Sams Disney Diary

This special Thursday edition of our weekly live show covered a lot of ground. Sam joined us from the road just after the premiere Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite event at Disneyland. That meant new popcorn buckets, sippers, event details, and a firsthand look at what the night actually felt like in the park. But the show did not stay in one lane. Holly returned with a quick Hallmark update. We got new dates for the 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which starts earlier than ever on August 7. Greg also got a firsthand look at the construction progress at Disney Lakeshore Lodge. And Sam had more Disneyland to cover beyond Star Wars. That included Bluey's Best Day Ever, the return of Paint the Night, Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival just wrapping up, and a look inside the updated timeline at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Sam Reports Back from Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite The biggest headline of the night was Sam joining from the road fresh off Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. Disney describes these after-hours events as running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Disneyland park, with themed entertainment, specialty menu items, character experiences, shorter attraction wait times, unlimited digital PhotoPass downloads, and commemorative keepsakes. The April 28 event also landed right at the front edge of Disneyland's larger Star Wars season. That made this more than just another party-night recap. Star Wars Nite was also one of the first chances for guests to see how Disneyland was expanding the story at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. That is a meaningful detail for fans who care about continuity in Galaxy's Edge. For years, the land sat in a very specific point on the Star Wars timeline. This new approach gives Disneyland more room to bring in different characters and stories, which makes the land feel more flexible going forward. The Popcorn Buckets and Sippers Were Part of the Story Too Of course, it would not be Star Wars season at Disneyland without new novelty items. Disney Parks Blog previewed fresh Star Wars popcorn buckets, sippers, and other collectibles tied to the May the 4th celebration window, with select items also available during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. The April 28 and April 30 event nights also gave guests early access to shop some items from the May the 4th Logo Collection. [caption id="attachment_81547" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Disney's May the 4th Foodie Guide 2026 puts the spotlight on new Star Wars novelties, drinks, and limited-time treats.[/caption] That is part of what made Sam's report from the event especially useful. These limited releases are no longer side details. They are part of how fans plan these nights, and often part of what gets remembered most. We Have Dates for EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2026 Back on the Walt Disney World side, Disney officially announced that the 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival runs from August 27 through November 21, 2026. That gives fans another long runway of booths, bites, drinks, and festival energy at EPCOT as the year starts to shift toward fall. This is always one of those planning stories that gets people moving fast. Once the dates are out, the conversation changes from waiting to planning. Vacation timing, festival strategy, and what Disney might reveal next all suddenly start to matter. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Starts Earlier Than Ever We also now have dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and yes, it starts earlier than many fans expected. The 2026 party season runs from August 7 through October 31. That August 7 start puts Halloween planning in motion very early, even by Disney standards. That early start is one of the biggest practical takeaways from the whole week. If you are planning a late-summer trip, the line between summer and Halloween at Walt Disney World keeps getting thinner. Greg Gets a Firsthand Look at Disney Lakeshore Lodge Greg also checked out the construction progress at Disney Lakeshore Lodge, which Disney introduced on April 21 as a new waterfront retreat where guests and their loved ones will discover the wonder of nature through Disney storytelling. The project is one of the more interesting resort stories at Walt Disney World right now because it is being framed around atmosphere and setting as much as new-room inventory. Holly Checks In with Hallmark Happenings Holly was back as well with a quick Hallmark Happenings segment. That has become a nice recurring part of the show because it adds another lane for Disney collectors and nostalgia fans. The Hallmark 2026 Dream Book is now live digitally, and it includes new Disney Parks ornaments, including entries tied to attraction and park memories. That kind of update may not sound like a headline next to Star Wars Nite or Mickey's Not-So-Scary dates, but it fits the audience well. Disney fandom has always lived in the details, and Hallmark is one of those spaces where that detail-driven nostalgia shows up every year. Sam's Disneyland Report Went Beyond Star Wars What made this episode especially strong was that Sam's Disneyland report did not stop with Star Wars. He also looked at Bluey's Best Day Ever, which debuted at Disneyland park on March 22, 2026. Disney Parks Blog says the Fantasyland Theatre has been reimagined as Bluey's school, with Bluey and Bingo appearing in rotating show moments throughout the day, along with themed food and merchandise. [caption id="attachment_80752" align="aligncenter" width="1219"] Bluey and Bingo bring Bluey's Best Day Ever to Disneyland March 22 with shows, games, themed food, and new merch.[/caption] That matters because Bluey is not just another character meet and greet. It is one of the clearest examples of Disney leaning into what younger families are excited about right now, and doing it in a way that feels like a full offering instead of a quick overlay. Paint the Night Is Still a Draw at Disneyland Sam also covered Paint the Night, which remains one of the biggest reasons fans want to be in Disneyland after dark. Disney has said the fan-favorite parade is part of the Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary entertainment lineup and that the 70th celebration continues through August 9, 2026. That gives the parade extra weight this summer. It is not just back. It is part of a limited anniversary window, which makes it feel more urgent for fans trying to fit Disneyland into their 2026 plans. Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Was Wrapping Up Sam also touched on Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival just as it was wrapping up. That gave the show another useful Disneyland Resort perspective, because it let the conversation stretch beyond one single event night and into the broader seasonal experience across the resort. That is part of what made this special edition feel fuller than a simple Star Wars recap. It covered how much was happening across Disneyland at once, from Star Wars to Bluey to nighttime entertainment to the final stretch of the spring food festival. Watch the full live show below.

It was another packed night on our weekly live show, and this one pulled from just about every corner of Disney fandom. We got into the latest Disney news out of CinemaCon, the newly announced Star Wars Celebration 2027 details, the ongoing Rock 'n' Roller Coaster set list conversation, Star Wars popcorn buckets, and LEGO Smart Play. That already would have been enough for one episode, but the night kept going. We also talked Hallmark with Holly again, the new It's a Small World Hallmark collection, Earth Day, the live Muppets coaster page, H2O Glow returning to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and a look back at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster during Easter and Christmas of 1999. If you missed the show, this is your place to catch up on the biggest topics and then jump into the related coverage from the week. Disney News Out of CinemaCon CinemaCon gave Disney fans a lot to talk about this week. Disney used the event to spotlight its upcoming theatrical slate, with presentations spanning Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. Disney also used the moment to launch Infinity Vision, a new premium large format theater certification meant to highlight the biggest and most immersive auditoriums for moviegoers. That made CinemaCon one of the biggest headlines of the week because it was not just about one trailer or one reveal. It was a broader look at where Disney's theatrical business is heading next, which gave this episode a strong headline topic right out of the gate. Star Wars Celebration 2027 Is Heading to Los Angeles One of the biggest Star Wars stories of the week was the official push for Star Wars Celebration 2027 in Los Angeles. StarWars.com confirmed the event will take place April 1 through April 4, 2027, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the newly released key art pays tribute to the original Tom Jung poster for Star Wars as the franchise approaches its 50th anniversary. That made Celebration feel like more than just another convention update. This is the next major Star Wars fan gathering in the United States, and it is already being framed around one of the most important anniversaries in franchise history. For Star Wars fans, that is a big deal. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Set List Talk Is Not Going Away We also spent time on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster set list conversation, which continues to be one of the most fun fan debates right now. With Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially taking shape, the music question has become part of the hype. Disney's official summer page also now lists Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets as arriving May 26, 2026, giving fans even more reason to keep watching for details. LEGO Smart Play Adds Another Layer to the Conversation LEGO Smart Play also made the list this week, adding one more lane to an already stacked show. That is part of what made this episode feel so full. It bounced from theme parks to movies to Star Wars to collectibles without ever staying in one place for too long. Earth Day Brings a Different Kind of Disney Story Earth Day also made its way into the show, giving the episode a broader Disney angle beyond rides, collectibles, and media announcements. Disney Parks Blog highlighted how renewable energy is helping power attractions and hotels across Disney destinations during Earth Month, which gave this week another conversation point tied to how Disney presents its environmental efforts.   H2O Glow Is Back at Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow After Hours is officially coming back to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Disney says the event returns on select nights from June 2 through September 5, 2026, and the official event page says this year includes new additions such as Powerline Max and Chip 'n' Dale. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels can already buy tickets for dates during their stay, while sales for all other guests begin April 24, 2026. (disneyworld.disney.go.com) Looking Back at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster in 1999 The show also took a nostalgic turn with a look back at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster during Easter and Christmas of 1999. That kind of deep-cut throwback adds a lot to the weekly format because it connects current Disney conversation to the park memories that longtime fans still care about. With the original Rock 'n' Roller Coaster era now giving way to the Muppets version, looking back at 1999 carries even more weight. It is not just nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. It is part of the larger story of how Disney's Hollywood Studios keeps changing. Watch the full live show below.

It was another packed week for Disney fans, and this episode of This Week at Walt Disney World had a little bit of everything. Greg checked out the 2026 Walt Disney World Easter Parade. Cinderella Castle continued its eye-catching repaint. Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord kept the Disney+ conversation going. Disneyland added more fuel to the May the 4th hype train. And, naturally, popcorn buckets somehow became part of almost every storyline. From Magic Kingdom traditions to Disney+ premieres, this was one of those weeks where Disney news felt like it was coming from every direction at once. That is exactly what made this episode so much fun. Easter Weekend Brings Classic Magic Back to Magic Kingdom One of the biggest highlights this week was Greg taking in the 2026 Walt Disney World Easter Parade. For longtime Disney fans, that kind of seasonal entertainment still feels special. It is the kind of offering that brings old-school Magic Kingdom energy back into the spotlight. There is something about Easter at Walt Disney World that always feels a little different. It is colorful, it is nostalgic, and it reminds you that Disney still knows how to make a holiday weekend feel like an event. That made Greg's Easter Parade visit one of the strongest anchors for this week's show. For fans who love traditions, this is the kind of Disney coverage that matters. It is not just about what is new. It is also about the experiences that keep guests coming back year after year. Cinderella Castle Keeps Stealing the Show Another major talking point this week was the latest Cinderella Castle painting update. The refreshed look has been one of the most talked-about visual changes at Magic Kingdom, and each new update has fans taking a closer look. What makes this story interesting is how much one color shift can change the feel of the park. Cinderella Castle is not just another backdrop. It is the image most people connect with Walt Disney World. So when the tones change, even slightly, fans notice. This week's update looked especially strong. The castle is starting to feel both classic and fresh at the same time, which is not an easy balance to strike. That is why this project continues to be such a strong conversation piece. Maul Brings New Energy to Disney+ Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord also made this week's lineup. The animated series debuted on Disney+ with a two-episode premiere on April 6, and it has already become a major point of conversation for Star Wars fans. That matters because Maul remains one of the most compelling characters in modern Star Wars storytelling. He is familiar, but he still feels dangerous. He is connected to the larger saga, yet his story can go in darker and more unexpected directions. That gives this series real weight for fans trying to keep up with where Star Wars animation is heading next. For Disney+ viewers, this is exactly the kind of release that can keep the service feeling essential between the biggest live-action premieres. Disneyland Turns May the 4th Into Popcorn Bucket Season The Disneyland May the 4th Foodie Guide is out, and yes, the popcorn bucket excitement is very real. At this point, collectible popcorn buckets are not just snacks with packaging. They are a full Disney subculture. This week's show leaned into that fun in the best possible way. Between the foodie guide hype and Greg apparently ending up with a stadium and a car full of popcorn buckets, the collectible chaos practically became its own segment. That is also what makes Disney foodie guide coverage so clickable right now. It is never just about the menu. It is about the limited-time items, the photos fans start sharing right away, and the merch-style frenzy that builds around certain releases. Star Wars season always seems to take that energy even higher. Greg, Dole Whip, and Peak Disney Show Energy Of course, no episode like this would be complete without at least one moment that sounds too ridiculous to make up. This week, that moment was Greg somehow ending up showering in Dole Whip. V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days Are Back Walt Disney World Annual Passholders also got something to watch this week, with V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days returning from May 1 through July 31, 2026. Disney has already started teasing limited-time perks, including merchandise, food and beverage offerings, discounts, and a new magnet. Because this is Disney in 2026, there is also another popcorn bucket in the conversation. At this point, that almost feels like part of the brand strategy. Passholder news always gets attention because it hits that sweet spot between practical and collectible. Discounts matter. Exclusive perks matter. But the items people can only get for a limited time are often what really drive the excitement. Hallmark Happenings with Holly Joins the Show This week also introduced the first Hallmark Happenings with Holly segment, with Holly joining the show to cover the latest Hallmark Channel news. Catch Up on This Week's Disney Stories This week's live show pulled together a wide mix of Disney news and fan conversation. From Easter at Walt Disney World to the latest Cinderella Castle update, a new Maul series on Disney+, Star Wars foodie hype at Disneyland, Passholder perks, and Holly's first Hallmark segment, there was a lot to cover.

A Question Beneath Cinderella Castle This week's special Tuesday night edition of This Week at Walt Disney World started with a simple question. As work around Cinderella Castle revealed old tracks in the drained moat, Greg asked what they were. That question led Sam down a deeper path — and the answer brought back one of Walt Disney World's earliest attractions. The Full Story of the Swan Boats Those tracks were not random. They were part of the original Swan Boats that once operated at Magic Kingdom in the 1970s and early 1980s. The Swan Boats offered guests a quiet cruise around the castle hub and into nearby waterways. Unlike today's attractions, this was more about atmosphere than thrills. It reflected an earlier version of the park, where scenic experiences played a bigger role. The boats followed a guided path, which explains the tracks revealed beneath the moat. When the attraction closed, most of that infrastructure disappeared from view — until now. Seeing those tracks again gives guests a rare connection to opening-era Walt Disney World. It is a reminder that the park has always evolved, even in places most guests never think to look. Buzz Lightyear Soft Opening Continues Back in the present, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin continues its soft opening period ahead of its official return. Greg revisited the attraction and shared how his opinion has changed since earlier cast member previews. That second look added more perspective and made Buzz one of the most talked-about updates at Magic Kingdom right now. D23 Expo Tickets Go on Sale Looking ahead, D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 tickets go on sale this week. Sam and Greg talked through what fans should expect, how quickly tickets may move, and what they are hoping to see announced.  The show also looked at the 2026 class of Disney Legends, adding another layer of anticipation for what D23 could bring this year. Easter Arrives at Walt Disney World Walt Disney World is already preparing for the Easter holiday. Mr. and Mrs. Bunny have arrived in the parks, bringing seasonal photo opportunities and a classic Disney touch. At the same time, Band Leader Mickey is performing with the Philharmagic marching band in the castle hub, adding live entertainment and energy to the park atmosphere. A Perfect Time for a Retro Easter Look With Easter approaching, Sam highlighted the Easter Parade archive — a collection that captures classic Disney holiday moments. It is a perfect reminder of how Disney has celebrated Easter over the years, and why those traditions still resonate today. For longtime fans, there is something special about revisiting a retro Easter morning. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From uncovering the history of the Swan Boats to Buzz updates, D23 planning, and Easter celebrations, this special Tuesday night show blended Disney history with current park news.  Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where Disney past and present come together.  

Cinderella Castle Pops with New Color Magic Kingdom guests are seeing a brighter look at the park icon as Cinderella Castle continues its latest visible transformation. Fresh color is making the castle stand out in a new way, and even routine work on the centerpiece of Walt Disney World always becomes a talking point. For Sam and Greg, the castle update was one of the clearest signs that spring changes are still moving across the resort. Greg Gets an Early Buzz Preview One of the biggest park updates this week was Greg's early look at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin ahead of its return. This was not the full reopening just yet. Instead, Greg got to experience the attraction during a cast member preview, giving the show an early reaction before guests officially return. That preview made Buzz one of the most anticipated ride stories at Magic Kingdom right now. Bluey Opens at Disneyland Bluey officially opens at Disneyland, adding even more family energy to the resort. The rollout continues Disney's bigger Bluey push across the parks, streaming, and live experiences. As Bluey keeps expanding, it is becoming one of Disney's clearest family-facing growth stories. That momentum now stretches from Disneyland entertainment to Disney+ and beyond. Hannah Montana Turns 20 on Streaming Disney also marked a nostalgia-heavy milestone with Hannah Montana 20th anniversary streaming. For longtime Disney Channel fans, it was another reminder of how much value Disney continues to find in legacy brands. Moana Live-Action Trailer Builds Momentum A new Moana live-action trailer dropped, and excitement quickly followed. The footage added more momentum to one of Disney's most closely watched upcoming releases.  For fans of the animated original, the trailer gave another early look at how Disney is approaching the live-action adaptation. Excitement Builds for the Darth Maul Series The upcoming Darth Maul series also stayed in the spotlight. Anticipation continues to build as Star Wars fans look for more details about how the series will expand the galaxy on Disney+. What's Coming to Disney+ in April Sam and Greg also looked ahead at what's coming to Disney+ in April, giving fans a bigger picture view of the streaming calendar. That made the episode feel broader than just a parks recap and tied together the latest Disney news across platforms. Zootopia 2 Reaches 32 Million Views Another major milestone came from Zootopia 2, which hit 32 million views. That kind of response signals strong interest and reinforces how much attention the sequel is already generating. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From Cinderella Castle and Buzz previews to Bluey, Moana, Disney+, and Star Wars, it was another packed week of Disney conversation.  Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park updates, streaming news, and fan reaction all come together.