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Sunday, May 17, 2026

Disney files Project Fedora permits at Hollywood Studios — Indiana Jones connection confirmed; Soarin' early reactions are divided; Statler and Waldorf animatronics revealed.

Text version of this edition

Disney files Project Fedora permits at Hollywood Studios — Indiana Jones connection confirmed; Soarin' early reactions are divided; Statler and Waldorf animatronics revealed.

★ Sunday May 17 · 5 min read

Florida theme parks, every single morning.

Sunday · May 17 · 2026 · ☀ 91°

★ Today's Edition · Disney · Hollywood Studios · Universal ★

Disney files permits for Project Fedora at Hollywood Studios — an Indiana Jones reference right outside the Epic Stunt Spectacular.

The fedora makes it official. Plus: Soarin' Across America's first public reactions are in — divided but intriguing — and Disney drops two more Muppets coaster reveals ahead of May 26.

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★ Disney · Hollywood Studios

Disney files permits for Project Fedora at Hollywood Studios — two permits outside the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Disney has filed two building permits for "Project Fedora" at Disney's Hollywood Studios, located directly outside the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular theater — a placement that makes the project name's reference abundantly clear. WDWNT has the full permit details, noting the two filings are sited right at the theater that has long been rumored as a candidate for transformation. The project joins a growing list of Disney construction codenames — including Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom and Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom — signaling that Hollywood Studios' own evolution may be moving into an active phase. No timeline has been disclosed, but permit filings typically precede visible construction by months.

★ Source: WDW News Today →

Soarin' Across America cast previews generate divided reactions — but Disney addressed a fan complaint

The first cast member previews of Soarin' Across America are generating split opinions online. Attractions Magazine rounds up the early reactions: many fans are praising the new film's scenic visuals, emotional tone, and the classic Soarin' feeling, while others are finding the America-only scope less inspiring than the globe-trotting Soarin' Around the World . On the positive side, Disney appears to have improved at least one long-standing complaint from fans — the specific issue is addressed in the AM analysis. The film opens to the public May 26, so the broader test comes when general guests can form their own opinions. AllEars notes EPCOT is shaping up as likely the most popular WDW park this summer largely on the strength of Soarin' Across America's debut.

★ Sources: Attractions Magazine → | AllEars →

★ Disney · Muppets Coaster · Opens May 26

Hollywood Studios · New Reveal

Statler and Waldorf Audio-Animatronics revealed for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets

Disney Parks has revealed that the beloved hecklers Statler and Waldorf will appear as Audio-Animatronics in the new Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. Laughing Place notes they "moved — but not very far," a winking joke about the balcony duo's famous perch.

Hollywood Studios · Hidden Detail

Imagineering reveals Dr. Teeth easter egg hidden in the revamped coaster entrance facade

Walt Disney Imagineering has spotlighted a subtle nod to Dr. Teeth — the Electric Mayhem's enigmatic bandleader — embedded in the redesigned Rock 'n' Roller Coaster facade. It's a "golden teeth and golden tones" reference that fans will want to hunt down on opening day.

★ Universal · Construction Updates

Epic Universe · Celestial Park

Epic Universe events center gains more concrete foundation — off Celestial Park

Construction continues on a future event space at Universal Epic Universe, with additional concrete foundation work visible off Celestial Park. The building received permits last year after land clearing began — WDWNT has the latest progress photos.

Universal Studios Florida · Fast & Furious

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift adds more supports — coaster track now staged backstage at USF

More blue track supports are in place for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Florida, with roller coaster track now staged backstage near the construction site. The replacement for Rip Ride Rockit is advancing visibly at USF.

More from the parks: WDW expansion plans, Disneyland 70th finale, Mandalorian premiere, and park prices.

Disney · Walt Disney World

Disney World executives share thoughts on the massive expansion currently underway at WDW

With Piston Peak, Tropical Americas, Project Fedora, and more all in motion, AllEars rounds up executive commentary on the scale of Walt Disney World's construction pipeline — and what it means for the resort's future.

Disney · Disneyland Resort

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Finale Collection drops Monday, May 18

The final chapter of Disneyland's year-long 70th anniversary merchandise celebration arrives tomorrow — Chip and Co has the full preview of what's dropping in the Finale Collection on May 18.

The Mandalorian and Grogu premieres in Hollywood with star-studded celebration on the Boulevard

The cast and crew gathered on Hollywood Boulevard for the grand premiere of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu ahead of its May 22 theatrical release. Laughing Place has photos and highlights from the event.

Disney · Parks Pricing

Disney quietly acknowledged that park prices will continue to rise

In language buried in financial disclosures and executive comments, Disney has signaled that theme park pricing will keep increasing — AllEars breaks down what was said and what it means for future visits.

Project Fedora. Filed right outside the Indiana Jones theater. At this point Disney isn't hiding the ball — they're dangling it in front of us with a whip.

— Park Pulse Daily — May 17, 2026

★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook

Mostly sunny with daily afternoon storm chances — classic Florida summer pattern setting in for the week ahead.

Coming up in the parks

The Mandalorian and Grogu Opens in Theaters + Busch Gardens Summer Nights Begin

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu opens nationwide Friday May 22 — Galaxy's Edge food and Magic Shots activate. Busch Gardens Tampa: Summer Nights begins, runs through Aug 9.

Universal Summer Blockbuster Experiences Begin

Mega Movie Parade, Spielberg Experience, Amity, and JAWS activations launch at Universal Studios Florida. Runs through August 10.

The Big Day — Muppets Coaster + Soarin' Across America + Bluey's Wild World + FØØD Opens

Hollywood Studios: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets reopens; FØØD by Swedish Chef opens. EPCOT: Soarin' Across America debuts. Animal Kingdom: Bluey's Wild World opens (virtual queue).

Premiere Orlando — Celestial Park Access at Epic Universe

Convention attendees get complimentary evening access to Celestial Park at Universal Epic Universe, May 30–June 1. SeaWorld: Pass Member & Military Picnic May 30–31.

Electric Ocean & IGNITE Drone Show — SeaWorld Orlando

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

Disneyland paid $56,000 settlement over Autopia cars operating without certified emission controls

SeaWorld · Aquatica Orlando

AquaGlow has found its rhythm — review + tips for Aquatica Orlando's nighttime event

Attractions Magazine →

Disney · Disney Springs

Level99 previewed — why it could be a game changer for Disney Springs

Dave Filoni discusses the future of Star Wars in theaters and on Disney+

Disney awarded $1.6 million in Moana copyright lawsuit after plaintiff forged document

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Finale Collection — preview of what drops Monday