Universal drops Stranger Things 5 and Sinners for HHN 2026, Moana opens Friday with mixed reviews, and EPCOT's Germany Pavilion gets a construction permit.
★ Thu Jul 09 · 5 min read
Florida theme parks, every single morning.
Thu · Jul 09 · 2026 · ☀️ 97°
★ Today's Edition · Universal · Disney · SeaWorld · Busch Gardens ★
HHN drops two blockbusters at once — Stranger Things 5 and Sinners both confirmed
Universal doubles down on Halloween Horror Nights 2026, Moana opens Friday with mixed early notices, and EPCOT's Germany Pavilion files for construction.
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★ Universal Orlando · Halloween Horror Nights
Stranger Things 5 and Sinners confirmed for Halloween Horror Nights 2026
Universal Orlando dropped two major Halloween Horror Nights 2026 IP announcements on Wednesday. First: Stranger Things 5 is returning to the event — the Upside Down opens one more gate at HHN after the hit Netflix series' final season. Then came the second punch: Sinners , Ryan Coogler's Academy Award-winning supernatural vampire film, makes its haunted-house debut. Both join Hellraiser on a lineup that's shaping up to be one of the strongest in HHN history. The event runs September 5 through November 1 at Universal Studios Florida.
★ Sources: Orlando Informer (Stranger Things) → · Orlando Informer (Sinners) →
★ Disney · Film & Parks
Live-action Moana opens Friday — and the early reviews are mixed
Disney's live-action reimagining of Moana arrives in theaters tomorrow, just shy of ten years after the beloved 2016 original. The notices are complicated: Attractions Magazine's review says it "delivers the adventure, but loses the charm," while WDW News Today reports the film is floundering on Rotten Tomatoes. Still, the parks are ready — new Moana merchandise is already rolling out at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris for opening weekend.
★ Sources: Attractions Magazine → · Laughing Place →
Germany Pavilion files for construction
Disney has filed a Notice of Commencement for "General Construction" at EPCOT's Germany Pavilion, with MSG Legions as contractor. A long-anticipated pavilion expansion inches forward.
⬤ Universal · Epic Universe
Epic Universe tweaks Early Park Admission — again
TouringPlans documents another round of changes to Epic Universe's Early Park Admission process. On-site hotel guests benefit most from the updated rules, which follow earlier adjustments made in March.
Columns revealed, hand pies launched, and pizza gets a cart .
American Adventure bunting removed — reveals damaged columns on building exterior
Disney · Disney Springs
Six Ravens: can Gideon’s Bakehouse team make a savory hand pie the next cult favorite?
Disney · Animal Kingdom
New culinary safari: fresh food and beverage offerings arrive at Animal Kingdom for July
Universal · Epic Universe
Pizza Moon rolls out a new pick-up cart in Celestial Park
Universal · HHN · LEGOLAND
Hellraiser confirmed for Horror Nights; Pokémon announced for LEGOLAND Florida
Orlando’s fall horror season is stacking up fast — Stranger Things, Sinners, and Hellraiser all at one event, and it’s barely July.
— Park Pulse Daily — Jul 09, 2026
★ 4-Day Orlando Outlook
Triple digits hold all week — heat index near 106° today, storm chances build into the weekend.
Coming up in the parks
Live-Action Moana — Opens Nationwide
Disney’s live-action reimagining hits theaters. Parks merchandise rolling out at WDW.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Premiere
Annual ornament premiere runs Jul 11–19. Disney characters featured, including Jessie and the Sanderson Sisters.
SeaWorld Pass Member & Military/Veteran Picnic
Annual appreciation event at SeaWorld Orlando. Also: Coca-Cola FIFA Fan Zone ends Jul 19.
Busch Gardens: Bier Fest Brews & BBQ begins + Pin Trading Weekend
Bier Fest runs Jul 25–Sep 7. Pin Trading Weekend also Jul 25 at Busch Gardens Tampa.
SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular begins
Runs Aug 29–Nov 1. Busch Gardens Spooktacular starts Sep 5; Howl-O-Scream at both parks Sep 11.
Hallmark unveils 2026 Disney ornaments — Jessie, Sanderson Sisters, and Treasure Skeleton lead
5 things to know before watching Celestial Goodnight fireworks at Epic Universe
Universal Nights reveals 4 perks for Epic Universe’s first after-hours event this fall
Ron Clements memoir — Making Disney Magic from a Mermaid to Moana — set for October
Toy Story 5 meets Lite-Brite: Basic Fun! showcases new merch at Toy Fair 2026
Baby Shark at SeaWorld continues through Sep 7 alongside Red, White & BBQ
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★ SOURCES · Orlando Informer · Attractions Magazine · WDW News Today · Laughing Place · TouringPlans · AllEars.net · SeaWorld Orlando ★