Universal Orlando has postponed the return of the Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios Florida by approximately two weeks. Performances are now scheduled to begin on June 5 instead of the originally planned May 23 date. The updated calendar shows a 6 p.m. kickoff followed by mostly 7 p.m. shows throughout the summer season. The parade will run through August 23, which is shorter than last year’s extended run that continued into November. Since its 2024 debut, the parade has experienced a bumpy production history with incomplete lineups and operational inconsistencies. The event features floats inspired by major franchises including Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, and Back to The Future. This latest delay was not formally announced but appeared quietly through updates to the online entertainment calendar.
Category: Disney Parks
Disney unexpectedly opened the Walt Disney Studios area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before its scheduled May 26th date, delighting visitors eager to explore the new space. The courtyard is inspired by the historic Burbank studio and features numerous details that bring animated characters to life. Visitors discovered Pluto’s Corner with its authentic street sign and fire hydrant, along with movie posters spanning every era of Disney animation. The area showcases beloved characters like Lucifer, Jaq, Gus, and Abu in various locations throughout the courtyard. Handprints of famous characters including Moana, Maui, and Simba are embedded in the concrete, adding a charming touch. This early access allows fans to enjoy the detailed environment ahead of the full Magic of Disney Animation attraction opening.
Disney World experienced varied wait times across its parks on Friday, May 22nd, with some attractions seeing significant delays while others remained accessible. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the newly updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run faced unexpectedly long lines despite initial ride closures. Magic Kingdom saw TRON Lightcycle Run reach an 80-minute peak wait, while several attractions like Haunted Mansion and Magic Carpets of Aladdin maintained zero-minute waits. Epcot’s Test Track hit a 105-minute wait at one point, and Epcot’s Soarin’ Around the World was closed for part of the day. Animal Kingdom’s Avatar Flight of Passage maintained its typical 90-minute wait around midday. Several rides across the parks experienced temporary closures throughout the day, affecting guest experiences. The article notes that Tower of Terror reached 80 minutes at Hollywood Studios, likely due to operational issues. Visitors are encouraged to check wait times before planning their day, as conditions can change rapidly.
Disney+ is set to premiere a new documentary titled The Magic Behind Island Tower on June 10, 2026. This special will offer viewers an exclusive look at how Imagineers designed and built the new tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. The film explores the creative process behind the architecture, landscaping, and storytelling elements of this tropical addition to Walt Disney World. Viewers will hear directly from the artists who shaped the resort, which draws inspiration from Bora Bora, Hawaii, Samoa, and Fiji. The documentary also examines how the project balances modern design with the classic island atmosphere guests expect from the Polynesian Village Resort. This release targets fans of Imagineering documentaries who enjoy learning about the magic behind Disney attractions. A Disney+ subscription will be required to watch the special when it premieres this summer.
Disneyland Resort is preparing for summer 2026 with a special limited-time event for young visitors. Starting May 22, children ages three to nine can join the Loth-Cat Crew at Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. This complimentary experience allows younglings to build their own lightsaber with adult supervision. While the building activity is free, guests may choose to purchase their custom creation afterward. The event provides an affordable alternative to the traditional paid lightsaber-building experience at Savi’s Workshop. Families can visit the official Disneyland website for specific dates, hours, and pricing information once available. This interactive adventure offers an exciting opportunity for children to participate in the immersive Star Wars experience.