Universal Orlando debuts Express Now skip-the-line; SeaWorld reveals SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep; Sorcerer's Hat returns to Hollywood Studios.
Park Pulse Daily · Saturday, Apr 18, 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026
☀️ 91° · Mostly Sunny
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🔥 Top Story · Universal
Universal Orlando Launches Express Now — Skip the Line on the Spot
Universal has rolled out Express Now, a capacity-based, per-attraction queue-skip available on the day of your visit — no full Express Pass required.
Universal Express Now lets guests bypass the standard queue at select attractions based on available capacity, sold per-attraction for limited windows throughout the day. Already live at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, it's a more flexible and targeted alternative to the traditional Express Pass — and a sign Universal is expanding its queue-management toolkit ahead of Epic Universe's opening.
The Sorcerer's Hat Is Back at Hollywood Studios
The iconic Mickey Sorcerer's Hat — missing since 2015 — has made an unexpected return to Disney's Hollywood Studios, reviving one of the park's most nostalgic landmarks.
More Passholder Good-to-Go Days Added for April
Walt Disney World added four more Good-to-Go days for Annual Passholders at the end of April — extra reservation-free windows for pass holders wrapping up the spring season.
Cursed Coconut Club Returns to CityWalk for 2026
The Red Coconut Club transforms once again into the Cursed Coconut Club for its 2026 seasonal run at Universal CityWalk.
HHN 35 Scare Actor Casting Call Now Open
Universal Orlando posted a casting call for Halloween Horror Nights 35 actors, confirming the event runs August–November 2026 and production is underway.
SeaWorld Orlando Announces SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep
SeaWorld Orlando officially revealed its next major attraction: SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep — the world's first suspended dark ride, opening in 2026. Guests board a first-of-its-kind ride system through an underwater adventure unlike anything operating at a Florida park today.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Universal Rewrites the Queue. SeaWorld just announced a world first.
Universal Orlando debuted Express Now — a capacity-based, per-attraction queue skip you can buy on the day, no full pass needed. SeaWorld Orlando revealed SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a world's-first suspended dark ride opening in 2026. And Hollywood Studios fans got a surprise: the Sorcerer's Hat is back after an 11-year absence.
Universal: Express Now Live SeaWorld: SEAQuest 2026 Disney: Sorcerer's Hat Returns
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Excellent park weather this weekend — high near 91° today, 90° Sunday. Cooler by Monday with a front bringing highs to the low 80s. Source: National Weather Service
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Room Request Deadline: Tomorrow, Apr 19
Sunday is the last day to submit WDW hotel room requests through TouringPlans' Room Finder tool.
Disney's Limited-Time "Disney Store" Pop-Up Returns
A new limited-time "Disney Store" concept revives the beloved mall-store format, bringing physical Disney retail back for fans who miss it.
Attractions Magazine →
CinemaCon: Disney Reveals Toy Story 5, Moana & More
Disney highlighted park-connected films at CinemaCon — Toy Story 5, live-action Moana with Dwayne Johnson, and the new Infinity Vision cinema format.
Pandora Park-Exclusive Diamond Castle Charm at WDW
Pandora released a WDW-exclusive Disney Castle charm made with lab-grown diamonds — priced at $825, available only inside the parks.
"SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep will be the world's first suspended dark ride — an entirely new kind of underwater adventure for SeaWorld Orlando."
On the new SeaWorld attraction announcement — Orlando Informer
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
WDW Room Request Deadline
Last day to submit Disney World hotel room requests through TouringPlans.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
Magic Kingdom's beloved mine train returns from its extended refurbishment.
Star Wars Day at Disney Parks
May the 4th Be With You — Galaxy's Edge and Hollywood Studios celebrate with special offerings.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opens
The reimagined Hollywood Studios coaster opens Memorial Day weekend with its full Muppets setlist.
Memorial Day Weekend — Summer Season Begins
All Florida parks enter summer-season mode with extended hours through Labor Day.
Fourth of July Celebrations at All Parks
Independence Day fireworks and special events at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld.
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parkpulsedaily.com TouringPlans · WDWNT · Orlando Informer · Attractions Magazine · Theme Park Insider · Chip and Co · NWS · Apr 18, 2026
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