Disney reveals Lakeshore Lodge first look and opening season; WDI shares Muppets coaster queue footage; Disney goes 100% solar on Earth Day; Epic Universe Visa lounge quietly opens.
Park Pulse Daily · Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
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First Look Inside Lakeshore Lodge — Disney Reveals Opening Season for Its Next Resort
Disney has shared the first real look inside Lakeshore Lodge, the Disney Vacation Club resort rising on the former River Country site at Bay Lake — along with its official opening season.
Walt Disney Imagineering pulled back the curtain on Lakeshore Lodge with a first-look reveal today, sharing construction visuals and confirming the 2027 opening season for the new DVC resort. Located on the southern shore of Bay Lake — the long-abandoned site of River Country — the lodge will be Disney's first new resort on that shoreline in decades. The debut episode of WDI's new "Pardon Our Pixie Dust" YouTube series ties together Lakeshore Lodge, the Muppets coaster, and Big Thunder Mountain in one behind-the-scenes package, giving fans the most complete single-day construction update in recent memory.
Chip and Co → Attractions Magazine →
Disney World Solar Now Powers 100% of Resort's Daytime Needs
On sunny spring and summer days, Disney World's four solar projects can now generate up to 100% of the daytime power needs of the entire resort — all four parks, two water parks, and dozens of hotels.
WDI Shares First Look Inside Muppets Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Queue
The debut of Walt Disney Imagineering's new YouTube series includes the first construction glimpse inside the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets queue ahead of its May 26 opening.
Visa Lounge Quietly Opens Inside Epic Universe Before Official Launch
A Visa cardholder lounge has been spotted open and operating inside Epic Universe — no official announcement made — giving co-branded cardholders an early, exclusive taste of the park before its official opening.
Attractions Magazine →
Universal Replaces Self-Service Ticket Kiosks With QR Code Signage
Universal Orlando has removed its self-service ticket machines and replaced them with QR code signage directing guests to mobile ticketing — a quiet but significant shift in how the resort handles day-of ticket sales.
31 Sloths Died at Planned Sloth World Facility Before Orlando Attraction Opened
A Florida wildlife inspection report obtained by Orlando Weekly reveals that 31 sloths died in the care of Sloth World — a planned I-Drive attraction — before the venue ever opened to the public. The Attractions Magazine report adds context from the inspection findings, raising serious questions about the future of the facility and its operating permits.
Orlando Weekly → Attractions Magazine →
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Disney's Next Resort Comes Into Focus. And the parks ran on sunshine today.
On Earth Day, Disney World quietly hit a milestone: four solar farms can now generate 100% of the resort's daytime power on sunny days. WDI also launched "Pardon Our Pixie Dust" with first-look footage of Lakeshore Lodge and the Muppets coaster queue. At Universal, a Visa cardholder lounge opened inside Epic Universe — no announcement, just quietly operational — a sign that the park is getting closer to ready.
Disney: Lakeshore Lodge 2027 Disney: 100% Solar Universal: Visa Lounge Open
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Beautiful park weather all week — warming into the upper 80s by the weekend with just a slight afternoon storm chance Thursday and Friday. Source: National Weather Service
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H2O Glow After Hours 2026 Tickets Now on Sale at Typhoon Lagoon
Disney has announced dates and opened ticket sales for H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon this summer, with Resort guests getting first access to the neon-lit evening event.
Disney Cruise Line Launches Kids Sail 50% Off — Book by June 14
Disney Cruise Line has announced a new kids' fare discount: children sail at 50% off when booked with two full-fare guests. The deal must be booked by June 14, 2026.
Universal · Passholders
Universal May Passholder Perks: Transformers Magnet + Merch Credit
Universal Orlando Annual Passholders get a Transformers magnet and merchandise credit as part of May's bonus benefits — the latest in Universal's monthly AP appreciation program.
Disney Enters First-of-Its-Kind Banking Partnership
Disney has announced a new partnership described as first-of-its-kind in the banking space — an expansion of Disney's brand into financial services products aimed at fans and families.
"On a sunny day in spring or summer, four solar projects can now produce up to 100% of the daytime power needs of the entire resort."
On Walt Disney World's solar milestone, Earth Day 2026 — WDWNT
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
Seven Seas Food Festival 5K
SeaWorld Orlando's annual 5K run closes out the Seven Seas Food Festival weekend.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
Magic Kingdom's iconic mine train returns from refurbishment.
Star Wars Day at Disney Parks
May the 4th — Galaxy's Edge and Hollywood Studios celebrate with special events and merchandise.
Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando
Latin music festival returns for two weekends — May 9–10 and May 16–17.
Electric Ocean + Ignite Drone Show Opens
SeaWorld's summer nighttime spectacular with all-new drone show. Thru Aug 30.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opens
The reimagined Hollywood Studios coaster debuts on Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend — Summer Season Begins
All Florida parks shift to extended summer hours through Labor Day.
Fourth of July Celebrations at All Parks
Independence Day fireworks and events across Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld.
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parkpulsedaily.com Chip and Co · WDWNT · Attractions Magazine · TouringPlans · Theme Park Insider · Orlando Weekly · AllEars · NWS · Apr 22, 2026
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