Boring, Epic traffic 🚗

Las Vegas and Orlando share a lot—huge convention centers, sprawling resorts, nonstop tourism. It’s looking like they’ll have underground transit in common, too.

Hey, In The Loop subscribers, it’s Haley.

Rumors began circulating last summer that the Boring Company might be expanding its operations to Central Florida.

This week, Elon Musk’s tunnel venture was chosen to design and build underground connections between Universal Orlando’s theme parks, including the Universal Epic Universe.

The firm is best known for its “Vegas Loop,” where riders travel in Tesla vehicles through tunnels.

Following Wednesday’s announcement, News 6 followed up with a representative of Glydways, a collaborator with the Sunshine Connection Partners that lost out on the project. Brian Guttier said the big reason The Boring Company got picked was their ability to build tunnels much faster than usual.

The area surrounding Epic Universe has certainly evolved since the park’s arrival, like the Kirkman Road extension and the diverging diamond on Daryl Carter Parkway.

Looking ahead, Universal is also backing SunRail’s planned Sunshine Corridor expansion.

Carnaval cravings ⚜️

Last weekend, I attended a special kick-off event to Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.

Food lovers visiting Mardi Gras can savor a diverse menu featuring dishes from over 40 countries, alongside New Orleans classics.

My favorite among the menu items that I tried is the velrasso salmon from Chile, brought fresh to the event.

I included interviews with the executive chef, show director, and new videos in my guide that you can find by clicking here. Universal also just updated its concert lineup.

Going cashless 💳

Universal Volcano Bay is going fully cashless.

Starting later this month, if you bring cash, just use the kiosks to load it onto a Visa prepaid card to spend inside the park.

Volcano Bay isn’t the only major Florida theme park choosing to be cashless. Time will tell if the entire resort will follow suit.

SeaWorld Orlando

Mana-’team’ effort 🥬

Another rescued animal is now in SeaWorld Orlando’s care.

After being trapped in a storm drain for possibly weeks, a manatee was transported from Brevard County to SeaWorld.

SeaWorld said the young male manatee is now in a warm medical pool, moving around and starting to eat, with staff closely monitoring his recovery.

Rescue, rehab, return🩺

Just days after SeaWorld helped rescue the Brevard manatee, they released a trio of sea cows into the wild at Blue Spring State Park.

CardiTee, Clawford, and Lilypad were fitted with satellite tags for monitoring. Their release is part of a wider rescue effort supporting manatee survival and rehabilitation across Florida.

Winner winner, fin dinner 💖

Forget roses and chocolates — at SeaWorld Orlando, romance comes with a side of sharks.

The theme park is once again offering a unique Valentine’s Day date night, where couples can have a three-course prix fixe meal

At the time of this newsletter’s publication, there were still reservation spots available.

Walt Disney World

COMING SOON: Spring at EPCOT 🌼

Spring is knocking on the door at Walt Disney World.

Dates and details for the 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival were dropped this week, including the top topiaries to look out for.

There’s also the lineup for the Garden Rocks Concert Series.

Blizzard beaching it❄️

When one Disney water park closes, the other opens.

Blizzard Beach will reopen this President’s Day weekend. Disney recently announced its seasonal water park pass. It has blackout dates, but also some decent perks.

As always, keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on X or Instagram.

See you next week.

- Haley