Alright, my fellow adventurers and park enthusiasts, Shadow Mouse here with the latest scoop from the heart of Florida! Get ready for some seriously exciting news, from Disney’s water parks making a grand return to Universal’s crowds getting a shake-up by Epic Universe. We’ve even got the inside track on EPCOT’s upcoming floral festivities!
Don’t Miss This!
- Typhoon Lagoon’s Grand Return: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is reopening, meaning both Disney water parks will be operational simultaneously for the summer season, offering double the fun!
- EPCOT’s Floral Masterpiece: Immerse yourself in the stunning topiaries and vibrant gardens of the Flower and Garden Festival, starting March 4th.
- Universal’s Mardi Gras Magic: Get your beads ready and join the lively, family-friendly celebration at Universal Studios Florida, running through early April.
- Epic Universe’s Crowd Influence: Keep an eye on Universal crowd predictions, as the new Epic Universe is already changing park attendance patterns!
Pro Tip: Planning a splash-tastic summer? Since both Disney water parks are opening May 12th, grab those seasonal passes now to beat the summer rush and enjoy double the aquatic fun before the biggest crowds arrive!
Today’s Top News
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Reopening and Dual Park Operations Announced for Summer 2026
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, which is scheduled to close for its annual refurbishment on February 15, is set to reopen on May 12, 2026. This reopening means that both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be operational simultaneously for the summer season. Disney Resort hotel guests checking in between May 26 and September 8, 2026, will receive complimentary water park access on their arrival day.
- EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Returns March 4th with Topiaries and Concerts
The 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom from March 4 through June 1. The festival will showcase over 60 Disney character topiaries, more than 31 unique gardens, and various interactive exhibits. The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series, featuring live performances every weekend, is also confirmed to return, with its concert lineup already announced.
- New Universal Orlando Crowd Predictions Released, Highlighting Epic Universe’s Impact
Universal Orlando has updated its crowd predictions extending through the end of 2026, taking into account the first full year of operation for the new Epic Universe theme park. Initial data suggests that Epic Universe is already influencing guest crowd patterns across Universal Orlando Resort, with expectations that tickets for certain popular days at Epic Universe will sell out.
Upcoming Orlando Events
- Cirque du Soleil – Drawn To Life
February 12, 2026 at Disney Springs: A captivating show that blends Disney animation with Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic artistry.
- Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration
February 7 – April 4, 2026 at Universal Studios Florida: A family-friendly festival transforming Universal Studios Florida with New Orleans and global Carnival traditions, including parades and live music.
- 2026 Black History Month Exhibition
February 12, 2026 at Orlando City Hall – Terrace Gallery, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801: An exhibition honoring the centennial of national Black history commemorations.
Hidden Gems – Explore Beyond the Parks
- Wekiwa Springs State Park
Just a short drive from downtown, this park features crystal-clear springs perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens
These 50 acres of botanical gardens are located minutes from downtown Orlando and offer a variety of themed gardens to explore, including a butterfly garden and rose garden.
- Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
This one-hour cruise through the narrow canals and lakes of Winter Park offers views of cool birds, landscapes, and stunning private estates.
Today’s Crowd Calendar
- Magic Kingdom: High
- Epcot: Moderate
- Universal Studios Florida: Moderate
- Islands of Adventure: Moderate