Disney Springs bus and pool restrictions are in effect starting today — here's what non-hotel guests need to know. Plus MNSSHP adds a Stitch Dance Party, Epic Universe gets July 4 fireworks, and Bloomberg toured Walt Disney Imagineering's aquatic robots.
★ Sun Jun 28 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Sun · Jun 28 · 2026 · ☀ 95°
★ Today's Edition · Disney · Universal · Disney Springs · Imagineering ★
The Disney Springs bus restrictions are in effect right now.
Starting today, non-resort guests lose free bus access to Disney Springs at peak times. Plus MNSSHP adds a Stitch Dance Party, Epic Universe gets July 4 fireworks, and Bloomberg went inside Walt Disney Imagineering's aquatic robotics lab.
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⬤ Disney · Disney Springs · TODAY
Disney Springs bus and pool restrictions start today — what non-hotel guests need to know
Beginning today, June 28, Walt Disney World's free resort bus service to Disney Springs is restricted to guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel or holding a valid dining reservation. Non-hotel guests heading to Disney Springs for shopping and entertainment at peak times will need to drive or use rideshare — the complimentary bus access that's been available since Disney Springs' transformation is now closed off to day visitors. Pool access at Disney resorts is also being restricted to hotel guests from this date. The changes are part of Disney's ongoing effort to prioritize amenities for paying resort guests, following several years of expanded access for non-hotel visitors. If you're planning a visit to Disney Springs this week — especially with Level99 opening tomorrow — plan around parking or Uber.
★ Sources: TouringPlans · Theme Park Insider →
⬤ Disney · Magic Kingdom · MNSSHP 2026
MNSSHP 2026 adds a Stitch Dance Party and a full Captain Jack Sparrow experience
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is getting two brand-new experiences for 2026. Chip and Co reports that a Stitch Dance Party is coming to the event — a new dedicated experience celebrating Experiment 626 — along with a full Captain Jack Sparrow character experience. Both are in addition to the returning favorites like the Boo-to-You Parade, Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade, and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. MNSSHP runs select nights November 13 through December 19 this year. Two new additions that should move the needle on ticket demand.
★ Source: Chip and Co →
⬤ Universal · Epic Universe · July 4
Universal announces July 4 fireworks at Epic Universe — plus resort-wide Independence Day celebrations
Epic Universe is getting in on July 4 in a big way. Universal Orlando is announcing fireworks at Epic Universe on July 4 , alongside resort-wide celebrations featuring DJs, festive entertainment, and patriotic programming. It's the first major holiday spectacle at Epic Universe since the park opened — and adds a compelling reason to choose Universal over Magic Kingdom on Independence Day.
⬤ Disney · Imagineering · Tech
Bloomberg toured Walt Disney Imagineering — and aquatic animatronics are the next frontier
Bloomberg was given a rare tour of Walt Disney Imagineering's R&D facilities. Imagineers showcased next-generation aquatic animatronics — robotic characters designed to move through and interact with water in ways that haven't been achieved before. With SEAQuest at SeaWorld and a growing appetite for underwater theming, the timing of this reveal is worth noting.
Lakeshore Lodge rising, Pete's Sideshow back, and Universal's hotels have sand sculptures now.
Disney · WDW · Construction
Photo tour: Disney's Lakeshore Lodge construction is moving fast — the new DVC resort targets a 2027 opening
Disney · TouringPlans · Monthly
TouringPlans June 2026 Theme Park Enjoyment Index — the events and changes that shaped the month
Disney · Magic Kingdom · Characters
Pete's Silly Sideshow is officially back at Magic Kingdom — Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy are meeting guests again
Disney · Disneyland · Downtown Disney
Disneyland Resort officially debuts its brand new Downtown Disney logo — the refreshed signage is now up
Universal · Resort Hotels
Universal Orlando resort hotels launch exclusive summer add-ons: giant sand sculptures, poolside activities, character meet-and-greets through Aug 10
Disney · BBC · Industry
BBC podcast examines how Toy Story 5's success signals a D'Amaro-era turnaround for Disney
Bloomberg toured Walt Disney Imagineering's R&D facilities, where Imagineers showcased the next generation of Disney robotics — including aquatic animatronics that can move through water in ways never achieved before.
— Laughing Place — on Bloomberg's rare WDI tour
★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook
Scorching week ahead — heat index hits 105 today and 106 Monday. Storms return Tuesday at 70%. Get to the parks early and get inside for afternoon downpours.
Coming up in the parks
Disney Springs bus + resort pool restrictions NOW in effect
Non-hotel guests cannot use WDW resort buses to Disney Springs at peak times. Drive or rideshare.
Level99 opens to the public at Disney Springs
63 interactive challenge rooms and Detroit-style pizza. Plan around new bus restrictions if taking resort transport.
Universal Kids Resort opens in Frisco, Texas
SpongeBob, Shrek, the Triple Gooberberry Sunrise. TouringPlans and Attractions Mag first looks are live.
July 4 — fireworks at MK, SeaWorld, AND Epic Universe
Magic Kingdom until midnight. SeaWorld drone show. Epic Universe's first Independence Day fireworks. WDW extended hours Jun 30–Jul 4.
Universal Celestial Goodnight debuts at Epic Universe
The nightly fireworks and fountain spectacular in Celestial Park — runs every evening from this date forward.
Disney · Hollywood Studios
The Hollywood Brown Derby debuts new menu items — seasonal additions worth knowing before your next DHS visit
Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT's The Land pavilion has new menu items — here's what's been added
Universal · Universal Kids Resort
Shrek's Swamp at Universal Kids Resort: what to expect, height requirements, and parent tips ahead of opening
Attractions Magazine →
Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster reviewed — the biggest ride at Universal Kids Resort with a 7-year-old in tow
Disney · WDI · Robotics
Inside Disney Imagineering's aquatic animatronics lab — Bloomberg's full tour reveals what's next in Disney robotics
Disney · Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line offered limited 30% off sailings for 626 Day — select voyages on Fantasy, Wish, and more
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★ SOURCES · CHIP AND CO · LAUGHING PLACE · TOURINGPLANS · ATTRACTIONS MAGAZINE · THEME PARK INSIDER ★