Friday, May 31, 2019

How to pass the time until Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney World; Legoland builds upon success, bringing an economic shot in the arm to Winter Haven; Guests control the Millennium Falcon ride at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

The latest happenings at Disney, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and other Central Florida attractions.

Orlando Sentinel

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May 31, 2019

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Theme Park Rangers

Waiting for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to open? Here's how to pass the time at Disney World

Galaxy's Edge hasn't made it to Orlando yet, but you can get a "Star Wars" fix at Walt Disney World already.

Legoland builds upon success, bringing an economic shot in the arm to Winter Haven

As Legoland prepares to open its third hotel next year, business leaders in Winter Haven say the theme park's impact has led to a resurgence in the local economy.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge first look - Guests control the Millennium Falcon ride at Disneyland

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, a new "Star Wars" ride at Disneyland, gives control to theme park visitors in the cockpit of the iconic spaceship.

Disney: Blue milk seen in 'Star Wars' now has home at Galaxy's Edge

Blue milk and other otherworldly foods are finding homes at Disney parks through Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Walt Disney World's massive Mickey Mouse donuts you love are staying through Sept. 30, perhaps longer

The Magic Kingdom's massive Mickey Celebration Donuts are super popular at Disney, so now they are staying longer.

Theme Park Rangers podcast: Coming this June

The Orlando Sentinel is launching a new podcast. Let the Theme Park Rangers guide you on your visit to Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and all the other must-see gems in our back yard. And with the help of the Sentinel's theme park reporters, you just might navigate the wilds of Central Florida's attractions.

Disney World guest severely hurt by attacking bird, lawsuit says

A woman was attacked by a bird and suffered severe brain injuries as she walked on a dock at Walt Disney World resort, according to a lawsuit that claims Disney knew seasonal nesting birds are a threat to guests.

SeaWorld will buy back $150 million in shares

Early trading showed SeaWorld Entertainment rose more than 15% Tuesday as the company announced it was buying back $150 million worth of its stock.

Largest floating obstacle course on East Coast is coming to South Florida

Shark Wake Park 561, Palm Beach County's newest water park, is set to open June 15. It's the second wake park for the company, founded by the son of golfer Greg Norman.

Trip to Universal Orlando inspires woman to lose more than 200 pounds, improve lifestyle

Laura Harless visited Universal Orlando Resort in 1999 and struggled to fit on a roller coaster. She vowed to return to the theme park only if she lost enough weight to ride every attraction.

Disney will livestream 'Star Wars' land's dedication from California

A livestream of the dedication for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will be broadcast from Disneyland on May 29.

Universal unwraps menu for Surfside Inn's beachy restaurant

Surfer culture gets a shout-out with the menu for the food court at Universal's Surfside Inn, which opens in late June.

Disney will pick up tab for workers to enroll at UCF

Disney workers can get free degrees at UCF starting this fall.

Disney: New Summer One World Ticket gets you in door of each theme park and water park (once)

Disney's new Summer One World Ticket gets buyers into each of its theme parks and both water parks one time before Aug. 28.

'Ninja Turtles' exhibit coming to Orlando Science Center

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer" exhibit opens at Orlando Science Center, teaches team-building skills.

What's the busiest theme park in the world? New report releases attendance at Disney, Universal and SeaWorld parks.

The theme parks often fiercely guard attendance figures, so the annual report gives some rare insight into the industry.

Universal: Wizarding World of Harry Potter website wins Webby

The website for Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter nabbed two top Internet honors -- the Webby Award and the People's Voice Award for "best tourism website." The Potter site --...

Disney construction: Epcot's Leave a Legacy on way out; gondola station peeking out

Changes are in the works at Epcot, including removal of Leave a Legacy monuments and the addition of a Disney Skyliner gondola station.

Disney: Animal Kingdom unwrapping new holiday experiences this year

Expanded holiday offerings are coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in 2019 -- even at Pandora. Who's up for a blue Christmas?

Universal: Deep sea haunted house set for Halloween Horror Nights

Depth of Fears is the latest haunted house announced by Universal Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights 2019.