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Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Imagineers reveal what's new inside Big Thunder Mountain; Lakeshore Lodge gets an exclusive construction tour; Universal drops its blockbuster summer lineup.

Text version of this edition

Imagineers reveal what's new inside Big Thunder Mountain; Lakeshore Lodge gets an exclusive construction tour; Universal drops its blockbuster summer lineup.

★ Wednesday May 13 · 5 min read

Florida theme parks, every single morning.

Wednesday · May 13 · 2026 · ☀ 88°

★ Today's Edition · Disney · Universal · SeaWorld · ICON Park ★

Imagineers reveal what's new inside Big Thunder Mountain — plus Lakeshore Lodge gets its first close-up.

WDI shares restored effects and enhanced caves ahead of BTMRR's return; a Bay Lake construction tour reveals the refined Lakeshore Lodge; Universal unleashes a blockbuster summer; and ICON Park cracks down after a major teen incident.

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★ Disney · Magic Kingdom

Imagineers detail Big Thunder Mountain's comeback — classic effects restored, caves enhanced

Walt Disney Imagineering has shared new details on what guests can expect when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Magic Kingdom following its lengthy refurbishment. In an exclusive interview with Attractions Magazine , Imagineers confirmed that classic effects dormant for years have been restored, cave scenes are enhanced with new visuals, queue elements have been refreshed, and the attraction's lore and backstory have been deepened. The team emphasized honoring the original design while layering in new moments that feel like they were always meant to be there.

AllEars.net separately confirms yet another ride change coming upon reopening — the latest detail in a series of updates quietly revealed ahead of the return. The 16-month closure has clearly been put to full use.

★ Sources: Attractions Magazine → | AllEars.net →

★ Disney · Walt Disney World Resort

First close-up look at Lakeshore Lodge — construction tour and new renderings reveal a refined resort

Disney gave media a boat tour of the Lakeshore Lodge construction site along Bay Lake — the most direct look yet at the resort rising for a summer 2027 opening. Attractions Magazine outlines five key observations from the tour, noting new renderings show a more refined design than early concept art. WDWNT has photos and executive commentary, while AllEars.net and Laughing Place have fresh concept art showing the lush pool area and lazy river in detail.

★ Source: Attractions Magazine →

★ Universal · Orlando Resort

Universal's blockbuster summer — Mega Movie Parade, Spielberg experience, Amity returns May 23

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled a blockbuster summer lineup running May 23 through August 10. The headliners include the return of the Universal Mega Movie Parade , a brand-new Steven Spielberg Experience , the comeback of the Amity section of Universal Studios Florida, and immersive activations built around classic films including JAWS and Minions. Per WDWNT and Laughing Place , Universal is leaning hard into movie magic — a direct challenge to Disney's own summer push across the resort.

★ Source: Chip and Co →

★ ICON Park · I-Drive

Teen takeover at ICON Park ends in arrests — new chaperone policy now in effect for guests under 18

ICON Park on International Drive has implemented a new chaperone policy for guests 17 and younger following a large-scale "teen takeover" in which more than 1,000 teens stormed the entertainment complex, leading to multiple arrests and hospitalized officers. Attractions Magazine notes the policy can be enforced at any time, and Orlando Weekly has the full incident account. The move mirrors similar steps at Six Flags properties, where stricter minor policies are becoming an industry norm.

★ Sources: Attractions Magazine → | Orlando Weekly →

★ Disney · Seasonal Events

MNSSHP 2026 · Magic Kingdom

Full MNSSHP 2026 lineup: Stitch dance party, magic shots, Dessert Party details

Disney has fully unveiled the 2026 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party entertainment. Stitch hosts a brand-new dance party, the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party returns, and PhotoPass Magic Shots for the event have been previewed. Dining options and open restaurants for party nights are now confirmed.

EPCOT · Walt Disney World

EPCOT Food & Wine 2026 confirmed: 86 days, Aug 27 through Nov 21

Disney has locked the dates for EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival 2026 — an 86-day run from August 27 through November 21, matching 2025's length. Programming details are still being revealed, but the window is set.

More from the parks: Discovery Cove nights back, free water parks, LEGOLAND World Cup.

SeaWorld · Discovery Cove

Paradise Nights returns to Discovery Cove after 8-year hiatus — now with sloth encounter

The after-hours experience is back with dinner at Laguna Grill, cocktails at Serenity Bay, live entertainment, and a new sloth encounter added to the evening program.

Free Disney water park on check-in day — May 26 through September 8

Disney Resort guests arriving during the summer window get free admission to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on their check-in day. TouringPlans has eight tips to make the most of it.

LEGOLAND Florida joins worldwide parks for FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience this summer

Soccer-themed builds, games, and entertainment arrive at LEGOLAND Florida and parks worldwide this summer, timed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across North America.

Disney · Disney Springs

Halloween Hangar Bar confirmed returning to Disney Springs for fall 2026

The fan-favorite seasonal pop-up bar is making its return to Disney Springs this spooky season. Dates and programming details are still to come.

A 16-month closure that restores classic effects, deepens the lore, and adds new surprises — Big Thunder Mountain isn't just returning. It's coming back better.

— Park Pulse Daily — May 13, 2026

★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook

Sunny skies rule Thursday and Friday before afternoon storms return for the weekend.

Coming up in the parks

Viva La Música Weekend 2 — SeaWorld Orlando

Latin music festival Sat–Sun May 16–17. Also: Glory in the Gardens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, May 16–17.

Summer Nights Begins — Busch Gardens Tampa

Extended evening hours and entertainment launch for the summer season. Runs through August 9.

Universal Summer Blockbuster Experiences Open

Mega Movie Parade, Spielberg Experience, Amity, and JAWS activations begin at Universal Orlando. Runs through August 10.

Free Disney Water Park on Check-In Day Begins

Disney Resort guests arriving May 26–September 8 receive complimentary admission to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on check-in day.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026 Opens

86-day festival runs August 27 through November 21, 2026. Programming still being announced.

★ This Day in Park History

1989 May 13: Typhoon Lagoon opens at Walt Disney World

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon opened on May 13, 1989 — making today its 37th anniversary. Themed around a once-idyllic resort devastated by a mythical typhoon that stranded the Miss Tilly shrimp boat atop Mount Mayday, the park introduced guests to the Shark Reef snorkeling experience and Humunga Kowabunga speed slides. It remains one of Walt Disney World's most beloved seasonal water parks — and this summer guests arriving on check-in day get in free.

Disney · Hollywood Studios

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster shop sign removed — area transition accelerates

Disney · Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom replanting trees damaged in February deep freeze

Universal · Islands of Adventure

Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park may close for refurbishment

Magic of Disney Animation Sorcerer Hat getting new lighting effects

MNSSHP 2026: dining options and Dessert Party details confirmed

Universal · Epic Universe

Popular Isle of Berk attraction at Epic Universe temporarily closing in May