It was a headline-heavy week at Walt Disney World. The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios now has a confirmed opening date of September 14, 2026. The reimagined attraction features an Audio-Animatronics Olaf — with original dialogue recorded by Josh Gad — hosting drawing classes led by actual Disney Animation artists, plus character meet-and-greets, an Alice in Wonderland playground for young children, and a dedicated theater screening the Emmy-winning short Once Upon A Studio with enhanced effects.

Over at Animal Kingdom, Tropical Americas cleared a notable construction milestone: aerial photos show steel and mesh framework — the first stage of sculpted rockwork — now sitting atop the Encanto show building roof. The concrete berm walls in front of the building, which will eventually support Casa Madrigal rising above the land's Pueblo Esperanza setting, are also climbing in height. The land remains on track for a 2027 opening.

At Hollywood Studios, the Monsters, Inc. flying door coaster's structural steel has risen above the tree line and is now visible from the parking lot, with coaster track pieces already on-site. Meanwhile, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026 is selling fast — opening night on August 7 has sold out, bringing the total to six sold-out dates. The lowest-priced night still available is August 21 at $139. Both Jollywood Nights and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets opened to all guests on July 16, with Jollywood Nights running for 15 nights this year — extending into January for the first time.

D23 2026 filled in the remaining details of its program, including confirmation that Neil Patrick Harris will host the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase on August 15 at the Honda Center. The event's show floor is described as the largest in D23 history, anchored by an Imagineering: Horizons pavilion expected to feature updates on Villains Land, Cars Land, Monsters Inc., and Tropical Americas. The panel reservation window opens July 20 at noon Pacific time.

This recap was originally published by WDWMAGIC.