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Friday, May 15, 2026

Soarin' Across America debuts May 26 at EPCOT with new film and America 250th scenes; SeaWorld drone shows expand to all U.S. parks; SEAQuest announced.

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Soarin' Across America debuts May 26 at EPCOT with new film and America 250th scenes; SeaWorld drone shows expand to all U.S. parks; SEAQuest announced.

★ Friday May 15 · 5 min read

Florida theme parks, every single morning.

Friday · May 15 · 2026 · ☀ 90°

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

Soarin' Across America debuts May 26 at EPCOT — new film, new scenes, and an America 250th salute.

The third film for the iconic attraction gets its opening date and a detailed first look. Plus: SeaWorld brings drone shows to every U.S. park, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep is announced for Orlando, and Disney's next big Hollywood Studios experience takes shape.

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Disney reveals Soarin' Across America — Mount Rushmore, New York Harbor, Hawaii, and new queue trivia debut May 26

Disney has officially unveiled several of the new locations featured in Soarin' Across America , the third film for the beloved EPCOT attraction, opening May 26. New scenes include Mount Rushmore, New York Harbor, and Hawaii — all framed as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. The update also brings new EPCOT queue trivia panels and updated music to the attraction, per Attractions Magazine . The same film opens simultaneously at Disney California Adventure. Theme Park Insider 's Robert Niles notes that Soarin' Across America is the third iteration of the film — following the original California film and the globe-trotting Soarin' Around the World — making this the first version set entirely in the United States. Disney has also announced new featured locations and additional details on the Soarin' Across America score via WDWNT .

★ Sources: Attractions Magazine → | Theme Park Insider →

★ SeaWorld · Summer 2026

SeaWorld · All U.S. Parks

SeaWorld drone shows go national — all three U.S. parks get nighttime spectaculars this summer

For the first time ever, all three U.S. SeaWorld parks — Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio — will feature nighttime drone spectaculars this summer. SeaWorld Orlando's IGNITE drone show launches June 12 as part of Electric Ocean. Attractions Magazine has the full system-wide details.

Attractions Magazine →

SeaWorld Orlando · New Attraction

SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep announced — world's first suspended dark ride coming to SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando has announced SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, an all-new attraction billed as the world's first-of-its-kind suspended dark ride. The experience invites guests to board a vehicle and explore an underwater world. Orlando Informer has the full announcement details.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind introduces new crowd-control procedures after the pre-show

Walt Disney World has implemented new crowd control procedures at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, specifically in the area following the pre-show. The changes are designed to improve guest flow and reduce bottlenecks as the ride continues to draw high demand at EPCOT. The update was part of WDWNT's May 14 daily recap , which also confirmed new locations and score details for Soarin' Across America.

★ Source: WDW News Today →

★ Disney · Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios · Late Summer 2026

Off the Page: Magic of Disney Animation — high-concept character meet & greet with animation education

A new character experience called "Off the Page: Magic of Disney Animation" is coming to Hollywood Studios in late summer 2026. The experience combines character meet and greets with an immersive look at the animation process — a high-concept approach that goes beyond a standard meet and greet queue.

Hollywood Studios · Holiday Event

Jollywood Nights confirmed returning to Hollywood Studios in 2026

Disney has confirmed that Jollywood Nights — the holiday after-hours party at Hollywood Studios — will return in 2026. The event was a hit in its debut year, featuring separate-ticket access, seasonal entertainment, and exclusive food and beverage offerings throughout the Studios.

More from the parks: Muppets snack stand, FL resident deals, Gusto Italiano, Level99 close.

Disney · Hollywood Studios

First look: new Muppets snack stand coming to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster area

AllEars has a first look at the new snack stand coming to the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets area at Hollywood Studios, adding a food option to match the attraction's upcoming Muppets theme.

Disney · Florida Residents

Florida residents can get Walt Disney World tickets from $65 per day this summer

Walt Disney World has announced a Florida resident summer ticket offer starting at $65 per day for multi-day tickets — timed to coincide with the wave of summer 2026 openings including Bluey's Wild World and Soarin' Across America.

Disney · Disney Springs

Maria & Enzo's launches new Gusto Italiano food and wine experience

Maria & Enzo's at Disney Springs is hosting a new Gusto Italiano dining event featuring Italian food and wine pairings — adding a special-event layer to the popular Disney Springs restaurant.

Level99 construction walls shift forward at Disney Springs — summer opening imminent

Construction walls outside Level99 at Disney Springs have moved closer to City Works Eatery, a signal that the entertainment venue is pushing toward its summer 2026 opening. WDWNT has the latest photos from the site.

Soarin' Around the World was a global passport. Soarin' Across America is a homecoming — and with America's 250th anniversary as the backdrop, Disney picked exactly the right moment to bring it back to its roots.

— Park Pulse Daily — May 15, 2026

★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook

A sunny Friday and Saturday give way to a higher storm chance Sunday, then clearing again Monday.

Coming up in the parks

Viva La Música Weekend 2 — SeaWorld & Glory in the Gardens — Busch Gardens

SeaWorld Orlando: Latin music festival weekend (Sat–Sun). Busch Gardens Tampa: Glory in the Gardens Sat–Sun. SeaWorld also hosts a Meet Guy Harvey event Saturday.

Summer Nights Begin — Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa kicks off Summer Nights, with extended evening hours, live entertainment, and seasonal food and drink. Runs through August 9.

Universal Summer Blockbuster Experiences Begin

Universal Studios Florida launches its summer entertainment lineup including the Mega Movie Parade and Spielberg Experience activations. Runs through August 10.

Soarin' Across America + Bluey's Wild World + FØØD by Swedish Chef

EPCOT: Soarin' Across America new film debuts. Animal Kingdom: Bluey's Wild World opens at Conservation Station (virtual queue required). Hollywood Studios: FØØD by Swedish Chef opens. Disney's free water park on check-in day also begins.

Electric Ocean & IGNITE Drone Show — SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando's signature summer event returns alongside the first-ever IGNITE nighttime drone spectacular. Runs through September 7.

Disney · Galaxy's Edge

Savi's Workshop debuts new Power & Control lightsaber pieces

Sorcerer Hat spotlights & new bottle filler installed at Animation Courtyard

Universal Kids Resort lands revealed — Frisco, TX location opening 2026

Cursed Coconut Club 2026 at Universal CityWalk — first look

Disney Cruise Line adds Frozen Sing-Along and refreshed Pirate Night for summer

Columbia Sportswear at Disney Springs to undergo major remodel