Celestial Goodnight debuted at Epic Universe last night — the park finally has its fireworks show. Plus: Universal Nights after-hours event announced, and two big Disney leadership changes.
★ Wed Jul 08 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Wed · Jul 08 · 2026 · ☀ 96°
★ Today's Edition · Universal · Disney · SeaWorld ★
Celestial Goodnight lights up Epic Universe — the park's first regular fireworks show debuted last night.
Universal's year-old park officially has a nightly spectacular, plus a new after-hours hard ticket event this fall. And two major Disney leadership shifts land in one day.
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★ Universal · Epic Universe
Celestial Goodnight premieres at Epic Universe — and it's already getting strong reviews
Universal Epic Universe debuted its first-ever regular nightly fireworks show on Tuesday, July 7. WDW News Today was there with photos and video , and TouringPlans called it "really special." Laughing Place has the full show video. The spectacular runs nightly and caps the Epic Universe experience in a way the park has been missing since opening last May.
Universal also announced Universal Nights at Epic Universe — a separately ticketed after-hours event coming this fall with rides, entertainment, and complimentary snacks. TouringPlans has details on pricing and availability.
★ Sources: WDW News Today · Laughing Place · Attractions Magazine →
★ Disney · Leadership
Ken Potrock announces retirement from Walt Disney Company
Ken Potrock, former President of Disneyland Resort , has announced he will officially retire from The Walt Disney Company in early 2027. Potrock joined Disney in 1995 and most recently served as President of Major Events Integration — he oversaw Disneyland through its pandemic closure and the 70th anniversary celebration.
Joe Schott takes over as Walt Disney World President in early August
Joe Schott officially takes the reins as Walt Disney World President in early August — about a month away. Schott was announced for the role back in May when new Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum reshaped the leadership structure. He'll be running the world's most-visited theme park resort at a pivotal moment.
★ Disney · Film + Parks
Moana opens Friday — early reactions are in, and Walt Disney World already has the treats ready
The live-action Moana hits theaters this Friday, and early social reactions are pointing to Catherine Laga'aia's performance as the standout even among more mixed takes on the film overall. Disney World isn't waiting — a Moana Sundae and Pineapple Drink are arriving at the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck in Animal Kingdom , and more Moana-themed limited-time treats are rolling out across property this week.
★ Sources: Laughing Place · WDW News Today →
More from Wednesday's parks.
Disney · Magic Kingdom
Carousel of Progress superfans captured walkaround close-up footage before the closure — a farewell tour for the ages
Disney · Hollywood Studios
Extended Evening Hours quietly added to Disney's Hollywood Studios calendar for September
Universal · Epic Universe
Satellite Shakes is now open at Epic Universe — Captain Cacao milkshake and more replace the Meteor Astropub pick-up window
Kissimmee Gateway Airport is getting a major upgrade — good news for guests who fly into the smaller Orlando-area airport
Epic Universe opened without a nighttime spectacular and nobody knew how much it mattered until Celestial Goodnight showed up. A park needs a reason to stay after dark.
— Park Pulse Daily — July 8, 2026
★ 4-Day Orlando Outlook
Heat index hits 107° today — a rare sunny stretch with almost no rain through the weekend.
Coming up in the parks
Tormenta: Rampaging Run opens at Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas. Record-setting dive coaster finally opens.
Moana (live-action) opens in theaters
Disney film. Early social reactions mixed but praising the lead performance.
FIFA World Cup Fan Zone ends + SeaWorld Pass Member Picnic
SeaWorld Orlando. FIFA Fan Zone runs Jul 4–19.
Bier Fest Brews & BBQ + Pin Trading Weekend begin
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Bier Fest runs thru Sep 7.
SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular begins
SeaWorld Orlando. Runs thru Nov 1.
5 tips before you watch Celestial Goodnight — where to stand, when to arrive, what to expect
Attractions Magazine →
Universal · Halloween Horror Nights
Hellraiser confirmed for HHN 2026 — plus Stranger Things 5, Sinners: the lineup is stacking up
Walt Disney Presents gets a July update — new international parks displays added inside Hollywood Studios
Disney · Disney Springs
A sushi showdown is coming to Disney World — you could help crown Orlando's best sushi chef
Disney is searching for its 2027 planDisney panel — applications open this week
Universal · Las Vegas
New photos inside Resident Evil at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas — puzzles, zombies, and Nemesis
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★ SOURCES · WDW News Today · Laughing Place · TouringPlans · Attractions Magazine · Chip and Co · AllEars.net · Theme Park Insider · NWS Orlando ★