Universal Orlando's biggest scare event kicks off August 28 this year — the earliest opening in its 35-year history — with 10 haunted houses and four scare zones themed to an Infernal Carnival of Nightmares. Licensed mazes include Stranger Things, Hellraiser, and Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness. The catch worth knowing: opening nights are consistently the calmest of the season, so an August visit is the single best value trick if you can swing it.

Disney just scattered five brand-new s'mores treats across Disney Springs, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom — from a Soarin'-garnished milkshake at Sunshine Seasons to a smoked-graham s'mores bar at Regal Eagle. EPCOT lands two of the five, making it the best park for a concentrated crawl, and The Ganachery is teasing a Pumpkin Spice variant that reads as the most likely to sell out. No prices or firm end dates yet, so treat the must-haves as limited-time.

Disney Cruise Line confirmed seven special voyages from New York City in late September 2027 — its first Manhattan season in years. Five sail to Bermuda (three add an extra beach day), and the set revives a New England & Canada route DCL hasn't run in nearly four years. A drive-to Northeast departure erases airfare for a big chunk of the country. Castaway Club booking opens August 31, with general sales September 8 — the extended-Bermuda dates should move fastest.