Peter Pan & Wendy finally take flight in Disney Starlight; Big Thunder drops height to 38"; SeaWorld Expedition Odyssey going Fire & Ice.
Park Pulse Daily · Fri, Apr 10, 2026
Friday, April 10, 2026
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Peter Pan & Wendy Finally Take Flight
After months grounded on their float, Peter Pan and Wendy have debuted their flying effect in Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away — delivering the moment Magic Kingdom fans have waited for since the parade launched.
Since Disney Starlight premiered, Peter Pan and Wendy were fixtures on their parade float — present, but earthbound. That changed Thursday night when the two characters finally ascended above the crowd for the first time. Laughing Place described it as "the long-awaited moment fans have been expecting since the parade debuted last year," while Attractions Magazine called the crowd reaction immediate and electric. The flying effect is expected to be a permanent nightly feature going forward, adding a new visual highlight to an already popular parade.
Refreshment Port Becomes La Poutinerie
EPCOT's Canada pavilion counter is rebranding as La Poutinerie, hosted by Air Canada, bringing the classic Canadian dish to World Showcase this season.
Big Thunder Drops Height to 38"
Walt Disney World confirmed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens May 3rd with a lowered height requirement — 38" instead of 40" — opening the coaster to more young riders.
Attractions Magazine →
V.I.PASSHOLDER Dining Discounts Detailed
Disney has released the full dining discount schedule for V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days (May 1–Jul 31). TouringPlans breaks down the math by tier — and flags a "princess tax" on select experiences.
Third EPCOT After Hours Sells Out
The April 9 Disney After Hours event at EPCOT sold out, marking the third sellout of the year. Remaining April dates are filling fast — snag tickets now if you're eyeing one.
Universal Explores Reality-Fantasy Ride Blend
Universal is developing a new show system that blends real-world lighting with fantasy environments inside dark rides — a potential leap forward for future attraction design.
Cursed Coconut Club Returns for 2026
Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk is back as the Cursed Coconut Club for 2026, bringing its popular themed seasonal lounge experience back to the entertainment complex.
Expedition Odyssey Goes Fire & Ice
SeaWorld Orlando is rethemeing Expedition Odyssey to a Fire & Ice concept — less than a year after the flying theater debuted. The park says the new theme will deliver a more dramatic visual experience.
Buddy, Gatorland's Biggest Gator, Has Died
Buddy, the largest alligator ever at Gatorland, has passed away. The aging gator had been slowing in recent months and was under close veterinary care before his death.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Magic Kingdom Goes Airborne. Big Thunder Comes Back Down to Earth.
Peter Pan and Wendy's long-awaited flying debut in Disney Starlight is the feel-good moment of the spring. Meanwhile, Big Thunder Mountain confirms its May 3rd return at a more inclusive 38-inch height. SeaWorld is already refreshing one of its newest rides, and passholders have fresh summer perks to look forward to.
Disney: Peter Pan Flies BTM: May 3 Return SeaWorld: Fire & Ice VIPH Summer Days
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
A warm, sunny Easter weekend ahead with a slight chance of afternoon storms by midweek. Source: National Weather Service
Your Brand Reaches Park Fans
Reach thousands of Florida theme park fans who plan visits, buy merchandise, and book hotels.
Purple Martin Nest Checks Return
Join Disney conservation experts at Saratoga Springs Resort for spring purple martin nest checks — a seasonal wildlife encounter unique to the resort property.
Sassagoula River Wall Gets First New Sections
Crews have begun installing the new boundary wall along the Sassagoula River at Saratoga Springs Resort, replacing the old wall section by section.
D23 "Toast to Walt's Plane" with Bob Gurr
D23 is hosting an event where members can board Walt's Plane and hear stories from Disney Legend Bob Gurr, part of the Walt Disney 125th anniversary series.
New Menu at Flower & Garden's Farmers Feast
EPCOT's Flower & Garden Kitchen Farmers Feast has added fresh seasonal options mid-festival — worth a revisit before the event wraps in late June.
EPCOT World Showcase Passport Pack
An affordable and fun way to tour World Showcase — the EPCOT Passport Pack is a great pick-up during Flower & Garden Festival while it lasts.
New Buzz Lightyear Scoring Explained
After its refurb, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin has an all-new scoring system. Attractions Magazine breaks down what's changed and how to rack up more points.
"Disney Starlight finally delivers the moment fans have been waiting for."
Attractions Magazine — April 10, 2026
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Nightly Magic Kingdom parade — now featuring Peter Pan & Wendy's flying debut.
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
Topiaries, outdoor kitchens & live concerts continue through late June.
Seven Seas Food Festival
SeaWorld Orlando's food & concert event continues with select dates. Thru May 17.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's culinary event continues with select dates. Thru May 10.
Seven Seas Food Festival 5K Run
Run through SeaWorld Orlando during the Seven Seas Food Festival. Saturday, April 25.
Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice Opens
SeaWorld Orlando unveils the rethemed flying theater experience. Exact date TBD.
V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days Begin
Dining discounts & exclusive perks kick off for Annual Passholders. Thru Jul 31.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
Magic Kingdom's wildest ride returns after a year-plus refurb, now at a 38" height requirement.
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep
SeaWorld Orlando's world's-first suspended dark ride debuts in 2026. Date TBD.
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parkpulsedaily.com WDW News Today · Laughing Place · Attractions Magazine · TouringPlans · Theme Park Insider · Orlando Informer · Orlando Weekly · Fri, Apr 10, 2026
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