August 9, 2026, 10:58 AM ·
As the “rope drop” starts a day at theme parks, the Sunday “Rope Drop” post kicks off the week here at Theme Park Insider. Here is what lies ahead for fans at the parks this week.
Today is the final day for the Disneyland 70th Celebration at the Disneyland Resort in California. But there is plenty coming up at the resort as Anaheim prepares to welcome the D23 event next weekend.
It’s D23 Day at Disneyland on Thursday, with complimentary Ear hats while supplies last and a Disney Legends Cavalcade. The park will put up several D23 photo ops and bring out some rare characters, while offering complimentary unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos.
Over at Disney California Adventure, Thursday is the day for the annual Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party, with the block party starting at 10:30 am through Hollywood Land. In the evening, DCA will host the live Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration show. Here are the details on that. May the odds be ever in your favor.
On Friday, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event starts at the Anaheim Convention Center, with big evening programs at the Honda Center across town. Saturday is the night for the Disney Experiences presentation at the Honda Center, which will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris this year. D23 continues through Sunday.
Friday also is the day for the media previews for the rebuilt Montezooma coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm and the new NightFlight Expedition ride at Dollywood. Silver Dollar City also has a big announcement event planned for that day, too. Look for coverage of everything here on Theme Park Insider then.
One week from today is the final day for Fast & Furious Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida. And, burying the lead for this entire post, it’s also National Roller Coaster Day on August 16.
Planning a trip?
Here are the current refurbishment schedules from Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando.
Silly Symphony Swings is closed at Disney California Adventure with no reopening date yet.
Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show is closed at Universal Studios Florida. Estimated reopening in winter 2026.
Carousel of Progress is closed at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. New show debuts in 2027.
August 16: Last day ever for Fast & Furious – Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida.
August 21: Haunted Mansion reopens as Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland.
September 8: Indiana Jones Adventure closes at Disneyland, with no reopening date.
September 8-11: Mark Twain Riverboat closes at Disneyland.
September 14: Mad Tea Party and Tom Sawyer Island close at Disneyland, with no reopening dates.
September 15-20: The Untrainable Dragon closes at Universal Epic Universe.
October 26: Volcano Bay closes for the season, with a planned return on or before April 1, 2027.
November 20: Jurassic Park River Adventure reopens at Islands of Adventure.
January 4 – February 2, 2027: Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges closes at Islands of Adventure.
January 25 – February 4, 2027: Fyre Drill closes at Universal Epic Universe.
February 8-19, 2027: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey closes at Islands of Adventure.
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