests has resulted in the donation of more than 25,000 toys for families residing in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Lake, and Seminole Counties and across the world!
Disney’s support for Toys for Tots spans more than 75 years, beginning with Walt Disney himself, whose animators designed the iconic train logo still in use today. This cherished tradition of giving continues through the Disney VoluntEARS program, helping to bring the magic of Walt Disney World to Central Florida families in need.
This year, the holiday spirit received a dose of mischief from Stitch of Lilo & Stitch, who is on a global mission to earn his spot on Santa’s nice list. As part of his journey, Stitch joined Disney VoluntEARS and local Marines at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to help sort and count the thousands of toys destined for Central Florida homes this season.
Stitch’s stop at the resort was part of the Disney Holiday Magic Tour, a worldwide campaign inspiring fans and families to “Make Someone’s Holiday Magic” by celebrating the joy of giving. The campaign kicked off in November and has seen the mischievous alien travel across the country and around the world, spreading cheer through community events, donations, and moments of joy.
Stitch’s Worldwide Mission to the Nice List
Determined to get off the naughty list, Stitch has been traveling the globe with Disney VoluntEARS:
Disneyland Resort: Stitch joined U.S. Marines and Disney VoluntEARS to gather toys for the local Toys for Tots chapter.
Chicago: He visited kids and families at Lurie Children’s Hospital, delivering toys and spreading cheer with his signature “Stitch Was Here” notes.
Capitol Hill: Stitch supported a Marine Toys for Tots collection event in Washington D.C., helping to gather hundreds of toys.
Shanghai, China: He made special stops at the Disney Fun House at the Shanghai Children’s Medical Center and two campuses of the Pudong Special Needs school, delivering gifts ahead of the holiday season.
The Bahamas: While aboard Disney Cruise Line, Stitch surprised children at Woodcock Primary School and later at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, where he joined a Junkanoo Rush celebration.
Brevard County, FL: He surprised 100 children at Endeavor Elementary School, along with crew from the Disney Fantasy.
Tokyo, Japan: Stitch surprised Tokyo Disney Resort cast members collecting toys for Make-A-Wish Japan.
South Africa: He made a heartwarming visit to the Disney-themed Dream Room at Pholosong Regional Hospital in Tsakani, bringing festive cheer to young patients.
St. Paul, MN: Stitch delighted guests with a surprise appearance on ice skates during the Disney On Ice pre-show, reinforcing the call to participate in the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive.
Atlanta, GA: He crashed the set of SEC Nation for the SEC Championship game to help Marines clean up and collect toys for distribution.
Europe: Stitch surprised 500 Disney VoluntEARS and families who gathered to wrap more than 8,000 gifts for children in hospitals across France, Spain, and Belgium.
Hong Kong: He joined Disney VoluntEARS in decorating and packing gifts for local children.
Hollywood, CA: Stitch was the honorary ticket taker at the El Capitan Theatre for an exclusive screening of Zootopia 2 for local nonprofit organizations.
Altadena, CA: Stitch joined Disney VoluntEARS at the Altadena Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony, donating his favorite toys to the Altadena Sheriff Department’s toy drive.
A Magical Toy Delivery in Orlando
Stitch’s final stop was back at Walt Disney World, where he joined dozens of Disney VoluntEARS working alongside U.S. Marines to sort and count the thousands of gifts. While he caused a little mayhem along the way, his participation highlights the heart of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive: creating moments of happiness and joy for children and families in need this holiday season.
The incredible response from Walt Disney World cast members and guests is a testament to the enduring legacy of giving that began with Walt Disney and continues to bring joy to millions of children during the holidays.
New Year, New Merch! More Walt Disney World 2026 Merch Drops at Epcot
Guess what? It’s not even 2026 yet, but Walt Disney World is already getting a jump start on the next year’s dated merchandise, and we’ve spotted some super cool pieces over at Epcot! If you’re planning your big trip next year, or just love being ahead of the souvenir game, you’re going to want to check out this fresh new Walt Disney World 2026 merch collection. It’s got that classic Disney charm but is perfect for commemorating your future magical vacation.
First up is a total must-have for those slightly-chilly Florida evenings or just chilling at home dreaming of the parks: the Hooded Sweatshirt ($69.99). It’s a nice, light blue, very chill vibes. But the real star is the “2026” on the chest. Each number is a fuzzy appliqué inspired by one of the main crew: you get Pluto, Mickey, Goofy, and Donald making up the year! It’s super playful, and the “Walt Disney World” wordmark is embroidered in crisp white, giving it a nice, quality feel. Forget boring dated shirts; this is how you rep your year in style!
Ornaments and Mugs: For Home and Hearth
If you’re anything like us, you have to grab a souvenir to hang on the Christmas tree every year. The new ornaments are perfect! There’s a sweet Frame Ornament ($26.99) that’s shaped like Mickey’s head, and you can pop your favorite 2026 park photo right in the center. Mickey, Minnie, and Cinderella Castle are all part of the design, making it a classic keeper. For something a little more glamorous, the Mickey Mouse Icon Glass Ball Ornament ($34.99) is ready to sparkle up your tree, topped with a little sculpted Mickey and a glittering 2026 logo.
And don’t forget the morning coffee! The Mickey Mouse and Friends Mug ($16.99) is the perfect way to “drink-in all the unforgettable memories” of your visit. It’s a stellar souvenir that keeps the magic going long after you’ve left The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Picture Perfect: Snapping Your Memories
Finally, let’s talk about showing off those awesome vacation photos. The new Photo Frame ($29.99) is a winner. It’s sleek black and prominently features Mickey, Minnie, and that big “2026” right up top. Along the bottom, you have the icons of all four parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, making it an ultimate multi-park memento. It holds a standard 4″ x 6″ photo, so you can easily swap in your best castle selfie or Spaceship Earth shot!
These initial pieces are just a taste of what 2026 merchandise is bringing to the parks, and Epcot is clearly the spot to find the early drops. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more, but for now, it looks like Disney has hit the mark with a fun, character-filled collection.
Official Closing Date for Rock n Roller Coaster Revealed
The farewell tour for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith officially has an end date. We now know exactly when the legendary stretch limos will make their final launch at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before the attraction undergoes its major transformation.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is set to close its doors on March 2, 2026. This means fans wishing to “Walk This Way” one last time have until the end of the operating day on March 1, 2026, to experience the ride in its original form.
Previously, Disney had only provided a general “early Spring” timeline for the closure, but this specific date gives fans a clear countdown to get their final rides in.
Following the closure, the attraction will begin its extensive re-theming to become Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
While the track layout is expected to remain the same, the story, music, and visuals will be completely overhauled to feature Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, and the rest of the gang. The reimagined attraction is currently scheduled to debut in the Summer of 2026, promising a chaotic and musical joyride through the world of the Muppets.
If you visit the attraction between now and March 1st, you will notice that the transition has already quietly begun. As we reported earlier, the iconic recording studio preshow—where the band famously invites guests to the concert—is currently boarded up.
For the remainder of its run, guests are bypassing the preshow entirely and walking straight through to the loading area (the “alley”) to board their super-stretch limos.
Make sure to grab your backstage passes and head to Sunset Boulevard before March 2nd to say goodbye to the Aerosmith era!
Win an 8-Day National Geographic Expedition for Two, Courtesy of Disney+
Don’t miss your chance to win a spectacular 8-day National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruise for two! Enter daily through December 29 for a shot at this epic prize trip to Baja California, Mexico, where you can witness majestic gray whales and one-third of the planet’s marine mammal species.
Disney+ subscribers can enter to win this cruise as part of the Disney+ “12 days of Perks”.
This incredible prize package covers virtually everything: you’ll receive accommodations, airfare, meals, and a fully guided group travel experience, along with many other inclusions for a worry-free trip.
One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive:
One (1) eight (8) day /seven (7) night National Geographic-Lindblad Baja California: Among the Great Whales trip aboard the National Geographic Venture, includes:
Roundtrip coach airfare between a major international commercial airport near Prize Winner’s residence (“Airport of Origin”) and an international airport at or near the originating and ending point of the Trip
One (1) standard room with a maximum occupancy of two (2) persons at a hotel selection at the discretion of Prize Provider for one (1) night prior to departure
Seven (7) nights of accommodation for two (2) people on the Trip including:
One (1) double occupancy cabin. Maximum occupancy two (2) people
The Magical Merry Menagerie Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Merry Menagerie is arguably Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s most enchanting holiday experience, but the festive fun begins right at the entrance! The holiday season has arrived with a roar, and guests are greeted by a towering 55-foot Christmas tree packed with animal-themed ornaments—taller than three stacked giraffes—before they discover the magic within.
Merry Menagerie is a magical daytime experience that brings Discovery Island to life with artisan-crafted animal puppets.
Carefully designed by Disney Live Entertainment, these life-size arctic creations – polar bears, reindeer, foxes, penguins, and more – are brought to life through skilled puppeteers who make them walk, blink and even soar above each guest.
“What makes Merry Menagerie special is how up close and personal it is. Guests aren’t just observers, they really can interact with these puppets,” said Chris Iannuzzi, Disney Live Entertainment Puppetry Director. “When someone reaches out to pet a polar bear, even though you can see the puppeteer right there, the puppet still feels so alive in that moment. Creating that believable interaction is a testament to not only the skill of our performers, but the power of puppetry.”
See These Animal Puppets in Merry Menagerie
Guests can interact with these wintry friends for unforgettable moments you can only find at Animal Kingdom:
Take a selfie with a reindeer
Give a polar bear a gentle chin scratch
Greet a playful penguin waddling around
Say hello to a friendly fox
Watch a baby seal dance and play
Wave to a pair of seagulls
Adding to the charming scene, skilled musicians like violinists and steel pan performers play festive tunes that sweep soundly alongside the puppet interactions.
When Does Merry Menagerie Happen?
Merry Menagerie appears select times during the day on Discovery Island now through December 31 – just one of the holiday delights waiting for you and your family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Merry Menagerie animals may vary, as they drift in and out to say hello.
Find Merry Menagerie Merch at Animal Kingdom
To remember your one-of-a-kind Merry Menagerie experience, stop by the Island Mercantile in Discovery Island to uncover exclusive merchandise. This year’s collection includes a wintry blue spirit jersey, T–shirt, collectible pins, and beautiful ornaments – all featuring the flurry of fun and the puppets in the park, while supplies last.
Located just outside the shop, don’t miss artist Rob Kaz’s new piece, “Merry Moment,” a festive celebration starring Mickey Mouse and the Merry Menagerie animals in front of the Tree of Life.
“The puppeteers are truly so talented in making the moment between Guest and animal so special,” Rob described. “Wintry lighting and colors, sounds of the holidays… it’s just pure joy. That’s what I hoped to convey in Merry Moment.”
“With Mickey representing each of us feeling immersed and joyful amongst the Merry Menagerie family, I used color and light, especially around the Tree of Life, to make us immediately feel the cooler air that is so often experienced this time of year. I truly hope this painting lets people take home and remember the warmth they felt during the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”
How Merry Menagerie Spotlights Conservation
As the Merry Menagerie adds magic to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this holiday season, Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) continues its long-standing mission to work with communities to safeguard animals in the wild – including some of our friends that live in some of the chilliest areas of the globe just like the animals featured as whimsical puppets. For 30 years, DCF has been a leader in protecting wildlife and their habitats around the world.
Through past/historic support of organizations like Polar Bears International, DCF has helped protect polar bears, their cubs, and their sea ice home. DCF also supported the National Geographic Society and the Global Penguin Society to advance penguin conservation across Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand.
From towering trees to playful puppets, the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are full of wonder and wild beauty. Celebrate the season with magical moments, unique keepsakes, and even ways to help wildlife. Bring your holiday spirit and let the adventure begin.
Lance Bass Explores the Haunted Mansion Parlor Aboard the Disney Destiny
Pop star Lance Bass gave Disney Parks a special tour of the newest Disney Cruise Line amenity: the spooky yet elegant Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the Disney Destiny, DCL’s newest ship.
During his tour with his husband, Michael Turchin, and his mother, the NSYNC singer humorously pointed out the parlor’s eerie ambiance. Regarding the decor, Bass noted, “So I really wanted to go a little understated with my look of my crib. So I went with these really nice dark colors with eyeballs.” He loved the cobwebs on the chandelier, joking, “One thing I love about this place is there’s really no need to dust. It just kind of goes with the whole effect of the place.”
Bass also showcased the haunted instruments, family portraits, the clock stuck at 13:00, and the mirror behind the bar, which not only reveals ghostly forms but also, he noted, lets you know if someone is “about to stab you in the back.”
New Permits Filed as Monsters, Inc. Takes Over the Former MuppetVision 3D Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It looks like the citizens of Monstropolis are one step closer to clocking in at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney has officially filed new permits for the former MuppetVision 3D theater as the building prepares for its transformation into a centerpiece of the park’s upcoming Monsters, Inc. land. The permits outline general construction at the site, hinting that the glow-up for this future Monstropolis theater is well underway.
Both permits list 365 Cypress Drive, the existing theater’s address. One is contracted to Jon Richards Company, a longtime Imagineering collaborator known for their work on everything from the newest Test Track set pieces to signage for Country Bear Musical Jamboree and the Zootopia: Better Zoogether show. The second permit taps Solotech, the AV specialists who also contributed to Zootopia’s tech-heavy upgrades. With both companies now stepping into the scare floor, the transformation of the beloved old theater is clearly moving into a more active phase.
According to earlier concept art, the exterior brickwork of the theater will remain, but its identity will shift entirely. The building will debut as The Glob, a playful nod to The Globe theater but infused with all the gooey charm Monstropolis can muster. A new marquee and an eye-shaped clock will anchor the refreshed façade, while crews have already begun removing the old Muppets theming.
The new Monsters, Inc. land promises to deliver some heavy hitters, most notably its E-ticket attraction: a vertical-lift suspended coaster racing through the iconic door vault. It’s both Disney’s first vertical lift coaster and their first suspended coaster, currently rising just outside the park’s boundary on former parking lot space. Foodies will also spot some fun changes, with Mama Melrose’s set to become the famed sushi spot Harryhausen’s, and PizzeRizzo expected to get a monster makeover while keeping its quick-service footprint.
As Monstropolis takes shape, the big question now is: what kind of show will fill The Glob’s stage? A laugh floor-style comedy set? A door vault caper? A Monsters, Inc. musical extravaganza? Whatever moves in, it’s clear this corner of the park is preparing for a full scare-abration.
Universal Orlando Rings in 2026 with DJs, Characters, Countdown Spectaculars, and the First-Ever Epic Universe New Year’s Eve Celebration
Universal Orlando is ready to blast 2025 into the stratosphere and welcome 2026 with a whole resort-wide party that’s bigger, brighter, and far more energetic than any confetti cannon Andy could dream up. From DJ dance floors under the stars to character meet and greets, exclusive hotel celebrations, extended park hours, and the first New Year’s Eve ever hosted inside Universal Epic Universe, this year’s festivities are shaping up to be a firework-free frenzy of fun.
The party starts in Universal Studios Florida, where the Music Plaza transforms into a buzzing celebration beginning at 6:15 p.m. Guests can jam out to a live DJ, snap photos with roaming stilt walkers and select floats from Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and enjoy a special showing of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at 10 p.m. As midnight approaches, the Music Plaza becomes countdown central, setting the stage for a high-energy welcome to 2026.
Over at Islands of Adventure, the vibe kicks off at 6:15 p.m. too, with a DJ in Port of Entry setting the rhythm for the night. Characters will be out greeting guests, while music and performers keep the energy swirling through Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon. Dedicated countdown areas across those lands give everyone from Grinch fans to Toon Lagoon loyalists the perfect spot to celebrate the big moment.
For the first time in the park’s history, Universal Epic Universe joins the New Year’s Eve lineup, and it’s stepping into the spotlight in celestial style. Guests can explore the park’s cutting-edge attractions, then gather in Celestial Park where the Hemisphere Stage hosts a DJ and live entertainment. As the clock strikes midnight, a special fountain spectacular will ripple across the waterways, creating an unforgettable start to the year in Universal’s newest world.
Throughout all three parks, guests can soak up the final days of Universal’s Holiday celebration through January 4, enjoying Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, seasonal treats, and the always-magical Holidays Tribute Store.
CityWalk keeps the beat going with DJ sets and live music at the Waterfront Stage and the Green & Red Coconut Club, festive décor, themed cocktails, roving performers, and a resort-wide countdown celebration that transforms the complex into a New Year’s Eve block party.
Universal’s hotels round out the celebration with options for every style. Adults can dress to impress at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel’s first-ever New Year’s Eve Party at the Palace, featuring dinner, drinks, a DJ, and sweeping views of Epic Universe. Families can dance the night away at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel’s Party on the Piazza with food stations, desserts, beer, and wine.
Guests at Universal Aventura Hotel can enjoy a 21+ rooftop celebration with Korean- and Latin-inspired bites, signature cocktails, and panoramic views of Orlando. Special New Year’s buffets at The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel, Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Amatista Cookhouse at Sapphire Falls help bring the culinary sparkle, while seasonal offerings at Cabana Bay, Endless Summer, Stella Nova, and Terra Luna make sure no guest ends 2025 hungry.
Universal Orlando is all set to send off the year with a resort-wide celebration that feels like a confetti explosion of music, magic, and midnight joy. If you’re planning to step into 2026 with style, this destination has rolled out the red carpet, the dance floor, and the fountain show.
The Disney Princess Patchwork Sherpa Quarter Zip That’s Low-Key Royal
We’ve just spotted something at BoxLunch Gifts that is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves subtle Disney style and being ridiculously comfortable. Get ready to meet your new favorite pullover: the Disney Princess Patchwork Sherpa Quarter Zip Crewneck!
It’s an exclusive item to BoxLunch Gifts, so you won’t find this piece of royal leisurewear just anywhere! And here’s the best part: you can snag this piece of cozy, subtle Disney magic right now for just $41.93. That’s a steal for this level of unique design and comfort.
Forget the loud, in-your-face graphics, this piece is all about that chic, understated royalty vibe. It’s made from a super plush, dreamy sherpa material that feels like wearing a cloud. Seriously, the moment you zip this up, you’ll feel wrapped in cozy luxury. But the real magic is in the details! This isn’t just a plain sherpa; it’s decorated with gorgeous, Disney Princess-inspired quilted patches. They’re a subtle nod to your favorite leading ladies without screaming “I’m a princess!” Plus, you’ve got some lovely, detailed embroidered lettering to complete that high-quality, cozy look. It’s an incredibly original design that screams sophistication while keeping things cute.
This is one of those pieces that’s perfect for literally any occasion. Throw it on for a movie marathon, rock it on your next trip to the Disney parks, or pair it with your favorite jeans for a cute and casual coffee date. It’s warm, it’s stylish, and it lets you show off your Disney love in a totally grown-up and fashionable way. Go treat your inner royalty!
