Disney files an AI ride-safety patent that could cut load times in half — plus Sloth World is officially done, and 13 sloths are now stable at Central Florida Zoo.
Park Pulse Daily · Sunday, Apr 26, 2026
Sunday, April 26, 2026
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Disney Files AI Patent That Could Cut Ride Load Times in Half
Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a patent for a machine-learning system that would automate and improve the safety check process at theme park attractions — potentially slashing wait times while improving guest safety.
The newly surfaced Disney patent describes an AI-powered system that would verify rider restraints — lap bars, shoulder harnesses, and seat belts — using sensors and machine learning rather than manual checks by ride operators. The potential payoff is significant: faster and more consistent safety verification at every seat could dramatically reduce the time between each ride cycle, cutting load times in half at high-throughput attractions. Multiple outlets including WDW News Today, Laughing Place, and AllEars covered the patent this weekend, noting that if adopted it would represent the most substantial change to attraction safety procedures in decades. Disney has not announced a timeline for deployment.
WDWNT → Laughing Place → AllEars →
TouringPlans Films Hollywood Studios Construction Tour — Len Testa Walks the Transformation
TouringPlans' Len Testa and Chris Cox toured the ongoing Hollywood Studios transformation on camera, sharing photos and video of the Studio Courtyard retheme progress and what's visibly changing in the park right now.
First Signs of Refurbishment Appear at Sir Mickey's in Fantasyland
Construction activity has been spotted behind the curtains at Sir Mickey's in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, signaling that the once-quiet shop is finally in line for a refresh of its own.
Should One Piece Go Permanent at Universal? Fan Fest Reaction Raises the Question
Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles argues the overwhelming fan response to One Piece at Universal Fan Fest Nights warrants a serious conversation about making it a permanent fixture at Universal parks.
Shrek Is Back on the Big Screen for Its 25th Anniversary
Universal Pictures has announced a Shrek 25th Anniversary cinematic event returning the film to theaters — good timing given LEGO's first-ever Shrek sets and growing DreamWorks nostalgia this spring.
Sloth World Will Not Open, Following Dozens of Animal Deaths
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Sloth World will not open at all, ending a saga that saw code violations, a social media blackout, and a wildlife inspection revealing the deaths of dozens of animals at the planned International Drive attraction.
13 Sloths Now Stable at Central Florida Zoo After Transfer
The most encouraging update in the Sloth World saga: Central Florida Zoo reports that 13 sloths transferred into its care appear stable after initial assessments, offering a hopeful note amid the larger story of the failed attraction.
Attractions Magazine →
🎡 This Week in the Parks
Disney is reimagining how rides work. And Sloth World is officially over.
A new Disney patent points toward AI-powered safety checks that could transform how rides dispatch — faster, more consistent, and with less human bottleneck. Meanwhile, the Hollywood Studios retheme is progressing fast enough for TouringPlans to film a full construction walk-through. On I-Drive, the Sloth World story has reached its conclusion: the attraction is confirmed dead, though 13 of the surviving sloths are now stable in Central Florida Zoo's care. And Universal fans are debating whether One Piece should become a permanent presence in the parks after an overwhelming Fan Fest response.
Disney: AI Safety Patent Sloth World: Confirmed Closed Disney: Hollywood Studios Tour Universal: One Piece Debate
☀️ 7-Day Outlook · Orlando Area
Morning fog clears to mostly sunny skies today — 30% storm chance after 3pm. Tuesday and Wednesday turn fully sunny, with Wednesday touching 92°. Source: National Weather Service
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Disney · Magic Kingdom
Liberty Belle Riverboat Is Still Afloat Behind the Scenes at Walt Disney World
Aerial photos confirm the Liberty Belle Riverboat remains intact in the service marina — months after speculation began that the classic Magic Kingdom attraction might be towed away for good.
Disney Wish Returns Early to Port Canaveral After Crew Medical Emergency
A recent Disney Wish sailing was cut short when the ship returned early to Port Canaveral following a crew member medical emergency that required immediate shore-side care.
Disneyland Monorail and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin Return May 1
Two Disneyland classics are officially returning from refurbishment: the iconic Monorail and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin both reopen on May 1.
New Star Wars Black Series and Vintage Collection Figures Revealed at CCXP Mexico
Hasbro unveiled new additions to the Star Wars: The Black Series and The Vintage Collection at the CCXP Mexico fan convention, giving collectors a preview of what's coming.
World's Largest Movie Screen Is Coming to Clearwater
EVO Entertainment is bringing the world's largest movie screen to Clearwater, FL — 90 minutes from Walt Disney World — as the anchor of a new $50 million family entertainment complex.
Great Wolf Lodge Offers Season Passes for the First Time Ever
Great Wolf Lodge is now selling season passes for the first time, offering unlimited access across multiple U.S. locations — a new option for families in the Florida market.
"The most encouraging update in the Sloth World Orlando saga has arrived. Central Florida Zoo says thirteen sloths transferred into its care appear stable after initial assessments."
On the Central Florida Zoo sloth update — Attractions Magazine
📅 Upcoming Events · Florida Parks
V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days Begins
WDW 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 at Disney parks; Butterbeer Classic Roll & Chillatta launch at Universal Cinnabon. Thru May 18.
Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld's 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 Muppets set list.
Bands, Brew & BBQ Begins at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando's summer concert and food festival kicks off Independence Day weekend. Thru Aug 23.
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parkpulsedaily.com WDWNT · Laughing Place · AllEars · TouringPlans · Chip and Co · Attractions Magazine · Orlando Sentinel · Theme Park Insider · NWS · Apr 26, 2026
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