Recommended Videos
The new year signals that the days are numbered for select Walt Disney World attractions set for retirement.
Hello there. It’s Haley, voice of In The Loop: Theme Park Scoops.
I took my final trans-dimensional DINOSAUR joy ride recently, as the attraction, Restaurantosaurus and the last trace of the Dino Institute theme will close next month.
I made a point to soak in the details, from the fossil exhibits to the memorable pre-show. I gladly take on the mission to travel back to the Cretaceous period and retrieve the Iguanodon to bring to the present. Still, I can’t help but wonder if the job would have been easier in daylight — despite the looming asteroid and the pesky Carnotaurus that kept showing up.
Disney World has had many memorable sponsors over the years, and the pipes in the rover loading area of the queue display the chemical formulas for ketchup, mustard and mayo — a nod to the attraction’s early sponsorship by McDonald’s.
Despite riding DINOSAUR many times, I had never before taken a photo of my favorite detail.
Another thought I had during my DINOSAUR farewell tour is what the parking lot at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will look like down the road.
We saw changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT when it gained major attractions. I would think we could see new icons referencing Avatar, Encanto, Zootopia and Indiana Jones.
Happy running 🏅
Thousands of runners have flocked to Disney World as the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend ranks among the resort’s busiest times of the year.
Although all racing events through spring are sold out, registration for the 2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will open in a few weeks.
For the 2026–27 race season calendar, click here.
Florida resident offers 🎟️
Florida residents can begin 2026 with exclusive magic at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring two special ticket offers designed just for them.
The ticket deal announcement comes as Disney highlights the attraction upgrades and new experiences coming in 2026.
ICON Park
Blue Man Group comeback 🥁
It was unclear going into 2026 when Blue Man Group would be performing at its new residency in Orlando but this week, we got word that the iconic performance-art troupe has a target date and tickets are on sale.
Madame Tussauds finds a way 👓
Has any star shown more excitement for their Madame Tussauds wax figure than Jeff Goldblum?
Judging by the photos and videos from the initial reveal, Goldblum sets a high bar.
Madame Tussauds Orlando first announced it was getting a wax figure replica of the Hollywood icon in November 2024 and now, guests can officially pose with “Waxblum.”
Universal Orlando
More Epic access allowed 🎫
If you’ve been holding off on visiting Universal Epic Universe, perhaps you’ll consider going in 2026.
You can now access Epic Universe multiple times during your stay with new multi-day ticket options. Here’s to hoping 2026 will bring news Universal Annual Passholders want to hear.
Rawr-furbishment 🦖
Islands of Adventure is down one less ride for most of the year, as Jurassic Park River Adventure is getting a major refurbishment.
Universal hasn’t given details on updates. Perhaps one is in store for the star T. rex.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Rock through the decades 🤘
It’s prime festival and concert season in Florida, and if you’re a fan of ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s music, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is your place to be.
Blue Öyster Cult and Village People are headlining the Real Music Series. For the full schedule, click here.
There’s a lot on tap for 2026; we’re just getting started.
As always, keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on X or Instagram.
- Haley