Monstropolis land takes shape at Hollywood Studios; SeaWorld rethemes Expedition Odyssey; Five Guys lands at CityWalk Apr 21.
Park Pulse Daily · Sunday, Apr 12, 2026
Sunday, April 12, 2026
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Monstropolis Takes Shape: Grand Avenue Facades Stripped at Hollywood Studios
The transformation of Grand Avenue into the new Monstropolis land is visibly accelerating, with the former street's exterior facades now stripped away to reveal construction beneath.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is undergoing one of its most significant expansions in years, and the pace is picking up. Grand Avenue — the New Orleans–inspired street that previously housed PizzeRizzo and Muppet Courtyard adjacencies — has had its building facades removed as construction crews shape the bones of the upcoming Monstropolis land. The new area, inspired by Pixar's Monsters, Inc., will anchor a major expansion of the park's back half. LEGO also released a new Sulley, Mike, and Boo BrickHeadz set in step with the buzz, signaling growing synergy between the construction milestone and merchandise rollout.
Big Thunder Mountain Lowers Height Requirement to 38"
Walt Disney World confirmed the coaster's height requirement drops from 40" to 38" when it reopens May 3 — opening the ride to shorter guests for the first time.
Attractions Magazine →
Disney Starlight Adds Flying Peter Pan & Wendy
The Magic Kingdom nighttime parade has added a long-awaited flying Peter Pan and Wendy moment that fans have been anticipating since the parade debuted last year.
Darth Vader Moves to New Spot Outside Star Tours
Guests can now meet Darth Vader in a new location just outside the Star Tours entrance at Hollywood Studios, replacing his previous meet-and-greet position.
Haunted Mansion Facade Goes Under Scaffolding
Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion is now wrapped in scaffolding and themed scrims as exterior refurbishment work gets underway on the beloved attraction's facade.
Five Guys Replaces Burger King at CityWalk — Closes Apr 21
Universal Orlando confirmed the Burger King Whopper Bar will close April 21 to make way for a Five Guys location, upgrading the fast-casual dining lineup at CityWalk this summer.
Epic Universe Preview Center Closing; Legacy Store Returns to CityWalk
Universal is shutting down the Epic Universe Preview Center as the park's May 22 opening draws near, bringing back the popular Legacy Store to CityWalk in its place.
SeaWorld to Retheme Expedition Odyssey to Fire & Ice — Less Than a Year After Debut
SeaWorld Orlando is evolving its flying theater attraction into a Fire & Ice theme, closing the current film to begin the transition. The original Expedition Odyssey opened in 2025.
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep Dark Ride Announced for SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando has revealed SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a world's-first suspended dark ride set to open in 2026, inviting guests aboard an undersea expedition.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Construction season is here. Everything's changing.
Hollywood Studios is transforming Grand Avenue into Monstropolis while Haunted Mansion gets a fresh exterior — all with Epic Universe's May 22 opening just 40 days away. SeaWorld is already pivoting its newest attraction to a Fire & Ice rebrand, and a brand-new suspended dark ride is in the pipeline.
Disney: Monstropolis Rising Universal: Epic Universe May 22 SeaWorld: Fire & Ice Coming
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Perfect park weather this week — sunny skies and low-to-mid 80s through Wednesday. Source: National Weather Service
Your Brand Reaches Park Fans
Reach thousands of Florida theme park fans who plan visits, buy merchandise, and book hotels.
Polynesian Village Boat Dock Closes for Refurb in May
Guests at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort will need to plan alternate transportation routes as the watercraft dock temporarily closes starting in May.
Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 Merch Now on Sale
Apparel and collectibles themed to Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 are now available on ShopUniversal.com, headlined by the event's new logo collection.
New Flowerbed Adds Greenery to Savi's Workshop Courtyard
The Savi's Workshop courtyard at Hollywood Studios is gaining landscaping improvements following months of walled-off refurbishment in the Batuu area.
Cursed Coconut Club 2026 Returns to CityWalk
Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk has been transformed into the Cursed Coconut Club again for 2026, bringing back the fan-favorite themed speakeasy experience.
Earth Day Celebration Comes to Disney Springs
Disney Springs is hosting an Earth Day celebration featuring a limited-time margarita and special activations as the environmental holiday approaches later this month.
Rescued Manatee & Bear Cubs: Theme Parks' Cutest Animal Moments
Spring has brought a wave of heartwarming animal stories across Florida's theme parks, with SeaWorld and others sharing rescued manatees and newborn bear cubs.
"Disney Starlight finally delivers the moment fans have been waiting for."
On Peter Pan & Wendy's flying debut in the Magic Kingdom parade — Attractions Magazine
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
Outdoor kitchens, topiaries, and live concerts at EPCOT. Thru Jun 2.
SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival
Global cuisine, live concerts, and weekend entertainment at SeaWorld Orlando. Thru May 17.
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Craft beer, wine, and global food marketplace at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Thru May 10.
CityWalk Burger King Closes (Five Guys Coming)
Burger King Whopper Bar closes April 21 to make way for the new Five Guys location at Universal CityWalk.
SeaWorld Seven Seas 5K Run
Race through SeaWorld Orlando during the Seven Seas Food Festival for a one-of-a-kind run experience.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
The wildest ride in the wilderness returns at Magic Kingdom with its new lower 38" height requirement.
SeaWorld Viva La Música
Latin music festival weekends at SeaWorld Orlando. Also May 16–17.
Busch Gardens Mother's Day Brunch
Special brunch experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to celebrate Mother's Day in style.
Universal Epic Universe Opens
The most anticipated new theme park in a decade opens with five immersive worlds in Orlando.
SeaWorld Electric Ocean + Drone Show Begins
All-new Electric Ocean nighttime experience with a debut drone show at SeaWorld Orlando. Thru Aug 30.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Florida's premier Halloween horror event returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Thru Nov 1.
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