Overview
- Disney published previews on Wednesday, August 5 that confirmed the festival will run August 27–November 21 and unveiled the 2026 merchandise collection, a pavilion-specific Waiter Mickey PhotoPass Magic Shot, and the new 'Cheers to Cheese!' exhibit.
- The merchandise leans into a retro kitchen palette of blue, orange, yellow and purple and highlights items with playful, food-focused design such as a chef-themed ear headband, a churro-shaped foldout tote, a pastry-topped mug, and a wine glass sized for the festival tray.
- The Waiter Mickey Magic Shot is dynamic and changes by pavilion so Mickey appears serving churros in Mexico, dumplings in China, spaghetti in Italy, sushi in Japan, and macarons in France.
- 'Cheers to Cheese!' will open at CommuniCore Hall on September 18 as an interactive exhibit about the history and science of cheese that complements Emile’s Fromage Montage and other cheese-focused festival activities.
- Disney reiterated returning staples like Global Marketplaces, Remy’s Hide & Squeak, Emile’s Fromage Montage, and the Eat to the Beat concert series and warned that merchandise is sold while supplies last so guests should plan dining, concert seating, and shopping ahead of opening day.