UPDATED August 17, 2026

Can you believe we’re already OVER halfway through 2026?

While there has been a lot that has already happened in 2026 at both Disney World and Disneyland, there is still so much fun coming soon! From special events, fun holidays, and more, these are all the dates for 2026 that real Disney fans know.

May 26th

If you haven’t heard, TONS of new experiences hit Disney World on May 26th to kick off the summer activities. It’s officially time for Cool Kids’ SUMMER! Cool Kids’ Summer is filled with so many fun activities for little ones to enjoy! Meet your favorite Toy Story characters at Magic Kingdom, check out GoofyCore at EPCOT as CommuniCore Hall is retransformed, join a dance party at Disney Springs, plus much more.

What else came to Disney World on May 26th? Oh, yeah…Bluey for the very first time! The beloved show, Bluey, has come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get ready to experience Bluey’s Wild World as Bluey and Bingo have taken over the Conservation Station!

Also as of May 26th, the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Hollywood Studios is officially open to experience.

May 26th also delivered a brand-new show to Hollywood Studios — Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! This live show is inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, and invites everyone to celebrate with the ultimate party at the Clubhouse.

Oh, and did we mention that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets opened on May 26th?

Since we’re on the topic of new experiences, get ready to experience a brand-new version of Soarin’ Around the World, called Soarin’ Across America! This patriotic makeover, which officially debuted on May 26th, is for the 250th birthday of the U.S.A.

BOTH water parks are open this year from May 26th through September 8th. May 26th also brought the return of the free water park hotel perk, which is back after its debut in 2025. Guests staying at a Disney World hotel get a free ticket to visit a water park on their check-in day!

June 29th

LEVEL99 is NOW OPEN in Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district, Disney Springs, as of June 29th, 2026!

LEVEL99 is an interactive, social entertainment experience. More specifically, it is a destination for “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. Check out everything you need to know about LEVEL99 here!

July 1st

The spot previously known as Refreshment Port has become La Poutinerie, and it opened in EPCOT on July 1, 2026 (which just so happens to be Canada Day!). Located closest to the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase, La Poutinerie is sponsored by Air Canada, and delivers “a Canadian classic with a twist.”

Traditional Poutine — Québec: L’authentique — is still on the menu, and it is joined by a Montréal version, Viande Fumée which tops French fries with cheese curds, smoked meat, pickles, and mustard gravy. A selection of Canadian beers and a non-alcoholic Spiced Apple Slushy are also on offer.

July 4th

The annual fireworks show, Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky played across all three nights of the holiday weekend on Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th. This was for both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom,

And EPCOT presented the “Heartbeat of Freedom” finale after Luminous on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th, as well.

Read More about the Fireworks on Independence Day Here!

July 6th

Disney has announced some HUGE changes for the Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom — the entire ride is changing! A Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic will be added. AND each scene will be completely overhauled to feature new decades — and we’ll even get a glimpse into the future!

Carousel of Progress closed on July 6th to make way for these massive changes. It is expected to reopen in late Spring 2027. 

August 7th 

This is the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the year! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. The event is back on select nights from August 7th through October 31st, 2026.

Learn More about This Year’s Halloween Party Here!

August 14th

D23 is Disney’s official fan club, and as part of the fan club, D23 puts on a HUGE fan convention each year. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience took place from August 14th to 16th, 2026, in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. 

Disney fans know to watch this event like a hawk, as this is where we get some BIG news about the Disney parks… and this year? Well, let’s say Disney did NOT disappoint…

See ALL the BIGGEST NEWS dropped at D23 2026 HERE!

August 18th

The one and only Oogie Boogie — along with lots of his fellow Disney Villains — hosts the Oogie Boogie Bash as part of Halloween Time in Disneyland Resort! This extra-ticket event will return for 33 select nights from August 18th to October 31st, 2026. 

Read More about This Year’s Event Here!

August 27th

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of global cuisine in Disney World! The dates for the 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival are August 27th through November 21st, 2026. 

Stay tuned for more Festival News by Checking Here!

September 8th

This is the last day of Cool Kids’ Summer at Disney World! It is also the last day to enjoy the free water park ticket perk for resort guests.

September 14th, 2026

As mentioned above, the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard opened in Hollywood Studios on May 26th.

But on September 14, 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation (which will be housed in the new Walt Disney Studios section of the park) will open, as well!

October 22nd-25th 

runDisney fans have this weekend marked down as the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! Even if you aren’t a runner, this weekend will draw some large crowds to the parks.

November 7th

Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It will take place on select nights from from November 7th, 2026 to January 5th, 2027 (extending into the New Year for the first time!).

Tickets are on sale now. 

November 8th

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. The Party will take place on select nights from November 8th through December 22nd, 2026.

Tickets are on sale now. 

November 13th

The Disney World Holiday Season officially kicks off on November 13th, 2026 (though select events, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, begin earlier!) and many of the festivities run through the New Year.

The festivities span across all four Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs, and the Resort hotels. Click HERE to find some of our favorite holiday events, tips, and suggestions for making this year’s Disney World holiday trip your merriest one yet!

November 18th

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday is on November 18th! That’s right, the power couple of the century SHARE a birthday because they both premiered in “Steamboat Willie” on November 18th, 1928. And every year, there’s one super rare and quite unique way to celebrate their birthday! Fans know that if they head to Magic Kingdom and head for Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid, you can find an ultra-rare hidden Mickey and Minnie shadow that only appears for a short period of time.

Disneyland will close out the year with Holidays at Disneyland (beginning November 18th), inviting you to celebrate diverse holiday traditions with enchanting décor, festive entertainment, and delicious seasonal treats. This seasonal celebration includes Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, adding even more fun and flavor to the winter season.

November 21st and 22nd

You might be thinking you already saw this date — you have! This is the last date to enjoy this year’s Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT. If you want to try some delicious food and experience the festival, be sure to head here before it’s over.

There are also Dapper Days happening at Disneyland Resort! Not familiar with Dapper Day? (Actually, make that Dapper Days because this event takes place a couple of times a year on BOTH coasts). The basic idea is to dress up in vintage outfits, just like what you might have seen when Disneyland first opened.

• Saturday, November 21st & Sunday, November 22nd: Holiday Boutique at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
• Sunday, November 22nd:  Holiday Outing to Disneyland Park

November 27th

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a global celebration of the Season! The 2026 Festival of the Holidays starts Friday, November 27th (the day after Thanksgiving) and lasts through December 30th. 

During the Festival, guests can enjoy enhanced offerings around EPCOT’S World Showcase (and beyond) and experience holiday traditions from various cultures as expressed through decorations, stories, music, cuisine, and additional special events.

December 5th and 6th 

Speaking of Dapper Days, over at Disney World on Saturday & Sunday, December 5th & 6th: Holiday Outing, you can find events!

• • December 5th: Magic Kingdom
  • December 6th: Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Whew! There is still a lot to look forward to in 2026. For more Disney Parks news and information, stay tuned to DFB!

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Which of the dates are you excited for this year? Be sure to tell us in the comments below!