Theme Park News - January 26 - February 2, 2026

Disney Parks Celebrates Black History Month with Special Events

Black History Month is just around the corner—the perfect time to add some soul to your Disney Parks adventure. Whether visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California, guests will find cultural experiences featuring music, art, food, and family fun that celebrate Black heritage in a truly Disney way. 

Celebrate Soulfully at Disneyland Resort includes: 

2026 Celebrate Gospel Concerts at Downtown Disney: Two weekends of uplifting gospel music, featuring Grammy winners like Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Yolanda Adams from February 2021 and 2728. No park admission required. 

Heritage Trail Displays: New dynamic exhibits honoring Black leaders and artists, such as Leah Chase at Tiana’s Palace and Floyd Norman on Buena Vista Street. 

Specialty Food: Limited time dishes like the French Quarter Fried Chicken Bowl at Tiana’s Palace and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp at Lamplight Lounge. 

Beyond February, guests can meet Princess Tiana, experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, enjoy live jazz performances by Five & Dime, and train with the Dora Milaje at Avengers Campus. Look out for Joe Gardner playing smooth jazz at Pixar Place Hotel. 

At Walt Disney World Resort, Black History Month celebrations include: 

Magic Kingdom Parade: On February 9, Toya Johnson Rushing leads as Grand Marshal in a festive parade with Disney characters, music, and magic along Main Street, U.S.A. 

EPCOT Festival of the Arts: The spotlight on Black artists like Yesenia Moises and Ryan Riller continues in February with live appearances and the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series featuring stars from The Lion King, Aladdin, and more. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Enjoy Caribbean Street vibes at Viva Gaia and powerful drumming with the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe. 

Character Encounters: Meet Princess Tiana, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, and Frozone across the parks. 

Special Treats: Try new delights like the Soulful New York Cheesecake Pop and Wakandan Mousse at Disney Springs. 

Art at Disney Springs: Discover inspiring works by Black artists along the Disney Springs Art Walk. 

Reopening of Napa Rose with revamped dining experience at Disneyland

Exciting news from Disneyland Resort! Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is reopening on February 6, 2026, with a refreshed dining experience that honors its 25year legacy of elegant wine country cuisine blended with global influences. Reservations are now open on Disneyland.com and NapaRose.com. 

Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences: 

Bar and Lounge: Cozy seating, a new bar, fireplace, and alfresco patio dining with crafted cocktails and small bites. Walkins welcome; no reservation needed. 

Main Dining Room and Outdoor Terrace: Seasonal prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings, plus a new children’s menu. Dine indoors surrounded by an impressive 1,500label wine collection or outdoors on an expanded terrace. Reservations recommended, available up to 60 days in advance. 

Chef’s Counter and Private Dining: Interactive seating for up to 18 guests at the Chef’s Counter with personalized courses, bookable online.  

Chef Andrew Sutton and Executive Chef Clint Chin crafted a menu highlighting seasonal, California inspired dishes with international flair. Executive Pastry Chefs Jorge Sotelo and Nubia Renteria bring over 25 years of dessert expertise. The team, including General Manager Jess Soman and Wine Director Patrick Kirchen, is ready to offer guests an exceptional culinary journey. 

Sample delights include Beef Tartare with Osetra caviar and Bone Marrow Custard in the bar lounge, American Wagyu N.Y. and Oak Roasted Forest Mushrooms in the main dining room, and desserts like Nantes Carrot Cake Cremeux and Valrhona Chocolate Bar. 

Napa Rose invites guests to immerse themselves in California’s rich wine heritage with an unforgettable dining experience at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 

2026 Disneyland After Dark Event Details and Highlights

The 2026 Disneyland After Dark events include one new theme and four returning ones, offering magical evenings filled with love, nostalgia, adventure, and community for all ages. These separately ticketed, themed nights provide access to Disneyland Park and select attractions after hours, often with shorter wait times. Guests can enjoy special entertainment, character meet and greets, exclusive food and drinks, unique merchandise, and more. Events run on select nights from January through June 2026. 

Each event runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with park access starting at 6 p.m. Guests receive unlimited digital downloads of PhotoPass pictures taken during the event, plus a commemorative guide map. 

Sweethearts’ Nite (Sold Out) celebrates love in all forms with new entertainment like the “Celebrate Love Cavalcade,” a romantic musical journey, karaoke, and dance parties. Specialty treats include a triple berry slushy and surf n’ turf loaded fries. Exclusive merchandise features themed ears, pins, and apparel. 

70 Years of Favorites (Tickets available for March 3 and 5) honors seven decades of Disneyland with entertainment such as “Sounds of Magic” serenades, swing dancing, an ’80s dance party, line dancing, and nostalgic photo spots. Food includes themed sandwiches, mac and cheese bread bowls, and new steak and prawns dishes.  

Disney Channel Nite (April 12, 14, 16) highlights beloved Disney Channel shows and characters, with live performances, pep rallies, dance parties, singalongs, themed photo opportunities, and themed snacks like loaded dino nuggets and ice cream nachos. Exclusive merchandise includes a light up headband, hoodie, and pins. 

Star Wars Nite (April 28, 30; May 4, 6) delivers an immersive Star Wars experience with live character encounters, themed shows like “The March of the First Order,” lightsaber instruction, special musical performances, and themed photo backdrops. New food items include five blossom pizza bread, galactic Bundt cake, and Banthgogi. Merchandise includes hoodies, tees, hats, tumblers, and pins. 

Pride Nite (June 16, 18) celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with vibrant decor, rainbow projections, and lively entertainment. Ticket details will be announced in spring 2026. 

Tips for Guests: Dress to match the theme while following costume guidelines. Extend your visit by booking nearby hotels. Use the Disneyland app for mobile food ordering and dining reservations, which are recommended and sometimes available on the event night via walkup lists. 

Tickets for most events go on sale in December 2025 or early 2026, with presales for Magic Key holders first. Availability is limited.