Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting seasons Orlando has seen in a while. Between new theme park announcements, seasonal dining events, and entertainment options across the city, there’s plenty worth knowing about before you plan your next visit. Here’s a look at what we’ve been covering recently on OrlandoEscape.com.

The Complete Guide to Star Wars at Walt Disney World

If you’re heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Star Wars experience deserves serious time on your itinerary. Galaxy’s Edge is one of the most immersive theme park environments anywhere — from piloting the Millennium Falcon and facing off against the First Order to sipping themed cocktails at Oga’s Cantina and using the Play Disney Parks app to interact with the world around you. A newly updated Mandalorian and Grogu mission is also now live on Smugglers Run. Our complete Star Wars experiences at Walt Disney World guide covers every ride, dining option, character encounter, and tip you need to make the most of a visit.

Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando: Full 2026 Guide

Halloween planning starts earlier than most people expect, and Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is already on the calendar for select nights from September 18 through October 31. The event delivers haunted houses, roaming scare actors, coasters in the dark, and themed bars — all at ticket prices that run roughly half what Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights charges. Our complete Howl-O-Scream 2026 guide breaks down everything from what to expect inside the haunted houses and which nights are least crowded, to a full pricing breakdown and tips for getting the most out of your evening.

A One-Night Tour of Italy at Disney Springs

On June 4, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs is hosting Gusto Italiano — a one-night immersive tasting event that takes guests through six Italian regions via chef-prepared stations. The menu moves from Prosciutto di San Daniele (Friuli) through handmade pasta, risotto, grilled meats, fresh seafood, and finishes with a classic Sicilian cannoli. Tickets are $95 per person and reservations through Tock are recommended given the limited one-night format. Full details are in our Maria & Enzo’s Gusto Italiano post.

Kings Orlando’s Packed June Lineup

Kings Orlando on International Drive is making June worth showing up for with three distinct themed celebrations running throughout the month. Pride Month brings the Love Wins Lavender Lemonade cocktail, with $2 from every sale going to The Trevor Project. From June 11 through 19, World Tournament watch parties take over with game-day food specials and giveaways for guests wearing their national team gear. And on June 21, Father’s Day gets its own treatment with bowling challenges, a putting contest, and a Double Smash Burger and Beer deal. Read the full breakdown in our Kings Orlando June events guide.

Big Changes Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in the middle of a significant transformation this summer. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is being reimagined as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, featuring The Electric Mayhem band and an all-new storyline debuting this summer. The new FØØD by Swedish Chef dining location opened May 26 with Muppets-inspired snacks and themed drinks. And over in Galaxy’s Edge, a new Mandalorian and Grogu-inspired pasta dish has arrived at Docking Bay 7. We’ve covered all of it in our Disney’s Hollywood Studios updates post.

Orlando Hotel Prices by Neighborhood: A Complete Guide

For anyone planning a trip and trying to figure out where to stay and what to budget, our new Orlando hotel prices by neighborhood guide is one of the most practical resources we’ve published. It covers nightly rate ranges across every major area — International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Universal Boulevard, Kissimmee, Downtown, and more — broken down by budget, mid-range, and upscale tiers. It also walks through seasonal pricing swings, resort fees, parking costs, loyalty program value, and the best neighborhoods to book depending on whether you’re traveling with family, on a budget, or focused on a specific park. If you’re comparing options for a summer or fall trip, this one is worth bookmarking.

That’s the latest from OrlandoEscape.com. Stay connected for more guides, event updates, and everything worth knowing about Orlando throughout the summer season.