HHN 35 confirmed: Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow return for Halloween Horror Nights' 35th anniversary; D'Amaro's first earnings call; SEAQuest announced for SeaWorld Orlando.
★ Fri May 1 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Fri · May 1 · 2026 · ☀️ 93°
★ Today's Edition · Universal · Disney · SeaWorld ★
Jack the Clown is back. HHN 35 just got real.
Halloween Horror Nights confirms its 35th anniversary theme, brings back two icons, and drops its first haunted house. Plus D'Amaro's first earnings call, SEAQuest at SeaWorld, and a birthday for Hollywood Studios.
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★ Top Story · Universal
HHN 35: Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow return for Halloween Horror Nights' 35th anniversary
Universal Orlando has confirmed the theme for Halloween Horror Nights 35 — and it's going back to its roots. Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow , the two most iconic figures in HHN history, are confirmed to return as the event marks 35 years. The first haunted house of the season has also been announced — details from Attractions Magazine signal this will be a genuinely special anniversary event, leaning into the legacy characters that built HHN's devoted fanbase.
Separately, Attractions Magazine breaks down Universal's full summer 2026 lineup by age group — with new Minions & Monsters experiences joining the returning Mega Movie Parade, CineSational, and seasonal dining and entertainment running May 23 through August 10.
★ Sources: Attractions Magazine (HHN 35) → Summer guide →
Jack is back. After 35 years, the icon who invented Halloween Horror Nights returns to reclaim his event.
— HHN 35 announcement — via Attractions Magazine
★ Disney · Business + Safety
D'Amaro runs his first earnings call as Disney CEO next Wednesday
Josh D'Amaro steps into the full spotlight next Wednesday as he leads his first Walt Disney Company investor earnings call as CEO , according to Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles. D'Amaro will face tough questions about Disney's direction — park fans will be watching for anything touching on Epic Universe competition, park pricing, and the Lakeshore Lodge investment timeline.
Also from Disney's R&D desk: Disney has filed plans for an AI system to monitor ride equipment , following recent patent activity around using AI to track whether restraints are properly engaged. A second filing covers AI-based monitoring of ride mechanical systems — an early look at how the parks are using machine learning for guest safety.
What's different about MNSSHP 2026
AllEars breaks down the specific changes coming to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year — including Stitch's new dance party, updated parade route details, and structural changes that separate 2026 from previous seasons.
Reopened Disney ride already troubled with downtime
AllEars reports serious concern over a recently reopened Disney World attraction that has already closed more than 25 times since its return — raising questions about whether the refurbishment fully resolved underlying reliability issues.
★ SeaWorld + Disney · New Attractions + Travel
SeaWorld Orlando announces SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep
SeaWorld Orlando has announced SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep — billed as the world's first suspended dark ride of its kind, opening in 2026. Guests board ride vehicles that hang beneath a track as they journey through a deep-sea exploration adventure, bringing a totally new ride style to the SeaWorld lineup.
On the Disney travel front, Disney World's Airport Luggage Transfer Service has expanded to include United and American Airlines — joining Southwest, which has been covered since April 2025. Guests on those carriers can now check bags directly from MCO to their resort hotel.
★ This Week in the Parks
The haunting season starts now — and Hollywood Studios turns 37.
Universal · Studios Florida
HHN 35 confirmed — Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow return
D'Amaro faces Wall Street for the first time as Disney CEO next Wednesday
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep announced — world's first suspended dark ride
Disney · Hollywood Studios
Happy 37th birthday — Disney-MGM Studios opened May 1, 1989
★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook
Sunny and hot today and tomorrow — a weekend storm system moves in Saturday afternoon.
Coming up in the parks
Star Wars Day — May the 4th Be With You
Disney Springs LEGO Store: free N1 Starfighter make-and-take build. Galaxy's Edge celebrations all day.
Universal Summer Blockbuster Experiences Begin
Mega Movie Parade, Minions & Monsters, Amity area, Spielberg Experience. Thru Aug 10.
Free Water Park for Disney Resort Guests Begins
Check in May 26–Sep 8 for free Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on arrival day.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026
86-day festival begins at EPCOT. Runs through November 21, 2026.
Halloween Horror Nights 35 — Universal Studios Florida
Jack the Clown + Dr. Oddfellow confirmed. First house announced. Dates and tickets TBA.
★ This Day in Park History
1989 May 1, 1989: Disney-MGM Studios Opens
Thirty-seven years ago today, Disney-MGM Studios opened its gates for the very first time — the fourth Walt Disney World theme park, and the first in the US built on the premise that guests could experience how movies are made. It would become Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2008, and it's in the middle of its biggest transformation yet.
Jurassic Park dino cosplay merch debuts at Islands of Adventure
Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland enters original trilogy timeline
Shanghai Disneyland hides "10"s throughout park for 10th anniversary
SeaWorld San Diego adds 600-drone nighttime show "Ocean of Dreams" for summer
Disney Springs hosting Crocs + Citizen Watches pop-ups this weekend
Disney files plans for AI system to monitor ride mechanical equipment
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★ SOURCES · ATTRACTIONS MAG · THEME PARK INSIDER · WDW NEWS TODAY · ALLEARS.NET · LAUGHING PLACE · ORLANDO INFORMER · NWS ★