Universal Orlando is set to bring back the exclusive Volcano Bay Under the Stars event in 2026, offering a family-friendly experience with reduced wait times. This special evening event runs from 7 to 11 PM on select nights through August 21st, providing guests with access to popular water park attractions under the night sky. For $99 per person, attendees enjoy shorter ride lines, live DJ music on Waturi Beach, interactive games, and opportunities to meet DreamWorks characters. The event also features exclusive snacks and a complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup with unlimited free refills throughout the water park. While the price point is significant, the combination of exclusive entertainment, character interactions, and a less crowded environment makes it an attractive option for water park enthusiasts. The event promises a unique and exciting atmosphere that differs from the typical daytime experience at Volcano Bay.
Category: Disney Parks
Disney World has implemented numerous changes across its parks and resorts in recent weeks. Several attractions opened earlier than scheduled, including FØØD by Swedish Chef and Soarin Across America. The highly anticipated updates to Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run have arrived, offering guests new adventure experiences. Meanwhile, The Diamond Horseshoe restaurant is temporarily closed to become Jessie’s Roundup, a kids’ activity area. Several other areas like Pete’s Silly Sideshow and Big Top Souvenirs are also experiencing closures. The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars themed Piston Peak area. Animation Courtyard has been transformed into The Magic of Disney Animation. Muppet Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo are closed for construction on the new Monsters Inc land. Rock n Roller Coaster will feature Muppets starting in 2026. Various restaurants and transportation options at Disney resorts are undergoing refurbishments.
Disney World is experiencing significant transformations across Magic Kingdom, with several major attractions undergoing updates or replacements. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin received a substantial overhaul, while Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened after extensive modifications. The Rivers of America attraction has been completely removed to make way for the new Cars expansion called Piston Peak. Construction is also underway for a new Villains land, indicating a period of substantial change throughout the park. Beyond these large-scale modifications, smaller alterations have also been spotted by visitors. The PeopleMover ride in Tomorrowland has lost its entrance turnstile, marking another change to this popular attraction. This ride, which has operated since 2009, offers guests a relaxing way to view Tomorrowland and other nearby attractions. The removal of the turnstile represents another evolution in how guests experience this beloved transportation system.
This piece explores how director Steven Spielberg shaped Universal Orlando Resort through his iconic films and creative partnerships. The article highlights a special exhibit celebrating Spielberg’s work, featuring props and behind-the-scenes information from Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park. Universal Studios Florida opened with Jaws as an attraction in 1990, though it eventually gave way to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Spielberg’s influence extends beyond rides, as his films inspired merchandise, seasonal overlays, and even the design of Portofino Bay hotel. The Jurassic Park land remains one of the park’s most beloved areas, while E.T. Adventure stands as the only original 1990s attraction still operating. The article also notes Spielberg’s connection to Indiana Jones films, which appear in Disney parks, contrasting Universal’s heavy reliance on his work.
This review examines the reimagined Rock n Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets at Hollywood Studios, comparing it to the original Aerosmith version and other Disney attractions. The author notes that while the roller coaster track remains unchanged, the new Muppets-themed queue, pre-show, and post-show offer significant improvements. Highlights include Audio Animatronics of Scooter and the Electric Mayhem, celebrity cameos, and Muppet humor throughout the experience. The ride music, featuring Electric Mayhem collaborations with rock stars, is enjoyable but doesn’t match the synchronization of Cosmic Rewind. Despite minor critiques about the empty launch tunnel and limited Statler and Waldorf visibility, the attraction successfully captures Muppets’ unique humor. The review concludes that while it cannot replace the iconic MuppetVision 3D, it stands as a strong retrofit that honors Jim Henson’s legacy.