Festival of the Arts Closes, Flower & Garden Ahead
EPCOT officially wrapped the 2026 Festival of the Arts as the park begins its transition to the Flower & Garden Festival. While festival booths close and signage comes down, early floral installations and seasonal shifts already signal what’s next.
The quick turnaround highlights EPCOT’s constant evolution. One festival ends, and another begins almost immediately.
runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Takes Over
runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend brought energy, costumes, and early mornings to Walt Disney World. Runners filled the parks and resorts, creating a unique atmosphere that blends athletic achievement with Disney storytelling.
Race weekends always shift crowd patterns, and this one was no exception. From character stops to celebratory medals, Princess Weekend once again delivered memorable moments.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Update Confirmed
Disney confirmed that an update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut on May 22. While details remain limited, the confirmation alone generated excitement among Star Wars fans.
The attraction continues to evolve as part of Disney’s larger push to keep Galaxy’s Edge fresh and connected to current storytelling.
Robert Downey Jr. Named Godparent of Disney Adventure
In cruise line news, Disney announced that Robert Downey Jr. will serve as the godparent of the upcoming Disney Adventure cruise ship. The announcement adds star power to Disney Cruise Line’s continued expansion and ties Marvel talent directly into the fleet’s future.
Major Updates for The Magic of Disney Animation
Hollywood Studios shared new details for The Magic of Disney Animation, bringing renewed attention to Animation Courtyard.
Highlights include:
- A new character experience inside Off the Page
- A refreshed Learn to Draw with Olaf experience
- A new animatronic element enhancing the attraction
These updates signal Disney’s renewed focus on in-park animation storytelling.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s Final Days
March 1 marks the final day to ride Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster before its transformation. The closing countdown adds urgency for fans wanting one last launch through the Hollywood Hills.
With major changes coming to the attraction, this is the end of a long-running era at Hollywood Studios.
Animation Academy Changes at Animal Kingdom
While one Animation Academy-style experience is set to debuts in Hollywood studios, another closes at Animal Kingdom as the park prepares for Bluey-related additions. The shift reflects ongoing adjustments across the resort as Disney balances new intellectual properties with existing offerings.
All That and More with Sam & Greg Live
From festival transitions and race weekend energy to animation updates, cruise announcements, and Star Wars momentum, it was another full week of Disney news.
Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park updates, construction progress, and fandom conversations come together.
