Big Thunder Mountain reopens May 3rd with height lowered to 38"; Disney plans 1,000 layoffs; Chester & Hester's cleared for Tropical Americas; SEAQuest announced at SeaWorld.
Park Pulse Daily · Thursday, April 09, 2026
Thursday, April 09, 2026
Your daily Florida theme park briefing.
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Big Thunder Mountain Returns May 3rd — With a Shorter Height Bar
After a 15-month refurbishment, Magic Kingdom's beloved mine train reopens Sunday, May 3rd with its height requirement lowered from 40 inches to 38 — welcoming more families aboard.
Walt Disney World officially confirmed both the reopening timeline and a notable accessibility change for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: the height requirement drops from 40 inches to 38 inches when the coaster returns. Disney Ambassadors have already shared a sneak preview of updates made during the lengthy closure, and Imagineering filed a construction permit for the former Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser building — hinting at what comes next for that space. Crews were also spotted removing lime-green water from Cinderella Castle's moat ahead of the busy spring season.
Attractions Magazine →
Disney Reportedly Planning 1,000 Layoffs Under New CEO D'Amaro
The Wall Street Journal reports Disney will cut around 1,000 positions in the coming weeks under new CEO Josh D'Amaro.
Chester & Hester Sign Down as Tropical Americas Construction Accelerates
Crews removed the iconic Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama sign at Animal Kingdom Thursday as the new Tropical Americas land visibly picks up pace.
Monsters Inc. Roller Coaster Steel Going Vertical Ahead of Schedule
Steel has started going vertical on the upcoming Monsters, Inc. roller coaster at Walt Disney World — sooner than expected.
Disney Ambassadors Preview Big Thunder's Transformed Trains Ahead of May 3rd Return
Walt Disney World Ambassadors shared a first look at Big Thunder Mountain's newly painted trains and track work as the ride counts down to its May 3rd reopening.
Cursed Coconut Club 2026 Returns to Universal CityWalk
The Red Coconut Club transforms into the Cursed Coconut Club once again for its popular 2026 seasonal run — with a first look now available.
Universal Kids Resort Reveals All Four Themed Lands for 2026 Opening
Universal's upcoming Frisco, Texas family resort has officially detailed all four of its themed lands ahead of its 2026 opening.
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep Announced for SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando reveals a world's-first suspended dark ride — SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep — coming in 2026 to take guests on an underwater adventure.
Expedition Odyssey to Get Updates Less Than a Year After Debut
SeaWorld Orlando is signaling a new phase for Expedition Odyssey, preparing to update the attraction within its first year of operation.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Storms clear by Friday. A legend comes back next month.
Thursday's storms give way to a gorgeous weekend, with sunny skies and low-80s temperatures from Friday through Sunday — prime conditions for a Florida park day. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's May return with a lowered height requirement leads the news, while Disney's corporate picture is in flux with reported layoffs and major land-swap rumors swirling. SeaWorld announced an all-new world's-first dark ride, and the Monsters Inc. coaster is already going vertical ahead of schedule.
Disney: BTM Returns in May SeaWorld: SEAQuest 2026 Disney: Monsters Inc. ↑ Weekend: ☀️ 80–82°
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Thursday storms clear for a sunny, low-80s weekend across the Orlando area. Source: National Weather Service
Your Brand Reaches Park Fans
Reach thousands of Florida theme park fans who plan visits, buy merchandise, and book hotels.
May 4th AP Reservations at Hollywood Studios: All Gone
Annual Passholder reservations for Star Wars Day at Disney's Hollywood Studios are completely sold out.
World of Disney Marquee Finally Completed at Disney Springs
A brand-new "World of Disney" sign is now fully installed at the west entrance of the flagship Disney Springs store, completing a project started last July.
Disney Developing Better Weather Warning System for Guests
Walt Disney World is working on improved ways to alert guests before Florida's fast-moving thunderstorms hit the parks.
WDW Reveals Opening Dates for Multiple Attractions and Refurbs
Walt Disney World has announced official opening dates and timeframes for several in-progress attractions and classic refurbishments across the resort.
Buddy, Gatorland's Biggest Alligator Ever, Has Died
Gatorland's iconic giant alligator Buddy has passed away. Park officials said he had been slowing down in recent months and was under close veterinary care.
Six Flags Completes Sale of Six US Amusement Parks
Six Flags Entertainment has finalized the sale of six of its U.S. amusement and water parks, reshaping the company's footprint going forward.
New Summer Room Discount for Disney+ Perks Members
Disney has released a new summer room discount for Disney+ Perks members, covering select resorts for summer 2026 stays.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Is Back — New Scoring System
The freshly refurbished EPCOT shooter ride has reopened with a completely overhauled scoring system. Everything you knew about hitting targets no longer applies.
V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days Return May 1–July 31
Disney has confirmed the return of V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days, giving Annual Passholders exclusive perks and experiences from May 1 through July 31, 2026.
D'Amaro's Letter: Disney Will "Operate as One"
New Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro shared priorities with employees: operating as one unified company, with storytelling and innovation as the throughline of every decision.
"Walt Disney World will lower the height restriction on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad when the roller coaster reopens next month."
Robert Niles — Theme Park Insider
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
⭐ Endor Collection Online Launch
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Endor collection available online; arrives at parks May 4.
🎤 Garden Rocks: Information Society
80s synth-pop icons perform at EPCOT’s America Gardens Theatre. Thru Jun 1.
🎤 Garden Rocks: Rick Springfield
Rock legend Rick Springfield performs at EPCOT’s America Gardens Theatre for a weekend run.
🏃 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
5K, 10K & half marathon races through Walt Disney World parks and resorts.
🌿 Animal Kingdom Earth Day Celebration
Special Earth Day programming and conservation spotlights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
⭐ Star Wars Day at Hollywood Studios
May the 4th celebrations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Annual Passholder reservations already sold out.
⛏ Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
Magic Kingdom’s iconic mine train returns after 15+ months with new 38” height requirement.
🌊 SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep Opens
SeaWorld Orlando’s world’s-first suspended dark ride takes guests on an underwater adventure.
🌼 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Ends
Final day of EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, including the last Garden Rocks concerts.
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