Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a Mandalorian makeover; Big Thunder Mountain caught fire on opening day; Hollywood Studios crowds hit a new level on May the 4th.
★ Tue May 5 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Tue · May 5 · 2026 · ☀️ 87°
★ Today's Edition · Disney · Universal · Busch Gardens ★
The Falcon is getting a Mandalorian makeover.
Disney Imagineering is adding Mando and Grogu to Smugglers Run with a new interactive path system. Plus: a fire broke out on Big Thunder Mountain's opening day, Hollywood Studios crowd levels hit a new ceiling, and Universal is sweetening its resort hotel perks.
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★ Disney · Hollywood Studios · Galaxy's Edge
Mando and Grogu are coming to Smugglers Run — and guests will choose their path
Walt Disney Imagineering has announced a major interactive update coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge on both coasts. Attractions Magazine reports the update will let guests choose their own path through the mission and interact with Grogu , adding a meaningful new layer of agency to the existing ride experience. The Mandalorian himself will also play a role in the updated storyline, tying the attraction more closely to the blockbuster film franchise.
AllEars has first-look images of the changes coming to the Millennium Falcon , showing how the storyline will be woven into the ride's pre-show and cockpit sequences. No implementation timeline has been announced, but the reveal follows the wide theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu film — suggesting Disney is wasting no time capitalizing on the momentum.
★ Sources: Attractions Magazine → AllEars →
They opened Big Thunder, they lit it on fire, and then they announced Mando is taking over the Falcon. This is the most Disney week in recent memory.
— Park Pulse Daily — May 5, 2026
★ Disney · Magic Kingdom · Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain caught fire on opening day — and the reviews are mixed
What should have been a triumphant reopening came with an unexpected jolt: Chip and Co reports a fire broke out at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on May 3, the same day the attraction returned to service . Fortunately the incident was brief and no guests were injured, but it added a dramatic footnote to one of Magic Kingdom's biggest reopening days in recent memory. Disney has not commented on the cause.
Meanwhile, not every ride review has been glowing. WDWNT's Tom offers a more measured verdict: the ride is beautifully refreshed, but the finale falls short of what many guests were hoping for . Theme Park Insider also rounds up the latest updates on recently reopened Disney attractions , noting BTM's strong early crowds and the ongoing conversation around the refurb's wins and trade-offs.
★ Sources: Chip and Co → WDWNT →
Disney · Hollywood Studios
May the 4th crowds at Hollywood Studios were "not for the weak"
Galaxy's Edge saw wall-to-wall guests for Star Wars Day 2026, with AllEars reporting some of the highest crowd densities seen at the park this year. Rise of the Resistance and Smugglers Run wait times surged throughout the day, making Lightning Lane practically mandatory.
Universal hotel guests are about to get a new summer perk
AllEars reports Universal Orlando is adding new perks for resort hotel guests this summer, making on-site stays an even more compelling option heading into the peak travel season. Details are still rolling out, but the announcement follows Epic Universe's blockbuster opening weeks.
★ This Week in the Parks
Fires, Falcon upgrades, and a whole lot of construction.
Disney · Magic Kingdom
New Magic Kingdom park map released featuring Big Thunder Mountain Railroad back in Frontierland
Transportation and Ticket Center gets construction walls — pavement and railings being replaced
"Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!" signs installed in Animation Courtyard — new show coming
Tangled restrooms close for planned refurbishment in Fantasyland
Summer heat arrives in full force — mid-to-upper 90s through the week, with a slight storm chance Friday afternoon.
Coming up in the parks
Busch Gardens Mother's Day Brunch
Special Mother's Day dining experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Busch Gardens Glory in the Gardens
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 hours and live entertainment at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Free Water Park for Disney Resort Guests Begins
Check in May 26–Sep 8 for complimentary Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on your arrival day.
Updated Magic Kingdom park map is out — BTM is officially back on the guide
"Docking Bay 6" sign corrected to "Docking Bay 3" in Galaxy's Edge
"Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!" signage installed in Animation Courtyard
Disney · Disney World Dining
Good news and bad news: Disney World restaurant menus have changed
Tangled restrooms close for refurbishment in Fantasyland
TTC construction walls return — classic pavement and railings being replaced
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★ SOURCES · ATTRACTIONS MAGAZINE · ALLEARS.NET · WDWNT · CHIP AND CO · TOURINGPLANS · THEME PARK INSIDER · ORLANDO WEEKLY · NWS ★