Epic Universe turns one today; Sinners announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2026; Bluey's Wild World preview — opens in 4 days.
★ Friday May 22 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Friday · May 22 · 2026 · ☀ 93°
★ Today's Edition · Universal · Disney · Busch Gardens ★
Epic Universe Turns One — Plus Sinners Joins HHN and Bluey's Wild World Opens in Four Days
Universal's newest park celebrates its first birthday, Ryan Coogler's vampire epic comes to Halloween Horror Nights, and we got a first look inside Bluey's Wild World.
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★ Universal · Epic Universe
Happy Birthday, Epic Universe — One Year In, the Park Is Still Evolving
Universal Epic Universe turns one today, and the celebration is genuine: WDWNT previewed a wave of first-anniversary merchandise releasing today, while original character Captain Cacao begins his first-ever character meet-and-greets inside Celestial Park. In a small-group interview with Attractions Magazine , park president Jeff Polk described how guest behavior over the park's first year has directly shaped its ongoing evolution — noting that crowds and movement patterns continue to inform everything from staffing to future investment. Theme Park Insider framed the birthday alongside news of new original IP arriving at the park, signaling that Epic Universe's story is far from finished at age one.
★ Sources: Attractions Magazine → · WDWNT →
★ Universal · Halloween Horror Nights
Sinners Comes to Halloween Horror Nights 2026 — Expect Big Crowds
Ryan Coogler's Academy Award-winning supernatural horror film Sinners has been officially announced as a haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights 2026 — coming to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood. The film's $370 million global box office run and obsessive fan following make it one of the most anticipated HHN announcements in recent years. Attractions Magazine notes that guests should plan accordingly: this one will draw significant crowds. Orlando Informer has full details on the Mississippi Delta vampire setting, while Chip and Co confirmed Hollywood Horror Nights tickets are now on sale at Universal Studios Hollywood.
★ Sources: Attractions Magazine → · Orlando Informer → · TouringPlans →
★ Disney · Animal Kingdom
First Look: Bluey's Wild World Suits Animal Kingdom — Opens Tuesday
Attractions Magazine attended a media preview of Bluey's Wild World at Disney's Animal Kingdom ahead of its May 26 public debut, reporting that the new interactive land feels genuinely at home in the park's natural, outdoor setting. The area features animal-inspired games, character meet-and-greets with Bluey and Bingo, and experiences designed for hands-on family play rather than passive entertainment. The verdict: it suits Animal Kingdom in a way that not every new Disney addition has managed. The land opens to all guests this coming Tuesday, just four days away, alongside Soarin' Across America's public opening at EPCOT.
★ Source: Attractions Magazine →
★ Opening Celebrations
⬤ Disney · Hollywood Studios
John Stamos & The Electric Mayhem Rock the Muppets Grand Opening
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opened with a star-studded celebration: Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem performed live alongside John Stamos, who appeared as a surprise guest. Chip and Co has photos and video from the ceremony.
⬤ Disney · Galaxy's Edge
Smugglers Run Has a Secret Grogu Mode — Here's How to Unlock It
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run's Mandalorian update includes updated missions, new interactivity — and a hidden Grogu mode that most guests will never discover. Attractions Magazine broke down exactly how to activate it.
★ Attractions Magazine →
★ Disney · Walt Disney World
Cool Kids' Summer Heats Up: Jessie's Roundup , Toy Story 5 Merch, and Two New Experiences
Walt Disney World's Cool Kids' Summer is filling out fast. Laughing Place got the first look at Jessie's Roundup, a Toy Story takeover of the Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom. New Toy Story 5 merchandise is also arriving across the resort ahead of the film's June theatrical release. And AllEars previewed two additional Cool Kids' Summer offerings launching next week. Attractions Magazine also offers a first-hand guide to what's actually worth your time across the full Cool Kids' Summer lineup.
★ Sources: Laughing Place → · Attractions Magazine →
★ This Week in the Parks
Muppets food, a closing store , Summer Nights, and a wine & food classic.
Busch Gardens · Tampa Bay
Summer Nights Begins Today — Runs Through August 9
Disney · Hollywood Studios
FØØD by Swedish Chef Opens — Full Muppets Snack Stand Review
France Pavilion Store Sets Temporary Closing Date
Disney · Walt Disney World
2026 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Entertainment Lineup Announced
Summer 2026 Ticket Discounts and Resort Offers Now Available
Guest behavior over the park's first year continues to shape how Epic Universe evolves — from staffing to future investment.
— Jeff Polk, Epic Universe President — Attractions Magazine
A mostly sunny Memorial Day weekend with afternoon storm chances picking up Saturday through Monday — keep an eye on the 2 pm window each day.
Coming up in the parks
Epic Universe 1st Birthday + Captain Cacao Meet & Greet Begins
Universal's newest park turns one today; original character Captain Cacao debuts in Celestial Park. Anniversary merch available now.
Busch Gardens Summer Nights Begins
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay kicks off today and runs through August 9.
Memorial Day — Peak Holiday Crowds
One of the busiest days of the year across all Florida theme parks. Book Lightning Lane and dining in advance.
Triple Opening Day — Soarin', Muppets Coaster & Bluey's Wild World
Soarin' Across America and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets open to the public; Bluey's Wild World debuts at Animal Kingdom.
Verbolten: Forbidden Turn — Busch Gardens Williamsburg
The reimagined dark launch coaster opens at Busch Gardens' Virginia park.
★ This Day in Park History
2025 May 22: Epic Universe Opens Its Doors
One year ago today, Universal Epic Universe officially opened to the public in Orlando, becoming Universal's first new theme park in the United States in 25 years. The park debuted five themed worlds — Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and Universal Monster: Unmasking the Horror — and immediately set attendance records for the resort.
Universal Orlando Summer 2026: What's New vs. Returning, Best for Every Age
Attractions Magazine →
Muppet Math: Hidden Clues in the New Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Queue
Theme Park Insider: Disney Invites Fans to Celebrate 250 by Soarin' Across America
Disney+ and Hulu Launch '90s & 2000s Nostalgia Throwbacks This Summer
Disney · Animal Kingdom
Price Increases Confirmed at a Disney's Animal Kingdom Restaurant
Hollywood Studios Braille Map Updated for Muppets Coaster & Animation Courtyard
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★ SOURCES · Laughing Place · TouringPlans · WDW News Today · Attractions Magazine · Theme Park Insider · Orlando Informer · AllEars.net · Chip and Co ★