May the 4th Be With You — and the new Big Thunder Mountain is smoother than ever; Lost Continent demolition begins at Islands of Adventure; Frontierland braces for Cars.
★ Mon May 4 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Mon · May 4 · 2026 · ☀️ 85°
★ Today's Edition · Disney · Universal · Busch Gardens ★
May the 4th — and Big Thunder has never felt better.
Star Wars Day arrives with Hollywood Studios in full force; the Big Thunder ride reviews are in and they're glowing; Lost Continent's demolition begins at Islands of Adventure; and Frontierland gets a Cars land timeline.
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★ Disney · Star Wars Day + Magic Kingdom
May the 4th is back in full force — and so is Big Thunder Mountain
Walt Disney World is celebrating Star Wars Day with a packed lineup that Attractions Magazine says feels more like Star Wars again — new themed food and drinks, exclusive collectibles, and a full day of Galaxy's Edge celebrations centered at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars PhotoPass Magic Shots are available today at select Hollywood Studios locations, though WDWNT notes several scenes are only available until 4 p.m. , so plan ahead. The Disney Springs LEGO Store is also running free Star Wars Day make-and-take activities all weekend.
Meanwhile, the first full day of reviews for the newly reopened Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are glowing. Attractions Magazine's reopening-day ride review calls out a noticeably smoother track and enhanced effects that meaningfully elevate the classic experience. AllEars polled their full team of Disney experts and the consensus is positive, while TouringPlans breaks down five things to know about the refresh after riding it on opening day. One early hiccup: the attraction experienced a brief operational issue around 6 p.m. on its first evening back, but AllEars reports it was short-lived .
★ Sources: Attractions Mag → BTM Review → TouringPlans →
A smoother track and enhanced effects that elevate the classic attraction. Big Thunder Mountain is back — and it's better than it's been in years.
— Attractions Magazine — Reopening Day Review
★ Universal · Islands of Adventure
The Lost Continent is truly lost now — demolition begins at Islands of Adventure
New aerial photos from bioreconstruct reveal that demolition of the Lost Continent area at Islands of Adventure is now actively underway , with initial stages of teardown visible from above. The once-beloved area — home to Sindbad's Storybook Voyage and the Oracle — had been quietly shuttered and awaiting redevelopment for some time. What replaces it remains unconfirmed by Universal, but the scope of demolition suggests a significant new land is in the works as the resort continues its ambitious expansion following Epic Universe's opening.
Disney · Magic Kingdom
Big Al's and Westward Ho get closing dates as Frontierland preps for Cars
Closing dates have been revealed for two long-running Frontierland dining spots, Big Al's and Westward Ho, as Magic Kingdom prepares the area for a future Cars-themed expansion. The closures mark the end of an era in one of the park's most beloved lands.
New Lakeshore Lodge concept art surfaces — 3 clues about what's coming in 2027
AllEars has obtained fresh concept art for Disney's Lakeshore Lodge, the new deluxe resort under construction on Bay Lake, revealing new details about the property's look and feel ahead of its 2027 opening.
★ This Week in the Parks
Star Wars, smoother thunder, and a Haunted Mansion mystery.
Haunted Mansion has been closed since Saturday — no reason given, no reopening date announced
Universal · Studios Florida
Horror Make-Up Show closing this month — a reimagined version arrives later in 2026
Blue Man Group is back in Orlando — TouringPlans reviews the brand-new show at ICON Park
New desserts debut at fan-favorite EPCOT restaurants around World Showcase
A gorgeous stretch ahead — sunny and clear all week as temperatures climb into the low-to-mid 90s by Wednesday.
Coming up in the parks
Busch Gardens Mother's Day Brunch
Special Mother's Day dining experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Glory in the Gardens — Busch Gardens Tampa
May 16–17. Gospel music celebration weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival — Final Weekend
Last chance for 200+ global flavors and weekend concerts at SeaWorld Orlando.
Busch Gardens Summer Nights Begins
Runs May 22 – August 9, 2026. Extended evening hours and entertainment at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Free Water Park for Disney Resort Guests Begins
Check in May 26–Sep 8 and receive complimentary Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on your arrival day.
Haunted Mansion dark for days — no explanation or return date from Disney
Horror Make-Up Show closing this month — reimagined version coming later in 2026
Blue Man Group is back in Orlando with all-new material at ICON Park
Disney · Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Day food, drinks & collectibles — get PhotoPass shots before 4 p.m.
Is the Magic Kingdom Welcome Show gone for good? The characters haven't returned
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★ SOURCES · ATTRACTIONS MAGAZINE · ALLEARS.NET · WDWNT · TOURINGPLANS · CHIP AND CO · LAUGHING PLACE · ORLANDO WEEKLY · NWS ★