EPCOT is preparing for major updates starting on May 26th, including the new Soarin Across America attraction. The ride has already opened early, with a 10-minute wait time observed during a recent visit. While operational, the attraction may not run all day or every day until its official opening date. Soarin Across America celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States, featuring scenes from iconic American landscapes. The ride includes views of New York Harbor, the New England coastline, Grand Canyon West, Mount Rushmore, and the Hollywood sign. Immersive scents representing the Louisiana Bayou, Great Plains, and Hawaiian Islands enhance the experience. Disney has not yet announced how long the attraction will remain available to guests.
Disney World and Disneyland transform into festive havens during Halloween season, offering special treats and themed events. The spooky celebration begins in August, allowing fans to enjoy the magic before October arrives. A highlight of this season is the release of new popcorn buckets, which are highly coveted by collectors. Last year, Disneyland featured a Mickey Ghost design while Disney World showcased Stitch as a mummy. A Jack Skellington bucket was also available for the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. These limited-edition items often sell out quickly, creating excitement among visitors. While the 2026 designs remain unannounced, enthusiasts anticipate fresh creations this August. Fans are encouraged to follow Disney news sources for updates on upcoming bucket releases.
Disney World is preparing for an exciting summer season with the launch of Cool Kids Summer on May 26th. This event introduces two major new experiences: Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom and Jessie’s Roundup at Magic Kingdom. In addition to these attractions, a wide array of merchandise featuring Bluey and Toy Story 5 is being released. The Bluey collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, jackets, accessories like bracelets and keychains, and pins. Toy Story 5 merchandise includes clothing, tote bags, and coin pouches, with the movie itself releasing on June 19th. The new items feature beloved characters in various settings, including Cinderella Castle and classic Disney elements. This summer promises to be a vibrant time for families visiting the parks with fresh entertainment and shopping opportunities.
EPCOT is preparing to launch a patriotic new version of its popular Soarin attraction called Soarin Across America. This updated experience will honor the United States 250th birthday in July with an airborne journey across iconic American landscapes. The ride will feature scenes of the New England coastline, New York Harbor, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and other quintessentially American settings. Aviation legend Patrick Warburton will announce the overlay which opens at Disney World on May 26th. The attraction will retain Jerry Goldsmiths iconic theme with a new musical arrangement by Bruce Broughton. The queue will include a National Geographic collaboration game called The Soarin Challenge Across America that celebrates American wonder. This refurbishment is part of Disneys company-wide Disney Celebrates America campaign spanning various brands and businesses. The new experience is expected to draw large crowds to The Land pavilion at EPCOT.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of The Mandalorian and Grogu to the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction. The park has also added numerous themed merchandise items and new food offerings inspired by the latest Star Wars content. Visitors arriving early at the park encountered substantial crowds, with entrance lines extending deep into the morning. The Smugglers Run ride experienced a fifteen-minute delay before opening, resulting in an initial wait time of fifty minutes for guests. New merchandise including the Grogu Jetpack Sipper and BDX Droid Bucket are available for purchase within the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land. Additional food items from the movie have been introduced to the park’s dining options. The author anticipates wait times will increase throughout the day as more guests arrive to experience the updates.