Jeff 
Another week, another round of epic theme park news! Disney made some massive announcements at SXSW, giving us a peek at the future of attractions, characters, and immersive experiences. Let’s dive into the top five biggest Disney updates from the past week.
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1
Scary-Good New Monsters, Inc. Coaster
Coming to Hollywood Studios
Buckle up, because Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a Monsters, Inc.-themed roller coaster—and it features a vertical lift! This new thrill ride is expected to transport guests into the chaotic world of Monstropolis, racing through doors, dodging energy-sucking creatures, and experiencing a few jump-scares along the way. Disney hasn’t revealed the full ride layout yet, but early reports hint at major thrills mixed with plenty of that classic Monsters, Inc. humor.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
2
Mando & Grogu Take Over
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
If you’ve ever wanted to go on a mission with The Mandalorian and Grogu, your time is coming! Disney announced that a brand-new story update is coming to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, allowing guests to join Mando on an exclusive new adventure. This update ties in with the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, and both are set to debut on May 22, 2026. Expect fresh dialogue, updated ride visuals, and maybe even a few surprise encounters along the way.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
3
‘Coco’ Float Revealed for New Disney Nighttime Parade
Magic Kingdom’s Disney Starlight parade just got a whole lot more loco! Disney unveiled a brand-new ‘Coco’ float, bringing Miguel, Pepita, and the Land of the Dead to life in a dazzling nighttime spectacle. Expect the sounds of live Mariachi music, sugar skull fireworks, and a massive Pepita animatronic with glowing wings soaring above the parade route. If you’re a fan of Coco, this is one float you won’t want to miss!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
4
Cars Ride Update Rolls into Magic Kingdom
Start your engines! A brand-new Cars-themed ride is racing into Magic Kingdom, taking Lightning McQueen and his crew off-road for the first time ever. This expansion moves beyond Radiator Springs, sending guests into the wild frontier where they’ll have to navigate rough terrain, dodge obstacles, and prove they have what it takes to drive like a real champion. While details are still scarce, Disney has hinted at all-new ride vehicles designed to handle the off-road adventure.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
5
Robert Downey Jr. Surprises Fans at SXSW with Avengers Campus Updates
Leave it to Tony Stark himself to crash the party! Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise appearance during Disney’s Avengers Campus panel at SXSW, dropping new details about Avengers Infinity Defense, the next major attraction coming to Disneyland. This multi-world battle will have guests assembling alongside Black Panther, Hulk, Ant-Man, and more to take on King Thanos in a reality-spanning showdown. It’s the biggest Avengers ride yet, and fans are already hyped for this next-level experience.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Video of the Week
Wrath of the Yeti & Ark Venture at Fantasy Valley
Wrath of the Yeti is a unique attraction where a giant gorilla lifts you up, blows smoke at you, and gently sets you back down. It’s not exactly a thrill ride, but it’s definitely an interesting spectacle to watch!
Ark Venture is a classic Shoot the Chute water ride that delivers a massive splash—you’re guaranteed to get soaked!
Both of these attractions can be found at Fantasy Valley Theme Park in Xiangyang, China. Be sure to check out Attraction 360 on YouTube for more incredible theme park content!
Photo of the Week
Exciting news for thrill-seekers—Toxicator is coming to Alton Towers this year! This intense, horror-themed maze promises an adrenaline-pumping experience, filled with toxic mutants, eerie environments, and heart-racing scares. Fans of Alton Towers’ Scarefest are already buzzing with anticipation, as Toxicator is set to bring a whole new level of terror to the park. If you’re brave enough to step inside, get ready for a wild ride through chaos and contamination!
CoasterMedia Update
I’m on vacation since my kids are on spring break, using the time to catch up on several projects—both at home and online. The Legoland Florida Trip Report is taking a little longer than expected because there’s a lot to cover, but it’s coming!
Yesterday, we took a trip to Walt Disney World for some Monorail Hopping, checking out different resorts and enjoying the ride on multiple monorail lines. It was a blast! Stay tuned for that Trip Report soon!
Get the inside scoop on your favorite attractions and theme parks around the world, from new rides and special events to helpful tips and hidden tricks.
That’s a wrap for this week’s biggest theme park updates! Which one are you most excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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