Aerial photos reveal Epic Universe construction — Tropical Americas, Monstropolis, and Fast & Furious Coaster taking shape; WDW May events confirmed; Polynesian refurb update.
Park Pulse Daily · Sunday, Apr 19, 2026
Sunday, April 19, 2026
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🔥 Top Story · Orlando Parks
From the Air: Aerial Photos Capture Universal and Disney's Big Builds
@bioreconstruct's latest bird's-eye photos reveal sweeping construction progress across Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World — two of the biggest active builds in the country.
TouringPlans' Saturday Six aerial photo feature — shot by @bioreconstruct — gives us the most comprehensive recent look at what's rising across Orlando's two biggest resort corridors. At Universal, multiple new themed lands are visibly taking form, with major structural progress across several areas of the property. Over at Walt Disney World, scaffolding has gone up at the Polynesian Village Resort, marking the start of a significant exterior transformation. Two big builds, one big week for Orlando parks.
Polynesian Village Resort Exterior Refurb Well Underway
A closer look at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort shows major exterior construction work in progress, with scaffolding and fresh materials transforming the resort's iconic façade.
12 Big Events Coming to Walt Disney World in May
TouringPlans rounds up the 12 most significant happenings at WDW this May — led by Muppets RnRC opening, Big Thunder's return, Star Wars Day, and the start of summer season.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Orlando's Biggest Builds, From the Air. And May at Disney World is stacked.
New aerial photography gives us the best look yet at the scale of construction happening across Universal Orlando — multiple new lands taking shape simultaneously. Over at Disney, the Polynesian Village Resort exterior transformation is underway. And Walt Disney World has one of its biggest Mays in years ahead: Big Thunder returns May 3, Star Wars Day hits May 4, and Muppets Rock 'n' Roller Coaster opens May 26.
Universal: Epic Universe Construction Disney: Big May Ahead Disney: Polynesian Refurb
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Another great park day today at 90°, then a front drops temps to the low 80s Monday 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.
WDW Room Request Deadline: Last Day Today
Today, April 19, is the final day to submit Disney World hotel room requests through TouringPlans' Room Finder. Don't miss your window.
4 Passholder Perks Confirmed for May at WDW
AllEars confirms four Annual Passholder perks locked in for May at Walt Disney World — including special events and exclusive discounts tied to the busy spring-to-summer transition.
Star Wars Trooper Variant Collection Now at Disney Store
A Stormtrooper-variant collection landed online at the Disney Store and is heading to Disney Parks for May the 4th — featuring different trooper types in collectible form.
Mandalorian & Grogu Make WrestleMania Appearance
Grogu and a helmeted companion appeared live during WrestleMania as a special look at The Mandalorian and Grogu film aired for the wrestling crowd.
"The scale of Epic Universe construction is unlike anything we've seen from a single theme park build — and the aerials prove it."
On the latest construction flight over Universal Orlando — TouringPlans
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
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 and merchandise.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opens
The reimagined Hollywood Studios coaster opens on Memorial Day weekend with its full Muppets setlist.
Memorial Day Weekend — Summer Season Begins
All Florida parks enter summer mode with extended hours through Labor Day.
Fourth of July Celebrations at All Parks
Independence Day fireworks and special events across Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld.
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parkpulsedaily.com TouringPlans · Chip and Co · AllEars · WDWNT · Laughing Place · NWS · Apr 19, 2026
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