VelociCoaster turns 5 — still the world's best; Sinbad Theater fully razed; Toy Story 5 opens Friday.
★ Mon Jun 15 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Mon · Jun 15 · 2026 · ⛅ 95°
★ Today's Edition · Universal · Disney · Busch Gardens ★
Five years in, VelociCoaster is still the world's best roller coaster.
Universal's Jurassic World coaster hits its milestone with its crown intact — plus Sinbad's Theater is fully razed at Islands of Adventure, Toy Story 5 arrives Friday, and a baby giraffe takes her first steps on the Kilimanjaro savanna.
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★ Universal · Islands of Adventure
VelociCoaster celebrates five years as the world's best roller coaster
Universal's Jurassic World VelociCoaster debuted in June 2021, and five years later it hasn't ceded its top-coaster title. This week both TouringPlans and Theme Park Insider marked the milestone — TPI flatly calling it "the best roller coaster in the world." The 155-foot launch coaster in Islands of Adventure features four inversions, a zero-gravity stall, and a top-hat element, all without a traditional chain lift. Five years of packed queues suggest Universal's Imagineers got it exactly right.
★ Sources: TouringPlans → | Theme Park Insider →
Sinbad's Theater fully razed as the Lost Continent disappears
The former Sinbad Theater at Islands of Adventure has been completely demolished, the latest milestone in the ongoing erasure of the Lost Continent area, WDWNT reports . The Sinbad stunt show closed in 2018; Poseidon's Fury followed in 2023. No official announcement has been made about what replaces the area, though fan speculation continues to point to a DreamWorks expansion tying into the universe already established at Epic Universe.
★ Source: WDW News Today →
⬤ Disney · Animal Kingdom
Baby giraffe Ivy takes her first steps on Kilimanjaro Safaris
Before Animal Kingdom opened Sunday morning, baby giraffe Ivy made her debut on the savanna. Attractions Magazine has photos of the calf bounding alongside the herd.
World Celebration Reflecting Pool drained for refurbishment
Disney has completely drained and begun refurb work on the World Celebration reflecting pool at EPCOT, Chip and Co reports . No timeline announced.
Toy Story 5 opens this Friday — Woody and Buzz just went to NASA
With Toy Story 5 arriving in theaters June 19, Pixar sent Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie on a promotional tour of NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., WDWNT reports . On the merchandise front, Mattel has unveiled new interactive Toy Story 5 figures — though Attractions Magazine notes some fans may still prefer the classic versions. The sequel is expected to drive renewed interest in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios all summer.
★ Sources: WDWNT → | Attractions Magazine →
Lightning, launches, and Bluey joeys .
Universal · Islands of Adventure
New aerials show Jurassic Park River Adventure refurb progress
Universal · All Parks
Digital Attraction Assistance Pass now live at all Universal Orlando parks
Disney · Animal Kingdom
Jumping Junction at Conservation Station now open — multiple Bluey joeys on-site
Disney · Typhoon Lagoon
H2O Glow After Hours halted after 19 minutes by lightning Saturday night
Matt Selman's comments give Simpsons Treehouse of Horror HHN fans hope
JetBlue Vacations now offering Walt Disney World packages with park tickets
Happy fifth birthday today to the best roller coaster in the world.
— Robert Niles — Theme Park Insider
★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook
Highs near 95° all week — afternoon storms likely every day through Thursday.
Coming up in the parks
Toy Story 5 opens in theaters
Pixar's long-awaited sequel arrives nationally. Expect a Toy Story Land surge at Hollywood Studios.
Busch Gardens Giraffe Celebration Weekend
Two-day giraffe-themed celebration at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Thru Jun 21.
Father's Day + Busch Gardens Father's Day Brunch
Father's Day at the parks. Special brunch event at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Busch Gardens Bier Fest Brews & BBQ begins
Seasonal craft beer and BBQ festival at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Thru Aug 30.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream opens
Florida's largest Halloween haunt returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Thru Nov 1.
Disney · Disney Springs
Disney Springs Kids Club hosts interactive Polynesian show for Cool Kids' Summer
Cursed Coconut Club 2026 returns to Universal CityWalk: first look inside
Disney Legend Kurt Russell on being the last name Walt Disney ever wrote
Universal · Epic Universe
Universal opens casting call for costumed character performers at Epic Universe
EPCOT removes Flower & Garden Festival flowerbeds as the season ends
Other · Universal Kids
Universal Kids Resort lands officially revealed ahead of 2026 opening
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★ SOURCES · THEME PARK INSIDER · TOURINGPLANS · WDW NEWS TODAY · ATTRACTIONS MAGAZINE · CHIP AND CO · ORLANDO INFORMER ★