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Monday, May 18, 2026

AllEars rode the new Soarin' Across America early — and that fan complaint Disney actually fixed; Rapunzel and Mulan pop up at Hollywood Studios.

Text version of this edition

AllEars rode the new Soarin' Across America early — and that fan complaint Disney actually fixed; Rapunzel and Mulan pop up at Hollywood Studios.

★ Monday May 18 · 5 min read

Florida theme parks, every single morning.

Monday · May 18 · 2026 · ☀ 91°

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

AllEars rode the new Soarin' Across America — here are the five things they learned eight days before opening.

Plus: Rapunzel and Mulan make surprise appearances at Hollywood Studios, Voices of Liberty get their first-ever EPCOT sign, and Universal closes Po's for two months.

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★ Disney · EPCOT · Opens May 26

Five things AllEars learned riding Soarin' Across America for the first time — and yes, Disney fixed that complaint

AllEars.net got on board early for a first-ride report on Soarin' Across America at EPCOT — still eight days out from its May 26 public opening. Their five key takeaways cover how the America-themed film feels versus the globe-trotting Soarin' Around the World , whether the new scenes live up to the buildup, and confirmation that Disney addressed at least one fan complaint that has dogged the attraction for years. The America 250th anniversary framing gives the film a patriotic scope that early riders are calling emotional and visually striking — with Mount Rushmore and New York Harbor among the standout moments. Whether the narrowed geographic scope is a feature or a limitation remains the central debate, but the ride mechanics and classic Soarin' format are unchanged.

★ Source: AllEars.net →

★ Disney · EPCOT · American Adventure

For the first time since 1982, the Voices of Liberty have a sign at EPCOT's American Adventure

After more than four decades performing at the entrance to The American Adventure, the Voices of Liberty a cappella group finally has its own signage at EPCOT — a small but historically significant change. Laughing Place reports that a new sign has appeared at the pavilion entrance, beckoning guests inside for their performances. The timing aligns neatly with America's 250th anniversary celebrations and the Soarin' Across America debut — EPCOT's World Showcase is leaning into its America story in a big way this summer.

★ Source: Laughing Place →

★ Disney · Hollywood Studios · Character Updates

Hollywood Studios · Pop-Up

Rapunzel surprises guests with early pop-up meet and greets at Hollywood Studios

Rapunzel has been making pop-up appearances at Disney's Hollywood Studios this week, delighting guests ahead of the park's upcoming Off the Page character experience. Chip and Co reports she's been charming guests with sun-filled appearances — a soft preview of what's coming.

Mulan makes surprise pop-up appearances at Hollywood Studios ahead of new character spot

Mulan has also been making unannounced appearances at Hollywood Studios this week, a second signal that the park's Off the Page animation character experience is gearing up. The high-concept meet and greet, which will teach the animation process, is expected to open late summer 2026.

Chip and Co → | Attractions Mag →

★ Universal · Universal Studios Florida · DreamWorks Land

Po's Kung Fu Training Camp and Po Live! close for nearly two months of refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida

Both of Universal Studios Florida's DreamWorks Land Kung Fu Panda attractions are heading into a nearly two-month closure starting this week. WDWNT reports that Po's Kung Fu Training Camp and the Po Live! show will both be offline simultaneously for refurbishment. The timing puts the closure squarely across Universal's summer season, so guests planning DreamWorks Land visits should plan accordingly — Kung Fu Panda won't be on the table until late summer at the earliest.

★ Source: WDW News Today →

More from the parks: Lakeshore Lodge progress, Disney & Elf on the Shelf, Pedro Pascal at Galaxy's Edge, and 6 June changes.

Disney · Walt Disney World

Aerial photos show steady progress on Lakeshore Lodge at Walt Disney World

Fresh bioreconstruct aerial photos reveal ongoing construction on the new waterfront resort at WDW — a "discover the wonder of nature" experience that is advancing visibly. WDWNT has the full gallery.

Disney and Elf on the Shelf team up for a first-ever official holiday collaboration

Inspired by families who already use Scout Elves to reveal Disney vacation surprises, Disney and Elf on the Shelf are launching official 2026 holiday merchandise and activations. Attractions Magazine has the details on the new collab.

Disney · Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Pedro Pascal surprises guests as the Mandalorian in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

In a dream-level surprise for Galaxy's Edge guests, Pedro Pascal made an in-person appearance as the Mandalorian in Black Spire Outpost — timed to The Mandalorian and Grogu opening this Friday, May 22.

Six major changes coming to Disney World in June

AllEars breaks down all the big changes arriving next month: new openings, closures, pricing shifts, and seasonal transitions that will reshape what a WDW visit looks like starting June 1.

Eight days. Three parks. Soarin' Across America, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, Bluey's Wild World. May 26 might be the busiest single day Walt Disney World has seen in years — and the cast previews are already making the case it's worth every minute of the wait.

— Park Pulse Daily — May 18, 2026

★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook

Perfect Monday to open the week — sunny skies and 91° — then classic afternoon storm chances creep in Tuesday through Thursday.

Coming up in the parks

The Mandalorian and Grogu Opens + Busch Gardens Summer Nights Begin

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu opens nationwide. Galaxy's Edge activations live. Busch Gardens Tampa: Summer Nights begins, runs through Aug 9.

Universal Summer Blockbuster Experiences Begin

Mega Movie Parade, Spielberg Experience, and summer 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 — Epic Universe Celestial Park Access + SeaWorld Picnic

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.

Disney · Animal Kingdom

Canadian tourist arrested for shoulder-checking a cast member in Pandora: The World of Avatar

Disney · Hollywood Studios

Closer look at FØØD by Swedish Chef kiosk — now open near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

Universal · Frisco, TX

Universal Kids Resort officially reveals its themed lands — opening in 2026

Disney · ESPN Wide World of Sports

Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games kicks off at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

First look: Cursed Coconut Club 2026 transformation at Universal CityWalk

The two Disney World rides AllEars is really worried about this summer