Universal Orlando Resort Removes Free Parking Perk for Halloween Horror Nights

By

-

June 16, 2026

H.R. Bloodengutz Returns to Halloween Horror Nights with New Original Haunted House

Universal Orlando Eliminates Free After-Midnight Parking for Halloween Horror Nights 35

If your Halloween Horror Nights strategy has been to arrive fashionably late and score free parking after midnight, Universal Orlando has a scare waiting for you this year.

Universal Orlando Resort has updated its Halloween Horror Nights policies for 2026, confirming that guests will now be charged for parking until 2 a.m. on event nights. The change effectively eliminates the long-standing perk that allowed many guests to avoid parking fees by arriving after midnight.

Universal Orlando Resort Removes Free Parking Perk for Halloween Horror Nights

In previous years, guests visiting late in the evening could often take advantage of complimentary self-parking after 12 a.m., whether they were heading into Halloween Horror Nights, meeting friends at CityWalk, or squeezing in a few final haunted house runs before closing. Under the new policy, standard parking fees will remain in effect for the entire duration of the event. Universal’s current self-parking rate is $35 at the toll plaza, though guests can pre-purchase parking online for $32 before arrival.

The change is expected to have the biggest impact on guests without Annual Pass benefits or premium event tickets. Preferred and Premier Annual Passholders will continue to receive complimentary regular self-parking after their first visit, while Power Passholders receive discounted parking. Certain event offerings, including Premium Scream Night and R.I.P. Tours, also include parking benefits as part of the package.

Halloween Horror Nights 35 runs on select nights from August 28 through November 1 at Universal Studios Florida, bringing ten haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and plenty of screams to the resort. With the first haunted house already announced as a themed experience based on Sinners, guests planning a late-night visit may want to factor parking costs into their HHN budget this year. If you’re planning a trip to face all ten haunted houses, our friends at Get Away Today can help put together a frightfully fun Universal Orlando vacation package.

The Muppets Sam Eagle Popcorn Bucket Now Available at Walt Disney World

By

Chris B

-

June 16, 2026

The Muppets Sam Eagle Popcorn Bucket Now Available at Walt Disney World ()

Sam Eagle Popcorn Bucket Lands at Walt Disney World for America’s 250th Celebration

The most patriotic Muppet in America has officially arrived at Walt Disney World! As part of the ongoing celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, guests can now pick up a brand-new Sam Eagle popcorn bucket at locations across the resort.

The collectible bucket features Sam Eagle standing proudly behind a patriotic podium decorated with red, white, and blue bunting. The fan-favorite Muppet sports his iconic stars-and-stripes top hat while holding a wing over his heart in a salute worthy of a “salute to all nations, but mostly America.” The matching shoulder strap continues the patriotic theme with a red, white, and blue star-spangled design.

Available for $22 and including popcorn at the time of purchase, the bucket can be found at participating popcorn carts throughout Walt Disney World while supplies last. The popcorn compartment is cleverly hidden on the back of the figure, and Disney has placed a purchase limit of two buckets per guest. We expect this one to be especially popular with Muppets fans and collectors looking to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial in Disney style.

With patriotic entertainment, specialty treats, and exclusive merchandise arriving across Walt Disney World this summer, the Sam Eagle popcorn bucket is shaping up to be one of the most memorable collectibles of the celebration. If you’re planning a visit to pick one up before they fly away, our friends at Get Away Today can help you plan the perfect Walt Disney World vacation packed with limited-time experiences and souvenirs.

Opening Date Announced for Level99 in Disney Springs

By

Chris B

-

June 16, 2026

Opening Date Announced for Level in Disney Springs

Level99 Announces June Opening Date at Disney Springs

The countdown is officially on! Level99, the highly anticipated interactive gaming destination coming to Disney Springs, has announced it will open its doors on June 29, bringing dozens of physical and mental challenges, unique dining options, and a one-of-a-kind competitive experience to Walt Disney World.

Opening Date Announced for Level99 in Disney Springs

Located on the West Side of Disney Springs, the massive 46,800-square-foot venue will be the largest Level99 location yet. Guests will find 63 challenge rooms spread across two floors, featuring a mix of physical obstacles, puzzle-solving experiences, and team-based games designed for groups of two to six players. Each challenge lasts just a few minutes, making it easy to jump from game to game while competing for high scores and leaderboard bragging rights.

Players will receive an RFID-powered Veloband upon arrival, allowing them to access every challenge included with admission. Popular games will include dodging swinging obstacles in Axe Run, navigating ropes and platforms in Ninja Swing, and solving quirky seating puzzles in Mansion Banquet. Best of all, progress is saved between visits, allowing guests to continue building their scores whenever they return to any Level99 location.

When it’s time to refuel, Level99 will offer a menu packed with elevated comfort food, including Detroit-style pizzas, wagyu burgers, loaded guacamole, handcrafted cocktails, and local beers. Tickets go on sale June 22, with pricing starting at $29.99 per player. Guests visiting on opening day may want to arrive early, as the first 500 players through the doors on June 29 will receive a commemorative opening-day pin.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Disney Springs to check out this exciting new addition, our friends at Get Away Today can help you build the perfect Walt Disney World vacation around all the newest experiences.

Create Your Own Popcorn Coming to Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs

By

Chris B

-

June 16, 2026

Create Your Own Popcorn Coming to Goofy's Candy Company at Disney Springs

Create-Your-Own Popcorn Experience Coming to Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs

Popcorn lovers are about to get a sweet new way to snack at Disney Springs! Walt Disney World is bringing a create-your-own popcorn experience to Goofy’s Candy Company, giving guests the chance to customize their favorite crunchy treat with a variety of flavors, drizzles, and mix-ins.

The new offering is similar to the popular build-your-own popcorn station found inside the Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom. Guests will be able to start with a base of buttered, caramel, or flavored popcorn before adding chocolate drizzles and candy toppings to create a one-of-a-kind snack. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, salty, or a little bit of both, there will be plenty of ways to make your popcorn uniquely yours.

What makes the Disney Springs version especially exciting is an exclusive seasonal flavor debuting this summer: Orange Citrus Popcorn. The bright, fruity flavor adds a fresh twist to the classic Disney snack and is only available at Goofy’s Candy Company. Combined with the assortment of toppings available, the possibilities for creating your perfect popcorn concoction seem nearly endless.

This latest addition joins a growing list of summer-exclusive offerings arriving across Walt Disney World. If you’re planning a visit to Disney Springs, you may want to leave a little extra room for this customizable treat. And when you’re ready to plan your next Walt Disney World adventure, be sure to contact our friends at Get Away Today, who can help sprinkle a little extra magic onto your vacation plans.

Walt Disney World to Upgrade MagicMobile Pass in Apple Wallet Later This Year

By

Chris B

-

June 16, 2026

Disney MagicMobile Getting Major Apple Wallet Upgrade with iOS 27

Walt Disney World guests who use Disney MagicMobile on their iPhone or Apple Watch will soon have an even smarter way to keep track of their Disney vacations. Disney’s digital park pass is set to receive a significant upgrade later this year as part of Apple’s upcoming iOS 27 update, bringing more trip details directly into Apple Wallet.

Currently, Disney MagicMobile allows guests to use their iPhone or Apple Watch in place of a physical ticket or MagicBand for park entry, Lightning Lane check-ins, PhotoPass linking, and select resort hotel purchases. With the new Apple Wallet enhancements, the pass will become much more dynamic, automatically displaying information relevant to your visit throughout the day.

Once iOS 27 launches this fall, guests will be able to see park reservations, special event tickets, upcoming trips, and other important vacation details directly within their Disney Parks pass in Apple Wallet. The information will update automatically in real time, and guests can receive notifications when arriving at Walt Disney World, making it easier than ever to access key vacation information without opening the My Disney Experience app.

Walt Disney World to Upgrade MagicMobile Pass in Apple Wallet Later This Year

While the enhanced Wallet experience adds convenience, it won’t replace My Disney Experience. Guests will still use the Disney app for dining reservations, Lightning Lane selections, mobile food orders, and vacation planning. MagicBands, MagicBand+, and Key to the World cards will also continue to work alongside MagicMobile. If you’re already using an iPhone or Apple Watch during your Disney vacations, this update could make navigating your Walt Disney World adventure feel even more seamless.

And when you’re ready to put those new features to use, be sure to reach out to our friends at Get Away Today to help plan your next magical getaway.

Non-Resort Guests Will Lose Disney Springs Watercraft and Bus Access Permanently Next Week

By

Chris B

-

June 16, 2026

Non Resort Guests Will Lose Disney Springs Watercraft and Bus Access Permanently Next Week

Disney Springs Cracks Down on Transportation Loophole with Permanent Bus and Boat Verification

Guests looking to use Disney Springs as a transportation shortcut will soon find those options much more limited. Walt Disney World is set to permanently implement transportation verification procedures beginning June 28, requiring guests to prove they have a legitimate reason to travel to a Disney resort before boarding certain buses or boats from Disney Springs.

The policy comes after several successful trial runs earlier this year and is designed to combat a long-standing workaround used by some visitors. For years, guests have parked for free at Disney Springs and then used Disney transportation to reach resorts, often connecting to theme parks and avoiding standard parking fees. Disney’s new verification process aims to ensure that transportation capacity remains available for resort guests and those with confirmed reservations.

The changes will apply to both bus and watercraft transportation departing Disney Springs. Guests traveling to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, including the Treehouse Villas, will need to verify eligibility before boarding. Accepted forms of verification include an active Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation, a confirmed dining reservation at a Disney resort hotel, or a booked recreational activity such as a specialty cruise.

During previous testing periods, Cast Members stationed at transportation hubs scanned MagicBands and reservation credentials before allowing guests to board. Disney reportedly found the process effective at reducing overcrowding and preserving transportation access for those staying or dining at the resorts. While the verification program is currently limited to Disney Springs, reports indicate Disney is evaluating whether similar measures could eventually expand to other transportation locations throughout Walt Disney World.

Guests planning a resort dining experience or recreation activity from Disney Springs should be prepared to have their reservations readily available. As Disney continues to balance guest convenience with transportation demand, this latest change marks one of the most significant adjustments to Disney Springs transportation access in recent years. And if you’re planning your next Walt Disney World getaway, our friends at Get Away Today can help you navigate all the latest changes while finding the best vacation package for your family.

Adobe and Walt Disney Imagineering Team Up to Drive Creative Innovation

By

Robbie

-

June 16, 2026

Walt Disney Imagineering Partners with Adobe Firefly to Use AI Models for Theme Park Design

Adobe has unveiled a partnership with Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development to expedite the design and concept visualization pipeline for Disney Parks and Experiences using cutting-edge AI.

This initiative leverages Adobe Firefly Foundry, a solution allowing enterprises to collaborate directly with Adobe to build bespoke generative AI models tailored to their specific brand identity. For more than 70 years, Disney Imagineers have consistently merged art and technology to elevate storytelling. Trained on legacy Imagineering assets, these custom, proprietary models will integrate with commercially safe Adobe Firefly foundation models to amplify creative world-building across the organization.

“Storytelling defines Disney. Driving creative empowerment through AI innovations defines Adobe,” noted Hannah Elsakr, VP of GenAI New Business Ventures at Adobe. “As Imagineering develops next-generation fan experiences globally, our platforms will serve as a digital launchpad to test ambitious concepts and bring the finest visions to life.”

“At Imagineering, we maintain that technological tools and human artistry can collaborate ethically,” stated Kyle Laughlin, SVP of R&D, Technology and Engineering at Walt Disney Imagineering. “This alliance with Adobe helps us realize Disney narratives and characters across our Parks more efficiently, maintaining the high emotional impact our guests anticipate.”

For an iconic brand like Disney, every character detail, color palette, and design choice reflects a century of narrative heritage. Generic AI models trained on scraped web data cannot promise IP safety, brand alignment, or clear asset provenance.

Adobe Firefly Foundry offers an alternative approach: a custom pipeline trained on Imagineering’s private design archive, built responsibly using licensed and proprietary content from globally beloved franchises, and highly calibrated to replicate their exact aesthetic standards. Imagineers will soon utilize these Firefly Foundry models to produce rich, high-fidelity assets across multiple media formats, operating seamlessly within the native Adobe workflows they deploy every day.

For decades, Adobe has stood at the heart of creativity in the media and entertainment industry, with technology innovations that have earned multiple Academy Awards for scientific and technical achievement. Now with Adobe Firefly Foundry, Imagineers will soon lead the way on custom, responsibly built AI that shortens the journey from idea to theme park magic through these initial workflows:

A sketch-to-image model that transforms rough hand-drawn concepts into fully rendered 2D concept art, allowing designers to iterate rapidly, refine to perfection and explore dozens of creative directions.
A custom image model developed on Imagineering assets that generates on-brand, franchise-accurate creative assets across franchises such as Mickey & Friends, Frozen, Moana, Lilo & Stitch and Cars. This will allow Imagineers to speed up their concept and design phase for future attractions.
A 3D modeling capability which takes 2D renderings and design concepts and transforms them into detailed 3D prototypes, giving designers the tools to plan builds, estimate materials and coordinate with engineering teams long before a single shovel hits the ground.

As Disney grows its footprint across parks, hotels, cruises and more, Adobe Firefly Foundry will enable Imagineering to iterate with much greater speed, accelerating the end-to-end creative process from hand-drawn sketches and polished concept art to detailed 3D renderings and construction-quality CAD models. Teams can scale Disney Parks experiences while maintaining the creative standards and magic that Disney’s guests have come to expect.

Rewind to 1996: The New Hunchback of Notre Dame 30th Anniversary Djali Plush is Healing Our Inner 90s Child

By

Ana Leal

-

June 16, 2026

Rewind to 1996: The New Hunchback of Notre Dame 30th Anniversary Djali Plush is Healing Our Inner 90s Child

Remember the days of rewinding your VHS tapes, trading milk caps, and eating pizza out of a cardboard box while watching the most visually stunning and surprisingly dark Disney movie of the 90s? It is hard to believe, but Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame is officially hitting its 30th anniversary. For those of us who grew up in that glorious decade, it is the perfect excuse to indulge in some serious nostalgia, especially if your parents garage sold away your childhood Disney plush collection years ago.

If you have been nursing that decades long heartbreak, the Disney Store has just released the ultimate antidote. Say hello to the The Hunchback of Notre Dame 30th Anniversary Djali Plush. Retailing for a perfectly reasonable $22.99, this plushie is practically a time machine in fluffy form. It is tailor-made for the 90s kids who miss the comfort of their old stuffed animals and want a piece of their childhood back on their bed or office shelf.

Esmeralda’s loyal, attitude-filled sidekick is finally getting the spotlight he deserves, and let’s be honest, he has never looked better. This super soft plush features detailed sculpting and embroidered details that capture all of Djali’s sassy charm. The designers didn’t skimp on the details either; he comes complete with his signature golden fabric earring, a furry little beard, a tuft of hair, and those perfectly floppy ears.

While he spent most of the 1996 film kicking Frollo’s guards and running amok in the streets of Paris, this 11-inch plush captures the feisty goat taking a rare, quiet moment to just sit down and take the weight off his hooves. He is soft, perfectly huggable, and ready to bring a little bit of that 90s magic back into your life. Whether you’re buying him to heal your inner child or just want a unique piece of Disney Vault history, you can snag him right now online at the Disney Store.

Credit: Disney Store

Rock the First Day of School with Customizable Disney Tees!

By

Ana Leal

-

June 16, 2026

Rock the First Day of School with Customizable Disney Tees!

Let’s be honest, back to school shopping can be a bit of a whirlwind, but finding that perfect first-day outfit just got a whole lot easier and way cuter. The Disney Store is dropping some serious magic for the new school year with customizable Disney tees that will have your kiddo strutting down the hallways with confidence. Retailing for just $19.99 each, these tees are available exclusively online, making it super easy to skip the chaotic mall lines and shop right from your couch.

The Mickey Mouse Teacher or Student Name Tee

First up is a total classic that’s perfect for both the little ones and the awesome educators leading the classroom. The Mickey Mouse Teacher or Student Name First Day of School T-Shirt features everyone’s favorite mouse rocking a backpack, surrounded by bright, kid-friendly doodles of a school bus, the alphabet, and a simple math problem. The coolest part? It has a dedicated chalkboard space where you can print a name up to 11 characters long. Whether it’s for a nervous kindergartener or a teacher ready to welcome a brand-new crew, this vibrant tee comes in a variety of colors to match their unique style. Just don’t forget to type the name in before you hit add-to-cart!

The Mickey Mouse Icon Child’s Name Tee

If your student prefers something with a bit more of a doodle-art vibe, you’ll definitely want to check out the Mickey Mouse Icon Child’s Name First Day of School T-Shirt. This one features a super fun, classroom-sketch style design centered around a bright pink Mickey icon. Right above the bold “First Day of School” message, there’s a personalized line waiting for your child’s name (up to 12 characters, spaces included). It’s available in multiple color options, making it the perfect canvas for your kid to showcase their personality while celebrating a fresh start.

Because these tees are fully customizable, they make unforgettable gifts to kick off the academic year. Head over to the Disney Store online, pick your favorite colors, type in those names, and get ready for some priceless first-day-of-school photos.

Credit: Disney Store

BoxLunch New Disney Princess Bowl Set Gives Mulan and Pocahontas the Spotlight They Deserve

By

Ana Leal

-

June 16, 2026

BoxLunch New Disney Princess Bowl Set Gives Mulan and Pocahontas the Spotlight They Deserve

Calling all Disney foodies and kitchen royalty! If your cabinets are looking a little mundane, BoxLunch just dropped the ultimate upgrade to bring some royal magic to your meal prep. The Disney Princess Tonal Icons Bowl and Lid Set is here, and it is the perfect blend of subtle elegance and pure nostalgia.

Retailing for $44.90, this BoxLunch Exclusive features three gorgeous nesting bowls, each dedicated to a legendary heroine: Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, Mulan, and Pocahontas. Instead of loud, over the top graphics, these bowls sport beautiful, minimalist tonal designs that look incredibly chic on a countertop. Plus, they come with matching lids, making them just as perfect for storing leftovers as they are for mixing up a fresh batch of Tiana’s famous beignets.

Let’s be real for a second, it is not every day you get high quality kitchenware inspired by Mulan or Pocahontas. While some princesses seem to get all the merch spotlight, this set finally gives these absolute icons the love they deserve. Whether you’re whipping up a feast or just saving some takeout, this set is an absolute must-have for Disney fans who love to spend time in the kitchen. Head over to the BoxLunch website and snag yours before they sell out!

Credit: BoxLunch Gifts

Spooky Season Comes Early! Lowe’s Unveils Massive New Disney Halloween Decorations

By

Ana Leal

-

June 16, 2026

Spooky Season Comes Early! Lowe’s Unveils Massive New Disney Halloween Decorations

Dust off your spellbooks and grab your wallets, because Halloween is officially fast approaching! If you’re a Disney adult who loves to go all out for the spooky season, Lowe’s is about to make your jaw drop. They just unveiled a brand-new, massive Disney Halloween decorations that are launching in just a few days. We are talking oversized, animated showstoppers inspired by Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Sulley, and even The Haunted Mansion. Your front yard is about to become the most magical and spooky spot on the block.

First up, the classic duo is getting a creepy-cute makeover. Lowe’s is bringing out large, animated Mickey and Minnie figures completely wrapped up like mummies. But don’t worry, they haven’t lost their signature style! Minnie’s mummy dress features extra lace details for a little extra flair, and she’s still rocking her bright pink bow right on her head. They are the perfect mix of vintage Disney charm and classic monster energy.

If you want something a bit more chaotic and fun, the Pixar and animation drops are incredibly clever. There’s an animated Stitch who clearly doesn’t understand the assignment, he’s an alien dressed up as an alien in a purple and green costume, complete with spiderweb patterns inside his massive ears and a pumpkin bucket ready for candy. Meanwhile, Sulley from Monsters, Inc. is trading his scare-floor look for a vampire vibe. He’s sporting a sleek red and black cape, a sharp red neckerchief, and some surprisingly cute fangs.

For the hardcore theme park fans, you can finally build your very own pet cemetery right on your lawn. Lowe’s is releasing Haunted Mansion-inspired tombstones modeled directly after the iconic props from the Disney Parks ride. You can snag one based on the famous Miss Kitty tombstone, or grab the one inspired by Big Jake. Place them in your grass, and you’ll instantly have that eerie, Grim Grinning Ghosts atmosphere at home.

Ready to fill your cart? You’ll want to mark your calendar immediately because these early Halloween drops sell out fast. If you are a MyLowe’s Rewards member, you get exclusive early access to shop the collection on June 18. For everyone else, the general public drop goes live on June 20. Better get moving, because these haunts definitely won’t materialize for long!

Credit: Lowes

Cakeworthy Just Dropped the Ultimate Muppet Treasure Island 30th Anniversary Collection at the Disney Store

By

Ana Leal

-

June 16, 2026

Cakeworthy Just Dropped the Ultimate Muppet Treasure Island 30th Anniversary Collection at the Disney Store

How is Muppet Treasure Island already celebrating its 30th anniversary? If that fact alone makes you want to look for grey hairs, don’t worry, you can distract yourself by channeling your inner swashbuckler instead. The pop-culture fashion masters at Cakeworthy have teamed up with the Disney Store to drop a couple of retro-inspired apparel pieces as part of the Muppet Treasure Island 30th Anniversary Collection that are absolute pirate’s plunder for Muppet fans.

First up, we have the Muppet Treasure Island 30th Anniversary T-Shirt for $34.99. This isn’t just your standard graphic tee; it’s got that trendy, heavyweight jersey feel with a boxy fit and dropped shoulders, making it perfect for casual, everyday wear. The front serves up some serious nostalgia with distressed, vintage-style screen art featuring your favorite cabin crew, Kermit (as Captain Smollett), Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, and Rizzo, along with the iconic film logo. But the absolute best part? Flip it around, and the back prominently features the movie’s legendary, meta line: “And this is supposed to be a kid’s movie!”

If you’re looking for something cozy enough for sailing the high seas or, you know, lounging on the couch, the 30th Anniversary Pullover Sweatshirt is where it’s at for $64.99. This black crewneck has a baggy, oversized fit and an ultra-soft fleece interior that feels like a warm hug from Fozzie himself. The front brings together an even bigger ensemble cast, adding Miss Piggy (as Benjamina Gunn) and Sam Eagle into the distressed graphic mix. Cakeworthy really nailed the details on this one, adding “Muppet Treasure Island 30” logos right on the sleeves to make sure everyone knows you’re celebrating a cinematic masterpiece.

Both pieces are currently up for grabs on the Disney Store website. Whether you’re buying them for a theme park day or just want to show off your immaculate taste in 90s cinema, you won’t need a treasure map to see that these are a must-have. Grab yours before they walk the plank!

Credit: Disney Store