Big Thunder Mountain returns May 3; Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Muppets queue posters revealed; SeaWorld changing Expedition Odyssey film.
Park Pulse Daily · Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
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Big Thunder Mountain Returns May 3
Disney has officially confirmed the reopening date for Magic Kingdom's legendary mine train — and cast members were spotted riding it this morning.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen Sunday, May 3, following its extended refurbishment. TouringPlans spotted cast members riding the coaster in testing mode earlier today — a strong sign that the wildest ride in the wilderness is nearly show-ready. The closure stretched longer than initially expected, and the May 3 date now gives trip planners a firm target. The reopening arrives just weeks ahead of the Epic Universe launch, making it a well-timed win for Magic Kingdom crowds.
Muppets RnRC Queue Posters Revealed
A special listening party in New York City debuted new interior queue artwork for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, themed to Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem. The attraction opens later this year at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Muppets Teasing More Songs With Easter Eggs
A new Disney Parks social media post is sparking speculation that additional songs beyond the already-confirmed Electric Mayhem track could be featured on the rethemed coaster's soundtrack. Fans are hunting hidden clues in the imagery.
Toy Story Coming to Frontierland
Jessie's Roundup will open in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland just in time for Toy Story 5, bringing Jessie and Woody to the western-themed land in what looks to be a character meet-and-greet experience.
Attractions Magazine →
V.I.Passholder Summer Days Dining Discounts Detailed
Disney has released the full list of dining discounts tied to the returning V.I.Passholder Summer Days program. TouringPlans breaks down the math by pass tier — including a notable "Princess Tax" at some table-service locations.
Green Eggs and Ham Cafe Scrim Down, Sign Gone
The construction scrim around Green Eggs and Ham Cafe at Islands of Adventure has been removed, but the restaurant's sign is still missing after more than a year of closure. No reopening date has been announced.
Cursed Coconut Club Returns for 2026
Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk is transforming again into the Cursed Coconut Club for its 2026 seasonal run. Orlando Informer has a first look at the themed décor and event lineup for this year's edition.
SeaWorld Changing Expedition Odyssey Film Under a Year In
SeaWorld Orlando is replacing the film in its Expedition Odyssey flying theater — less than a year after the attraction debuted. The change is already underway; no new film title has been announced.
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep Announced
SeaWorld Orlando announced SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, billed as the world's first suspended dark ride of its kind. The new attraction is slated to open in 2026 and will invite guests aboard an underwater voyage.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Thunder's back. Muppets incoming. Big week ahead.
Big Thunder Mountain's May 3 return gives trip planners a concrete date to celebrate, while Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's Muppets makeover continues to build buzz with new queue art and song teasers. Over at SeaWorld, the year is already bringing surprises — Expedition Odyssey is getting a new film before its first anniversary, and an entirely new dark ride was just announced.
Disney: Big Thunder May 3 Disney: Muppets RnRC Queue SeaWorld: SEAQuest Announced Universal: Epic Universe May 22
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Imagineering Reveals Buzz Lightyear's New Blaster Sounds
Walt Disney Imagineering shared a behind-the-scenes look at the new sound design for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, including a subtle nod to the world of toys.
Retro Figment & Dreamfinder Merch Hits EPCOT
A new collection of retro-inspired merchandise celebrating EPCOT's original 1982 identity — featuring Figment and Dreamfinder — has arrived at the park.
Polynesian Village Boat Dock Closed Through May
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort boat dock is officially closed for a major refurbishment through next month, affecting transportation between the resort and Magic Kingdom.
WDW Room Request Feature Ends April 19
TouringPlans' Disney World hotel Room Request tool will stop accepting new submissions on April 19. The feature is being discontinued; a free login will still be required to access the Room Finder.
$92 Disney Hotel Deal Extended Through June
Disney has extended its popular $92/night hotel deal through June. The rate applies at select value resorts and is available to book now for spring and early summer stays.
'Bumpy' Jurassic World Merch Now at Islands of Adventure
A new youth merchandise line featuring Bumpy — the fan-favorite Ankylosaurus from Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous — has arrived at Islands of Adventure's Jurassic World retail area.
"SeaWorld Orlando is closing its flying theater ride film less than one year after its debut."
Robert Niles — Theme Park Insider
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
TouringPlans Room Request Ends
Last day to submit WDW hotel room requests via TouringPlans' Room Finder tool.
Burger King Whopper Bar Closes at CityWalk
The CityWalk Burger King closes to make way for Five Guys, opening later this summer.
Seven Seas Food Festival 5K
SeaWorld Orlando hosts its Seven Seas Food Festival 5K run through the park.
Big Thunder Mountain Reopens
Magic Kingdom's wildest ride in the wilderness returns after its extended refurbishment.
Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando celebrates Cinco de Mayo with themed food, drinks, and entertainment.
Viva La Música at SeaWorld
Latin music festival returns for two weekends. Thru May 17.
Guy Harvey Weekend at SeaWorld
Conservation-focused weekend event at SeaWorld Orlando celebrating marine wildlife and the Guy Harvey brand.
Universal Orlando's massive new theme park opens to the public after years of construction. Five themed worlds debut on opening day.
Electric Ocean + Drone Show Begins
SeaWorld Orlando launches its all-new Electric Ocean summer event with a brand-new nighttime drone show. Thru Aug 30.
SeaWorld's summer food and music festival returns. Thru Aug 23.
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parkpulsedaily.com TouringPlans · WDWNT · Laughing Place · AllEars · Theme Park Insider · Attractions Magazine · Orlando Informer · NWS · Apr 14, 2026
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