Disneyland has officially pulled the mask off the Oogie Boogie Bash pre-sale dates for this year’s spooky season. Magic Key Holders, it’s time to set those alarms—your early access to the most popular Halloween party in Anaheim is just around the corner.
Pre-Sale Dates to Remember
Tickets for the after-hours event at Disney California Adventure will be available to Magic Key Holders starting at 9:00 AM PT on the following dates:
June 16, 2026: Exclusive pre-sale for Inspire Key holders.
June 17, 2026: Pre-sale opens for all Magic Key holders.
While a general public sale date has not been officially confirmed, it typically follows immediately after the Magic Key window—so keep your eyes peeled for a June 18 or 19 release!
Oogie Boogie is going bigger than ever for 2026. The bash will run for a record 33 nights (up from 31 last year), stretching from mid-August all the way to Halloween night.
Aside from the legendary trick-or-treat trails and the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” 2026 is rumored to bring even more villainous surprises. From the immersive atmosphere of Villains Grove to rare character sightings, this event remains the “crown jewel” of Disneyland’s Halloween Time.
Pro-Tip: Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are notorious for selling out within hours. Ensure you are logged into your Disney account and joined the virtual queue well before 9:00 AM PT on your designated day!
Yachtsman Steakhouse is scheduled to close for maintenance starting this Monday, immediately following the reopening of Crew’s Cup Lounge. The lounge, located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, is set to welcome guests again this weekend after completing a refurbishment lasting more than a month.
Crew’s Cup Lounge is officially returning to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on May 10 at 4:00 p.m. ET, just in time for Mother’s Day. The lounge, which is located directly adjacent to Yachtsman Steakhouse, has been closed for general maintenance since February 23.
Yachtsman Steakhouse is set to begin its refurbishment on May 11, the day after the lounge returns. While the Walt Disney World calendar currently shows the restaurant closed through July 6, this aligns with the projected timeline for an August 2026 reopening. Remarkably, this schedule creates a one-day-only window—Mother’s Day, May 10—where both the steakhouse and Crew’s Cup Lounge will be open simultaneously. While the 2021 refurbishment brought a fresh menu and nautical decor, Disney has not yet revealed if this update will include similar culinary or aesthetic changes.
Orlando Shatters Tourism Records with 76.7 Million Visitors in 2025
Setting a new tourism record, Orlando welcomed more visitors in 2025 than ever before, according to Visit Orlando data released on May 7, 2026. The region hosted 76.7 million guests last year, a 1.8% increase over 2024 and the highest volume ever documented.
Domestic travel fueled this record-breaking growth, with visitation rising 2.2% to reach an unprecedented 70.3 million guests. While in-state travel from Floridians saw a notable 3.4% boost, the majority of the domestic market remained out-of-state travelers. Crucially, overnight stays remained a powerhouse, representing 70% of domestic visits (49.2 million people). For local theme parks, this 1.8% year-over-year increase in overnight guests is vital, as these travelers typically stay longer, spend more, and purchase multi-day park passes.
While domestic travel soared, international visitation experienced a slight softening, dipping 2.4% to 6.3 million visitors. This decrease of roughly 156,000 travelers was primarily driven by a 13.3% slump in Canadian arrivals. Despite this double-digit drop, Canada maintained its status as Orlando’s leading international market with 1.1 million visitors.
The decline was partially mitigated by record-breaking performances from Mexico, Colombia, and Japan. The top international markets for 2025 included:
Canada: 1,119,300 (↓ 13.3%)
United Kingdom: 933,500 (↑ 2.8%)
Brazil: 736,300 (↑ 5.6%)
Mexico: 458,500 (↑ 4.6%)
Colombia: 360,000 (↑ 5.0%)
Looking ahead, the Asia-Pacific market shows promise. At the start of 2026, Orlando International Airport launched Florida’s first-ever direct service to the region via nonstop charter flights to Tokyo, a move expected to bolster future growth.
The dip in international travel reflected in Visit Orlando’s data mirrors recent commentary from Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and CFO Hugh Johnston. During the company’s Q2 fiscal 2026 earnings call, Johnston confirmed that lagging international attendance contributed to a 1% decline in Disney World visitation compared to the previous year. Notably, Johnston pointed out that domestic attendance would have shown growth if not for the international shortfall.
Looking forward, Disney remains optimistic. Johnston noted that the company expects headwinds from international travel—and the competitive impact of the upcoming Epic Universe—to ease in the near future. Forward booking trends for Disney World are currently “pacing up strongly,” suggesting that the second-quarter slump may be temporary as attendance stabilizes heading into Q3.
In addition to leisure success, Orlando’s group meetings segment surged in 2025, growing 3.1% to reach 5.8 million attendees. This performance solidifies the city’s status as the premier meetings destination in the U.S., providing vital midweek demand for local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The year’s overall visitor profile consisted of 81% domestic leisure, 10% domestic business, and 8% international travelers.
“While these totals reflect Orlando’s continued expansion, the numbers only tell part of the story,” noted Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. She emphasized that the true value lies in the “experiences that motivate travel and the emotional connections that draw visitors back year after year.”
Between record-breaking total visitation, robust domestic overnight stays, and Disney’s own optimistic booking data, the outlook for Walt Disney World remains largely positive heading into late 2025—even after a potentially quiet summer season.
The primary wildcard remains the international market, specifically Canada. As Orlando’s largest source of international travelers and a cited “headwind” for Disney, a Canadian recovery would provide a significant boost to park attendance. Ultimately, a headline figure of 76.7 million visitors serves as a definitive signal: Orlando’s status as a global powerhouse is as secure as ever.
Disney World is proving that the magic extends far beyond the park gates. In a show of support for local education, Disney has announced a $1.3 million investment in Central Florida education, coupled with some high-energy surprises at local elementary schools!
From Lake County to Polk County, Disney is making sure the “sparks of imagination” stay bright for the next generation of dreamers.
The $1.3 million donation is set to make a huge impact across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Seminole counties. The funds aren’t just going to the five public school districts; they are also strengthening key nonprofit and arts partners that keep creativity alive in the classroom.
Key organizations benefiting from this donation include:
A Gift for Teaching
Elevate Orlando
The Orlando Philharmonic Young People’s Concert
Disney Musicals in Schools (via the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts)
By supporting these initiatives, Disney is expanding access to STEM, literacy, and the arts for students all over the region.
Surprise Visits and “Goofy” Fun
To celebrate the announcement, Disney took the magic on the road! They visited several local schools—including Engelwood, St. Cloud, Eustis Heights, Jesse Keen, and Sterling Park Elementary—to give students a “playful preview” of what’s coming to the parks this summer.
Students were treated to a sneak peek of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, featuring special appearances by Goofy and the Goof Troop. The little ones got to participate in activities inspired by the brand-new GoofyCore at EPCOT, a high-energy experience debuting later this month.
Magic for the Mentors
Disney didn’t forget the hardworking staff who make the magic happen every day. After the final bell rang, teachers, administrators, and staff were gathered for a special message of appreciation. To thank them for their tireless dedication, every educator at the participating schools received complimentary Walt Disney World theme park tickets to enjoy with their own families!
“Supporting Florida students and educators isn’t just important to Disney, it’s essential to who we are,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “Disney is proud to recognize and support the schools and educators who inspire the next generation every single day.”
Summer at Disney Springs is officially leveling up! We are thrilled Disney has unveiled a massive lineup of new experiences, from immersive gaming worlds to must-try culinary hotspots. Whether you’re hunting for the latest trends or a savory new seat at the table, the countdown to Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is on—and the vibes have never been better.
Level99 Brings Next-Level Play to Disney Springs
Gamers and thrill‑seekers, this one’s for you! The highly anticipated Level99 is set to open its doors this summer at Disney Springs West Side.
I like to think of this new offering as a sprawling playground for adults and teens, ready for those who will take on 60+ life‑sized mini‑games and real-world challenges. Level99 tests your body and your mind as you dodge axes, crack mind‑bending puzzles, and outsmart cleverly designed challenges — all wrapped inside an environment filled with bold art installations.
The Disney Springs location will be Level99’s fourth and largest venue to date, featuring more than 40 original works of art alongside 63 Challenge Rooms and Player-vs-Player Duels.
Take a break between the fun at Level99’s two‑story bar where guests will find award‑winning Detroit‑style pizza, wagyu burgers, craveable snacks, and handcrafted cocktails — all made from scratch daily as well as rotating beers on tap.
Level99 will be located right next to the Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil theater and across from House of Blues Restaurant & Bar.
Introducing Six Ravens: A New Savory Story at Disney Springs
Also new at Disney Springs at The Landing this summer, a little raven shared some exciting details about new flavors to feast on. Gideon’s Bakehouse, the fan‑favorite local bakery at Disney Springs, is introducing a new concept: Six Ravens.
Specializing in grab-and-go hand pies, their signature creation, known as Coffyns, is a house‑made yeast‑roll stuffed with savory fillings that draw inspiration from Medieval European pastry cases. The original “coffyns” were designed to preserve hearty meals for long pilgrimages, and at Disney Springs, they’ll be the perfect on-the-go offering.
Pair the Coffyns with smashed potatoes and dips like sweet heat and homemade honey mustard. Six Ravens will also have local beers crafted in partnership with Orlando favorites like Sideward Brewing and The Ravenous Pig.
DescenDANCE Party x Camp Rock Jam
On select nights this summer at Disney Springs, the AdventHealth Waterside Stage will come alive with high‑energy dance parties celebrating the newest original movies coming to Disney+.
We’ll be jamming all night to hits from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3. It’s the perfect way for families looking to add a little extra magic to their evening during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
As your go-to location to shop, dine, and play, Disney Springs is always looking at the latest trends, brands, and experiences our guests love. You may notice something new with each visit, as offerings are refreshed to deliver what you’re looking for.
Whether it’s a pop-up ice cream offering (you still have a couple weeks to visit CrazyShake!), a new storefront opening soon, or limited-time experiences, Disney Springs is the spot for fresh shopping, dining, and more fun.
Bloom with Gloom: The New Eeyore Summer Floral Collection Has Arrived!
If you’re the kind of person who relates to Eeyore’s energy but wants to give it a fresh, botanical upgrade, the Eeyore Floral Collection at the Disney Store UK is basically your new personality. This drop takes everyone’s favorite gloomy donkey and drops him right into a storybook garden, trading the rainy clouds for some seriously cute summer vibes.
First up, let’s talk about the Eeyore Summer Floral Hoodie. If your daily aesthetic is cosy but make it Disney, this is your new uniform. It’s got that soft-touch fabric that feels like a hug, featuring Eeyore surrounded by delicate floral accents. It’s the perfect piece for those breezy evening walks or just lounging around the house while you pretend your chores don’t exist. It’s subtle, sweet, and avoids that over-the-top merch look.
You can’t have an Eeyore collection without a plush, and the Summer Floral Special Edition Soft Toy is a total standout. He’s sitting in his classic relaxed pose, but this time he’s rocking a delicate floral garland that makes him look like he just wandered out of a meadow in the Hundred Acre Wood. He’s incredibly soft, making him just as good for a bookshelf display as he is for a movie-marathon cuddle buddy.
If you want to take that cottagecore donkey energy on the road, the Soft Toy Keyringis the way to go. It’s essentially a mini-me version of the larger plush, complete with that same sweet floral garland. It’s the perfect size to clip onto your backpack or your keys so you can have a little reminder to take things slow, even when you’re rushing through your commute. Like his bigger brother, this little guy comes with his own set of warnings, so give those a quick look before you clip him on.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or trying to find the perfect gift for the Winnie the Pooh fan in your life, this collection proves that even the Hundred Acre Wood’s most famous pessimist looks great in florals. Grab them while they’re still in stock over at the Disney Store UK!
New BoxLunch Exclusive Winnie the Pooh Foliage Tumbler Add a Touch of Nostalgia to Your Hydration
If you’re looking to add a little hunny to your hydration routine, BoxLunch has truly outdone themselves with the Winnie the Pooh Foliage Tumbler. This isn’t just another water bottle; it’s basically a hug from the Hundred Acre Wood in cup form. Retailing for $39.90, this exclusive drop is a total must-have for anyone who prefers the timeless, classic look of Pooh and Piglet over the modern cartoon style.
The design is honestly a vibe. It features the iconic duo wandering through some seriously beautiful, vintage-inspired foliage that looks like it was pulled straight from an original sketch. It captures that cozy, nostalgic feeling of childhood without looking like you stole it from a toddler’s lunchbox. Whether you’re stuck at your desk or heading out for a walk, it’s a great way to keep those oh, bother moments at bay.
Since this is a BoxLunch Exclusive, you won’t find it just anywhere. It’s the perfect blend of functionality and pure, unadulterated whimsy. If you’re a Pooh Bear devotee or just someone who appreciates a really high-quality tumbler, this one is definitely worth the $39.90 investment. After all, as Pooh would say, “Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon” but a cute tumbler is a very close second.
Magic Kingdom’s ‘Let the Magic Begin’ Welcome Show Will Not Return
The curtain has officially closed on a longtime Magic Kingdom morning tradition. Disney has confirmed that the “Let the Magic Begin” welcome show in front of Cinderella Castle will not return in its original form.
The opening ceremony, which featured Mickey Mouse and friends welcoming guests to Magic Kingdom each morning from the castle stage, paused performances back in January during the ongoing repainting and refurbishment of Cinderella Castle. Since then, guests have only heard a prerecorded audio welcome at park opening.
Now Disney has confirmed that the audio-only welcome will remain moving forward, meaning characters will no longer appear on stage to kick off the day at Magic Kingdom.
For many guests, “Let the Magic Begin” became part of the rope drop ritual over the years, with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and other beloved characters counting down the official opening of the park as crowds gathered down Main Street, U.S.A.
While the dedicated welcome show is ending, there is a small silver lining for castle stage entertainment fans. Disney previously announced that Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire will return to a morning performance schedule beginning May 10 after operating only in the afternoons during the castle painting project.
Still, for longtime Disney fans, the end of “Let the Magic Begin” marks another quiet change to a classic Magic Kingdom experience. And yes, somewhere out there, Mickey probably just whispered, “See ya real soon,” one last time from the castle stage.
MCO Opens New “Flybrary” Reading Nook for Families in Terminal C
Orlando International Airport is giving young travelers a brand-new place to let their imaginations take flight with the debut of the Flybrary, a playful new library and reading nook that officially opened today inside Terminal C.
The Flybrary is the first of three Family Zones planned for MCO this year and is designed as a cozy storytime escape for children and families passing through the airport. Located post-security on Level 2 near Gate 240, the space combines books, whimsical design, and a heavy dose of Orlando charm.
The area’s aesthetic was inspired by Central Florida’s natural beauty, with bookshelves designed to resemble trees, stools styled like tree stumps, and carpeting themed to look like local waterways and plant life. Floating above the space is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of all: a restored vintage Lake Eola swan boat suspended overhead as a tribute to Orlando’s iconic swans.
The display also honors the legendary Billy the Swan, one of the first swans brought to downtown Orlando who became famous for his feisty personality and aggressive antics around Lake Eola. Somehow, being the terror of the pond only made Billy more beloved by locals over the years.
Airport officials say the Flybrary is part of a larger effort to improve the guest experience and create more family-friendly spaces throughout MCO.
The Flybrary is open during regular Terminal C operating hours. Non-traveling guests can also visit by applying for an Experience MCO Visitor Pass through the airport’s website.
Walls Now Up Around Waterview Park Stage Construction in Disney Springs
Construction walls are now up around the Waterview Park stage area in Disney Springs as work begins on a previously announced refurbishment project that will bring a major upgrade to the popular entertainment space.
The light blue walls now surround the open-air stage near Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, blocking off both the performance area and guest seating sections while construction gets underway. Disney previously announced the closure to facilitate the installation of a roof over the guest seating area, giving visitors a more comfortable place to enjoy live entertainment rain or shine under the Florida sun.
From the surrounding walkways, guests can still spot lighting rigs and portions of the stage peeking above the construction walls, while nearby pathways remain fully accessible during the project.
According to Disney, construction is expected to last about a month. During that time, performers who would normally appear at Waterview Park have been temporarily relocated to Riverboat Square in front of Paddlefish.
The addition of covered seating should be a welcome enhancement for Disney Springs entertainment fans, especially during Central Florida’s daily summer weather roulette where sunshine and thunderstorms tend to tag-team guests without warning.
Six Ravens Reveals New Menu Details Ahead of Disney Springs Opening
The ravens are circling Disney Springs, and they appear to be carrying carbs. Walt Disney World has officially launched a webpage for Six Ravens, the upcoming savory concept from the creators of Gideon’s Bakehouse, revealing new details about the mysterious and highly anticipated dining spot opening later this summer.
While a full menu with pricing has not yet been released, the new webpage gives guests a better taste of what to expect when the doors finally creak open.
The signature menu item at Six Ravens will be the “Coffyn,” a medieval-inspired hand pie stuffed with flavorful sandwich ingredients and fully wrapped in a house-made yeast roll. The concept was developed in collaboration with several Central Florida chefs and restaurants, giving the offerings a local culinary twist.
Guests will also find potato-based side dishes paired with dips like sweet heat and honey mustard, along with dessert tarts for anyone still craving a little Gideon’s-style sweetness after going savory.
For drinks, Six Ravens plans to serve root beer on tap as well as local beers.
The theme and backstory behind the location lean heavily into medieval history and lore. According to Disney, the name Six Ravens references the famous ravens of the Tower of London, while the Coffyn itself takes inspiration from pastries popular during medieval Europe and the Tudor era.
The new venue marks a major expansion for the Gideon’s Bakehouse team, whose massive cookies and gothic storytelling have already built a cult following at Disney Springs. Six Ravens looks ready to take that same darkly whimsical energy and bake it into an entirely new savory adventure.
DOLE Whip Flight Arrives at Disney Springs and It’s a Tropical Dream Come True
A brand-new DOLE Whip Flight has officially landed at Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs, and it might just be the sweetest way to cool down this summer. For $8.99, guests can sample three different DOLE Whip creations packed with fruity flavors and colorful toppings, making it perfect for sharing with friends… or guarding like treasure from the Tiki Room gods.
The new flight includes three unique flavor combinations, each bringing its own tropical twist to the table.
The “Classic Vibes” option keeps things iconic with DOLE Whip Pineapple swirled together with vanilla soft-serve and finished with a fresh pineapple wedge. It is basically sunshine in a cup.
For something extra refreshing, the “Summer Refresh” combines DOLE Whip Watermelon and DOLE Whip Lime swirled together and topped with white sprinkles. It looks like summer vacation decided to become ice cream. The flavor on this combo is VERY lime forward, so if you are not a fan of lime, we would recommend avoiding this one.
Rounding out the trio is the “Sweet Treat,” featuring DOLE Whip Strawberry and banana soft-serve topped with strawberry sauce and crunchy peanuts for a sweet-and-salty combo that feels like a banana split went on a beach getaway. This one just tastes like summer, and was our favorite combo of the bunch.
The DOLE Whip Flight has landed at Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs, and we are obsessed! 🍦✨ For $8.99, you get a taste of three different tropical combinations that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Here is what is included in the new flight: 🍍 Classic Vibes: DOLE Whip Pineapple swirled with Vanilla Soft-serve and topped with a fresh pineapple wedge. 🍉 Summer Refresh: DOLE Whip Watermelon and DOLE Whip Lime swirled together with white sprinkles. 🍌 Sweet Treat: DOLE Whip Strawberry and Banana Soft-serve topped with strawberry sauce and peanuts. Which one are you diving into first? Let us know in the comments! 👇 #DisneySprings#DoleWhip#DisneyFood#DisneySnacks#DisneyWorld
The flight is now available at Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs, giving DOLE Whip fans yet another excuse to make a snack stop during their shopping and dining adventures.
