Category: The Kingdom Insider

After a smash-hit debut in 2025, Universal Fan Fest Nights is officially back for its second annual run in spring 2026, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever. Source: Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 runs for just 12 nights, so you’ll want to plan ahead! The dates are: April 23–25 May 1–3 May 7–9 May 14–16 That’s four weekends of pure fandom fun! Tickets are priced separately and go after regular park hours. Fan Fest Nights isn’t just another event — it’s an immersive fandom celebration that throws open the gates to experiences you won’t find during normal park hours. Cosplay? Encouraged. Epic character interactions? Guaranteed. Limited-edition merch and themed eats? You bet. Here’s a taste of what’s in store: Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot Step onto the iconic Universal backlot with Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, and Daphne to solve a live-action mystery — all while encountering classic monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolf Man. A Studio Tour tram takes you there for a walk-through adventure across legendary sets. ONE PIECE — Grand Pirate Show The beloved anime sails into Fan Fest with a live show spectacle at the WaterWorld arena — think high-energy performances, beloved characters, and pirate-themed antics that bring the Grand Line right to Hollywood. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Forbidden Forest Adventure Wizards and witches will venture into the Forbidden Forest

If you’ve ever wanted to step into your very own fairytale, your moment has officially arrived! Bath & Body Works and Disney are teaming up once again for a brand-new Disney Princess Collection, and it’s even more magical than the first. The collection launches in stores and online in the U.S. and Canada on February 13, 2026, with international markets beginning their rollout in mid-March and expanding to more than 40 markets by the end of the year. Source: Disney After the overwhelming success of the first Disney Princess Collection, this next chapter introduces five all-new fragrances, alongside the return of two fan favorites. Blending Disney’s iconic storytelling with Bath & Body Works’ signature fragrance craftsmanship, this collection invites fans to experience the enchanting worlds of their favorite Princesses in a uniquely transportive way. “It’s truly exciting to see two beloved global brands unite once more to create something extraordinary for fans everywhere,” said Jamie Sohosky, chief marketing officer at Bath & Body Works. “This collection invites consumers to step into the spirit of each Disney Princess through fragrance—celebrating her story, her individuality, and the moments of inspiration that bring these worlds to life.” Liz Shortreed, senior vice president of Disney Consumer Products, added that the Disney Princess brand is grounded in timeless stories and values that resonate across generations—and this collaboration brings those elements to life through scent and design that fans can enjoy every day. Each scent is expertly crafted to reflect the spirit and

Spring in Florida is about to bloom brighter than ever! The 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival returns from March 4 to June 1, 2026, bringing fresh flavors, vibrant topiaries, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun across all of EPCOT. Whether you’re strolling through lush gardens, tasting your way around Outdoor Kitchens, or singing along at Garden Rocks, this festival is the perfect way to celebrate the beauty of spring at Walt Disney World. Topiaries, Gardens, and Exhibits This year’s festival will surround you with whimsical character topiaries, breathtaking gardens, and beautifully designed exhibits throughout World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. More than 60 topiaries inspired by classic Disney favorites will be blooming throughout the park. Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep and her Sheep, Lotso, and the Pixar Ball will greet you as soon as you enter the World Celebration Neighborhood, while other pals you haven’t seen in a while, such as Stitch, Mike Wazowski and Sulley, and Lightning McQueen and Mater, sprout across the park. Additionally, over 31 gardens and floral displays invite you to explore, relax, and enjoy the stunning horticulture Disney is known for. And this year, guests can immerse themselves in several unique garden experiences, each offering its own blend of beauty, play, and discovery: Butterfly Landing presented by AdventHealth:
Observe a kaleidoscope of butterfly species up close in this vibrant walk-through experience. Camp Get Out ’N’ Play Garden presented by OFF! Repellents:
 Families can venture into a camp-themed garden where little ones are invited to jump, play, and

Families dreaming of an unforgettable vacation at sea will have more ways to explore the world when Disney Cruise Line launches its summer 2027 itineraries. It will be a season filled with new destinations, returning favorites, and magical experiences for every kind of traveler. Early booking for Castaway Club members opens on Monday, February 16, and general booking begins on Monday, February 23 Source: Disney Wish Upon a Wave in Europe Currently sailing out of Port Canaveral on three- and four-night sailings to The Bahamas, the Disney Wish will debut in Europe for the first time following a special repositioning cruise. Families can choose from three- to ten-night itineraries that visit new ports such as Zadar, Croatia; Trieste, Italy; and Hellesylt, Norway. Each itinerary blends cultural discovery, breathtaking coastlines, and the signature storytelling that defines a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Source: Disney Mountains of Charm in Alaska The Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder will again sail to Alaska, departing from Vancouver. Both Ships offer seven‑night sailings, while the Disney Magic will also offer six‑night and eight‑night options. With peaceful fjords, mountain landscapes, and coastal towns rich in local culture, these voyages are perfect for families ready to experience the beauty and history of Alaska. Source: Disney Sunshine, Sand, and Magic in the Caribbean Next summer offers plenty of tropical choices for guests dreaming

Springtime 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons ever to visit Disneyland Resort, thanks to perfect Southern California weather, vibrant seasonal events, Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, and the grand 70th anniversary celebration that adds layers of magic and memorable experiences. Source: Disney One of the biggest draws of spring is the return of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, running from March 6 through April 27, 2026. At this beloved annual event, guests can savor an array of creative dishes and beverages at festival marketplaces celebrating California’s rich culinary bounty. The festival also offers beverage education seminars, craft beer and wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, live music, and fun entertainment, including appearances by Chef Goofy in his chef’s hat. The convenient Sip & Savor Pass makes sampling favorite bites easy and fun for foodies of all ages.  Source: Disney Of course, the heart of spring 2026 at the resort is the 70th anniversary celebration, running through August 9, 2026. This Celebrate Happy celebration brings special entertainment, dazzling parades, and enhanced nighttime spectaculars. In Disneyland Park, the iconic Paint the Night parade returns with brilliant lights and energy, and the Wondrous Journeys nighttime show celebrates Disney’s animated legacy with music and fireworks. At Disney California Adventure, World of Color Happiness! makes its triumphant return, a vibrant water and light show inspired by Walt Disney’s famous dedication words. Guests can also enjoy the Celebrate Happy projection show at Carthay Circle,

Black History Month is just around the corner, and that’s the perfect time to sprinkle a little soul into your Disney Parks adventure. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself into all the new offerings at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or create some family memories at Disneyland Resort in California, there are soulful experiences that await around every corner, cultural touches of music, art, food, and fun that create unique opportunities for you and your family to “Celebrate Soulfully’’ in a Disney kind of way. Celebrate Soulfully and Black History Month at Disneyland Resort Here’s how you can experience Celebrate Soulfully at Disneyland Resort: Source: Disney Source: Disney 2026 Celebrate Gospel Concerts at Downtown Disney Lighting up the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage for the first time, the beloved “Celebrate Gospel” concerts return to Disneyland Resort for two weekends in 2026: February 20-21 and February 27-28. Grammy Award-winning gospel music performers will headline the two weekends, featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker on February 21 and Yolanda Adams on February 28. The soul-stirring annual event, which does not require park admission, also features community choirs from across Southern California for two exciting weekends of uplifting entertainment. Vibrant Displays Honoring Black Leaders In celebration of Black History Month, a brand-new heritage trail of dynamic displays will debut across the resort, celebrating influential Black leaders, artists, and thinkers from the past and present.

In early 2001, Disneyland Resort completed the largest expansion in its history to that point, introducing a second theme park, an upscale hotel, and an outdoor promenade. Twenty-five years later, Disney California Adventure park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Downtown Disney District have continued to evolve and welcome families from all over the world. In celebration of these destinations’ 25th anniversaries in 2026, you can enjoy an attraction, food, merchandise, and more that nod to Disney history. These offerings add to the festive fun of the limited-time Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration. Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary Disney California Adventure park opened on February 8, 2001. What was once a Disneyland parking lot is now a dynamic theme park with attractions, shopping, and dining. From Cars Land and Buena Vista Street to Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and San Fransokyo Square, the park has evolved over the years, with more to come in the future. A tribute to the park’s history, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will dress in all-new outfits on Buena Vista Street for a limited time, beginning February 6. The sun motifs and vibrant color palette nod to the park’s first days, when it welcomed guests with golden possibilities. Source: Disney Soarin’ Over California Returns Feb. 6 The fan-favorite Soarin’ Over California – one of the park’s opening day attractions – will return for a limited run beginning February 6 and continuing through

On Nov. 20, 2025, the themes and dates for all 2026 Disneyland After Dark events were announced, including experience highlights and ticket sale details for Sweethearts’ Nite and the all-new 70 Years of Favorites. Today, we’re sharing the fandom fun and on-sale information for Disney Channel Nite and Star Wars Nite! Plus, revealing “Sounds of Magic,” a new entertainment offering that will perform during 70 Years of Favorites. Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite is now sold out. At the time of publishing, tickets are still available for 70 Years of Favorites on March 3 and March 5. What’s Included with a Disneyland After Dark Ticket Each Disneyland After Dark event takes place at Disneyland park, beginning at 9 p.m. and continuing until 1 a.m. That is 4 hours to play the night away, after the park closes! Pre-party park mix-in: Admission to Disneyland After Dark also includes entry to Disneyland park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. — giving you a three-hour prelude before the party begins! During this time, be sure to check out the offerings available during regular park hours. Photos from the party: Enjoy unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass* photos captured during the party. That means there’s literally no limit to the memories you can make! Simply scan the QR code on your event wristband via the Disneyland app** to access your photo gallery. Commemorative event guide: In addition to the uniquely themed fun,

Walt Disney World Resort was honored to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone on Sunday, January 25, 2026, as World War II Veteran Herbert Maneloveg marked his 101st birthday with a special visit to Magic Kingdom Park. Surrounded by family, gratitude, and a bit of Disney magic, Herbert’s birthday became a powerful tribute to a life defined by service, resilience, and legacy. Herbert served as a Private in the U.S. Army’s 106th Infantry Division during World War II, including the historic and harrowing Battle of the Bulge. During the battle, he was wounded and later received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained while serving his country. More than eight decades later, his courage and sacrifice were honored in a setting designed to celebrate heroes of all kinds. During their visit, Herbert and his family enjoyed the vibrant sights and sounds of the Festival of Fantasy Parade, a joyful highlight of the day. But the most meaningful moment came at sunset, when Herbert was honored during Magic Kingdom’s storied Flag Retreat Ceremony. As part of this daily tradition, Herbert participated as the U.S. Armed Forces Representative of the Day, a role that recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans and active-duty service members. The ceremony, set to patriotic music and conducted with deep respect, transformed his birthday into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that left his family overjoyed and park guests visibly moved. Honoring U.S. military service has been a part of Disney’s story for generations. Since 1955 at Disneyland Park and

When the Year of the Horse galloped into Disney California Adventure Park for the Lunar New Year Festival this year, it wasn’t just the colorful décor and festive performances that had food lovers buzzing…the flavors stole the show. From bold, savory noodles to delicate, sweet treats and inventive plant-based delights, this celebration of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean culinary traditions has transformed Paradise Gardens into a must-visit destination for adventurous eaters. Whether you’re wandering through the Lucky 8 Lantern marketplace or snagging a perfectly seasoned dish at Prosperity Bao & Bun, every bite is an opportunity to taste something new and unforgettable. To make the most of the feast, many guests are picking up the festival’s Sip and Savor Pass, a tasty little pass that lets you sample your way through the event’s highlights without juggling receipts or counting cash. For 2026, the pass includes six digital coupons redeemable for select food items and non-alcoholic beverages at participating Lunar New Year Marketplaces and select dining locations throughout the park. The cost is $49 (tax included), and Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders enjoy a special discounted price of $46. You don’t need the pass to try items; you can purchase a la carte instead if you wish. Insider Tip: Purchase any available Lunar New Year Marketplace food and nonalcoholic beverage items at any Lunar New Year Marketplace. Then pick up your order from the respective marketplace locations by presenting your receipt at each location’s pickup window. Also, you do not need to use