Happy Memorial Day — SeaWorld's new ride may be better than Soarin', Mandalorian & Grogu hits $100M, and Bluey's Wild World gets a virtual queue for tomorrow's opening.
★ Memorial Day · May 25 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Monday · May 25 · 2026 · ☀ 91° · Memorial Day
★ Memorial Day Edition · Disney · Universal · SeaWorld · Busch Gardens ★
Happy Memorial Day — Today's the Best Weather Day of the Weekend, and Tomorrow Is Triple Opening Day
SeaWorld's new Expedition Odyssey draws a stunning review, Mandalorian & Grogu crosses $100M at the box office, and Bluey's Wild World will use a virtual queue when it opens tomorrow.
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★ Disney · Walt Disney World · All Parks
Today's Your Best Shot — Memorial Day Has the Friendliest Forecast of the Whole Weekend
After Sunday's 60% storm threat, Memorial Day arrives with just a 20% chance of showers — and those aren't expected until after 4pm. That makes today the weather winner of the long weekend, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures near 91°F. The parks are packed, but conditions are manageable for the morning and early afternoon push. Tomorrow, Tuesday May 26, is Triple Opening Day at Walt Disney World: Soarin' Across America at EPCOT, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Hollywood Studios, and Bluey's Wild World at Animal Kingdom all open to the public. TouringPlans reports that Bluey's Wild World will use a virtual queue — a return of a system Walt Disney World hasn't used in some time, with a notable change to how boarding groups are distributed. Grab the app and be ready at park open. AllEars has a full prep guide for what's coming next week.
★ Sources: TouringPlans → · AllEars →
Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice May Be a Better Attraction Than Soarin'
That's the headline from Attractions Magazine's full review of SeaWorld Orlando's new flying theatre, which opened to the public yesterday, May 25. Reviewers praised its emotional storytelling, immersive transitions between environments, and breathtaking real-world footage — saying it "transforms a familiar simulator concept" in ways that feel genuinely fresh. The comparison to Soarin' is a high bar: Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice takes guests from scorched volcanic landscapes to icy polar environments in a single journey. The review notes that the film's original footage (rather than CGI-heavy compositing) gives it a texture and authenticity that sets it apart. With Soarin' Across America opening at EPCOT tomorrow and drawing its own wave of opinions about CGI and omitted landmarks, SeaWorld may be about to win a friendly flyover competition it didn't ask to enter.
★ Source: Attractions Magazine →
⬤ Disney · Box Office
Mandalorian & Grogu Blasts Off with $100M Memorial Day Opening
After a seven-year theatrical hiatus for live-action Star Wars, The Mandalorian & Grogu has delivered a massive debut. Chip and Co reports the film captured $82 million in its three-day opening, crossing $100M with Memorial Day included. The film opened at AMC Disney Springs on May 21 and the Force is clearly still strong at the multiplex.
⬤ Disney · Magic Kingdom
Jessie's Roundup Opens at Diamond Horseshoe — First Show in 20+ Years
Passholder previews began for the Jessie's Roundup show at Magic Kingdom's Diamond Horseshoe — the first live entertainment in that space in over two decades. WDWNT has photos and video , while Attractions Magazine says it feels "built for summer crowds."
★ Disney · Hollywood Studios
FØØD by Swedish Chef Opens, S'morin' Milkshakes Land at EPCOT
Annual Passholder previews for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets have brought a new dining option with them: FØØD by Swedish Chef has opened at Hollywood Studios, giving the Muppets IP its first dedicated food concept in the park. Laughing Place has photos of the opening . Meanwhile at EPCOT, Walt Disney World is celebrating Soarin' Across America's Tuesday debut with a new themed milkshake called the S'morin' Across America, available at The Land pavilion starting tomorrow. WDWNT has the details on what's in it and where to find it.
★ Sources: Laughing Place → · WDWNT →
A $375 prix fixe, America's 250th fireworks , Fast & Furious track taking shape, and a SeaWorld summer guide.
Disney · Disney's Grand Floridian
Victoria & Albert's Prix-Fixe Menu Jumps to $375 — Wine Pairing Also Up
Disney · Independence Day
America 250th Anniversary Fireworks Coming to Disney World & Disneyland This July 4
Universal · Epic Universe Area
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — First Coaster Track Rails Now Installed at USF
SeaWorld · Summer 2026
SeaWorld Orlando Summer 2026: Electric Ocean Returns, Drone Shows, Dusk Animal Presentations
Theme Park Insider · Summer Kickoff
Rope Drop: Robert Niles Previews Everything Opening This Week at WDW and Beyond
SeaWorld's Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice may be a better attraction than Soarin'.
— Attractions Magazine — May 25, 2026
★ Week Ahead Forecast
Today is the clearest day of the stretch — only 20% storm chance after 4pm. Tuesday's triple opening looks good in the morning; storms build midweek.
★ MON = Memorial Day · TUE = Triple Opening Day
Coming up in the parks
Triple Opening Day — Soarin', Muppets Coaster & Bluey's Wild World
Soarin' Across America at EPCOT, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Hollywood Studios (opens 1 hr early), and Bluey's Wild World (virtual queue) at Animal Kingdom all open to the public.
CRISLU Jewelry Trunk Show — Disney Springs
The CRISLU Disney jewelry trunk show returns to Disney Springs May 30–31 with monorail necklaces and WDW-inspired designs.
SeaWorld Pass Member & Military Picnic Weekend
SeaWorld Orlando hosts its annual Pass Member and Military/Veteran Picnic, May 30–31.
SeaWorld IGNITE Fireworks & Drone Show Begins
SeaWorld Orlando's IGNITE Fireworks Spectacular and new drone show launch, running through September 7.
America 250th Anniversary Fireworks — Disney World & Disneyland
Special Independence Day fireworks marking America's 250th anniversary at both coasts. Dates confirmed by Attractions Magazine.
Cake Bake Shop Lawsuits Mount — Under Minimum Wage & Uniform Cleaning Charges
SeaWorld · After Dark
SeaWorld Orlando at Night: Why the Park Shines After Dark
Universal · Volcano Bay
Is the $100 Volcano Bay After-Hours Event Worth It? AllEars Investigates
Disney · Animal Kingdom
There's a New Animal Kingdom Snack Making People Genuinely Excited
Disneyland Confirms It's Still Open Despite Nearby Garden Grove Chemical Incident
Disney · Disney Springs
CRISLU Jewelry Trunk Show Returns to Disney Springs May 30–31
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★ SOURCES · Laughing Place · TouringPlans · WDW News Today · Attractions Magazine · Theme Park Insider · Orlando Informer · AllEars.net · Chip and Co ★