Here is your round-up of the biggest Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and wider Florida theme park news from the past week (30 Oct to 6 Nov 2026). We have summarised each story below, with a link to the full report. For planning help, browse our Orlando guides.
This week's Florida theme park news
Go Behind the Scenes of New Show Sets at Remy Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT
Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a new video offering a nighttime look at updated show sets inside Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT. Imagineer Sarah takes viewers through the attraction, starting with a new vent in the queue and continuing to a 25-foot charcuterie board in the finale. The behind-the-scenes tour gives visitors a closer view of details added along the ride, from the waiting area to its closing scene.
Blog Mickey, 6 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
Starbucks Holiday Drinks Arrive at Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Walt Disney World visitors can now find Starbucks’ 2026 holiday drinks across all four theme parks, following the menu’s launch today. The resort’s website listed the seasonal range at Main Street Bakery, Connections Café, The Trolley Car Café and Creature Comforts when checked this afternoon. Holidaymakers planning a theme park visit can look out for the festive options at these Starbucks locations, although the available information does not specify the full drinks lineup.
Blog Mickey, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
New Indoor Coaster Officially Announced for Epic Universe
Universal has officially announced a new indoor coaster for Epic Universe, adding another attraction to the Dark Universe area. Construction is under way behind Monsters Unchained, while permit information and reported details have prompted speculation about the ride’s design. Universal has not confirmed those rumoured features, so visitors planning a future trip should treat them as unverified until further information is released.
Orlando ParkStop, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
The Ghost of Magical Express: Could Shifting Airport Logistics and Guest Friction Bring Disney World’s Beloved Shuttle Back?
Disney’s Magical Express ended its nearly 17-year run in January 2022, when its final coaches left Orlando International Airport for Walt Disney World. The complimentary transfer had allowed arriving families to travel to the resort without hiring a car, making it a familiar part of many holidays. The service has not returned, but changing airport arrangements and the effort involved in reaching the parks have prompted renewed discussion about whether Disney might bring a shuttle back.
Inside the Magic, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
Universal Orlando replaces Jaws, Kong and Jurassic Park parking garage themes
Universal Orlando is refreshing the themes in its North Parking Garage, moving on from familiar Jaws, King Kong and Jurassic Park designs. The replacement line-up will feature five themes, including Trolls, Shrek and Minions. The changes bring some of the resort’s newer character franchises into the parking experience, while removing references to three classic attractions. Holidaymakers arriving by car can expect to see the updated designs in the garage.
Attractions Magazine, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
Yes, Disney World Chefs Have a “Churro-lympics”
Two competition-winning treats from Walt Disney World’s Churro-lympics are now available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The property-wide contest invited culinary teams to create new churro-inspired snacks, with the Churro-misu Cold Brew taking a place on the menu at Isle of Java and the DOLE Whip Pineapple and Chili-Lime and Churro Sundae appearing at Warung Outpost. Both entries earned gold, giving park visitors two new options to try during their day at Animal Kingdom.
Blog Mickey, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
Notice: Closures Confirmed Through 2028 at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge is set in a woodland-inspired landscape, with an eight-storey lobby, towering log columns, totem poles and a large stone fireplace designed to evoke the Grand Canyon’s rock layers. The resort opened as a distinctive place to stay at the Florida destination. The supplied information does not detail which facilities are closing or when, so visitors planning a future trip should check for updates before making arrangements.
Inside the Magic, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
– ‘The Little Mermaid’ Vanishes From Magic Kingdom Operations at 7 PM
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is a gentle Magic Kingdom attraction set among rocky cliffs and a weathered shipwreck, with a mermaid figurehead marking its entrance. The reported operational change is that the ride disappears from the park’s operations at 7 pm. Holidaymakers planning an evening visit may want to check the latest park information before setting out, as the source summary does not explain whether the change is temporary or permanent.
Inside the Magic, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
United Parks CEO promises Busch Gardens Tampa Bay improvements, continued investment
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is receiving renewed attention from United Parks leadership, with chief executive Marc Swanson discussing the park’s future on the company’s 5 November earnings call. He spoke about opportunities to improve the guest experience and confirmed that investment in the park will continue. No specific projects or timescales were outlined in the information available, but the comments signal that the Florida attraction remains a focus for the company.
Attractions Magazine, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
Universal confirms Epic Universe expansion months after revising statement
Universal Orlando has confirmed plans for an expansion of the Dark Universe area at Epic Universe, months after it revised an earlier statement that had described the park as expanding. The confirmation gives holidaymakers a clearer indication that the new theme park is set for further development, although the information provided does not include details about what the expansion will involve or when it may open. For now, visitors should await further announcements from Universal.
Attractions Magazine, 5 Nov 2026. Read the full story.
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