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.

Here's what makes us different:

🧠 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.

📲 Ride Alert — our exclusive in-park text message service that tells you when wait times drop or rides reopen, so you can stop refreshing apps and get on with enjoying your holiday.

📊 Park Planner — powered by millions of real data points, our Park Planner tells you exactly which park to visit on which day, then builds your ideal day around your top rides, mealtimes and start and finish times. No more guesswork.

🔒 Complete Financial Protection — your money sits in an independently managed travel trust fund. It's completely safe. We're also fully ATOL protected.

📞 24/7 Help Desk — because things don't always go to plan. If something happens while you're out there, we're always at the end of the phone.

👉 Start planning your Orlando holiday today at orlandoinsider.co.uk

Useful Links:

• 🌐 Orlando Insider website: orlandoinsider.co.uk

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 🌍✨.
• 
  

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 🌴

This week, the Spring Break crowds have finally cleared out, and we’re heading straight into the "Sweet Spot." In this update, we’re breaking down why the $449 price tags have vanished, replaced by $25 Lightning Lanes and much more breathing room in the parks. We’re also heading over to Tomorrowland to check out the long-awaited reopening of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and taking a look at the massive new silhouette changing the Magic Kingdom skyline.

Plus, we’ve got a major update on Disney’s water park strategy that is a total game-changer for your summer holiday plans.

In this week’s update:

• The Post-Easter Sweet Spot: How the "Southern Wave" breaking has brought Lightning Lane prices back down to $25.
• Space Ranger Spin Refined: Buzz is back with sharper tech and a much-needed digital facelift.
• Radiator Springs Rises: Piston Peak has reached its full height—here’s how the Cars land construction is transforming Frontierland.
• Double the Splash: The "one-in, one-out" rule is dead. Why both Disney water parks will be open simultaneously this summer.

Don’t let the complexity of the parks ruin your trip. If you want a proper holiday that’s actually sorted, head to www.orlandoinsider.co.uk.

When you plan your trip with us, you’re unlocking rates you simply won't find by booking direct. You’ll get your own personal Orlando Guru to handle the heavy lifting and access to our Park Planner App to help you dodge the queues in real-time. It’s time to stop the stress and get stuck into the fun stuff instead.

It’s the end of March and things aren't slowing down in Orlando. In this week’s update, we’re looking at why one of Disney’s most popular value resorts has finally binned the old carpets for a proper modern facelift. We’re also heading out to sea to talk about the 9th ship joining the Disney fleet—the Disney Believe—and why it’s a massive win for Marvel and Star Wars fans.

Universal’s also got some news for the Potterheads as Butterbeer Season officially kicks off, including some new treats that’ll definitely have you reaching for your wallet. Plus, we’re heading to EPCOT to catch a proper legend on the Garden Rocks stage.

In this week’s update:

• Pop Century’s Proper Glow-up: The facelift’s finished—here’s what the reimagined rooms actually look like.
• The Fleet Grows: Everything we know about the brand-new Disney Believe cruise ship.
• Butterbeer Season’s Back: From $18 souvenir cups to new clotted cream ice cream, it’s a sugar rush at Universal.
• Soul-Searching at EPCOT: Catching Herman’s Hermits and Peter Noone without getting stuck in a massive queue.

The parks are getting more complex by the day, and you shouldn’t have to spend your entire holiday staring at a screen trying to piece it all together. If you want a proper holiday that’s actually sorted, head to www.orlandoinsider.co.uk.

When you plan your trip with us, you’re unlocking rates you won't find by booking direct. You’ll get your own personal Orlando Guru to handle the heavy lifting and access to our Park Planner App to help you dodge the queues in real-time. It’s time to stop the stress and get stuck into the fun stuff instead.

Plan your Walt Disney World holiday with Orlando Insider here.

It’s the end of March and things aren't slowing down in Orlando. In this week’s update, we’re looking at why one of Disney’s most popular value resorts has finally binned the old carpets for a proper modern facelift. We’re also heading out to sea to talk about the 9th ship joining the Disney fleet—the Disney Believe—and why it’s a massive win for Marvel and Star Wars fans.

Universal’s also got some news for the Potterheads as Butterbeer Season officially kicks off, including some new treats that’ll definitely have you reaching for your wallet. Plus, we’re heading to EPCOT to catch a proper legend on the Garden Rocks stage.

In this week’s update:

• Pop Century’s Proper Glow-up: The facelift’s finished—here’s what the reimagined rooms actually look like.
• The Fleet Grows: Everything we know about the brand-new Disney Believe cruise ship.
• Butterbeer Season’s Back: From $18 souvenir cups to new clotted cream ice cream, it’s a sugar rush at Universal.
• Soul-Searching at EPCOT: Catching Herman’s Hermits and Peter Noone without getting stuck in a massive queue.

The parks are getting more complex by the day, and you shouldn’t have to spend your entire holiday staring at a screen trying to piece it all together. If you want a proper holiday that’s actually sorted, head to www.orlandoinsider.co.uk.

When you plan your trip with us, you’re unlocking rates you won't find by booking direct. You’ll get your own personal Orlando Guru to handle the heavy lifting and access to our Park Planner App to help you dodge the queues in real-time. It’s time to stop the stress and get stuck into the fun stuff instead.

Plan your Walt Disney World holiday with Orlando Insider here.

It’s the end of March and things aren't slowing down in Orlando. In this week’s update, we’re looking at why one of Disney’s most popular value resorts has finally binned the old carpets for a proper modern facelift. We’re also heading out to sea to talk about the 9th ship joining the Disney fleet—the Disney Believe—and why it’s a massive win for Marvel and Star Wars fans.

Universal’s also got some news for the Potterheads as Butterbeer Season officially kicks off, including some new treats that’ll definitely have you reaching for your wallet. Plus, we’re heading to EPCOT to catch a proper legend on the Garden Rocks stage.

In this week’s update:

• Pop Century’s Proper Glow-up: The facelift’s finished—here’s what the reimagined rooms actually look like.
• The Fleet Grows: Everything we know about the brand-new Disney Believe cruise ship.
• Butterbeer Season’s Back: From $18 souvenir cups to new clotted cream ice cream, it’s a sugar rush at Universal.
• Soul-Searching at EPCOT: Catching Herman’s Hermits and Peter Noone without getting stuck in a massive queue.

The parks are getting more complex by the day, and you shouldn’t have to spend your entire holiday staring at a screen trying to piece it all together. If you want a proper holiday that’s actually sorted, head to www.orlandoinsider.co.uk.

When you plan your trip with us, you’re unlocking rates you won't find by booking direct. You’ll get your own personal Orlando Guru to handle the heavy lifting and access to our Park Planner App to help you dodge the queues in real-time. It’s time to stop the stress and get stuck into the fun stuff instead.

Plan your Walt Disney World holiday with Orlando Insider here.

It’s the end of March and things aren't slowing down in Orlando. In this week’s update, we’re looking at why one of Disney’s most popular value resorts has finally binned the old carpets for a proper modern facelift. We’re also heading out to sea to talk about the 9th ship joining the Disney fleet—the Disney Believe—and why it’s a massive win for Marvel and Star Wars fans.

Universal’s also got some news for the Potterheads as Butterbeer Season officially kicks off, including some new treats that’ll definitely have you reaching for your wallet. Plus, we’re heading to EPCOT to catch a proper legend on the Garden Rocks stage.

In this week’s update:

• Pop Century’s Proper Glow-up: The facelift’s finished—here’s what the reimagined rooms actually look like.
• The Fleet Grows: Everything we know about the brand-new Disney Believe cruise ship.
• Butterbeer Season’s Back: From $18 souvenir cups to new clotted cream ice cream, it’s a sugar rush at Universal.
• Soul-Searching at EPCOT: Catching Herman’s Hermits and Peter Noone without getting stuck in a massive queue.

The parks are getting more complex by the day, and you shouldn’t have to spend your entire holiday staring at a screen trying to piece it all together. If you want a proper holiday that’s actually sorted, head to www.orlandoinsider.co.uk.

When you plan your trip with us, you’re unlocking rates you won't find by booking direct. You’ll get your own personal Orlando Guru to handle the heavy lifting and access to our Park Planner App to help you dodge the queues in real-time. It’s time to stop the stress and get stuck into the fun stuff instead.

Plan your Walt Disney World holiday with Orlando Insider here.