Goofy’s Kitchen Debuts an Exclusive Easter Celebration
Goofy’s Kitchen has opened reservations for its upcoming Easter springtime buffet series. Guests looking to enjoy this seasonal offering at the Disneyland Hotel can now book their tables through the official Disney website or app.
Make your Easter Sunday (April 5) unforgettable with a festive feast at Goofy’s Kitchen, featuring both brunch and dinner buffet options. The Easter Brunch runs from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM ($69 per adult / $39 per child), while the Easter Dinner kicks off at 1:30 PM and runs until 9:00 PM ($79 per adult / $42 per child). Whether you’re starting your morning with the “peeps” or capping off an “egg-stra” special day with a decadent evening spread, these limited-time buffets offer the perfect way to celebrate at the Disneyland Hotel.
The new menu highlights released by Disney showcase a diverse selection of springtime flavors, ranging from premium meat and seafood dishes to an array of bright, seasonal cupcakes and the world-famous Mickey waffles.
Get ready for some festive photo ops! Goofy, Clarabelle, Minnie Mouse, Chip, and Dale will all be sporting their finest springtime outfits for meet-and-greets throughout the meal. The celebration extends to the decor as well, with the Disneyland Hotel eatery blooming with seasonal touches like colorful floral topiaries and a specially themed springtime entrance sign.
Grizzly River Run Returns to Disney California Adventure
After taking a break for refurbishment since January 5, Grizzly River Run is finally back in action! Grab your poncho and head over to Disney California Adventure—the rapids are officially open for business.
Grizzly River Run officially returned to the lineup on Friday, March 27, though lucky guests caught a wave early during a soft opening at noon on Thursday. While the closure allowed for essential maintenance, Cast Members have confirmed the ride’s theming remains unchanged.
Interestingly, the surprise early opening coincided perfectly with the festivities of Savannah Bananas Day.
New Permits Filed as Lost Continent Transformation Picks Up Speed at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Something ancient is stirring again in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and this time, it is not Poseidon calling the shots. Newly filed Notices of Commencement reveal that Universal is moving forward with additional demolition and construction work in the park’s Lost Continent area, signaling that this long-dormant land is officially entering its next chapter.
The filings reference multiple permits tied to demolition, utilities, grading, and hardscape work at the resort’s 6100 Universal Blvd address, which aligns directly with the former home of Poseidon’s Fury and The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad. These show buildings have already been approved for clearing, and the latest paperwork suggests that site preparation is ramping up in a big way. One filing even lists PCL Construction Services as the contractor, a familiar name for major Universal projects, while another references Intamin Ltd., hinting that whatever rises here may eventually involve a major attraction.
Beyond the headline permits, additional filings include environmental monitoring requirements, which are typically associated with large-scale demolition and redevelopment projects. That lines up with what we are seeing here, as Universal continues clearing out remnants of the Lost Continent to make way for something entirely new. While Universal has confirmed that site prep is underway, they have remained tight-lipped about what exactly is coming next, leaving fans to speculate about everything from new IP-driven lands to entirely original concepts.
For now, the Lost Continent sits in a fascinating in-between state, no longer the mythical land it once was, but not yet reborn into its future form. One thing is clear though. The tides are shifting, and whatever is coming next is likely to make waves across the park.
Epic Universe Annual Pass Survey Leak Hints at Big Changes, But Nothing Is Set in Stone Yet
Universal Orlando fans may finally have a glimmer of hope for Epic Universe annual pass access, but for now, it is still living in the realm of rumor, research, and reservation-required what-ifs. New details from multiple leaked guest surveys suggest Universal is actively exploring ways to bring Annual Passholder access to Epic Universe, including locked-in multi-year passes, upgraded annual pass tiers, and flexible ticket bundle add-ons.
One especially notable wrinkle is that survey participants were reportedly required to agree to keep the questions confidential, yet portions of those surveys have still made their way online, giving fans a sneak peek at what Universal may be testing behind the scenes. It also appears there were multiple versions of the survey in circulation, with different guests receiving different questions and concepts, which suggests Universal is casting a wide net as it tries to figure out what Epic access could look like for passholders.
Among the reported options were 2-year, 3-year, and even 4-year locked-in pass concepts, each seemingly built around a lower per-year price in exchange for a longer commitment. Other versions of the survey pointed to a more traditional annual pass upgrade that could include Epic Universe, though possibly at a much higher cost, along with “Pick 3” style add-ons or other multi-day ticket bundles that would let passholders visit Epic on select dates during a set time window.
Across nearly every concept, one thing stayed consistent: reservations. Whether it was a standard reservation requirement or a more complicated multi-step booking process, Universal appears to be signaling that any future passholder access to Epic Universe would likely come with capacity controls, blockout dates, and limited availability. Some survey versions even floated additional passholder perks or engagement ideas like exclusive park hours, show-based Express access, early bird incentives, dynamic Express options, and pass gifting.
Still, the biggest takeaway here is not that Epic Universe annual passes are definitely coming in any one specific form, but that Universal is clearly interested in finding a way to make them happen. Surveys can reveal intent, but they are not announcements, and there is no guarantee any of the ideas being tested will ever launch exactly as presented, or at all.
With multiple versions of the survey circulating and leaked details showing a range of very different proposals, it is obvious Universal is still in the brainstorming phase rather than the rollout phase. For passholders eager to add Epic Universe to their orbit, this is a promising sign, but for now, it is best to treat these concepts like a peek through a portal, not a ticket in hand.
Macron Meets the Magic: French President Tours Disney Adventure World with CEO Josh D’Amaro
Just days before its grand debut, Emmanuel Macron stepped into the spotlight at Disney Adventure World, joining Josh D’Amaro for a behind-the-scenes tour of Disney’s most ambitious European expansion yet. With Cast Members and Natacha Rafalski in tow, the group explored the newly unveiled lands, including the highly anticipated World of Frozen, which officially opens March 29.
During the visit, D’Amaro highlighted Disney’s decades-long partnership with France, tracing it back more than 30 years and reaffirming the company’s commitment following a major expansion announcement originally made with Bob Iger in 2018. That €2 billion investment is now coming to life in spectacular fashion, with Disney Adventure World nearly doubling the size of the park and adding around 1,000 new jobs. D’Amaro emphasized that Cast Members remain at the heart of the magic, crediting them for bringing these immersive worlds to life.
Macron praised the project and its impact, thanking Disney for its continued investment in France and recognizing the significance of the expansion. The visit also marked one of D’Amaro’s early international appearances since stepping into his role as CEO, further underscoring the importance of Disneyland Paris in Disney’s global portfolio.
At the center of the expansion is World of Frozen, a fully realized version of Arendelle where guests can stroll through the village, embark on a family boat adventure, meet Anna and Elsa, and experience a lively celebration straight out of the beloved film. But that’s just the beginning. The transformation of the park introduces over a dozen new dining locations, immersive shopping experiences, and a central lake that will host a brand-new nighttime spectacular.
And if that wasn’t enough to make you roar with excitement, construction is already underway on a massive Pride Lands expansion inspired by The Lion King. This upcoming land will feature a cutting-edge water attraction taking guests deep beneath Pride Rock before plunging them down a 52-foot drop, blending storytelling, music, and next-gen Audio-Animatronics into what promises to be one of the resort’s most ambitious rides yet.
With more than 90% of the park reimagined since its original 2002 debut, Disney Adventure World is shaping up to be a crown jewel for Disneyland Paris and a major player on the global theme park stage.
You can now find the Disney Believe officially listed under the “Our Ships” tab on DisneyCruise.com. Alphabetically positioned just after the new Disney Adventure, the ship’s dedicated landing page is currently a teaser for what’s to come. While specific details remain under wraps, the site invites fans to sign up for updates and showcases the ship’s inspiring theme: “promise and possibilities.”
“Where Promise & Possibility Come to Life
Meet the Disney Believe! Get ready to venture beyond the horizon and experience the magic of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars in new and exciting ways.
Your journey into the extraordinary begins aboard the Disney Believe!”
The Disney Believe will be the ninth ship in the overall fleet and the fourth in the groundbreaking Wish class (Meyer Werft hull number 723). Expected to debut in late 2027, the Believe joins its sister ships—the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. A fifth Wish-class vessel, specifically commissioned to sail out of Japan, is scheduled to follow in 2029.
Disney’s expansion doesn’t stop there. Starting in 2029, the line will launch a brand-new class of ships that are roughly 30% smaller than the Wish class, designed to reach more boutique ports worldwide. While names for the Japan-based ship and the new smaller class haven’t been revealed, the fleet is expected to grow to a total of 13 vessels by 2031. This rapid growth marks a new era for the cruise line, even as fans speculate about the long-term future of the original Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
Upcoming Disney World Closures and Refurbishments Starting April 2026
Ready to plan your April 2026 getaway to the Most Magical Place on Earth? While spring is a beautiful time to visit Walt Disney World, it also brings a few construction walls and scheduled maintenance breaks. To help you avoid any “wait… it’s closed?!” moments, we’ve rounded up the latest refurbishment news for April 2026.
Magic Kingdom: Good News for Space Rangers!
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel in Tomorrowland! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is officially set to reopen on April 8, 2026. After a lengthy refurbishment that began last summer, the attraction is returning with some exciting upgrades. Expect a fresh coat of “Star Command” paint on the exterior and enhanced technology inside to help you finally beat Zurg.
Elsewhere in the park:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” remains closed as it undergoes a massive, year-long track replacement project. It’s currently slated to reopen in early May 2026, so it will be down for the duration of April.
Cinderella Castle: Don’t be surprised if you see cranes! A major repainting project is underway to restore the castle to a more classic color palette (think traditional grays, creams, and blues). Work is typically halted during the day to keep those photo ops clear, but the moat may be drained in certain sections.
Liberty Square Riverboat & Tom Sawyer Island: These are now permanently closed as Disney prepares the area for the upcoming Cars-themed expansion.
EPCOT: Changes in the World Showcase
If you were hoping to catch a movie in the France Pavilion, you might need to wait. Impressions de France and the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along at the Palais du Cinema are currently closed for refurbishment. There is no official reopening date yet, but they are expected to remain closed through at least early May.
Looking Ahead: If you’re visiting late in the month, keep in mind that Soarin’ Around the World is scheduled to close on May 14 to make way for the new Soarin’ Across America debut on May 26!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: A Muppet Takeover
The biggest news at Hollywood Studios is the transformation of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The ride officially closed in March to be reimagined into a Muppets-themed coaster. It will remain closed through April and is expected to debut this summer with the Electric Mayhem taking center stage!
Additionally, Animation Courtyard remains behind construction walls as it transitions into “The Walt Disney Studios” area, set to open in phases starting in late May.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Bluey is Moving In
Over at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the Wildlife Express Train, Conservation Station, and Affection Section are all temporarily closed. They are being refreshed to welcome a brand-new Bluey and Bingo meet-and-greet experience, which is set to open on May 26, 2026.
Resort & Water Park Updates
Typhoon Lagoon: The water park is closed for its annual seasonal maintenance and will reopen on May 12, 2026. Blizzard Beach remains open for all your splashing needs!
Disney’s All-Star Sports: The Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool are closed for maintenance through late April.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: The boat dock is undergoing routine maintenance, with a total closure of boat service from April 13 through May 1.
Bay Lake Tower (Contemporary Resort): The Bay Cove Pool and the Skyway Bridge (connecting to the Main Tower) will see intermittent closures for maintenance throughout the month.
Will any of these closure impact your next Disney World trip?
Two Universal Orlando Attractions Closing for Refurbishment Ahead of Summer Season
A couple of familiar favorites at Universal Orlando Resort are about to take a short break as new refurbishments have been added to the schedule. Both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida will see temporary closures in the coming months, just as the busy summer travel season begins to ramp up.
Over at Islands of Adventure, Me Ship, the Olive, the Popeye-themed play area, will close for its routine annual refurbishment from April 19 through April 25. This splashy playground is known for its interactive water features and climbable ship structure, and while it may temporarily dock for maintenance, no major changes are expected when it reopens.
Meanwhile, over in Universal Studios Florida, Men in Black: Alien Attack will be going off the grid from June 1 through June 16 for a two-week refurbishment. The attraction most recently received a fresh mural update in its gift shop in late 2025, but this closure is expected to be more routine maintenance than a full-scale transformation. Still, if you were planning to zap some aliens this summer, you may want to adjust your aim.
With these additions, Universal Orlando’s refurbishment calendar continues to fill in as the resort prepares for peak crowds. While short closures like these are a normal part of keeping attractions in top shape, timing can always be a bit of a plot twist for guests planning their trips.
New “Encanto” Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Moves Forward with More Set Installation Permits
The magic behind the upcoming “Encanto” attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is starting to take shape as Walt Disney Imagineering continues to move forward with construction. A newly filed Notice of Commencement on March 26, 2026, allows Mecca Productions, Inc. to begin installing additional set elements at 504 Dinoland Drive, the future home of this highly anticipated ride.
This isn’t the first permit tied to the project either. Just weeks ago, Imagineering tapped Scenario for similar set installation work, hinting that the interior of the attraction is about to get its signature Madrigal magic. Based on early details, the attraction will feature the Casita as its main façade, with guests journeying through the enchanted house aboard whimsical ride vehicles inspired by the film’s lively furniture. It sounds like this ride may have a personality of its own… just like the house itself.
The “Encanto” attraction is slated to open in 2027 as part of the larger Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom, which will also include a new carousel and an Indiana Jones-themed experience. While construction continues behind the scenes, these permits signal that Disney is getting closer to bringing the colorful world of the Madrigal family to life in the park, and honestly, we’re ready to talk about this one.
Meet the Nighttime Divers of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
While most of the magic-making at Disneyland Park happens in plain sight, an elite team of Cast Members begins their work only after the final guest has departed. As the park grows quiet, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage diving team suits up in wetsuits and oxygen masks to perform essential maintenance leagues beneath the lagoon’s surface. These skilled, aquatic-loving specialists are dedicated to the upkeep of the attraction’s complex mechanical systems, ensuring that Nemo, his friends, and every submarine voyager enjoy a safe and reliable journey through the bubbles each day.
“I was a machinist at Matterhorn for two and a half years. Then someone came through one day and asked if anybody wanted to learn how to dive,” shares longtime Disneyland diver and Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient Ken Posey, recalling his early days at the resort. “I said, ‘I’ll do it,’ and soon after I started scuba training before moving to work at Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.”
Although he began his Disney days on dry land, Ken quickly fell in love with the unique opportunity to put his passion for solving mechanical puzzles to the test in an underwater world many people never see the depths of. “People don’t realize there are even divers at Disneyland,” Ken says. Years later, the extensive diving skills he learned on the job inspired him to explore some of the world’s most unexpected places, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
All in a Night’s Dive
At minimum, two members of the diving team swim through the lagoon waters every night, surveying the attraction for anything that might look out of place.
Depending on the night, the team may replace a light fixture, install a new show element, or support a multifaceted ride refurbishment, all while navigating the buoyant environment.
“We’re trying to keep whatever the engineers design operating properly,” explains beloved Disneyland diving team member Dave Fisher. “If the attraction is deviating from that, whether it’s a safety precaution or a show element, we’re going to find a way to fix it.”
Decades Beneath the Lagoon
For Dave, diving at the Disneyland Resort is a privilege that continues to baffle him, even 25 years into his Disney journey. “I get paid to dive,” he says with a wide smile. His passion for underwater exploration began as a hobby in the 1980s, when a friend encouraged him to take a class for fun. Ever since discovering the Disneyland diving team, Dave has been hooked on the feeling of bringing smiles to guests’ faces using a skill he wholeheartedly loves.
“We want anyone who comes here, even a 2-year-old who spots Nemo, to be happy,” Dave says. “We want to make the ride safe and give guests the best experience we can.”
The next time you climb down the yellow research submarine operated by the Nautical Exploration and Marine Observation Institute (N.E.M.O.), don’t forget the skilled team of cast members who use their fins every night to ensure your vessel remains safe, and that the story swims on.
DOJ Sues SeaWorld Parent Company Over Rollator Ban at Florida Theme Parks
A major accessibility fight is now rolling into the courts. The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Thursday, March 26, 2026, that it has filed a lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts, alleging the company’s ban on wheeled walkers with seats, including rollators, violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The suit applies to UPR’s U.S. parks and experiences, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando.
According to the DOJ, the policy prevented guests with disabilities, including children and veterans, from entering the parks with mobility aids that the government says should be permitted in pedestrian areas under the ADA. The lawsuit also alleges UPR imposed improper surcharges on disabled guests through rental fees for alternative devices and failed to make reasonable policy modifications when needed. Federal officials are seeking a court order requiring policy changes, ADA staff training, monetary damages for affected individuals, and a civil penalty.
United Parks & Resorts has pushed back on the claims, saying the wheeled walker ban was introduced in November 2025 because of safety concerns tied to misuse of rollators in the parks. The company says it offers alternative mobility options, including wheelchairs and ECVs, at no charge, and maintains that its accessibility policies comply with the law while also protecting guest safety. That means this case could become an important test of how theme parks balance accessibility and operations, with potentially significant implications for guests visiting some of Florida’s biggest attractions.
Sweet Niblets! You Can Now Stay in Hannah Montana’s Iconic Malibu Beach House
The best of both worlds is no longer just a song lyric—it’s a destination.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cultural phenomenon Hannah Montana, Disney and Airbnb have teamed up to bring the show’s legendary Malibu beach house to life. For a very limited time, fans can trade their ordinary lives for a taste of pop stardom, staying in the exact seaside retreat where Miley Stewart navigated the hilarious (and sequin-filled) highs and lows of her double life.
Perched along Malibu’s world-famous coastline, this isn’t just a house; it’s a time capsule of 2000s pop culture. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be immersed in the sun, sand, and stardom that defined a generation.
During the stay, guests will:
Raid the Legendary Closet: Go beyond the revolving door to find racks bursting with glittering stage looks, bold accessories, and those iconic sequined tops. It’s the ultimate “pop star era” makeover opportunity.
Live the Coastal Dream: Relax on the balcony with panoramic ocean views or head directly to the beach, located just steps beyond the backyard.
Relive the Magic: The home is filled with nostalgic design details and “Easter eggs” inspired by the show’s most memorable moments.
Rock Out: Belt out your favorite hits with an in-home karaoke setup and binge-watch classic Hannah Montana episodes on Disney+.
In true “best of both worlds” fashion, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is free of charge ($0 per person), but you’ll need to be faster than a limo escaping the paparazzi to snag a spot.
Detail
Information
Booking Requests Open
TOMORROW, March 26 @ 6:00 AM PST
Stay Dates
10 one-night stays between April 6 – April 16, 2026
Capacity
Up to 4 guests per stay
Cost
$0 (Guests are responsible for travel to/from Malibu)
Today is March 27, which means the booking window officially opened yesterday morning! If you haven’t checked the listing yet, head over to Airbnb immediately to see if any request windows remain or to add the house to your “Wishlist” in case of cancellations.
This is a rare chance to live out your childhood dreams in the house where the wig came off and the music began.
