Disney World & Universal Orlando News: EPCOT Fire, Ride Closures, New Shows & More!

EPCOT Fire Incident

• ⚠️ Black smoke was spotted behind EPCOT on March 22nd, visible from the Skyliner and Boardwalk Resort.
• 🔥 The fire, which started in a backstage walk-in cooler, was extinguished within half an hour, and thankfully, no one was injured.

New Shows and Ride Updates

• 🎭 Hollywood Studios will premiere two new shows on May 27th, 2025: "Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After" and a reimagined "The Little Mermaid, A Musical Adventure."
• 🚀 Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom will receive updated ride vehicles, new show scenes, and gameplay enhancements in 2026, closing in August for the refurbishment.
• 🎢 Several major Disney World attractions are scheduled for refurbishment throughout April and beyond: The Hall of Presidents (reopening 2025), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (reopening 2026), Astro Orbiter (reopening Summer 2025), and Test Track (reopening 2025).

Universal Epic Universe and Hotel News

• 🎟️ Universal's Epic Universe is now offering 1-day Express Passes starting at $129.99 and VIP experiences starting at $380 per person.
• 🏨 Universal's new Terra Luna Resort offers spacious rooms and surprisingly high-quality, well-priced food, though navigation to the hotel can be challenging.
• 🎳 The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin's Peekaboo dining spot has closed to make way for Lagoon Games, Lanes and Eats, a new gaming room with mini bowling lanes and food options.

Disney Dining and Resort Offers

• 🍽️ Disney World is offering a free dining plan with qualifying vacation package bookings for select dates between June and December.
• 🍦 Dole Whip is now officially available at Disney's All-Star Resorts, specifically at the World Premiere Food Court in All-Star Movies.
• 🍔 A review of the bacon cheeseburger at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom found it to be a decent, filling, but basic theme park meal.

Park Updates and Merchandise

• 📍 Single rider line information is now officially integrated into Disney World's in-park wait time boards and the My Disney Experience app.
• 🦪 A new manatee named Mermaid has arrived at EPCOT's Seas Pavilion for rehabilitation after being rescued in an emaciated state.
• 🛍️ New Lululemon x Disney merchandise, including a Mickey Mouse belt bag, t-shirt, and water bottle, is available for pre-order.