Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Announces 2026 Concert Series

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January 28, 2026

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Sets the Stage: 2026 Concert Series Features Record-Breaking Lineup

Get ready to turn the volume up to eleven. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has officially pulled back the curtain on its 2026 Concert Series, unveiling the most expansive and diverse musical roster in the park’s history.

With over 20 chart-topping artists spanning pop, rock, hip-hop, country, and Christian contemporary, the park is transforming into Florida’s premier outdoor concert destination. Best of all? Every performance is included free of charge with any form of park admission.

A Symphony of Three Signature Events

The 2026 season is strategically designed to hit every note, spreading the talent across three distinct park festivals running now through May 17, 2026.

1. The Real Music Series (Now – Feb 20)

As the park’s longest-running musical tradition, the Real Music Series focuses on the timeless sounds of classic rock, soul, and big band.

Don’t Miss: The legendary Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the swamp-rock vibes of Revisiting Creedence.

2. Food, Wine & Garden Festival (March 7 – May 9)

The fan-favorite festival has been revamped for 2026, pairing world-class culinary creations with heavy-hitting headliners every weekend.

The Big Names: Country star Walker Hayes kicks things off on March 7, followed by a high-energy schedule featuring Flo Rida, Taking Back Sunday, Nick Carter, and the Pop 2000 Tour (hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC).

3. Glory in the Gardens (May 16 – 17)

The series reaches a powerful crescendo with a weekend dedicated to uplifting Christian music.

The Headliners: Multi-platinum artist Chris Tomlin and Brandon Heath will lead the Saturday lineup, followed by Danny Gokey on Sunday.

2026 Concert Schedule At-A-Glance

Date(s)	Artist / Headliner	Festival
Feb. 9 – 13	Revisiting Creedence	Real Music
Mar. 7	Walker Hayes	Food & Wine
Mar. 21	Skillet	Food & Wine
Mar. 29	Kansas	Food & Wine
Apr. 12	Smash Mouth	Food & Wine
Apr. 18	Flo Rida	Food & Wine
May 3	Taking Back Sunday	Food & Wine
May 16	Chris Tomlin + Brandon Heath	Glory in the Gardens

The Ultimate Access: 2026 Annual Passes

With such a dense lineup, a single day isn’t enough. The Busch Gardens Annual Pass remains the most cost-effective way to catch every show. Starting as low as $14.50 per month (with $0 down), Pass Members receive:

Unlimited Admission: Perfect for catching multiple weekend concerts.
Exclusive Previews: Be among the first to explore the brand-new Lion & Hyena Ridge habitat opening later this year.
Added Value: Free guest tickets, free parking, and “Busch Bucks” to spend on food and merchandise during the festivals.

Whether you’re there for the nostalgic chords of Air Supply or the high-energy beats of Bow Wow, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is making 2026 the year of the live experience.

Open the Door to Adventure With This Belle Roses and Books Magnetic Door Mini Backpack

By

Ana Leal

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January 28, 2026

Open the Door to Adventure With This Belle Roses and Books Magnetic Door Mini Backpack

If you’re the kind of person who constantly has your nose stuck in a book or you’re just waiting for your own enchanted library to manifest, BoxLunch has dropped a little something that’s going to make your heart skip a beat. The Belle Roses and Books Magnetic Door Mini Backpack has officially arrived, and it is every bit as whimsical as a stroll through a provincial French village. This isn’t just your standard princess on a bag situation; it’s a detailed tribute to everyone’s favorite bookworm.

First off, let’s talk about the texture. The bag features a stunning embossed floral design that gives it a high-end, vintage feel. It’s covered in those iconic roses, making it feel more like a piece of art than just a place to stash your keys and snacks. At a price point of $79.90, it hits that sweet spot of “treat yourself” without totally breaking the vault.

The real showstopper here, though, is the interactive element. On the front of the bag, you’ve got a beautiful magnetic flap applique of Belle herself. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just for show. Since it’s magnetic, you can actually swing the flap open to reveal a coordinating scene hidden underneath. It’s like having a little secret world tucked away on your bag, perfect for when you’re standing in line at the parks and need a quick hit of Disney magic.

This beauty is currently available online at BoxLunch Gifts. Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just need a new daily driver for your Disney trips, this one is likely to fly off the shelves faster than Gaston can eat five dozen eggs.

Credit: BoxLunch Gifts

Cozy Up in Style With This Pooh and Piglet Reading Mini Backpack!

By

Ana Leal

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January 28, 2026

Cozy Up in Style With This Pooh and Piglet Reading Mini Backpack!

Oh, bother… our hearts just officially melted. If you’re a fan of the Hundred Acre Wood (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), you need to see the new Pooh and Piglet Reading Mini Backpack. It is essentially a warm hug in bag form. The design features an incredibly soft, fuzzy applique of Pooh and Piglet tucked away among some wildflowers, sharing a book together. It’s peak cozy vibes, perfect for anyone who still believes that a doing nothing day is the best kind of day.

This beauty retails for $79.90. While that might be a bit of an investment for your accessory collection, the quality of the embroidery and that tactile fuzzy texture make it feel worth every penny. This is an exclusive available only at BoxLunch Gifts.

What really sets this piece apart isn’t just the main graphic; it’s the craftsmanship. Beyond that adorable center applique, the bag is covered in delicate embroidered details that wrap around the body. It gives the whole backpack a premium, “found-it-in-a-vintage-boutique” feel rather than just being a standard printed bag. Whether you’re heading to a theme park or just hauling your own current read to a local cafe, this bag adds a touch of cottagecore magic to any outfit.

Since it’s a BoxLunch exclusive, these tend to fly off the digital shelves pretty quickly. If you’ve got some “Lunch Money” rewards saved up, now is definitely the time to use them!

Credit: BoxLunch Gifts

Marvel Shares First Look at Season 2 of Daredevil Born Again

By

Chris B

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January 28, 2026

Marvel Shares First Look at Season of Daredevil Born Again

Daredevil and Jessica Jones Reunite in Gritty New Born Again Season 2 Teaser

Hell’s Kitchen is about to get a whole lot louder. Marvel has officially dropped the teaser trailer for season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again, and the biggest jaw-dropper is the long-awaited reunion between Matt Murdock and Jessica Jones. The new footage confirms that Krysten Ritter is back as the hard-drinking, no-nonsense private investigator, teaming up once again with Charlie Cox’s Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. The series returns to Disney+ on March 24, with all signs pointing toward a darker, more dangerous New York City than ever before.

Season 1 ended on a brutal cliffhanger with Wilson Fisk declaring martial law across the city after carving a violent path back to power. Matt Murdock closed out the finale by rallying resistance forces willing to stand against Fisk’s regime, and from the looks of the new teaser, Jessica Jones is very much on board with punching first and asking questions never. The trailer highlights the two characters talking outside before the action kicks off, a quiet but loaded moment that signals the Defenders era connections are officially back in play.

Season 2 will consist of eight episodes and also brings back Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, and Wilson Bethel as Bullseye. While Jon Bernthal’s Punisher escaped captivity at the end of season 1, he will not appear this spring, instead spinning off into his own series and a role in Spider Man: Brand New Day. The first two episodes of the new season are directed by Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson, with showrunner Dario Scardapane leading a writing team stacked with Marvel veterans. Season 3 has already been confirmed, proving Marvel is fully invested in keeping Daredevil’s corner of the MCU gritty and street-level.

Disney Shares Behind the Scenes Look at Trackless Ride Systems on Runaway Railway

By

Chris B

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January 28, 2026

Disney Shares Behind the Scenes Look at Trackless Ride Systems on Runaway Railway

Trackless Ride Tech Takes Center Stage in New Episode of Imagineer That!

If you have ever wondered how Disney rides manage to glide, spin, scoot, and occasionally bust a move without a single track in sight, the newest episode of Imagineer That! has entered the station. In the latest installment, host Tom Morrow 2.0 gets insider access with Thomas, a Senior Creative Producer from Walt Disney Imagineering, to break down the magic and math behind Disney’s trackless ride systems. The episode tackles the big question straight out of the gate: how do you control a ride when there is no track telling it where to go?

To explain the concept, Thomas uses Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway as the perfect example. Trackless vehicles rely on advanced navigation and guidance systems that allow them to move forward, backward, sideways, and yes, even dance. Instead of being locked into a fixed path, each vehicle knows exactly where it is at all times and how it should move in sync with the show, the music, and the other vehicles around it. That freedom is what allows Disney to create unpredictable ride paths and choreographed moments that feel different every time you ride.

The episode also teases what could be coming next for trackless technology. According to Thomas, future attractions could incorporate elements like drop towers, motion bases, and even water effects, opening the door to more thrilling and immersive experiences without giving up the flexibility that trackless systems offer. For fans who love peeking behind the curtain, this episode is a must watch and a fun reminder that Disney’s rides are basically dancing robots with impeccable timing.

You can check out the full episode yourself below:

Disney PhotoPass Photographers Stationed Outside DINOSAUR Ahead of Closure

By

Chris B

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January 28, 2026

Disney PhotoPass Photographers Stationed Outside DINOSAUR Ahead of Closure

PhotoPass Photographers Gather as DINOSAUR Nears Extinction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Time is officially running out for one of Disney’s most intense dark rides, and guests are lining up to document every last moment. Disney PhotoPass photographers have been stationed outside DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, giving fans one final chance to snap professional photos before the attraction goes extinct for good.

Over the past few weeks, photographers have been appearing more frequently, and on January 27 there were two Cast Members facilitating photos in front of the iconic Aladar the Iguanodon statue. Lines for the photo op have been long, so if DINOSAUR played a role in your childhood theme park trauma or thrill ride glory days, now is the moment to strike your best prehistoric pose.

The increased PhotoPass presence comes as DINOSAUR continues to pull unexpectedly high wait times. On January 27, it actually posted the longest wait in the park, a rare feat for the bumpy time rover adventure. Guests can purchase photos individually through the Walt Disney World website or My Disney Experience app, or access them with a Memory Maker package. The attraction also features an on ride photo, making this final week a full photo buffet for DINOSAUR devotees.

DINOSAUR is set to close permanently after Sunday, February 1, marking the official end of DinoLand U.S.A. after nearly 28 years. Originally opening as Countdown to Extinction on April 22, 1998, the ride was later renamed and lightly updated to tie into Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Dinosaur. With a 40 inch height requirement, a runtime just over three minutes, and a reputation for being one of the loudest and roughest rides on property, DINOSAUR has left a big footprint. The ride system itself is nearly identical to Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland, which makes its next evolution a fitting one.

The attraction will be reimagined as an Indiana Jones adventure as part of the new Pueblo Esperanza land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The former Dino Institute will receive a temple facade, and construction walls already tease story elements inspired by Mayan mythology, including Camazotz, bat like spirits that hint at a darker legend. The new Indiana Jones attraction is expected to feature an original storyline involving a mythical creature hidden within a Mayan temple, giving Indy a brand new reason to crack the whip in Florida.

DVC Hosting Special Valentine’s Day Event at Contemporary Resort with Special Characters

By

Chris B

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January 28, 2026

DVC Hosting Special Valentine's Day Event at Contemporary Resort with Special Characters

Disney Vacation Club Spreads the Love with Valentine’s Day Character Event at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Love is officially in the air (and sprinkled with pixie dust) as Disney Vacation Club is hosting a special Valentine’s Day drop-in event for eligible members at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in early February 2026. The limited-time event takes place inside the resort’s Convention Center on February 2, 3, 9, and 10 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, giving members a sweet mid-day break filled with Disney characters and themed treats. The festivities will be held in the Fantasia Ballroom West Salons and Pastorals on the main level, with signs guiding guests toward the West Rotunda once inside the Convention Center.

This is a drop-in style experience with no registration required, but each Disney Vacation Club membership may only attend one date and capacity is limited. If the room fills up, members may be asked to wait in line and enter as others exit, with the line potentially closing before 1:00 pm depending on demand. To participate, guests must be eligible for Membership Extras and have a qualifying reservation at a Disney-owned and operated Walt Disney World Resort hotel or Disney’s Vero Beach Resort on the selected event date. Members can bring up to four guests per membership card or the number of guests on their resort reservation, whichever applies.

At check-in, members will need their Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card, a photo ID, and the member listed on the card must be present. Disney strongly encourages using Walt Disney World transportation to reach the resort, as parking will not be available specifically for this event. If you are staying on property in early February and qualify, this is a fun little bonus that adds a touch of Disney romance without needing to schedule your entire day around it.

Magic Kingdom Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Disney Cast Member Service Celebration 2026

By

Chip

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January 28, 2026

Happy Tears and Hugs During the Disney Cast Member Service Celebration

Disney World Cast Member Celebration 2026

If there is one thing Walt Disney understood better than anyone, it’s that the magic doesn’t start with pixie dust—it starts with people.

This week, Walt Disney World rolled out the red carpet (literally!) at Magic Kingdom Park to honor the heart and soul of the resort: the Cast Members. The annual Disney Cast Member Service Celebration is a time-honored tradition that spotlights those who have spent years, and often decades, bringing happiness to guests.

@chipandcompany
Magic Kingdom Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Disney Cast Member Service Celebration 2026 #disneycastmember #disneyworld #magickingdom
♬ original sound – chipandcompany –

This year’s event was filled with happy tears, family reunions, and plenty of “remember when?” moments as Cast Members gathered to celebrate milestone anniversaries ranging from 10 to 50 years.

The night included after-hours access to the park, rare character meet-and-greets, live entertainment, and—of course—the legendary Service Celebration shrimp that has become a beloved tradition among honorees.

In 2026, the Disney Experiences East Coast Service Celebration took place on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at Magic Kingdom Park, followed by the West Coast Celebration on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Disney California Adventure Park.

Decades of Magic Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, who is celebrating his own 35-year milestone this year, joined the festivities. He started as an entry-level engineer in 1990 and has since helped open Animal Kingdom and Shanghai Disney Resort.

“Our cast members shape the magic our guests feel every day,” Vahle said. “This celebration is a way of saying, ‘thank you,’ for decades of extraordinary guest service, and the legacy they continue to build.”

A Red E Carpet Night at Magic Kingdom Park x

For some, the night marked a half-century of making magic. Elaine West Grimes, a 50-year Cast Member at 50’s Prime Time Café, reflected on her incredible tenure: “Disney has felt like home for 50 years. Each day has given me the chance to make magic for our guests… These cast members and our guests are like family.”

Generations of Magic Makers Walt Disney World x

A Family Affair One of the most touching aspects of the evening was seeing the generational legacy of Disney careers. Kimmie Sue Hall, a recently retired 30-year Cast Member, celebrated alongside her son, who is also a Cast Member.

“Disney isn’t just where we worked. It’s where values, stories, and a love for creating happiness are passed from one generation to the next,” Hall shared.

A Night of Characters Music Celebration x

Currently, the average tenure for a Disney Cast Member in Central Florida is 12 years—triple the national average—proving that for many, this isn’t just a job; it’s a calling.

To all the Cast Members who celebrated a milestone this year: Thank You. You are the reason we keep coming back.

First Look at Disneyland Half Marathon Limited Edition Brooks Shoes

By

Sara

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January 28, 2026

Disneyland Half Marathon Brooks Limited Edition Shoes

Brooks is celebrating the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (Jan. 29 – Feb. 1) with an exclusive drop: the Limited Edition Adrenaline GTS 25. This high-performance shoe combines Brooks’ signature support with runDisney flair, making it the ultimate souvenir for anyone hitting the pavement in Anaheim this week.

While the official price tag is still under wraps, Brooks and runDisney took to Instagram to give us a first look at these stunning sneakers! The design features a beautiful aqua and blue color palette that perfectly captures that Disneyland vibe. What really makes these shoes stand out, though, are the adorable lace charms (or “patches”) hanging from the front. You’ll find iconic imagery including the Disneyland 70th Anniversary logo, the “it’s a small world” clock face, Dumbo, Joy from Inside Out, and—of course—Sorcerer Mickey!

The magic continues right down to the laces! The vibrant blue laces are accented with a repeating pattern of yellow Mickey heads, moons, and stars. Inside, the shoe proudly displays the “runDisney 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend” branding, while the tongue features a bold, multi-colored geometric design. For one last hidden detail, look for a second subtle grey Mickey head tucked near the ankle on the back of the shoe.

During the marathon weekend, the expo hours are:

January 29: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
January 30: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
January 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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What do you think of the new shoes?

Disney Cruise Line Offering 20% off for Upcoming Sailings and Additional $250 Onboard Credit

By

Sara

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January 28, 2026

Disney Cruise Line Drops Discount & Onboard Credit Offer

Looking to make your next vacation even more magical? You can currently snag 20% off your Disney Cruise Line fare, and it gets even better—Disney is throwing in a $250 onboard credit! That’s extra cash to spend on those must-have souvenirs, spa treatments, or a round of tropical drinks by the pool.

This incredible offer is available on select Disney Wish and Disney Dream itineraries departing between April and July 2026. Check out the list of eligible sailings below to find your perfect summer getaway!

Disney Wish sailing from Port Canaveral

April 6, 2026
April 10, 2026
April 17, 2026
April 20, 2026
May 1, 2026
May 8, 2026
May 18, 2026
May 22, 2026
May 29, 2026
June 1, 2026
June 5, 2026
June 12, 2026
June 15, 2026
June 19, 2026
June 26, 2026
June 29, 2026
July 3, 2026
July 10, 2026
July 13, 2026
July 17, 2026
July 20, 2026
July 24, 2026
July 27, 2026
July 31, 2026

Disney Dream sailing from Fort Lauderdale

April 10, 2026
April 13, 2026
April 17, 2026
April 24, 2026
April 27, 2026

This offer must be booked by March 29, 2026.

It’s important to note that the 20% discount applies specifically to the voyage fare. Keep in mind that taxes, fees, port expenses, and gratuities are not included in the savings. This discount is calculated based on the standard, non-discounted price for the same stateroom category.

As for that $250 onboard credit, it will be automatically added to your stateroom account! You can put it toward Port Adventures, specialty dining, drinks, or that spirit jersey you’ve been eyeing. Just remember that the credit is non-refundable and non-transferable—so be sure to spend it all before you disembark!

Eligible Staterooms: This offer applies to stateroom categories 04A through 11C. Please note that Concierge levels and suites are excluded from this specific promotion.

Will you be taking advantage of this new offer?

Season 2 of ‘Disney Jr. Ariel – The Little Mermaid’ Coming on January 28th

By

Sara

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January 28, 2026

Season 2 of ‘Disney Jr. Ariel – The Little Mermaid’ Splashes Down Jan 28

Get ready to head back under the sea! Disney Jr. Ariel, the hit animated musical series inspired by The Little Mermaid, is officially swimming onto Disney+ this Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Whether you’ve been watching on Disney Jr. or are waiting to binge the new episodes on streaming, there is a lot to be excited about in this vibrant, Caribbean-inspired kingdom of Atlantica.

In Season 2, our favorite young mermaid princess, Ariel (voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris), is expanding her horizons. Ariel and her best friends, Fernie and Lucia, are set to discover a breathtaking new undersea realm: The Crystal World.

Along the way, they’ll meet adventurous new characters like Akiko (Kai Zen) and her adorable crystal axolotl, Axyl. Of course, fan favorites Flounder, King Triton (Taye Diggs), and Ursula (Amber Riley) are all back for the fun-filled, action-packed journey.

In a heartwarming nod to the original 1989 classic, Disney Legend Jodi Benson—the original voice of Ariel—will be guest-starring later this season! She joins the cast as Marina Neptina, Ariel’s favorite singer. It’s a full-circle moment that Disney fans won’t want to miss.

The series isn’t just a hit with kids; it’s making waves in the industry too. Disney Jr. Ariel was recently nominated for a CAFE Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song and an NAACP Award for Outstanding Animated Series. Additionally, Amber Riley earned a nomination for her incredible voice work as Ursula.

What makes this show truly special is its dedication to authenticity. From the food and fashion to the folklore, the series highlights the multicultural diversity of the Caribbean. To ensure the representation is spot on, the production works closely with:

Dr. Patricia Saunders: Cultural consultant and professor of hemispheric Caribbean studies.
Sean Skeete: Caribbean music consultant and Dean at Berklee College of Music.

Music is the heartbeat of this show, blending diverse Caribbean genres into catchy hits. If your little ones can’t stop singing, you’re in luck: the “Disney Jr. Music: Ariel, The Little Mermaid: Crystal Cavern” soundtrack, featuring 11 brand-new songs, drops on all digital platforms Jan. 30.

Catch the premiere of Season 2 on Disney+ starting Jan. 28. You can also find the series currently airing on Disney Jr. and Disney Jr. On Demand.

New Sea Dragons have Arrived at The Seas with Nemo & Friends

By

Sara

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January 27, 2026

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Discover the New Sea Dragons Now at The Seas

The Seas with Nemo & Friends has some enchanting new residents! To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the EPCOT pavilion, a stunning group of sea dragons has officially moved into the Nursery. These leafy and delicate newcomers are the perfect way to honor four decades of ocean exploration and conservation at EPCOT.

The pavilion’s newest stars have officially arrived: Leafy Seadragons (Phycodurus eques). These extraordinary fish, native to the southern and western coasts of Australia, are close relatives of seahorses and pipefish. With their elaborate, leaf-like appendages, they are masters of underwater camouflage!

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The Leafy Seadragon truly lives up to its name, sporting a long, slender body that looks remarkably like a mythical wyrm dragon. While it’s covered in intricate, leaf-shaped protrusions, these aren’t actually fins or limbs used for swimming—their sole purpose is to provide the perfect natural camouflage against swaying kelp and seagrass.

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