From drain to fame 🥬

A male manatee got stuck. A community showed up. And one mom turned it all into a children’s book.

Greetings, theme park fanatics, it’s Haley.

Melby the manatee was rescued from a stormwater drain earlier this year, and after two months of round-the-clock care at SeaWorld Orlando, Melby has made an incredible comeback, gaining over 100 pounds.

He was released back into the wild this week.

For one Melbourne Beach mom whose home sits just 200 yards from where Melby was found, the rescue inspired her to write “Melby and the Warm-Water Wrong Turn”— a children’s book telling the story from the manatee’s perspective.

I can’t help but fangirl over Melby’s name; it sounds just enough like “Mel B” to conjure images of a certain Spice Girl.

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is reshuffling its CityWalk tenants.

Later this month, the Epic Universe Preview Center will be swapped for the Universal Legacy Store, packed with throwback merch and movie monsters.

There’s also new dining and a future waterfront music venue taking shape.

Walt Disney World

Bring on the thunder 🚂

It’s not unheard of for Disney to take its time on new builds and refurbishments, but it does seem like we’ve been waiting some time for the “wildest ride in the wilderness” to reopen.

There were rumors that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was targeting a May 3 reopening, and this week, that date was confirmed.

New visual and sound effects and a refreshed storyline are just some of the new features that have us buzzing to get on board.

Dip in 🍋

Walt Disney World is more than just theme parks, as its restaurant scene is something to explore.

There are plenty to choose from, including a hidden gem at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve hotel.

I really enjoyed my meal when I dined at Amare, and recently, our Insider team got a table.

Think shareable plates, bright flavors, and a bread dish that is paired with a flight of dips.

All the Buzz 🎯

In case you missed it, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened this week.

Let me tell you, achieving Galactic Hero status is no easy feat when you’re simultaneously firing at targets, maneuvering the vehicle, and trying to capture a quality POV — but somehow, the upgrades make you want to keep trying.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

“The future of America” 🧑‍🚀

There have been quite a few memorable moments so far in the Artemis II mission, and one thing that I’ve noticed is the new interest it’s gained from people who don’t follow space and NASA.

Naturally, space and STEM are thriving in schools on Florida’s Space Coast. This week, more than 500 5th and 6th-graders were honored at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for their moon-themed science projects.

We love seeing your space and theme park photos. Keep them coming to our PinIt! page.

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

- Haley