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Monday, May 11, 2026

First look at the new Smugglers Run Hondo Ohnaka preshow, MNSSHP tickets go on sale tomorrow, and BTM wasn't even Magic Kingdom's busiest ride its first week back.

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First look at the new Smugglers Run Hondo Ohnaka preshow, MNSSHP tickets go on sale tomorrow, and BTM wasn't even Magic Kingdom's busiest ride its first week back.

★ Monday May 11 · 5 min read

Florida theme parks, every single morning.

Monday · May 11 · 2026 · ⛅ 92°

★ Today's Edition · Disney · Universal ★

Hondo Ohnaka steals the Falcon in first look at the new Smugglers Run preshow.

The Mandalorian Mission makeover is taking shape at Hollywood Studios — plus MNSSHP tickets go on sale tomorrow, and the BTM comeback numbers have a surprise twist.

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★ Disney · Hollywood Studios

First look: Hondo Ohnaka takes the Falcon in revamped Smugglers Run preshow

The Mandalorian Mission transformation of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is coming into focus. WDWNT's daily recap reveals a first look at the updated attraction preshow, in which Hondo Ohnaka — the fan-favorite Weequay pirate — steals the Millennium Falcon, replacing the existing Kessel Run storyline with a Mandalorian-era adventure. The preshow change sets up a new mission for guests piloting the ship, and with Annual Passholder previews already sold out , demand for the new experience is intense ahead of its public debut.

★ Sources: WDWNT → · Chip & Co →

★ Disney · Magic Kingdom ★ Act Now

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets go on sale tomorrow

If Halloween at Magic Kingdom is on your radar, set a reminder: general ticket sales for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026 open to the public on May 12th. TouringPlans has already published a touring plan for adults with small children to help you make the most of party nights. Popular dates sell out quickly — the party runs select evenings through October and into early November, with trick-or-treat trails, Mickey's Boo-to-You Parade, and the not-to-be-missed Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.

★ Source: TouringPlans →

★ Disney · Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain reopened — and wasn't Magic Kingdom's busiest ride

After a 16-month closure, a refurbishment, and a rocky return marked by ongoing operational issues, Big Thunder Mountain's first full week of wait time data has landed — with a surprising result. AllEars reports the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness" wasn't even Magic Kingdom's most in-demand attraction last week, suggesting either that operational hiccups dampened enthusiasm, that guest routing shifted, or that other rides absorbed the demand. Meanwhile, two Disney Springs stores are set to close next week , adding to the ongoing shuffle of venues across the resort.

★ Source: AllEars.net →

★ Universal · Patent Watch

New Universal patent could change everything about ride tech

AllEars spotlights a newly filed Universal patent that hints at a potentially new type of ride technology — adding to the growing stack of patents suggesting Universal is working on next-generation attraction experiences.

SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep coming to SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando Informer reports SeaWorld Orlando will debut SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep — a world's-first suspended dark ride — in 2026, inviting guests aboard an undersea adventure.

★ Sources: AllEars → · Orlando Informer →

Crew's Cup remodel photos, Brightline trouble, and more.

Disney · Yacht Club Resort

Remodeled Crew's Cup Lounge gets its photo shoot

WDWNT has photos of the freshly reopened Crew's Cup Lounge — the refurbishment brought a light remodel alongside the return of the popular bar. Next door, Yachtsman Steakhouse has now officially closed for its own long-planned refurbishment.

Southwest expands Florida routes as Brightline eyes bankruptcy

WDWNT notes Southwest Airlines is expanding Florida routes following Spirit Airlines' shutdown — helpful news for park-goers. Less helpful: Brightline, the train connecting Miami to Orlando, may be heading toward bankruptcy.

Disney · Hollywood Studios

The Mandalorian & Grogu merch blitz is underway ahead of May 22

WDWNT rounds up a flood of new Mandalorian and Grogu merchandise from Stoney Clover, Geeki Tikis, Citizen, Pottery Barn, and more ahead of the film's May 22 release date.

Universal · Las Vegas

Universal Horror Unleashed Las Vegas adds new summer event

AllEars reports Universal's permanent horror experience in Las Vegas is adding a new limited-time summer event featuring a themed dinner — expanding the year-round fright destination.

Big Thunder Mountain finally reopened — and wasn't Magic Kingdom's busiest ride. After 16 months, a refurb, and a rocky return, the data tells a complicated story.

— AllEars.net — May 10, 2026

★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook

Afternoon storms likely Tuesday through Wednesday, then a sunny Thursday offers a welcome break.

Coming up in the parks

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Tickets On Sale

Walt Disney World — general ticket sales open tomorrow for the popular Magic Kingdom Halloween party. Popular dates sell out fast.

Disney Artist Eric Tan Signing Event

Disneyana, Disneyland Park — two-day art signing with acclaimed Disney poster artist Eric Tan.

The Mandalorian & Grogu — In Theaters

The highly anticipated film opens May 22, coinciding with the Mandalorian Mission launch at Hollywood Studios.

DVC Member Annual Event

Walt Disney World — the beloved Disney Vacation Club member event returns for 2026.

Electric Ocean Returns — SeaWorld Orlando

Nighttime entertainment season opens with drones, fireworks, cirque shows, and extended evening hours.

⬤ Disney · Entertainment

Six things we know about Toy Story 5

Laughing Place rounds up what's confirmed so far about the long-awaited sequel — worth a read before the hype machine kicks into full gear.

TPI: "The best theme park movie ever" returns this week

Theme Park Insider's weekly Rope Drop column teases what's ahead — including the return of what Robert Niles calls the best theme park movie ever made.

⬤ Disney · Disney Springs

Two Disney Springs stores closing next week

AllEars flags two Disney Springs retail locations closing in the coming week, continuing a string of changes at the shopping and dining district.

A popular Disney World lounge reopened weeks early

AllEars reports a well-loved Disney World lounge has come back from refurbishment weeks ahead of its expected return date — good news for fans.

Bob Iger receives honorary doctorate from Howard University

The former Disney CEO was honored at Howard University's commencement with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his leadership and cultural impact.

⬤ SeaWorld · Military

SeaWorld free admission for military continues this month

Military Appreciation Month at SeaWorld offers free admission for active-duty and veterans through May — Waves of Honor access is available year-round.