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Major U.S. Theme Parks Launch 2026 Holiday Seasons With New Access Rules

New access rules for Santa meetings plus reworked park displays are changing how guests plan holiday visits.

Overview

  • Universal Orlando’s multi‑park holiday celebration begins November 14 and, for the first time, Universal Epic Universe will feature seasonal décor and shows included with regular park admission.
  • Disneyland Resort has finished installing its giant Town Square tree and other mid‑November holiday décor ahead of the park’s seasonal kickoff, with classic parades and night shows scheduled to return.
  • Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs opened its holiday offerings and launched a mandatory My Disney Experience virtual queue for meeting Santa that has five daily sign‑up windows and requires physical presence in the district.
  • Disney has permanently retired DinoLand U.S.A.’s longtime holiday display after the land’s closure earlier in 2026 and has introduced Santa’s Holiday Grove as a replacement within Animal Kingdom’s redevelopment plan.
  • Universal added two confirmed seasonal food booths in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida and footage suggests Seuss Landing’s classic Grinchmas tree animation may have been altered, a change the resort has not officially confirmed.