This week on the Orlando Insider podcast, we're covering four huge stories from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort — and if you've got a trip planned to Orlando, this is essential listening.

🎢 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is BACK After 16 months of refurbishment, one of Magic Kingdom's most iconic rides has finally reopened at Walt Disney World. We'll tell you what's new, what's changed, and — crucially — the smart strategy for avoiding the queues right now. Hint: don't do what everyone else is doing.

🎃 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026 — Dates & Tickets Announced Disney has just revealed the dates for this year's Halloween spectacular at Magic Kingdom, running from 7th August through to Halloween night on 31st October. We've got everything you need to know about tickets, what's new this year, and why you shouldn't leave it too long to book.

✨ May 2026 — Disney World's Biggest Month in Years From ride reopenings to the Muppets taking over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, May is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months Walt Disney World has seen in a long time. We'll break down what's opening, when, and why right now is actually a brilliant time to visit.

🌍 Epic Universe Is Already Expanding Universal's brand new fourth theme park only opened last year — and Universal Orlando are already building again. We look at what's going up inside Epic Universe's Celestial Park, and what the demolition of Islands of Adventure's Lost Continent means for the future of Universal Orlando Resort.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Orlando Insider are the UK's specialist Orlando travel agency — and we're not your average travel agent. With over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and multiple industry awards, we specialise exclusively in Orlando, so you get expert advice from people who genuinely know these parks inside out.

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🧠 Your Personal Orlando Guru — one dedicated expert who gets to know you, your family and your holiday. Ask them anything, anytime. No call centres, no starting from scratch every time you ring.

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Get your 2027 trip sorted the right way! 🏰 This week on the Orlando Insider news, we’re covering the launch of Universal Express Now—the brand-new single-ride skip option designed to help you dodge those three-hour standbys at Epic Universe ⏱️🚀.

We’re also getting stuck into:

• Mando & Grogu – The Falcon is finally worth a look again with a brand-new mission that puts the Engineer in charge of the cockpit 🛸👶.
• The Pokémon Project? – Walls are moving at The Lost Continent. We’re tracking the massive demolition and what it means for the future of the park 🏗️🦖.
• Epic Universe x TIME – Why Universal’s newest park just got crowned one of the World’s Greatest Places 🌍✨.
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And don't forget, Free Disney Dining is back for selected 2027 arrivals! 🥂Find out more at orlandoinsider.co.uk

#OrlandoNews #EpicUniverse #DisneyWorld #StarWars #ProperHoliday #FreeDining

This week’s Orlando theme park news covers three big updates from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando that could shape your next trip.

We break down the new Disney Dining Plan for 2027, including the return of free dining on selected dates — and whether two table-service meals a day is a dream… or slightly ambitious.

We also look at the new Universal Express Pass option, giving you more flexibility to skip queues without committing to the full unlimited version.

Plus, Disney has revealed the full Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster playlist, featuring Song 2, Born to Be Wild, Love Rollercoaster, Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) and Walking on Sunshine — all reworked by the Electric Mayhem.

✈️ Planning your trip?

👉 Book your awesome Orlando holiday with Orlando Insider

Get your own personal Orlando Guru, plus Park Planner and Ride Alerts to help you skip queues and make the most of your time in the parks.

Or visit: https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

🎧 In this episode:

• Disney Dining Plan 2027 explained
• Free Disney Dining offer
• New Universal Express Pass breakdown
• Full Muppets coaster playlist revealed

If you’re looking for Orlando holiday planning tips, Disney World news, and Universal Orlando updates, make sure to follow for weekly episodes.

See you in the parks 🌴