Big Thunder Mountain's rocky return: ongoing issues after 16-month closure, EPCOT transformation ahead, and Epic Universe portals are live.
★ Saturday May 09 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Saturday · May 09 · 2026 · ⛅ 95°
★ Today's Edition · Disney · Universal · SeaWorld ★
Big Thunder Mountain's rocky return continues.
The refurbished Magic Kingdom coaster is still stumbling weeks after reopening — plus EPCOT's big transformation is weeks away, Epic Universe portals go live in testing, and SeaWorld's summer nights calendar takes shape.
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★ Disney · Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain reopened to big problems
Walt Disney World's beloved Magic Kingdom coaster returned after a 16-month refurbishment to massive crowds and long waits — but the fanfare has been tempered by what AllEars reports are ongoing major operational issues since reopening. TouringPlans documented five key changes in the refresh, from new show scenes to updated rockwork — but guests are reporting frequent stops and early-close situations that have park-goers frustrated. The ride drew enormous lines when it first reopened, suggesting pent-up demand is running straight into an attraction still finding its footing after the lengthy closure.
★ Sources: AllEars.net → · TouringPlans →
EPCOT is about to look very different — and passholder previews are coming
AllEars confirms that a popular EPCOT attraction is changing this month, with the park set to look "completely different in a few weeks" — pointing to the Soarin' transition to Soarin' Across America. Meanwhile, Annual Passholders are getting early access: Disney has announced AP Previews for both Soarin' Across America and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, giving passholder fans a chance to ride both before the general public.
★ Universal · Epic Universe
Epic Universe portal testing ignites fan imagination
Fans spotting what appears to be portal-style effects being tested at the Epic Universe entry and Celestial Park have set the fan community buzzing. Attractions Magazine reports the testing is raising new questions about how the transition between Celestial Park and the themed lands will work — whether the portals are purely aesthetic or serve as an immersive gateway mechanism between worlds. Nearly a year after opening, Epic Universe continues to refine its guest experience, and this glimpse suggests more magic is still being layered in.
★ Source: Attractions Magazine →
★ Disney · Cruise Line
Disney Adventure's troubled May continues with canceled sailing
Disney's newest cruise ship is having a rough stretch: the Disney Adventure canceled its May 7 sailing after passengers had already boarded, due to a mechanical issue that left the ship unable to depart port. Refunds have been issued to affected guests. Theme Park Insider notes it's been a difficult month for the Adventure, with WDWNT reporting that guests spent their first night in port before the cancellation was announced.
★ Sources: Theme Park Insider → · WDWNT →
★ SeaWorld · Summer 2026
Electric Ocean returns June 12 — bigger nights ahead at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando's signature summer night event Electric Ocean is coming back on June 12, and this year's lineup is stacked. Attractions Magazine details an expanded experience with nighttime animal presentations, cirque-style entertainment, drones, fireworks, and expanded evening shows. The park is also extending hours, making summer SeaWorld visits a genuinely different experience after dark. SeaWorld is separately offering free admission to active-duty military and veterans as part of Military Appreciation Month.
Hocus Pocus 3 confirmed — Sanderson Sisters returning
The long-awaited threequel is happening. AllEars confirms the Sanderson Sisters will be back for Hocus Pocus 3, giving fans of Disney's beloved Halloween franchise another reason to celebrate the spooky season.
★ Disney · Disney Springs
Six Ravens exterior takes shape for summer
The dark and savory concept from the Gideon's Bakehouse team is showing significant exterior progress at Disney Springs. Laughing Place photos show new decorative panels installed as the summer 2026 opening approaches.
★ Sources: AllEars → · Laughing Place →
Crew's Cup reopens, a critter patent, and a hot dog empire hits CityWalk.
Disney · Yacht Club Resort
Crew's Cup Lounge reopens today; Yachtsman Steakhouse closes tomorrow
After a month-plus refurbishment, the lounge is back — while Yachtsman Steakhouse begins its own scheduled maintenance closure Sunday.
Universal · Patent Watch
Universal patents animatronic critter riders for dark rides
Theme Park Insider reports Universal has filed a patent for frogs, snakes, and other critters that could crawl onto guest ride vehicles — a quirky new layer of immersion for future dark ride attractions.
Joey Fatone's Fat Ones hot dogs coming to Universal CityWalk
TouringPlans confirms the 'NSYNC alum's hot dog and Italian ice concept will open later this year at CityWalk, refreshing the entertainment district's dining lineup.
California Grill raising prix-fixe prices in June
Disney World's Contemporary Resort rooftop restaurant will see a pre-fix price increase next month, per Laughing Place — worth noting for anyone planning a summer evening reservation.
Let us begin the week in review with a moment of Internet silence for Theme Park Insider's favorite place to eat — Mythos Restaurant.
— Robert Niles — Theme Park Insider
★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook
Sunny and steamy this weekend, storm chances building each afternoon through mid-week.
Coming up in the parks
Crew's Cup Lounge Reopens
Disney's Yacht Club Resort — after a month-plus refurbishment.
Yachtsman Steakhouse Closes for Refurbishment
Disney's Yacht Club Resort — scheduled maintenance begins Sunday.
Special brunch and dining events across Walt Disney World, Universal, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
AP Previews: Muppets Coaster & Soarin' Across America
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders get early access to both new experiences before general public openings.
Electric Ocean Returns — SeaWorld Orlando
Nighttime entertainment season opens with drones, fireworks, cirque shows, and expanded evening hours.
⬤ Disney · Disneyland
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin no longer spins
An iconic change at the beloved Disneyland attraction has fans expressing frustration online.
⬤ Disney · Contemporary Resort
California Grill prix-fixe prices rising in June
Disney World's beloved rooftop dinner venue increases prices next month — book now if you're planning a summer visit.
⬤ Universal · Epic Universe
Events Center foundation work progresses
A moisture barrier is ready for concrete at the future events venue off Celestial Park — construction is moving steadily.
WDW gifts teachers tickets, invests $1.3M in education
As the school year wraps, Disney World surprises educators with complimentary park tickets and a $1.3M education fund commitment.
⬤ SeaWorld · Military
SeaWorld offering free admission to military this month
Active-duty and veterans get free park admission during Military Appreciation Month, with year-round Waves of Honor access.
⬤ Universal · CityWalk
Cursed Coconut Club returns to Red Coconut Club
CityWalk's seasonal themed venue transforms once again — Orlando Informer has a first look at the 2026 Cursed Coconut Club experience.
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