Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift gets its first coaster track; Cinderella Castle transformation hints at an end date; SEAQuest dark ride announced for SeaWorld Orlando.
Park Pulse Daily · Thursday, Apr 23, 2026
Thursday, April 23, 2026
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🔥 Top Story · Universal
First Coaster Track Installed for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Construction on the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster has reached a visible milestone — the first section of track is now installed and can be seen from within Universal Studios Florida.
The Rip Ride Rockit replacement is officially a coaster. The first stretch of track for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift has been installed at Universal Studios Florida, marking the first time guests inside the park can see steel rising on the project. Construction crews have been working at a rapid pace since demolition of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit completed earlier this year, and the visible track marks a significant milestone for the attraction — set to anchor a new Hollywood-themed section of the park. Attractions Magazine reports that groundwork and structural work across the site indicates the project is progressing well ahead of its announced 2027 target.
WDWNT → Attractions Magazine →
Disney Quietly Hints at End Date for Cinderella Castle Transformation
Disney has dropped a subtle hint that the ongoing Cinderella Castle exterior renovation may be nearing completion — giving fans a potential photo-op timeline to plan around for the first time.
Blue Coaster Supports Spotted for Monsters, Inc. Roller Coaster
Blue roller-coaster supports are now visible at the Monstropolis staging area near Disney's Hollywood Studios — the first colored steel to appear as the Monsters, Inc. coaster project ramps up.
Epic Universe Preview Center Closes; Universal Legacy Store Sign Goes Up
The Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal CityWalk has officially closed its doors, and a sign for the returning Universal Legacy Store has already been installed in its place.
Shrek, Puss in Boots & Donkey Merch Lands at Islands of Adventure
A new Far Far Away collection featuring Shrek, Puss in Boots, Donkey, and more characters is now available at Universal's Islands of Adventure for fans of the swamp crew.
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep Announced for SeaWorld Orlando — World's First Suspended Dark Ride
SeaWorld Orlando has announced SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep — billed as the world's first-of-its-kind suspended dark ride — slated to open in 2026. The attraction will invite guests to board submarines and embark on an underwater adventure, adding a significant new headline ride to the park's lineup. The announcement marks one of SeaWorld Orlando's most ambitious new-attraction reveals in years.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Hollywood's Fastest Coaster Gets Its First Track. And the Castle is almost done.
The first stretch of coaster track is now visible at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — a concrete milestone for one of Universal's most-anticipated new projects. Over at Disney, blue steel for the Monsters, Inc. coaster is poking above the tree line near Hollywood Studios, and Cinderella Castle's long-running renovation may finally be nearing its end. SeaWorld dropped a major announcement too: a world's-first suspended dark ride is coming to Orlando.
Universal: F&F Track Up Disney: Castle Almost Done SeaWorld: SEAQuest Announced
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
A slight chance of afternoon showers today and Friday; gorgeous and warm by the weekend — highs near 89°. Source: National Weather Service
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EPCOT Scheduled for Unusually Early Closure on July 1
If you're planning a Walt Disney World trip around the Fourth of July holiday, take note — EPCOT has a surprise early closure on July 1 that could impact your park day plans.
WDW 2026 Dated Merchandise Already Discounted Resort-Wide
Just a few months into 2026, dated merchandise throughout Walt Disney World is already selling at a discount — including $20 baseball caps when bought in pairs.
Universal · Food & Bev
Optimus Prime Refillable Popcorn Bucket Rolls Out at Universal Orlando
Transformers fans can now pick up a new refillable Optimus Prime popcorn bucket at Universal Orlando Resort for $34.99 — the latest in the park's collectible bucket series.
Disney · Collectibles
New Hallmark Ornaments Include Pixar Pal-A-Round, Pirates & More
Hallmark has revealed dozens of new Disney ornaments for 2026 — including designs inspired by Disney Parks attractions like Pixar Pal-A-Round and Pirates of the Caribbean.
"Construction on the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster has achieved a new milestone, with the first section of track now visible from within the park."
On the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift construction milestone — 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 returns with an 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.
EPCOT closes unusually early on July 1 — plan your Fourth of July week accordingly.
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 WDWNT · Attractions Magazine · AllEars · Chip and Co · Orlando Informer · TouringPlans · NWS · Apr 23, 2026
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