Disneyland didn't just fix Pirates of the Caribbean — they plussed it. A transforming audio-animatronic now sits where the classic skeleton on treasure once stood, and opinions are split. Also: D'Amaro's first 100 days, Universal Kids Resort reviewed, and a massive Build-A-Bear is coming to Icon Park.
★ Sat Jun 27 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Sat · Jun 27 · 2026 · ⛈ 95°
★ Today's Edition · Disney · Universal · Pirates · Icon Park ★
Disneyland didn't just fix Pirates of the Caribbean — they plussed it. Fans are split.
A transforming audio-animatronic now occupies the spot where a classic skeleton once kept watch over the treasure. Some call it an upgrade. Others call it the end of something irreplaceable. Also: D'Amaro's 100-day report card, Universal Kids Resort reviewed, and the world's biggest Build-A-Bear is coming to Orlando.
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⬤ Disney · Disneyland · Imagineering
Pirates of the Caribbean reopens at Disneyland with a transforming audio-animatronic — and an internet debate
Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean has returned from its spring refurbishment with more than just a tune-up. Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles explains the upgrade : Walt Disney Imagineering added a new transforming audio-animatronic — one that physically changes form during the ride — to the scene where the iconic skeleton once sat perched atop its treasure. Chip and Co was on the ground for the reopening and reports the new figure is technically impressive. But not everyone is celebrating: a Laughing Place op-ed calls it gutting one of the most beloved tableaus in theme park history , describing the original skeleton scene as irreplaceable atmosphere. TouringPlans has early video of the new figure in action.
★ Sources: Theme Park Insider · TouringPlans · Laughing Place →
★ Industry · Disney Leadership
Josh D'Amaro's first 100 days as Disney CEO — what's happened and what hasn't
Laughing Place takes stock of D'Amaro's tenure so far — the first 100 days of one of Disney's most significant leadership transitions in decades. D'Amaro came up through Disney Parks and arrived as CEO with deep operational knowledge and a reputation for accessibility. The piece examines his early moves, the decisions he's signaled, and what the company's direction looks like heading into the second half of 2026. For Disney watchers, it's a useful early read on where the parks-first philosophy goes from here.
★ Source: Laughing Place →
⬤ Universal · Universal Kids Resort
Universal Kids Resort: TouringPlans spent a full day there and has some thoughts
The park opens Tuesday, but TouringPlans got an early first-look visit to Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas . Their take: strong on character encounters and atmosphere, with some caveats on ride lineup and lineup management. The full analysis is worth reading before you plan a trip — especially if you're wondering how it stacks up against LEGOLAND.
⬤ I-Drive · Icon Park · New Attraction
The world's biggest Build-A-Bear Workshop is coming to Icon Park in Orlando this summer
Icon Park on International Drive is getting a new flagship tenant: the world's largest Build-A-Bear Workshop , described as spacious and upscale compared to a typical mall location. No specific opening date has been announced beyond "summer 2026," but the addition gives I-Drive another family-friendly anchor beyond the Wheel and attractions along the strip.
Pete's Silly Sideshow returns, Captain Jack joins MNSSHP, and you might be owed Disney money.
Disney · Magic Kingdom
Pete's Silly Sideshow officially reopens today at Magic Kingdom following its refurbishment closure
Disney · MNSSHP · Halloween
Captain Jack Sparrow quietly added to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party entertainment lineup
Disney · Settlement · Money
Disney's $50 million class action settlement over YouTube TV and DirecTV subscriptions is open for claims — here's how
Universal · Epic Universe
Epic Universe continues testing Celestial Goodnight and 4th of July fireworks — photographer captured the show from four miles away
Universal · Universal Kids Resort
The Triple Gooberberry Sunrise from The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a real, orderable item at Universal Kids Resort
Disney · Disneyland · Downtown Disney
Earl of Sandwich opens its biggest and most immersive location ever in Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland did not just repair its Pirates of the Caribbean ride while it was down for refurbishment this spring. They plussed it.
— Theme Park Insider — on Pirates of the Caribbean's return to Disneyland
★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook
Active weekend ahead — 60% storm chance today and tonight, 40% Sunday. A brief window of clearer skies Sunday morning before the heat index hits 105. Plan around afternoon storms. Tuesday turns very active at 80%.
Coming up in the parks
Disney Springs bus + resort pool restrictions begin — TOMORROW
Non-hotel guests lose peak-hour bus access. Pool restrictions apply. Drive or rideshare to Disney Springs.
Level99 opens to the public at Disney Springs
63 interactive challenge rooms and Detroit-style pizza. Expect crowds on opening weekend.
Universal Kids Resort opens in Frisco, Texas
SpongeBob, Shrek, Minions, and the real Triple Gooberberry Sunrise. TouringPlans' first look is now live.
July 4 — all Orlando parks with fireworks, MK until midnight
SeaWorld drone show + America 250 celebration. WDW extended hours Jun 30–Jul 4. SeaWorld Red, White & BBQ + FIFA Fan Zone begin.
Universal Celestial Goodnight debuts at Epic Universe
Nightly fireworks and fountain spectacular in Celestial Park — running every evening from this date forward.
Disney · D'Amaro · Parks
D'Amaro's first 100 days: new Disney leadership style analyzed — what's changed and what's stayed the same
Industry · Pixar · Cars
Walt Disney Family Museum celebrates 20 years of Cars next month with a Pixar artist event
Universal · Resort Hotels
Universal Orlando Resort hotels now have sand sculptures, poolside activities, and exclusive character meets this summer
Disney · Disney Springs
Raglan Road and Cookes of Dublin launch a new Summer Lovin' lunch menu at Disney Springs — good value included
Industry · Papa Johns · Toy Story
Papa Johns turns itself into a real-life Pizza Planet for Toy Story 5 — themed pizzas, collectible boxes, pop-ups
Attractions Magazine →
Disney · Disney+ · Descendants
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland drops an action-packed official trailer and a new villain anthem
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★ SOURCES · THEME PARK INSIDER · LAUGHING PLACE · TOURINGPLANS · CHIP AND CO · WDWNT · ATTRACTIONS MAGAZINE ★