Concrete work begins on Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom; Han Solo debuts at Galaxy's Edge; WDW Culinary Director retires after 30 years.
Park Pulse Daily · Thursday, Apr 16, 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Your daily Florida theme park briefing.
Florida theme park · Photo: Unsplash
Presented by Park Pulse Daily Sponsors
Sponsored · Leaderboard
Advertise with Park Pulse Daily
Concrete Pours Into Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom
Major earthwork is officially underway on Magic Kingdom's most transformative project in decades — the Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park replacing Rivers of America.
Concrete is now being pumped into the construction zone near the former Liberty Square Riverboat Landing, marking visible progress on Piston Peak National Park. The massive Frontierland expansion will replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island with a fully themed Cars universe environment. WDWNT captured images of the concrete work in progress — a sign the project is well past site preparation and into structural construction. No opening timeline has been announced.
First Look: Han Solo Coming to Galaxy's Edge
Disney has unveiled the first look at Han Solo, who is set to make his meet-and-greet debut at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios. The fan-favorite smuggler joins Black Spire Outpost as one of the most-requested characters in the land.
Josh D'Amaro Named TIME 100 Most Influential
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro has been named to TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2026. His profile was written by former CEO Bob Iger, who offered praise for his successor leading The Walt Disney Company.
V.I.Passholder Popcorn Bucket and Exclusive Merch Revealed
An exclusive Ashley Taylor-designed popcorn bucket and merchandise collection have been revealed for this summer's V.I.Passholder Summer Days at Walt Disney World. Annual Passholders can catch the special event at EPCOT starting May 1.
Bluey Magic Shots Debut at Animal Kingdom
Bluey Magic Shots PhotoPass experiences are rolling out at Disney's Animal Kingdom near the entrance, the Tree of Life, and other locations — giving the beloved Australian pup an official presence at the park.
Attractions Magazine →
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Magic Kingdom is being reimagined. Brick by brick.
Concrete is flowing into Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom while Han Solo prepares to step out at Galaxy's Edge. Disney's CEO is on the TIME 100 list, Passholders get exclusive summer merch, and Bluey has landed at Animal Kingdom. Big week for the Disney side of the street.
Disney: Piston Peak Construction Disney: Han Solo at Galaxy's Edge Disney: V.I.Passholder May 1 Epic Universe: May 22
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Morning fog today; sunny and hot through the weekend with highs near 91°. A gorgeous stretch for park visits. 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 · Hollywood Studios
Second Muppets Song + Cast Costumes Revealed for RnRC
A second Electric Mayhem song has been confirmed for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, and first looks at cast member costumes for the rethemed ride have been shared.
WDW Culinary Director Scott Hunnel Retiring After 30 Years
Scott Hunnel, the legendary culinary force behind Victoria & Albert's and Walt Disney World's fine dining reputation for nearly three decades, has announced his retirement. No replacement has been named.
Annual Passholders: EPCOT Has a Special Event May 1
Annual Passholders have a reason to head to EPCOT on May 1 — a dedicated V.I.Passholder event kicks off at the park. AllEars has the details on what to expect from the Summer Days experience.
Heads Up: It's Alligator Mating Season in Florida
Alligator mating season is underway in Florida, making gators more active and visible — including near resort areas. AllEars has a helpful rundown of safety tips for your next Central Florida visit.
Universal · Harry Potter
Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure Arriving in 2026
A new Harry Potter Hogwarts Express experience is set to debut in 2026, inviting fans to board the wizarding world's most iconic train. Attractions Magazine has the details on what's ahead.
Disney · Grand Floridian
Afternoon Tea at Grand Floridian: More Kid-Friendly Than You'd Think
Attractions Magazine reviewed the afternoon tea experience at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, finding the elegant service has a surprisingly accessible menu for families bringing younger guests.
"The close of the culinary leader's nearly three-decade career with Disney marks the end of an era for fine dining across Walt Disney World Resort."
On Scott Hunnel's retirement — WDWNT
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
TouringPlans Room Request Feature Ends
Last day to submit WDW hotel room requests via TouringPlans' Room Finder tool.
Burger King Whopper Bar Closes at CityWalk
Closes to make way for Five Guys, opening later this summer at Universal CityWalk.
Seven Seas Food Festival 5K
SeaWorld Orlando hosts its themed 5K run through the park.
V.I.Passholder Summer Days Begins at EPCOT
Annual Passholders get exclusive access to the V.I.Passholder Summer Days event at EPCOT, with exclusive merch and experiences.
Big Thunder Mountain Reopens
Magic Kingdom's wildest mine train coaster returns after its extended refurbishment.
Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld
Themed food, drinks, and entertainment for Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando.
Viva La Música at SeaWorld
Latin music festival at SeaWorld Orlando. Thru May 17.
Universal Orlando's massive new theme park opens. Five themed worlds debut on opening day.
Electric Ocean + Drone Show Begins
SeaWorld Orlando's Electric Ocean summer event launches with a new drone show. Thru Aug 30.
SeaWorld's summer food and music festival. Thru Aug 23.
Support independent park journalism
Every edition, every morning. Section sponsorships & display ads available.
We want to hear from you
How are we doing? Tell us.
Got a tip, correction, or park intel? We read every reply.
parkpulsedaily.com WDWNT · Laughing Place · AllEars · Chip & Co · Attractions Magazine · TouringPlans · NWS · Apr 16, 2026
You're receiving this because you subscribed to Park Pulse Daily. Unsubscribe · View in browser