RUMOR: Space Mountain closing for major reimagining · Moana opens soft at $18M · Piston Peak construction update · Universal Mega Movie Parade returns
★ Sun Jul 12 · 5 min read
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Sun · Jul 12 · 2026 · 🌦 95°
★ Today's Edition · Walt Disney World · Universal Orlando · LEGOLAND Florida ★
RUMOR: Space Mountain is heading for a major reimagining — and a long closure
WDW News Today is out with a significant rumor: Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom may be next in line for a major overhaul. Also today: live-action Moana stumbles at the box office, two Cars rides rise from Tom Sawyer Island, and the Universal Mega Movie Parade is back.
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★ Magic Kingdom · Rumor
Rumor: Space Mountain closing for a major reimagining at Magic Kingdom
A significant rumor out of WDW News Today suggests that Space Mountain — one of Magic Kingdom's most iconic original attractions — may be heading toward a major closure for a significant reimagining. While details remain thin and no official announcement has been made, the rumor follows a broader pattern of Disney investing heavily in updating classic attractions for a new generation. Space Mountain opened in 1975 and has received only incremental updates since. The WDWNT July 11 daily recap also notes that guests aboard the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover reported hearing a new narration track — potentially another signal of changes coming to the Tomorrowland area.
★ Source: WDW News Today →
★ Disney · Box Office
Live-action Moana opens soft — just $18 million on opening day
Disney's live-action Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga'aia, made just $18 million on its opening day Friday — including $4.5 million in Thursday preview screenings. That puts actual Friday earnings around $13.5 million, a soft start for a major Disney tentpole with heavy park tie-ins already in place at Walt Disney World. Critics have been mixed, with reviews noting the film delivers spectacle but loses some of the original's emotional charm. WDW News Today has the full breakdown. Whether the number holds or legs carry it through the summer will be closely watched.
★ Construction & Events
⬤ Disney · Magic Kingdom
Piston Peak Cars rides take shape where Tom Sawyer Island stood
Construction on two new Cars-themed rides at Magic Kingdom's Piston Peak area is visible and moving fast. Attractions Magazine has the latest on-site update with photos from the former Tom Sawyer Island footprint.
Universal Mega Movie Parade 2026 rolls through Universal Studios Florida
The Mega Movie Parade is back at Universal Studios Florida for summer 2026, featuring floats and characters from Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters, Sing, Kung Fu Panda, and more. WDWNT has photos and video.
★ Sources: Attractions Magazine · WDW News Today →
★ This Week in the Parks
New food, a year-one look back, and Descendants returns this week .
Disney · Animal Kingdom
New Animal Kingdom menu items include a Pandoran Sunrise cocktail and Korean BBQ sandwich
WDWNT reviewed the new drinks and dishes at Flame Tree Barbecue and beyond — the Pandoran Sunrise with Rum and Marble Swirled Cheesecake are getting the most attention.
Universal · Epic Universe
Epic Universe GM Jeff Polk reflects on year one — and hints at what's next
Orlando Informer sat down with Executive VP and General Manager Jeff Polk for a deep look back at Epic Universe's first year — hidden details, guest-favorite characters, and what's coming next.
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland arrives on Disney+ this week
The latest Descendants film is the headline Disney+ arrival this week. Laughing Place's weekly WYNTK column has the full rundown of what's new across Disney platforms through July 18.
Jonas Brothers to record live podcast episode at D23
The Jonas Brothers — soon-to-be named Disney Legends — will tape a live episode of their "Hey Jonas!" podcast at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. AllEars has the details.
Imagineering shares a new behind-the-scenes look at Disney Adventure
Disney Imagineering offered a fresh behind-the-scenes preview of Disney Adventure, the upcoming park project. AllEars calls it "a massive accomplishment" based on what was shared.
Space Mountain has been blasting guests through the cosmos since 1975. If this rumor holds, the next mission might be the most ambitious one yet.
— Park Pulse Daily — On the Space Mountain reimagining rumor
★ 7-Day Orlando Outlook
Afternoon storms ease through the week — Wednesday arrives fully sunny with highs near 97° and heat indexes around 105°.
Coming up in the parks
SeaWorld FIFA Fan Zone closes & Pass Member/Military Picnic
SeaWorld Orlando · Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Fan Zone ends Jul 19. Also: Pass Member & Military/Veteran Picnic on Jul 19.
Busch Gardens Bier Fest Brews & BBQ begins
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · Thru Sep 7, 2026. Pin Trading Weekend also on Jul 25.
SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular begins
SeaWorld Orlando · Thru Nov 1. Family-friendly fall event with costumes and trick-or-treating.
Busch Gardens Halloween Spooktacular begins
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · Thru Nov 1. Family-friendly daytime scare event.
Howl-O-Scream opens at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens
SeaWorld Orlando (thru Oct 31) & Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (thru Nov 1) · Adult scare event.
★ Park Shorts · Quick Hits
New Moana-themed drink debuts at EPCOT
Full tour of LEGOLAND's Pirate Island Hotel
⬤ Universal · Epic Universe
Early Park Admission at Epic Universe changes again
Villains Land site update — walls up across Magic Kingdom
Attractions Magazine →
FIFA World Cup Fan Zone last week — closes July 19
⬤ Disney · Beat the Heat
Heat index hits 103° today — tips for staying cool at the parks
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★ SOURCES: WDW NEWS TODAY · ATTRACTIONS MAGAZINE · TOURINGPLANS · LAUGHING PLACE · ALLEARS.NET · ORLANDO INFORMER · THEME PARK INSIDER ★