Here is your round-up of the biggest Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and wider Florida theme park news from the past week (23 Oct to 30 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
'Charmed in the Park' Bracelets, Charms, Phone Straps, and Keychains Arrive at Walt Disney World
A new “Charmed in the Park” collection has arrived at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, with bracelets, individual charms, phone straps and keychains. The single charms are designed to personalise other items in the range and are priced at $10 each. The collection offers visitors a way to take home an accessory from their park trip, with different pieces available to mix and match.
WDW News Today, 30 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Will Open Later Than Usual for One Day in November
Visitors heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Sunday, 15 November, should plan for a later start than usual. The park’s official operating hours list a 9:00 a.m. opening that day, an hour later than its typical 8:00 a.m. start. Holidaymakers may want to check the latest hours before setting off, as the change applies to this date only. No reason for the delayed opening has been provided in the information available.
WDW News Today, 30 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Universal Launches Halloween Horror Nights Podcast with New Episodes All Year Round
Universal has introduced the Universal HHN Podcast, a new show devoted to Halloween Horror Nights. Announced on the event’s YouTube page on Wednesday, 28 October, it features hosts Gabby, Gabbi and Carlos discussing the annual attraction. Episodes are expected to arrive throughout the year, rather than stopping once the Halloween season ends, giving fans a way to keep up with Halloween Horror Nights beyond their visit to the event.
WDW News Today, 30 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Disney World Makes Unexpected Change to Animal Kingdom, Effective November 15
Walt Disney World has updated its operating hours for Disney’s Animal Kingdom from 15 November, so holidaymakers visiting that month may need to review their plans. Park hours can change during the year, and the latest adjustment could affect how much time guests have to explore. Visitors are advised to check the current schedule before travelling and allow for the revised hours when arranging their day at the park.
Inside the Magic, 29 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Animal Kingdom Delayed Opening Scheduled for Mid-November
Visitors planning a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom should note a later start on Sunday, 15 November, when the park is scheduled to open an hour later than usual. Disney’s calendar lists an 8am opening on every other day through early January, making this a one-off change in the published schedule. No reason for the adjustment has been provided, so holidaymakers may wish to check the park’s calendar before setting off.
Blog Mickey, 29 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Disney World’s Airport Luggage Transfer Expands to Three More Resorts
Disney World’s Airport Luggage Transfer service is now available at three additional resorts: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter and Port Orleans Resort - Riverside. The expansion brings the scheme to nine participating hotels, giving more eligible guests the option to have their luggage transferred from the airport. Travellers staying at one of the newly added resorts can check Disney’s current service details and eligibility requirements when planning their arrival.
Blog Mickey, 29 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Disney World Travel Update: Orlando International Airport Adjusts Thousands of Flights
Orlando International Airport has issued an advisory affecting selected travellers heading home after a Walt Disney World holiday. The notice concerns passengers flying with Allegiant and Sun Country, whose itineraries have been changed. Travellers using either airline should check their flight details directly with the carrier and allow time to confirm any updates before setting off for the airport. The available information does not specify how many flights are affected or provide further details about the changes.
Inside the Magic, 29 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
New Interactive Attraction Arrives at Walt Disney World, Extra Fee Attached
A new paid activity at Walt Disney World taps into the popularity of personalised bag accessories. Bag charms have become a common way to decorate handbags, backpacks and phone cases, following the recent enthusiasm for friendship-bracelet swapping at concerts and events. The attraction brings that trend into the resort, although visitors should expect an additional charge. Holidaymakers planning their spending may wish to check the latest details before deciding whether to add the experience to their day.
Inside the Magic, 29 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Universal Orlando Update: Mythos Demolition, Hollywood Drift Testing, & Dark Universe Ride Construction
Work is progressing on several projects at Universal Orlando, with demolition continuing in the Lost Continent area around Mythos. Pull-through testing has finished on the new coaster, while work on its exterior facade is advancing. Construction is also gathering pace on another new ride at Epic Universe. The updates offer a glimpse of ongoing changes across the resort, although no further details about schedules or opening dates were provided.
Orlando ParkStop, 29 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Massive building under construction spotted from Magic Kingdom’s Swiss Family Treehouse
Visitors exploring the Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom may notice a substantial building taking shape beyond Adventureland. The construction is visible from the classic attraction, but its purpose has not been identified in the information available. Disney has not confirmed what the project will become, so guests should treat any guesses about its use as speculation. For now, it is simply a striking new feature on the park’s skyline.
Attractions Magazine, 29 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
Pinstripes Orlando reopening with bowling, games, dining deals near theme parks
Pinstripes has reopened in Orlando’s tourist district, offering holidaymakers a place to bowl, play games, or enjoy food and drinks. The venue is described as a reimagined leisure spot, giving visitors another option for a break from the nearby theme parks. Dining deals are also part of the reopening news, although details of the offers were not provided. It may suit groups looking to combine a meal with some indoor entertainment during their Orlando stay.
Attractions Magazine, 28 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
‘Hexed’ Character Maquettes & Concept Art on Display at Hollywood Studios
Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios can see character maquettes and concept art from *Hexed* in a new display at The Magic of Disney Animation. It is located in the “Coming Soon” area between Olaf Draws and the gift shop, and is the first in a planned series of rotating displays dedicated to upcoming animated films. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ *Hexed* is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 25 November.
Blog Mickey, 28 Oct 2026. Read the full story.
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