Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster enters its final week of operation, Hollywood Studios announces a massive 2026 animation expansion, and EPCOT drops the full 2026 Flower & Garden Festival guide. That’s your tl/dr!
Last Call for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The super-stretch limo is heading for the garage. Disney confirmed this is the final week to ride the current version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Expect wait times to spike this weekend as locals flock for one last ride. If you have a Lightning Lane, use it early; if not, head there at rope drop or during the first Fantasmic! show.
- Read the full story: Done with Mirrors: Final Week for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
New Animation Experiences Coming in 2026
Hollywood Studios is leaning hard into its “Studios” roots. A new animation experience is slated for 2026, featuring a refreshed Animation Academy where you can learn to draw Olaf.
- Official Announcement: New Animation Experience Coming to Hollywood Studios
- Learn to Draw Olaf: A New Era for Animation Academy
- New Merch at Off the Page: Rapunzel and Stitch Updates
Your 2026 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Guide
The topiaries are officially in place (I saw them being installed this week!), and now we have the full menus and concert schedules. Opening weeks are notoriously busy. If you want to avoid 30-minute lines for a taco, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Complete Guide: 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Guide
Popcorn Buckets & Must-Have Merch
It was a big week for collectors. From movie tie-ins to local sports, these are the items driving the “viral” hype right now.
- Project Hail Mary: Complete Merch & Popcorn Bucket Guide
- Orlando Magic: The Playable Popcorn Bucket at Kia Center
- Super Mario Galaxy Bubly: Color-Changing Cans and Rosalina Giveaway
Around the Disney Universe
- Disney Cruise Line: Robert Downey Jr. has been named the godparent of the Disney Adventure. Read the Announcement.
- runDisney: New Rapunzel-themed Brooks running shoes are here for Princess Weekend. See the Shoes.
- Cast Compliments: Guests have officially hit the 3 million mark for digital Cast Compliments. See the Milestone.
- Awards: Disney took home big wins at the 2026 Kidscreen Awards; full List of Winners.
Planning for March?
If you are visiting in the next few weeks, prioritize a visit to Hollywood Studios early in your trip to catch Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster before it shuts down. For EPCOT, the festival is the main draw, so budget extra time for snacking through the World Showcase.
