Theme park news: new Disney World discounts and After Hours dates revealed for 2026

Welcome back to another edition of theme park news, this one completely focused on the most recent stories from the Disney theme parks as well as Disney Cruise Line. Sights are set on next year as we learn more about what 2026 vacations have in store for us, including what we stand to save on our upcoming trips! Our lead stories in this latest news roundup have to do with the newest round of discounts and promotions guests can take advantage of when they plan their 2026 Walt Disney World vacation. These discounts are available for booking now, meaning you can take advantage of these offers and start planning that vacation today!

Disney World announces late winter and spring 2026 discounts

You know 2026 must be right around the corner because we’re starting to talk about discounts deeper into the calendar year! We recently got a first look at what guests can save on their upcoming Walt Disney World vacation, and if you’re an Annual Passholder or Florida Resident, you stand to save even more.

If you’re planning a longer trip to Disney World in 2026, you may be able to shave a good chunk of change off of your rack rate. Available for booking now, guests can save up to $250 per night on a 4-night, 4-day (or longer) room and theme park ticket package for arrivals most nights from February 22, 2026 to July 25, 2026. Exact savings varies based on your resort hotel choice — typically, the higher tier the hotel, the higher discounts that are available.

In addition to the above promotion, there are some room-only discounts available as well. Disney World Annual Passholders save up to 35% on rooms for stays most nights from February 22, 2026 to April 30, 2026. Florida Residents can save up to 30% on rooms for stays most nights from February 22, 2026 to April 30, 2026.

Not an Annual Passholder or Florida Resident? No worries! Everyone can save up to 25% on rooms for stays most nights from February 22, 2026 to April 30, 2026.

START BUDGETING YOUR 2026 WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION

Disney World announces 2026 dates for Disney After Hours

Do you ever wish you could spend time in a Disney theme park after closing time? You can do just that thanks to Disney After Hours, a hard-ticketed event that offers guests the opportunity to continue to play in the parks for three hours after the posted closing time.

Disney After Hours is a great way to extend your day at the Disney World theme parks. Admission include access to most of the rides in the park (often with little to no wait), unique character meet-and-greets, and unlimited snacks included with your ticket. Once again, Disney After Hours will be available at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase After Hours at Disney World tickets starting October 9, 2025. All other guests can purchase their tickets starting October 14, 2025.   The 2026 dates for Disney After Hours are as follows:

• Magic Kingdom: January 12, January 19, February 2, February 9, February 23, March 2, March 9, April 13, April 20, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 22, June 29, July 13, July 27
• EPCOT: January 22, January 29, February 19, March 5, March 12, April 2, April 9, April 15, April 23, April 30, May 21, June 11, June 18, July 9, August 6, August 13, September 16, September 24
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: January 14, January 28, February 4, February 11, February 21, February 25, April 29, May 6, May 14, May 30, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19, September 2, September 12

FIND OUT IF DISNEY AFTER HOURS IS RIGHT FOR YOU!

Haunted Mansion interactive DisneyBand+ feature coming to Disney Treasure, Destiny

We’re just a few weeks away from the maiden voyage of the Disney Destiny! Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship will feature many immersive dining experiences, including Haunted Mansion Parlor, which made its debut last year on the Disney Treasure.

Just in time for Halloween, starting this month on the Treasure, guests can find hidden ghosts throughout the ship that they’ll need to return to Madame Leota for a “swinging wake.” It’s all part of the interactive elements that have been implemented across the Disney Cruise Line fleet, so be sure to pack your DisneyBand+ (the same wearable technology used in the Disney theme parks) on your next Disney Treasure voyage. These interactive elements will also come to the Disney Destiny at a later time.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE’S NEXT SHIP, THE DISNEY DESTINY, LAUNCHES IN NOVEMBER!

Napa Rose reopening delayed to early 2026 at Disneyland Resort

A quick update from Disneyland Resort regarding the ongoing refurbishments at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Its signature restaurant, Napa Rose, has been closed since April for major renovations that include an expanded exhibition kitchen and enhanced patio seating, along with a new menu.

These renovations are now taking longer than originally anticipated. Napa Rose was scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2025, but that opening has been delayed to early 2026.

CATCH UP ON WHAT’S COMING TO DISNEY WORLD AND DISNEYLAND IN 2026

Theme Park News: New Disney World Discounts and After Hours Dates Revealed For 2026 was originally published on The World of Spark.

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