Orlando Theme Park News 31st August 2026

Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando News: Halloween Horror Nights Opens, Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York, EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Begins (20–30 August 2026) This week's episode covers some of the biggest theme park and cruise news from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Disney Cruise Line. 🏰 Magic Kingdom Construction Update Walt Disney Imagineering has revealed new balloon-test footage showing just how big Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park are set to be, including a first look at how Maleficent's fortress will tower over the rest of Magic Kingdom. 🎃 Halloween Horror Nights 35 Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights has officially opened for its 35th year, with the longest run and earliest start date in the event's history. This year's Infernal Carnival of Nightmares theme includes 10 brand new haunted houses and four scare zones. 🚢 Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York The Disney Wish is set to sail from New York City for the first time starting in autumn 2027, alongside a full new slate of Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries across the fleet. 🧀 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival has kicked off for its 31st year, running through to 21 November, with a brand new "Cheers to Cheese!" interactive exhibit and eight new acts joining the Eat to the Beat concert series. Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK? With so much happening across the parks and Disney Cruise Line right now, there's never been a better time to start planning your next trip. At [Orlando Insider](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk), every client gets their own personal Orlando Guru — a real UK-based expert who knows these parks inside out — plus our exclusive Ride Alert service and AI-powered Park Planner to help you get the most out of every day. Every booking is fully protected under ATOL and trust fund protection, and our team is available 24/7 before, during, and after your holiday. It's why we've earned over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are proud to be a multi-award winning [Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando specialist](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk). Useful Links: 🌐 [Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK](https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk) — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk 🔔 Subscribe to Orlando Insider on YouTube for weekly Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando news Keywords: Halloween Horror Nights 35, Universal Orlando news, Disney Cruise Line New York, Disney Wish, EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Villains Land, Piston Peak National Park, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Orlando holidays UK