Comcast is spinning off NBCUniversal — and that includes Universal's theme parks. Plus Level99's opening day review, Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift previews start today, and five Universal Orlando attractions are closing in July.
★ Tue Jun 30 · 5 min read
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Tue · Jun 30 · 2026 · ☀ 93°
★ Today's Edition · Universal · Disney · Industry · Disney Springs ★
Comcast is splitting off NBCUniversal — and that includes the theme parks.
Universal Destinations & Experiences is now part of a major corporate restructuring. Plus Level99's opening day review is in, Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift previews start today, and five Universal Orlando attractions are closing in July.
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⬤ Universal · Industry · Corporate
Comcast announces NBCUniversal spinoff — what it means for Universal's theme parks
Comcast announced plans this morning to split into two separate publicly traded companies: Comcast (retaining cable and broadband) and a new independent NBCUniversal — which includes Universal Destinations & Experiences, the parent of Universal Orlando, Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. Attractions Magazine breaks down what guests can expect — for now, nothing changes operationally, but the restructuring puts Universal's parks division under a leaner, more standalone media company rather than the much larger Comcast umbrella. Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles has analysis on what this kind of corporate split has historically meant for capital investment in theme park expansion — a relevant question given Epic Universe's ongoing growth.
★ Sources: Attractions Magazine · Theme Park Insider →
⬤ Disney · Disney Springs · Review
Level99 is officially open to all guests — here's what opening day was actually like
Chip and Co confirms Level99 has officially opened its doors on the West Side of Disney Springs , bringing the full 63-challenge lineup to all visitors. AllEars sent a team to opening day and shares seven things they learned — including pricing structure, wait times for popular challenge rooms, and tips for first-time visitors. If you're planning a trip soon, this is the most useful early read on what to expect before you book your time slot.
★ Sources: Chip and Co · AllEars →
⬤ Universal · USF · TODAY
Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift team member previews begin today
Today's the day Theme Park Insider flagged in yesterday's Rope Drop column — team member previews for Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift are scheduled to begin at Universal Studios Florida. The next phase typically includes Annual Passholder and public previews before a full opening, so expect updates throughout the week as Universal fans share early ride footage.
⬤ Universal · Orlando · Planning
5 attractions will be closed at Universal Orlando in July — plan your trip around it
If you're heading to Universal Orlando this month, AllEars has the full list of attractions closed for refurbishment in July , spread across both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Worth checking before you build your itinerary, especially during peak July 4 week crowds.
MNSSHP selling out, Yachtsman Steakhouse returns, and a historic tree comes down.
Disney · MNSSHP · Tickets
A second Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party date has sold out — book remaining nights soon
Disney · MNSSHP · Entertainment
No Disney Starlight Parade on Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party nights again this holiday season
Disney · Yacht Club · Dining
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort gets a reopening date for this August
Universal · Islands of Adventure
Jurassic Park River Adventure animatronics are being refurbished, with retheming spotted in the surrounding area
Disney · Animal Kingdom Lodge · Safety
A young guest jumped into an animal enclosure at Animal Kingdom Lodge — Disney has since installed new barriers
Disney · Polynesian Resort · History
A historic Hawaiian Kukui tree at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has been cut down after nearly 30 years, reportedly due to cold-weather damage
Comcast and NBCUniversal are splitting up. The new company will carry Universal Destinations & Experiences into a future as a standalone media business — a structural shift years in the making.
— Theme Park Insider — on the Comcast-NBCUniversal split
★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook
Storms likely after noon today at 70%. Heat index near 102. Wednesday brings relief at 50%, but Thursday and Friday turn active again through the holiday weekend buildup.
Coming up in the parks
Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift team member previews begin
Watch for early footage and reactions from Universal team members throughout the day.
America 250 — fireworks at MK, Disneyland, Epic Universe, SeaWorld
Magic Kingdom open until midnight. Epic Universe's first July 4 fireworks show. WDW extended hours Jun 30–Jul 4.
Baby Shark at SeaWorld Orlando begins
Runs through September 7 alongside the IGNITE Fireworks Spectacular and Drone Show.
Universal Celestial Goodnight debuts at Epic Universe
Nightly fireworks and fountain show in Celestial Park — rehearsals already underway with color-changing Helios Grand Hotel lighting.
Bier Fest Brews & BBQ begins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Runs through September 7. Pin Trading Weekend also kicks off the same day.
Toy Story 5 star Conan O'Brien reveals his favorite Disney Parks attraction in a new video
Disney · Pins · Merchandise
New open edition pins arrive at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom — featuring attractions and park landmarks
Mickey's of Glendale returns to D23 2026 with a first look at a new Walt Disney Imagineering collection
Disney · Disney Springs · Events
House of Mouse Expo returns to the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista at Disney Springs next month with celebrity talent
Disney · Disneyland Paris
Casa Giulia construction makes significant progress in Disney Village at Disneyland Paris ahead of year-end opening
Disney · Haunted Mansion
Four new glow-in-the-dark Haunted Mansion pins arrive at Walt Disney World, found at Memento Mori
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★ SOURCES · ATTRACTIONS MAGAZINE · THEME PARK INSIDER · CHIP AND CO · ALLEARS.NET · WDWNT · LAUGHING PLACE ★