Here is your round-up of the biggest Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and wider Florida theme park news from the past week (16 Oct to 23 Oct 2026). We have summarised each story below, with a link to the full report. For planning help, browse our Orlando guides.
This week's Florida theme park news
Disney World Security Is Turning Guests Away at the Gate Over These 12 Items
Visitors to Walt Disney World may want to check the resort’s rules before packing for their trip, as some items are not permitted on its property. Security restrictions can catch out even returning guests, and an unsuitable item could complicate entry to a park. Families planning a holiday can reduce the risk of a delay by reviewing Disney’s current guidance before setting off. The available information does not identify the 12 restricted items, so guests should consult the official list.
Inside the Magic, 23 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Universal Studios Japan Extends Hours for 2026 Holidays
Universal Studios Japan is planning later closing times during the 2026 holiday season, with the park set to remain open until 10 p.m. on several dates. For the rest of October, including Halloween, its published schedule shows opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. each day, apart from Sunday 25 October. Travellers planning a visit should check the park’s latest calendar for the hours on their chosen date.
WDW News Today, 23 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Comcast Says Universal Theme Parks Profit Fell 17% in Q3
Comcast’s latest quarterly results show a weaker performance for its Theme Parks division, which includes Universal Orlando Resort. Revenue fell 4.4% year on year to $2.6 billion, while Adjusted EBITDA declined 17.1% to $780 million, down $160 million. The company attributed the lower revenue primarily to fewer park admissions. For holidaymakers, the figures offer a snapshot of the business behind Universal’s parks, rather than an indication of any specific change to the guest experience.
Blog Mickey, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
First Solar-Powered Trash Cans Installed at Disney Springs, More Added to Disney's Animal Kingdom
Solar-powered rubbish bins have appeared in several locations across Town Center at Disney Springs, marking the first installation of this design at the shopping and dining district. Additional bins have also been added at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, expanding the range of powered waste containers found across the resort. The new arrivals offer visitors another practical feature to look out for while exploring these popular Florida destinations.
WDW News Today, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Three Walt Disney World Restaurants Receive 2026 MICHELIN Guide Plaques
Three Walt Disney World restaurants have been presented with plaques recognising their place in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide. Victoria & Albert’s, at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, retained its one-star status for a third consecutive year. Cítricos is also among the restaurants recognised, although the available details do not specify its designation or the third restaurant’s name. The awards offer holidaymakers another reason to explore the resort’s dining options.
WDW News Today, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Disney World Confirms No Returns or Exchanges at Disney Springs Through January 3, 2027
Holidaymakers planning a shopping trip to Disney Springs should note that the Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up in Town Center does not accept returns or exchanges, or offer refunds or store credit. The policy applies through 3 January 2027, so check purchases carefully before leaving the store. The pop-up opened on 7 October, adding a seasonal merchandise stop to Walt Disney World Resort’s shopping, dining and entertainment district.
Inside the Magic, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
EPCOT Entrance Closed Due To Hazardous Conditions, Disney World Guests Redirected
Guests visiting EPCOT earlier today found the main entrance to Spaceship Earth closed and were directed to use a side entrance instead. Walt Disney World had not announced the change in advance, and no reason was initially given. The closure was reported as being linked to hazardous conditions, although no further details about the issue were provided. Holidaymakers heading to the attraction may wish to follow on-site directions and allow for a change to their route.
Inside the Magic, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Three New Nyala Calves Arrive at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has welcomed three nyala calves, adding a little extra interest for guests who enjoy spotting wildlife during their stay. The youngsters are currently backstage with their mothers as they bond, so visitors will not yet see them on the savanna. Disney says the calves may appear there soon, although no timing has been confirmed. Keep an eye out during a future visit, but for now, their first days are being spent away from guests.
Blog Mickey, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
The Music of EPCOT Album Arrives on Streaming October 23rd
EPCOT music fans will be able to listen to a new album on streaming services from 23 October. Inspired by the 1983 EPCOT Center release, the collection brings together music reflecting the park’s history, with selections from both its earlier years and more recent attractions. Tracks listed for the vinyl edition include “One Little Spark”, “Listen to the Land” and “New Horizons”, alongside music from Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Blog Mickey, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Universal cites competitors’ strategy and Epic Universe ride challenges as attendance falls
Universal has acknowledged operational challenges with ride capacity and technology at Epic Universe, as well as rivals’ faster responses to weaker demand. The comments came during Comcast’s third-quarter earnings call, when the company reported a 4.4% fall in global theme park revenue. The update offers a glimpse of the pressures facing the new Orlando park and the wider business, though no further details on attendance figures or the steps being taken were included in the summary.
Attractions Magazine, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
(Review) Buena Vista Social Club brings the rhythm of Cuba to Orlando
Visitors in Orlando can catch *Buena Vista Social Club* at the Dr. Phillips Center through 25 October. The production brings Cuban music and dance to the stage, with both emerging as its strongest elements. Its storytelling is less assured, according to the review, which notes that the narrative does not always keep pace with the performance. Holidaymakers looking for an evening of live entertainment may find the show appealing for its music and movement.
Attractions Magazine, 22 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Wait, why is Universal Orlando selling Disney’s “Avengers: Doomsday” merchandise?
Visitors to Universal’s Islands of Adventure may spot an unexpected range of Marvel merchandise, including Doctor Doom apparel, toys and X-Men items. The products are linked to Disney’s upcoming film, *Avengers: Doomsday*, prompting questions about their presence at a Universal Orlando park. The reported sighting is a curious shopping discovery for holidaymakers exploring the resort, although the available details do not explain why these particular items are being sold there.
Attractions Magazine, 21 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
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