Episodes

  • Orlando Insider theme park news 29th June 2026

    Orlando Insider theme park news 29th June 2026
    Jun 29 2026
    Orlando Theme Park News — Christmas Party Dates, Captain Jack Sparrow, Fast & Furious Coaster & Horror Nights Update | Week of 21 June 2026This week on the Orlando Insider podcast we've got four stories from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando — two big forward-planning announcements for anyone thinking about a Halloween or Christmas trip, a major construction update on one of Universal's most anticipated new rides, and another Halloween Horror Nights house reveal that's got fans very excited.🎄 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 Dates Confirmed — Plus Captain Jack Sparrow Joins the Halloween Party Disney have had a big week on the special events front. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom on select nights from 8th November through to 22nd December — tickets go on general sale 16th July and the busiest nights will sell out. And over at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Captain Jack Sparrow is heading to Adventureland with a brand new show called Spirited Swashbucklers. Between this, the Stitch masquerade party in Tomorrowland, and the Sanderson Sisters on the castle stage, the Halloween party lineup this year is shaping up to be one of the strongest in years.🎢 Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Is Taking Shape Above Universal Studios Florida Block brakes and more track sections were added to the Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster this week, and the ride structure is now clearly visible above the Universal Studios Florida skyline. A 170-foot vertical spike, 360-degree spinning cars, and a multi-launch section — this is going to be one of the most ambitious coasters Universal have ever built in Orlando. No opening date confirmed yet, but 2027 is the target.🎃 Halloween Horror Nights 35 — H.R. Bloodengutz Returns With a Brand New House Universal confirmed another haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 35 this week — H.R. Bloodengutz, one of the event's most beloved original characters, is back with an all-new experience. With Stranger Things Season 5, the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares theme, and Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow headlining, HHN 35 is shaping up to be one of the most stacked lineups in the event's 35-year history. Running 28th August through 1st November.Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK? There's a big difference between booking an Orlando trip and booking the right Orlando trip. Whether it's your first visit or you haven't been in years, Orlando Insider are the UK's leading Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holiday specialists — and everything we do is built around making your holiday better than you could have planned it yourself.Here's what sets us apart:🧠 Your Personal Orlando Guru — one dedicated expert from your first enquiry to the day you fly home. They get to know you, your family, and exactly what you want from your holiday. No call centres, no repeating yourself. Just someone who genuinely knows these parks answering your questions whenever you need them.📲 Ride Alert — our exclusive in-park text message service that tells you the moment wait times drop or a ride reopens. Stop refreshing apps. Start riding.📊 Park Planner — powered by millions of real data points, it tells you which park to visit on which day, then builds your perfect day around your top rides, mealtimes, and start and finish times. The guesswork is gone.🔒 Complete Financial Protection — your money is held in an independently managed travel trust fund. Fully ATOL protected. Completely safe.📞 24/7 Help Desk — because things don't always go to plan. We're always there if you need us.If you're ready to stop researching and start planning, book your Orlando holiday with Orlando Insider and find out why over 19,400 families have given us five stars on Trustpilot.Useful Links:🌐 Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK — Orlando Insider — www.orlandoinsider.co.uk📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@orlandoinsiderKeywords: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 dates, Disney World Christmas party 2026, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2026 Captain Jack Sparrow, Spirited Swashbucklers Disney World, Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift Universal Orlando, Fast Furious coaster Orlando 2027, Halloween Horror Nights 35 houses, HR Bloodengutz HHN 35, Halloween Horror Nights 2026 Universal Orlando, Orlando theme park podcast, Orlando holidays UK, Walt Disney World holiday 2026, Universal Orlando holiday UK, Orlando Insider, Disney World Halloween party 2026, Disney World Christmas 2026
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    5 mins
  • Orlando Insider News 16th - 22nd June 2026

    Orlando Insider News 16th - 22nd June 2026
    Jun 22 2026
    Orlando Insider Theme Park News — Stranger Things at Horror Nights, Cinderella Castle Makeover Complete, BoardWalk's New Bar & Level99 Opens at Disney Springs | Week of 16 June 2026This week on the Orlando Insider podcast we've got four brilliant stories from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando — a huge Halloween Horror Nights announcement, a iconic castle looking better than it has in decades, a new bar coming to one of Disney's most beautiful resort areas, and a brand new entertainment venue opening at Disney Springs that's going to change how you spend your evenings.🎃 Stranger Things Season 5 is Coming to Halloween Horror Nights 35 Universal confirmed this week that the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is getting its own haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights 2026. Guests walk through the Wheeler House, Hawkins Lab, the MAC-Z military base and the Upside Down itself — with Vecna waiting at the end. With the complete story now available for the first time, this could be the most ambitious Stranger Things house Universal have ever built. Halloween Horror Nights runs from 28th August through to 1st November — perfect for a late summer or autumn Orlando trip.🏰 Cinderella Castle's Makeover is Finally Complete Disney confirmed this week that Cinderella Castle's repaint is done, and the castle has been fully restored to its original 1971 Opening Day colour scheme — the classic grey-blue tones and gold accents that most people picture when they think of Walt Disney World. With Big Thunder Mountain back open and summer crowds still manageable, Magic Kingdom is in as good a shape as it's been in years.🎵 Hurly-Burly Announced for Disney's BoardWalk — Replacing the Legendary Jellyrolls After nearly thirty years, Jellyrolls piano bar closed in 2025 — and this week Disney finally revealed its replacement. Hurly-Burly opens on the BoardWalk later in 2026, offering family-friendly trivia and games by day before flipping into a 21-and-over live music lounge by night. Seaside theatre theming, coastal cocktails, and live musicians on the waterfront. The BoardWalk evenings are back.🎮 Level99 Opens at Disney Springs on 29th June Sixty themed challenge rooms, physical puzzles, mental challenges, duels, art hunts — and a two-storey bar in the middle of it all. Level99 opens at Disney Springs on the 29th of June and tickets go on sale the 22nd. It's free to enter Disney Springs so this is a brilliant option for a rest day between park visits. One of the most exciting non-park additions to Walt Disney World in years.Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK? Your Orlando holiday shouldn't feel like homework. Orlando Insider are the UK's leading Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holiday specialists — and everything we do is built around making your trip better than you could have planned it yourself.Here's what sets us apart:🧠 Your Personal Orlando Guru — one dedicated expert from your first enquiry to the day you fly home. They get to know you, your family, and exactly what you want from your holiday. No call centres, no repeating yourself. Just someone who genuinely knows these parks answering your questions whenever you need them.📲 Ride Alert — our exclusive in-park text message service that tells you the moment wait times drop or a ride reopens. Stop refreshing apps. Start riding.📊 Park Planner — powered by millions of real data points, it tells you which park to visit on which day, then builds your perfect day around your top rides, mealtimes, and start and finish times. The guesswork is gone.🔒 Complete Financial Protection — your money is held in an independently managed travel trust fund. Fully ATOL protected. Completely safe.📞 24/7 Help Desk — because things don't always go to plan. We're always there if you need us.Over 19,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and counting. If you're ready to stop researching and start planning, book your Orlando holiday with Orlando Insider and find out why thousands of British families trust us every year.Useful Links:🌐 Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK — Orlando Insider www.orlandoinsider.co.uk 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@orlandoinsiderKeywords: Halloween Horror Nights 35 Stranger Things, HHN 2026 Universal Orlando, Stranger Things haunted house Orlando, Cinderella Castle repaint complete 2026, Magic Kingdom castle 2026, Disney BoardWalk Hurly-Burly, Jellyrolls replacement Disney World, Level99 Disney Springs opening date, Level99 Orlando, Disney Springs entertainment 2026, Orlando theme park podcast, Orlando holidays UK, Walt Disney World holiday 2026, Universal Orlando holiday UK, Orlando Insider, best time to visit Disney World 2026, Halloween Horror Nights tickets 2026, Disney Springs things to do
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    6 mins
  • Orlando Insider News 17th June 2026

    Orlando Insider News 17th June 2026
    Jun 17 2026
    Orlando Theme Park News — Epic Universe Fireworks, Universal's Lost Continent Gone & Toy Story 5 at Hollywood Studios | Week of 8 June 2026This week on the Orlando Insider podcast we're covering three big stories from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando — including a brand new nightly spectacular at Epic Universe, the final demolition of one of Islands of Adventure's most beloved original lands, and Disney getting into the Toy Story 5 spirit ahead of the film's release.🎆 Epic Universe Gets Its First Ever Nightly Fireworks Show Universal have just announced Universal Celestial Goodnight, a brand new nightly spectacular launching at Epic Universe on 7th July. Six hundred synchronised light fixtures, 350 dancing fountains, seven million LED lights, an orchestral score, and fireworks — all included with your park ticket. We cover what to expect and why this is a significant moment for Universal Orlando.🏛️ The Lost Continent is Gone — and Universal Still Won't Say What's Coming The Sinbad Theater at Islands of Adventure has been completely demolished this week — the last major structure from the original Lost Continent land that opened back in 1999. Nearly five acres of the park have now been cleared. Universal are staying tight-lipped, but the Pokémon rumours are getting louder. We look at what's gone, what it means, and what might be coming.🎬 Toy Story 5 Content Arrives at Hollywood Studios With Toy Story 5 hitting cinemas on 19th June, Hollywood Studios is already celebrating — exclusive themed treats and Magic Shots are arriving in Toy Story Land this week. We look at why Toy Story Land is one of the best spots in any Disney park for families with younger children, and what to expect this summer.Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK? There's a big difference between booking an Orlando trip and booking the right Orlando trip. Whether it's your first time or you haven't been for years, Orlando Insider are the UK's leading Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holiday specialists — and everything we do is built around making your holiday better than you could have planned it yourself.Here's what sets us apart:🧠 Your Personal Orlando Guru — one dedicated expert from your first enquiry to the day you fly home. They get to know you, your family, and exactly what you want. No call centres, no repeating yourself. Just someone who genuinely knows these parks answering your questions whenever you need them.📲 Ride Alert — our exclusive in-park text message service that tells you the moment wait times drop or a ride reopens. Stop refreshing apps. Start riding.📊 Park Planner — powered by millions of real data points, it tells you which park to visit on which day, then builds your perfect day around your top rides, mealtimes, and start and finish times. The guesswork is gone.🔒 Complete Financial Protection — your money is held in an independently managed travel trust fund. Fully ATOL protected. Completely safe.📞 24/7 Help Desk — because things don't always go to plan. We're always there if you need us.If you're ready to stop researching and start planning, book your Orlando holiday with Orlando Insider and find out why over 19,400 families have given us five stars on Trustpilot.Useful Links:🌐 Disney World and Universal Orlando holidays from the UK — Orlando Insider📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@orlandoinsider🎢 Walt Disney World: disneyworld.disney.go.com🌍 Universal Orlando Resort: universalorlando.comKeywords: Epic Universe fireworks 2026, Universal Celestial Goodnight, Universal Orlando nighttime show, Lost Continent demolished Islands of Adventure, Sinbad Theater demolished, Pokemon Islands of Adventure rumour, Toy Story 5 Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land Disney World, Orlando theme park news June 2026, Orlando holidays UK, Walt Disney World holiday 2026, Universal Orlando holiday UK, Orlando Insider, Disney World summer 2026, Universal Orlando summer 2026
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    4 mins
  • Orlando Theme Park News — Monsters Inc., MagicBands, Halloween Horror Nights & Universal's New Kids Park

    Orlando Theme Park News — Monsters Inc., MagicBands, Halloween Horror Nights & Universal's New Kids Park
    Jun 8 2026
    Orlando Theme Park News — Monsters Inc., MagicBands, Halloween Horror Nights & Universal's New Kids Park | 8th June 2026This week on the Orlando Insider podcast we're covering four big stories from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando — from a major new land reveal at Hollywood Studios to signs that a Disney icon could be disappearing for good.🦎 Monstropolis is Coming to Hollywood Studios — and Disney Just Revealed the Full Story Disney has officially unveiled the storyline behind Monstropolis, the brand new Monsters Inc.-themed land under construction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Built around H.U.M.A.N. Day — the first ever official invitation for humans to enter the monster world — this is shaping up to be one of the most creative and immersive new lands Disney have built in years. A restaurant called Harryhausen's is confirmed, a suspended roller coaster is coming, and an opening around 2028 is on the cards. We break down everything Disney have revealed so far.🎢 Universal Opens Its First Ever Park for Young Children — and It's Not in Orlando Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas opens on 1st July 2026 — a brand new 20-acre theme park built specifically for younger children, with seven lands themed to Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, Jurassic World, Trolls, Puss in Boots, and Gabby's Dollhouse. We look at what it means for Universal's wider ambitions, and what it tells families planning a trip to Orlando about how Universal are thinking about younger guests.⌚ Are MagicBands on Their Way Out at Disney World? Stock of MagicBand+ is running low, facial recognition is being rolled out across Walt Disney World, and Disney are nudging guests firmly towards their phones. No official announcement has been made — but the signs are hard to ignore. If the MagicBand experience matters to you, we explain what's changing and what it means for your visit.🎃 Halloween Horror Nights 35 — The Lineup is Taking Shape Universal's legendary Halloween event returns from 28th August through 1st November at Universal Studios Florida, and this year is the 35th anniversary. New haunted house announcements are dropping, the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares theme is building fast, and the best nights are already selling out. We cover what's been announced so far and why this could be the biggest HHN in years.Planning a Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando holiday from the UK? Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, there's a big difference between booking a Disney trip and booking the right Disney trip. Orlando Insider are the UK's leading Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando holiday specialists — and everything we do is designed to make your holiday better than you could have planned it yourself.Here's what sets us apart:🧠 Your Personal Orlando Guru — one dedicated expert from your first enquiry to the day you come home. They get to know you, your family, and exactly what you want from your holiday. No repeating yourself, no starting from scratch. Just someone who genuinely knows these parks answering your questions whenever you need them.📲 Ride Alert — our exclusive in-park text message service that tells you the moment wait times drop or a ride reopens. Stop refreshing apps. Start riding.📊 AI Park Planner — powered by millions of real data points, it tells you which park to visit on which day, then builds your perfect day around your top rides, mealtimes, and start and finish times. The guesswork is gone.🔒 Complete Financial Protection — your money is held in an independently managed travel trust fund. Fully ATOL protected. Completely safe.📞 24/7 Help Desk — because things don't always go to plan. We're always there if you need us.If you're ready to stop researching and start planning, book your Orlando holiday with Orlando Insider and find out why over 19,400 families have given us five stars on Trustpilot.Useful Links:🌐 Disney World holidays from the UK — Orlando Insider📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@orlandoinsider
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    6 mins
  • Orlando Insider News - 4th - 10th May 2026

    Orlando Insider News - 4th - 10th May 2026
    May 11 2026

    This week’s Orlando theme park news includes a huge Fast & Furious coaster update at Universal Orlando, new summer entertainment announcements, fresh progress on the Monsters Inc. land at Hollywood Studios, and Disney opening what feels like half the resort before the end of May.

    We’re talking:

    • New Fast & Furious coaster track now visible inside Universal Studios Florida
    • Universal’s Mega Movie Parade and Cinesational returning for summer
    • Monstropolis finally starting to take shape at Hollywood Studios
    • The Muppets Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster playlist reveal
    • Bluey arriving at Animal Kingdom
    • New Galaxy’s Edge and EPCOT updates landing over the next two weeks

    Also, yes, Universal is building a coaster spike over CityWalk for absolutely no sensible reason whatsoever.

    👉 Book your awesome Orlando holiday with Orlando Insider

    You’ll get your own Orlando Guru, plus tools like Park Planner and Ride Alerts to help you avoid spending half your holiday standing in queues pretending you’re fine with it.

    Or visit: https://www.orlandoinsider.co.uk

    If you’re into Walt Disney World news, Universal Orlando updates, Epic Universe construction, ride rumours and Orlando holiday planning tips, make sure you follow the podcast for weekly episodes.

    See you in the parks.
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    4 mins
  • Orlando Theme Park News: Big Thunder Mountain Returns, Halloween Party Dates & Epic Universe Expansion | Week of 27 April – 3 May 2026

    Orlando Theme Park News: Big Thunder Mountain Returns, Halloween Party Dates & Epic Universe Expansion | Week of 27 April – 3 May 2026
    May 4 2026

    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
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    5 mins
  • Orlando Insider News - 20 - 26 April 2026

    Orlando Insider News - 20 - 26 April 2026
    Apr 27 2026

    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
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    3 mins
  • 🎢 Orlando Insider Theme Park News (21st April 2026) | Disney Dining Plan 2027, New Universal Express Pass & Muppets Coaster Playlist Revealed

    🎢 Orlando Insider Theme Park News (21st April 2026) | Disney Dining Plan 2027, New Universal Express Pass & Muppets Coaster Playlist Revealed
    Apr 21 2026

    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 🌴
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    Less than 1 minute