Encanto and Indiana Jones rides are taking shape at Animal Kingdom — plus Vacation Fun closes at Hollywood Studios and SeaQuest lands at SeaWorld in 2026.
Park Pulse Daily · Saturday, Apr 25, 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026
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Encanto and Indiana Jones Rides Are Taking Shape at Animal Kingdom
New construction photos show real progress on both headline rides coming to the Tropical Americas expansion — the biggest transformation Animal Kingdom has seen in years.
The former DinoLand U.S.A. footprint at Disney's Animal Kingdom is quietly becoming something remarkable. Attractions Magazine's latest construction photo update shows structural work advancing on ride infrastructure for both an Encanto-themed experience and an Indiana Jones adventure attraction in the Tropical Americas expansion. The scale of progress is visible — framing, supports, and foundational elements are up across multiple areas of what will be a sweeping new land. When complete, Tropical Americas will give Animal Kingdom two major new headline attractions for the first time since Pandora opened in 2017.
Attractions Magazine →
"Vacation Fun" Closing Soon for Multi-Month Refurbishment
The short animated film experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios is closing soon for a lengthy refurbishment, part of the broader Animation Courtyard transformation into The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard.
Soarin' Across America Gets Operating Hours for Its Limited EPCOT Run
Disney has published operating hours for the limited-time Soarin' Across America reimagining at EPCOT, giving guests the window they need to plan a visit before the seasonal version wraps.
First Look Inside the Cursed Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk
Orlando Informer has a first-look preview of the Cursed Coconut Club, the 2026 seasonal transformation of the Red Coconut Club at CityWalk — a themed destination experience returning to Universal's nightlife corridor.
Butterbeer Gets a Cinnabon Twist for Two Weeks Only Starting May 4
A Butterbeer Classic Roll and Butterbeer Chillatta are landing at Cinnabon inside Universal Orlando starting May 4 — but only for a two-week limited run. Harry Potter fans should plan fast.
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep Is Coming to SeaWorld Orlando in 2026
SeaWorld Orlando has announced an all-new headline attraction for 2026: SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, billed as a world's-first suspended dark ride where guests board an underwater vehicle through immersive ocean environments.
AquaGlow Returns to Aquatica Orlando with New Neon Party Nights This Summer
Aquatica Orlando has announced the 2026 AquaGlow dates, including a new Neon Party experience that brings glow-in-the-dark energy to the water park after dark this summer season.
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Animal Kingdom's next era is rising out of the ground. And SeaWorld just dropped a world's first.
Construction photos confirm Tropical Americas is moving fast — Encanto and Indiana Jones ride infrastructure is visible and advancing at Animal Kingdom. Over at Hollywood Studios, Vacation Fun is heading into a long closure as the courtyard retheme accelerates. SeaWorld made a big announcement with SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a world's-first suspended dark ride coming in 2026. And over at CityWalk, the Cursed Coconut Club is taking shape for its seasonal debut.
Disney: Tropical Americas Progress SeaWorld: SEAQuest 2026 Disney: Hollywood Studios Retheme May 4: Butterbeer Cinnabon
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Beautiful park morning — afternoon storm chance 30% after 3pm today. Sunday similar. Tuesday turns fully sunny. 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
Vintage Silly Symphony Billboard Appears at Transformed Hollywood Studios Area
A classic billboard recreating 1920s Disney Silly Symphony art has appeared in the refreshed Animation Courtyard as the area's transformation into The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard continues.
Another Wave of Bluey Merchandise Is Heading to Disney Parks and Disney Store
Following the debut of Bluey's Best Day Ever! at Disneyland, Disney is rolling out a new wave of Bluey merchandise across parks and the Disney Store.
Crocs Launches Toy Story 5 Collection with Jessie Boots and Alien Clogs
Crocs has debuted a Toy Story 5 collaboration featuring Jessie-themed cowgirl boots and Little Green Alien clogs, adding to the growing wave of Roundup Reveal Week merchandise.
Disney · Conservation
Disney Conservation Fund Marks 30 Years with New Cruise Line Sustainability Initiatives
The Disney Conservation Fund is celebrating its 30th anniversary with new sustainability updates across Disney Cruise Line, spotlighted during Earth Month.
Disney Is Exploring New Technology to Monitor Thrill Ride Restraints
Theme Park Insider reports that Disney is researching new ways to verify ride restraints are properly secured before dispatch — moving beyond traditional manual checks by ride operators.
LEGO Unveils Its First-Ever Shrek Sets — Far Far Away Comes to Bricks
LEGO has announced its first Shrek sets ever, inspired by the beloved DreamWorks franchise — good news for LEGOLAND fans and Shrek fans alike.
"Opening in 2026, SeaWorld Orlando will debut an all-new attraction: SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep. This world's first-of-its-kind suspended dark ride invites guests to board an underwater vehicle."
On the SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep announcement — Orlando Informer
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days Begins
Walt Disney World Annual Passholder perks kick off — new AP lounge, exclusive character greets. Thru Jul 31.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
The wildest ride in the wilderness returns to Magic Kingdom from its extended refurbishment.
Star Wars Day + Butterbeer Cinnabon Debut
May the 4th celebrations at Disney parks; Butterbeer Classic Roll & Chillatta launch at Universal Cinnabon. Thru May 18.
Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld celebrates with themed food, music, and entertainment for the holiday.
Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando
Latin music festival — two weekends, May 9–10 and May 16–17.
Electric Ocean + Ignite Drone Show Opens
SeaWorld Orlando's summer nighttime spectacular returns with an all-new drone show. Thru Sep 7.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opens
The reimagined Hollywood Studios coaster debuts on Memorial Day weekend with a brand new Muppets set list.
Bands, Brew & BBQ Begins at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando's summer concert and food festival launches Independence Day weekend. Thru Aug 23.
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parkpulsedaily.com Attractions Magazine · Chip and Co · Laughing Place · Orlando Informer · Theme Park Insider · NWS · Apr 25, 2026
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