Cinderella Castle gets a fresh coat; Hollywood Studios closing June 18; Magic Kingdom fireworks schedule shifts next week.
Park Pulse Daily · Monday, Apr 13, 2026
Monday, April 13, 2026
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Cinderella Castle Gets a Fresh Coat as Hollywood Studios Construction Surges
Fresh construction photos reveal Cinderella Castle's pink paint fully removed and a new color emerging — while Hollywood Studios shows rapid Monstropolis and broader expansion progress.
TouringPlans photographers made laps through Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios after the weekend rain cleared, capturing the most comprehensive current look at both parks' transformations. Cinderella Castle's controversial pink paint is now completely stripped, and early views of the replacement color are drawing significant fan attention. Across the resort at Hollywood Studios, aerial and ground-level construction photos show Monstropolis taking shape at a rapid clip, with structural progress visible from multiple vantage points. Disney has also confirmed new ride opening dates and timelines across several attractions, signaling a busy summer season ahead.
Hollywood Studios Closing Early on June 18 for Private Event
Disney's Hollywood Studios will close to regular guests early on June 18 for a private event — guests with plans that day should adjust their itineraries accordingly.
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Schedule Changing Next Week
Magic Kingdom is updating its park hours and shifting the nightly fireworks showtime beginning next week — guests planning visits should check current schedules before arriving.
Two More Disney World Ride Closures Hit This Week
One ride just reopened, but two more Walt Disney World attractions are heading into refurbishment this week, adding to the resort's ongoing spring maintenance schedule.
Big Thunder Mountain Returns to Lightning Lane Ahead of May Reopening
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has reappeared on the Lightning Lane booking system at Walt Disney World, a positive sign as the coaster prepares to reopen May 3 with its new 38" height requirement.
Voldemort, Sirius Black & Luna Lovegood 2nd-Gen Wands Arrive
A new wave of second-generation interactive character wands is now available at Universal Orlando's CityWalk, featuring Voldemort, Sirius Black, and Luna Lovegood designs for wand collectors.
Universal Exploring New Show System to Blend Reality & Fantasy in Dark Rides
Universal is developing a new immersive show system designed to merge real-world environments with fantasy in dark rides — a technology that could debut across the resort's evolving attraction lineup.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Spring is peak planning season. Know before you go.
Cinderella Castle is wearing fresh paint, Magic Kingdom fireworks are shifting schedules, and two more Disney World rides head into refurb — all as spring break crowds thin out and the countdown to Epic Universe's May 22 opening ticks into its final weeks.
Disney: Castle Refresh Universal: Epic Universe May 22 Disney: 2 New Closures
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Sunny and warming through the week — temps climbing toward 88° by Thursday. Great park weather. Source: National Weather Service
Your Brand Reaches Park Fans
Reach thousands of Florida theme park fans who plan visits, buy merchandise, and book hotels.
Free Pretzel at Wetzel's April 26 — Including Disney Resort Locations
Wetzel's Pretzels is handing out a free pretzel at all locations on National Pretzel Day, April 26 — including stands inside Walt Disney World.
Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord Episodes 3 & 4 Now Streaming
Lucasfilm's animated series adds two new episodes: "Whispers in the Dark" and "Pride and Vengeance," continuing Maul's story in the Shadow Collective arc.
V.I.Passholder Summer Dining Discounts Detailed
Disney has released the dining discount lineup for its returning V.I.Passholder Summer Days program, including details on which restaurants participate and which tier gets what.
Universal Kids Resort Lands Revealed for Frisco, TX Opening
Universal has officially revealed the themed lands coming to its new Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, opening in 2026 — giving a first look at the family-focused park's layout.
Disney Opens 2027 Free Dining & Drinks Packages for UK Guests
UK and Ireland guests can now book Disney World's 2027 Free Dining & Drinks Packages, which bundle complimentary meals and beverages into resort stay reservations.
Believe It or Not — This Wasn't Disney World's Busiest Ride Last Week
AllEars crowned a new champion for Disney World's busiest ride after analyzing last week's wait time data — and the winner may surprise even frequent visitors.
"The rain stopped, the clouds cleared, and we took a lap around Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios to check in on the changes."
On the weekend construction update — TouringPlans
📅 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 and live weekend concerts 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.
National Pretzel Day — Free Pretzel at Wetzel's
Wetzel's Pretzels locations at Walt Disney World give out a free pretzel to every guest on National Pretzel Day.
SeaWorld Cinco de Mayo
Festive Cinco de Mayo celebration with themed food and entertainment at SeaWorld Orlando.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
Magic Kingdom's wildest ride returns with a new lower 38" height requirement. Now on Lightning Lane.
SeaWorld Viva La Música
Latin music festival weekends at SeaWorld Orlando. Also May 16–17.
Busch Gardens Mother's Day Brunch
Special Mother's Day brunch experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Universal Epic Universe Opens
The most anticipated new theme park in a decade opens with five immersive worlds in Orlando.
SeaWorld Electric Ocean + New Drone Show Begins
All-new Electric Ocean with debut drone show at SeaWorld Orlando. Thru Aug 30.
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parkpulsedaily.com TouringPlans · AllEars.net · WDWNT · Chip and Co · Laughing Place · Theme Park Insider · Orlando Informer · NWS · April 13, 2026
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