> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Disney World Update: Animation Experience Opens Monday as 2027 Planning Dates Arrive - URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/orlando-disney-update-2026-09-11/ - Published: 2026-09-11T10:37:07.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-11T10:37:07.000Z - Description: The Magic of Disney Animation opens Sept. 14, while Mickey’s Halloween party returns tonight. Disney also released 2027 After Hours dates, EPCOT festival calendars and new spring lodging offers. - Author: News Desk - Tags: Disney World, Florida Walt Disney World visitors have two immediate planning points this weekend: a major new Hollywood Studios experience opens Monday, and tonight is a separately ticketed Halloween-party night at Magic Kingdom. Farther out, Disney has also opened new 2027 booking windows and published dates that make spring trips easier to map. ## The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14 [The Magic of Disney Animation](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/disney-animation-inspired-experience-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) opens Monday, September 14, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The reimagined Animation Courtyard’s outdoor areas are already open, but the central collection of indoor experiences begins welcoming guests Monday. The new area includes “Drawn to Wonderland,” an indoor play space inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art; “Off the Page!,” a character-meeting experience organized around different parts of the animation process; “Olaf Draws!,” a drawing class hosted by an Olaf Audio-Animatronics figure and recorded guidance from Disney artists; and a theater presentation based on *Once Upon a Studio*. Disney says references to all 64 of its animated feature films appear throughout the larger setting. For families visiting this weekend, the practical distinction is important: the courtyard can be explored now, while the headline indoor experiences do not open until Monday. Guests arriving before September 14 should not build their touring plan around access to the new collection. ## Mickey’s Halloween party returns tonight Friday, September 11, is one of the scheduled 2026 dates for [Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party](https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). The separate-ticket event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, and party ticket holders may enter Magic Kingdom beginning at 4 p.m. A standard daytime ticket does not include the party. Day guests should confirm Magic Kingdom’s regular closing time in the My Disney Experience app before finalizing evening dining or attraction plans. Party guests can expect returning entertainment such as the Boo-to-You parade, the Hocus Pocus stage show and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, along with the new Stitch, Lilo and Angel masquerade in Tomorrowland. Disney warns that tickets are limited and may become unavailable before an event date. ## New 2027 lodging offers are available now Disney began accepting bookings September 10 for several [2027 resort offers](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/walt-disney-world-spring-offers-and-returning-events/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). The broadest package advertises savings of up to $250 per night on select four-night, four-day Disney Resort room-and-ticket packages for eligible stays from January 3 through July 28. Separate offers include savings of up to 25% on select Disney Resort rooms for eligible nights from January 3 through April 29\. Annual Passholders may save up to 35% on select rooms during that period, while eligible Disney Visa cardmembers can receive up to 30% off certain January and February weekend stays of at least five nights. Availability, resort participation, room type and eligibility matter, so compare the package total—not only the advertised percentage—with any existing reservation before changing it. ## After Hours tickets and EPCOT’s spring calendar are taking shape Guests staying at select Disney hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green can now buy [2027 Disney After Hours tickets](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/disney-after-hours-dates-tickets-tips/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). Sales open to everyone else September 22\. The separately ticketed events are scheduled at Magic Kingdom from January 11 through July 19, Hollywood Studios from January 16 through August 25, and EPCOT from January 21 through August 19, with individual dates varying by park. Event tickets permit entry at 7 p.m.; the dedicated event hours begin later. EPCOT has also dated its first two festivals of 2027\. The [Festival of the Arts](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/epcot-international-festival-of-the-arts-dates-and-offerings/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) runs January 15 through March 1—one week longer than the prior schedule described by Disney—and is set to include 19 Food Studios plus the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series. The [Flower & Garden Festival](https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival-dates-and-details/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) follows March 10 through May 31, with topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens and Garden Rocks concerts returning. Performer lineups, dining-package sales and full menus will come later. ## What to know before you go For a shorter near-real-time view of posted attraction waits, use [**TAQ’s Florida park wait-time tool**](https://parks.theamericanquorum.com/?state=FL&ref=theamericanquorum.com) and select an individual Walt Disney World park. For continuing regional coverage, visit the [Orlando Parks hub](https://www.theamericanquorum.com/orlando-parks/). *The American Quorum is an independent publication and is not affiliated with Walt Disney World or The Walt Disney Company. Operating hours, entertainment and attraction availability can change.*