Monsters Inc. coaster columns rise at Hollywood Studios; Haunted Mansion goes under wraps; Burger King exits CityWalk Apr 21.
Park Pulse Daily · Sat, Apr 11, 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026
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🔥 Top Story · Walt Disney World
Monsters Inc. Coaster Columns Begin to Rise at Hollywood Studios
First steel support columns installed in the massive concrete foundation — a landmark milestone for the Monstropolis land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Construction on the Monsters Inc. Door Vault Coaster reached a visible turning point this week as aerial photos revealed the first steel support columns rising from the deep concrete foundation in the former Muppets Courtyard area. AllEars confirmed: "Construction for the roller coaster track for 'Monsters Inc.' Land has begun!" The new Monstropolis land will transform a significant section of Hollywood Studios with a fully immersive Pixar environment. No opening date has been announced.
Haunted Mansion Exterior Goes Under Wraps
Scaffolding and scrim wrap have appeared on the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom, signaling an exterior refurbishment is underway on one of the park's most iconic facades.
Monstropolis Takes Shape in Aerial Photos
WDWNT's aerial photography shows sweeping progress across the former Muppets Courtyard — the foundation footprint reveals the full scale of the Monstropolis land coming to Hollywood Studios.
Polynesian Boat Dock Closing in May
The Polynesian Village Resort boat dock will close in May as Lakeshore Lodge construction ramps up nearby, affecting water transport between the Magic Kingdom resorts.
Lakeshore Lodge Rising Along Seven Seas Lagoon
New aerial photos show significant vertical progress on Disney's upcoming Lakeshore Lodge resort, rising adjacent to the Polynesian Village on Seven Seas Lagoon.
Burger King Closes Apr 21 — Five Guys Moving In
Universal's Burger King Whopper Bar in CityWalk closes April 21. Five Guys will take over the space, bringing its made-to-order burgers to the resort's dining lineup.
Preview Center Closing; Legacy Store Returns
The Epic Universe Preview Center is closing as the park's May 22 opening approaches. Simultaneously, the beloved Universal Legacy Store — a fan-favorite for unique merchandise — is set to return to CityWalk.
Attractions Magazine →
Expedition Odyssey Rebranding as Fire & Ice
Attractions Magazine reports that SeaWorld Orlando's Antarctica-themed coaster is undergoing a significant retheme to become a Fire & Ice experience — a creative overhaul of one of the park's signature rides with more details expected ahead of its reimagined debut.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Construction season is in full swing. The skyline is changing.
Steel columns rising for the Monsters Inc. coaster, scaffolding on the Haunted Mansion, Lakeshore Lodge climbing along Seven Seas Lagoon — all at once. Meanwhile Epic Universe opens in six weeks, and SeaWorld is reinventing its Antarctica coaster entirely.
Disney: Monstropolis Disney: Lakeshore Lodge Universal: Epic Universe May 22 SeaWorld: Fire & Ice
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Beautiful spring weekend — sunshine and low humidity with breezy Saturday gusts to 25 mph. Source: National Weather Service
Your Brand Reaches Park Fans
Reach thousands of Florida theme park fans who plan visits, buy merchandise, and book hotels.
Disney & Fortnite Partnership Update
Laughing Place tracks the latest on the Disney x Fortnite collaboration as the growing partnership expands across gaming and theme park experiences.
What to Know Before Big Thunder Reopens
AllEars breaks down key rules and tips for Big Thunder Mountain when it reopens May 3 — including the new 38" height requirement and Lightning Lane availability.
Road Construction Around Disney: Good & Bad
TouringPlans covers the latest on Walt Disney World traffic patterns — some lanes reopening, others ramping up — with timing advice for spring visitors.
Hallmark Drops Cinderella Castle Tree Topper
WDWNT reports Hallmark has unveiled a detailed Cinderella Castle replica tree topper for 2026 — sure to be a must-have collectible for Disney fans.
Legacy Store Returns as CityWalk Shakes Up Dining
As Burger King exits and Five Guys moves in, Universal's fan-favorite Legacy Store is also returning to CityWalk with unique collectibles not found in regular park stores.
Disney Starlight's "Walk Time" Moments Draw Notice
Theme Park Insider weighs in on the Starlight parade's "Walk Time" pauses — moments where floats stop and performers engage guests, drawing both praise and commentary.
"Construction for the roller coaster track for 'Monsters Inc.' Land has begun!"
AllEars.net — April 11, 2026
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
Outdoor kitchens, topiaries, and live entertainment. Thru Jun 2.
SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival
Global cuisine, live concerts, and weekend entertainment. Thru May 17.
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Craft beer, wine, and global food marketplace in Tampa Bay. Thru May 10.
SeaWorld Seven Seas 5K Run
Race through SeaWorld Orlando during the Seven Seas Food Festival for a one-of-a-kind run.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
The wildest ride in the wilderness returns at Magic Kingdom — new 38" height requirement in effect.
Busch Gardens Mother's Day Brunch
Special brunch experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to celebrate Mother's Day.
Universal Epic Universe Opens
The most anticipated new theme park in a decade opens, featuring five immersive worlds.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Florida's premier Halloween horror event returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Thru Nov 1.
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parkpulsedaily.com WDWNT · AllEars.net · Laughing Place · Chip and Co · Attractions Magazine · Theme Park Insider · NWS · April 11, 2026
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