Universal Epic Universe Still Not at Full Capacity but the Park Is Already a Powerhouse
Even eight months after opening, Epic Universe is still stretching its legs. During this week’s earnings call, executives from Comcast confirmed that Universal’s newest theme park is not yet operating at full capacity, but that has not stopped it from being the main engine behind a massive 22 percent jump in theme park revenue last quarter.
Comcast CFO Jason S. Armstrong shared that Epic Universe is not yet running at full run rate capacity, but meaningful progress has been made expanding ride throughput, with the company focused on scaling further over the coming quarters through higher attendance, stronger per guest spending, and increased operating leverage. While co CEO Mike Cavanagh had previously suggested Epic Universe could hit full capacity within a few months, he clarified on the call that the park is now expected to reach that milestone by the end of this year.
Cavanagh also touched on the future of the park, noting that Universal plans to continue investing in Epic Universe, though the priority this year is filling the on site hotels. That said, site preparation is already underway for potential future expansion, hinting that the story of Epic Universe is far from finished. Epic Universe officially opened on May 22, 2025, and even without running at full capacity, it has already reshaped Universal Orlando’s attendance and spending patterns, making it clear this park still has plenty of room to grow.
Universal Theme Park Revenue Jumps 22 Percent Thanks to Epic Universe Success
Universal’s latest earnings report just dropped and it is a blockbuster worthy of a front row seat. Parent company Comcast revealed that Universal theme parks pulled in $2.9 billion in revenue during Q4 2025, marking a massive 22 percent increase compared to the same quarter in 2024, with Epic Universe taking a well earned victory lap after opening in May 2025. The numbers tell a very clear story as guests are spending more, staying longer, and flocking to Orlando to explore Universal’s newest park anchored by the show stopping Chronos entrance.
It was not just revenue climbing the coaster hill either. Universal’s theme park adjusted EBITDA jumped 24 percent to $1.035 billion, showing that Epic Universe is not just popular, it is profitable. Comcast reported full year revenue of $123.7 billion, essentially flat year over year, but adjusted EBITDA climbed to $37.4 billion. The quarter also benefited from the release of Wicked: For Good, which has already grossed $1.3 billion worldwide, proving that Universal’s theme parks and film divisions are feeding each other like a perfectly themed cinematic universe.
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger for Universal. It will be the first full year of Epic Universe operations, plus the debut of the new Universal Kids Resort, the opening of Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood, and the start of construction on Universal’s brand new theme park in Great Britain. If Epic Universe is the opening act, Universal’s long term expansion plans look ready for a full on encore.
Happily Ever After Fireworks to be Modified During Castle Repainting
If you’re planning to catch Happily Ever After soon, you might notice a few changes! To accommodate the ongoing repainting of Cinderella Castle, Disney has made some temporary modifications to the nighttime spectacular to ensure the magic stays bright while the castle gets its glow-up.
While the show’s signature fireworks, pyrotechnics, and castle projections are still lighting up the night, guests will notice one major element missing: the lasers have been temporarily cut. This modification is most noticeable during the high-energy “Friend Like Me” segment, which typically fills the sky with beams. You’ll also spot the difference during the Finding Nemo section, the powerful conclusion of the “Hero’s Welcome” sequence, and several key moments throughout the grand finale.
The long-awaited transformation of Cinderella Castle is officially underway as of January 28, 2026. This restoration marks the end of the “rose gold” era, as Disney moves away from the pink and royal blue scheme introduced for the 50th Anniversary in 2021. Instead, the park’s icon is being restored to its timeless, classic palette of traditional grays, creams, and light blues, accented by radiant gold spires.
Work is already visible on the castle’s upper spires, with fresh gray paint appearing earlier this week as crews began the transition. To accommodate the extensive project—which involves high-reach cranes and specialized crews—Magic Kingdom has adjusted its daily entertainment schedule:
“Let the Magic Begin” Welcome Show: This morning ceremony is currently running in a modified format, featuring the classic fanfare and music but excluding characters and pyrotechnics for the time being.
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire”: Performance times for this castle stage show have been shifted to later in the afternoon (typically starting at 1:00 PM) to allow painting crews to work undisturbed during the morning hours.
A Photo-Friendly Project: Disney plans to lower and remove cranes from view by noon each day, ensuring guests can still capture those iconic, unobstructed castle photos throughout the afternoon.
The project is expected to continue through most of the year, with the full classic reveal slated for later in 2026.
101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Honored at Magic Kingdom’s Flag Retreat
At Walt Disney World, every day is full of magic, but some days are truly monumental. On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Magic Kingdom had the distinct honor of celebrating the 101st birthday of World War II Veteran Herbert Maneloveg.
Herbert’s legacy of service is nothing short of heroic. He served as a Private in the U.S. Army’s 106th Infantry Divisionduring the infamous Battle of the Bulge. It was during this pivotal conflict that Herbert was wounded in action, later receiving the Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained while defending freedom on the front lines.
Herbert and his family spent the day soaking in the wonder of the park, including a front-row view of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. However, the highlight of the celebration took place in Town Square during the storied Flag Retreat Ceremony.
A Legacy of Honor: These daily ceremonies have been a staple at Disneyland since opening day in 1955 and at Magic Kingdom since 1971.
The Representative of the Day: Each evening, a veteran or active-duty service member is chosen to serve as the “U.S. Armed Forces Representative of the Day,” standing as a symbol of gratitude for all who serve.
As America prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, The Walt Disney Company remains dedicated to recognizing the brave men and women who have served—both within the Disney workforce and in our local communities. By sharing the enduring legacies of veterans like Herbert Maneloveg, Disney ensures that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
The Heeler Reign Continues: ‘Bluey’ Crowned Most-Watched Show of 2025
For the second year in a row, the Heelers are sitting comfortably on the iron throne of streaming. According to the latest data from Nielsen’s ARTEY Awards, the beloved Australian animated series Blueywas the most-streamed title in the U.S. for 2025, amassing a staggering 45.2 billion minutes watched.
The achievement is a testament to the show’s cross-generational appeal. Despite being a children’s program, Bluey beat out every heavy hitter in the streaming world, including gritty adult dramas, blockbuster films, and long-running sitcoms.
What makes Bluey’s 45.2 billion minutes truly remarkable is the “efficiency” of its library. While other top-charting shows rely on hundreds of hour-long episodes to rack up time, Bluey achieved its #1 spot with:
Only 154 episodes currently available on Disney+.
An average runtime of just 7–9 minutes per episode.
In comparison, the runner-up, Grey’s Anatomy, clocked in at 40.9 billion minutes. However, the medical drama boasts a massive library of 455 episodes, each running roughly 40 minutes. For Bluey to outpace such a giant with a fraction of the content suggests a level of “rewatchability” that is virtually unparalleled in modern media.
The 2025 charts were dominated by “acquired” content—older shows licensed to streamers—with only one streaming original breaking into the Top 10.
Rank
Title
Minutes Watched (Billions)
Platform(s)
1
Bluey
45.2
Disney+
2
Grey’s Anatomy
40.9
Hulu / Netflix
3
Stranger Things
40.0
Netflix
4
NCIS
36.9
Various
5
SpongeBob SquarePants
34.3
Paramount+
6
Bob’s Burgers
34.1
Hulu
7
Family Guy
33.4
Hulu
8
The Big Bang Theory
32.4
Max
9
Law & Order: SVU
26.8
Hulu / Peacock
10
Criminal Minds
24.1
Hulu / Peacock
The “Gunsmoke” Phenomenon
While Bluey took the overall crown, Nielsen highlighted another surprising success story at the ARTEY Awards: the classic Western Gunsmoke.
Running for 20 seasons between 1955 and 1975, the series was named the “Most-Binged Title of the Year.” It saw a meteoric rise from 10.2 billion minutes in 2024 to 22.5 billion minutes in 2025.
Nielsen’s deep dive into the data revealed some fascinating trends:
Extreme Loyalty: Viewers watched an average of 241 episodes per person.
Accessibility Matters: Its presence on free, ad-supported platforms (FAST) like Pluto TV significantly drove growth.
Diverse Audience: While the show skews toward an older demographic, Black viewers accounted for a significant 29% of its total stream time.
As streaming consumption hit a record 16.7 trillion minutes in 2025 (a 19% increase from 2024), the “Bluey effect” shows no signs of slowing down. With a Bluey feature film reportedly in development and the show remaining a staple in the Top 10 weekly charts, the Heeler family seems poised for a potential hat-trick in 2026.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Cars Arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is officially shifting into high gear as the first ride vehicles for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift have arrived on property. Universal shared the milestone in a new Instagram video showing the cars being delivered to the park, marking another major step forward for the upcoming attraction.
Fans eager for a close up look at the ride vehicles will need a little more patience. In the video, the cars are fully covered during delivery, meaning Universal did not reveal their final design just yet. Even so, the arrival of the vehicles is a significant construction milestone and suggests the project is moving steadily toward testing phases.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is set to become Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster and will feature spinning ride vehicles designed to simulate drifting through high speed turns. The coaster is being built on the Upper Lot and has been spotted testing in recent weeks.
Universal has already confirmed that Hollywood Drift is also coming to Universal Orlando Resort, where it will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. While the Orlando version will share the same Fast & Furious drifting concept, the track layout will be different from the Hollywood coaster. Once Hollywood Drift opens in Orlando, Fast & Furious Supercharged will close and be re-themed into an entirely different dark ride, marking a major shift for the franchise’s presence at Universal Orlando.
With ride vehicles now arriving in Hollywood and long term plans already in motion for Florida, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is clearly a key part of Universal’s future coaster lineup. While no opening dates have been announced yet, momentum is building fast on both coasts.
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Tests New Single Rider Queue
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom quietly tested a new single rider queue on Tuesday, January 27, giving guests a possible glimpse at a faster way to blast through the stars solo. According to Cast Members, the test ran for a short window from 10 am to 12 pm, with additional tests expected in the coming days or weeks depending on crowd levels.
Normally, single riders at Space Mountain wait in the standard standby line and can mention they are a solo guest when reaching the Lightning Lane merge point. In those cases, Cast Members may fit a single rider into an earlier rocket if space allows, but this usually only trims about 10 minutes off the wait. During the recent test, Cast Members noted that the new system moved single riders through the queue much more efficiently and felt the trial went well overall.
During the test period, guests were informed that a single rider option was available and were told exactly how it worked. Parties choosing this option agreed to be split up before entering the Lightning Lane queue. At the merge point, single riders identified themselves again and were directed into a dedicated single rider queue on the Omega side of the load area, while the Alpha side continued to serve standby guests only.
Because Lightning Lane guests tap their MagicBands again at the merge point, the system prevents guests from falsely claiming single rider status at the main entrance. Single riders were then used to fill empty seats in rockets with Lightning Lane guests on the Omega side, helping maximize ride capacity while keeping standby and Lightning Lane operations running smoothly. While nothing has been officially announced, this test could signal a more permanent single rider option coming to one of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions.
Magic Kingdom Welcome Show Loses Characters as Cinderella Castle Repainting Nears
Early mornings at Magic Kingdom are looking a little different as Disney prepares Cinderella Castle for its upcoming repaint. The Let the Magic Begin welcome show has been further modified, and characters are no longer appearing during the performance. Fireworks had already been removed earlier this month, and showtimes are no longer listed on the Walt Disney World calendar.
Disney has posted a notice explaining that the changes are due to project work on Cinderella Castle. While characters are temporarily absent, guests will still hear the familiar welcome fanfare and music each morning around 8:55 am, just before the park officially opens at 9 am. The music continues to set the tone for the day, even without the full show experience.
Additional entertainment adjustments are also in place. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire has shifted to afternoon-only performances beginning at 1 pm, with updated times available online, in My Disney Experience, and on signage near the castle. Although these changes took effect on January 28, visible paint work on Cinderella Castle remains limited so far. Once complete, the castle will return to its classic color scheme, ending its five-year run in the 50th anniversary look.
Disney World Annual Passholder Good to Go Days Extend into February 2026
Walt Disney World is giving Annual Passholders a little extra pixie dust as Good to Go Days officially stretch into February 2026. Disney has added February 2, 3, and 4 to the growing list of reservation-free dates, meaning eligible Passholders can head into the parks on those days without needing to snag a theme park reservation first.
As always, regular blockout dates and park capacity rules still apply, but for many locals and frequent visitors, this is one less hoop to jump through before a spontaneous park day. If you already had a park reservation for one of these newly added Good to Go Days, Disney will automatically remove it for you. You can still see it hanging out in the My Plans section of My Disney Experience, but it will no longer count against your maximum number of held reservations.
These February dates join the recently added late January Good to Go Days on January 28 and 29, with Disney hinting that more dates could be added as the month goes on. Passholders also still have the option to enter any park after 2 pm without a reservation on most days, with the usual exception of Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom, making it easier than ever to squeeze in a last-minute park visit when the mood strikes.
Disneyland Confirmed as the Official Post-Super Bowl Celebration Spot for 2026
The “Happiest Place on Earth” is about to become the center of the sports world. Disneyland Resort has announced that it will host the Super Bowl LX champions for a celebratory cavalcade on Monday, February 9, 2026.
This year’s celebration holds special weight as the NFL concludes a season of heavyweights. The big game, taking place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, features a high-stakes rematch between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Whether the Lombardi Trophy goes to the “Dark Side” defense of Seattle or the resurgent Mike Vrabel-led Patriots, the MVP will be trading the gridiron for Main Street, U.S.A. just 24 hours after the final whistle.
In an unprecedented media event, ESPN is taking over Disneyland for a 24-hour initiative dubbed “The Handoff.” This broadcast event marks the transition from Super Bowl LX to the road toward Super Bowl LXI—which will be the first-ever Super Bowl aired on ESPN in 2027.
Fans visiting the park on February 9 can expect to see live broadcasts originating from a special set in Town Square, right at the foot of Main Street, U.S.A. The lineup includes:
First Take: Stephen A. Smith and the crew will bring their signature heated debates to the park.
SportsCenter: Multiple live editions throughout the day.
NFL Live: Expert analysis on how the Patriots or Seahawks secured their victory.
Exclusive Interview: A live, featured sit-down with a star player from the championship team.
Who are you hoping to see win the Super Bowl this year?
BoxLunch Gifts Disney Valentine’s Day Gift Guide For A Romantic Style
Whether you’re looking to spoil your person or let’s be real just treat yourself to some much-deserved Disney magic, the BoxLunch Gifts Disney Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is basically a love letter to our wallets. From cozy knits to bags that actually smell like treats, they’ve gone all out this year. If you’re ready to add some main character energy to your February 14th wardrobe, here’s the breakdown of what’s worth grabbing.
The apparel lineup is giving us major cozy-chic vibes. If you want something classic, the Mickey & Minnie Valentine’s Icons Denim Jacketand the matching Cardigan (complete with heart-shaped buttons!) are total staples. But if you’re looking for something a bit more whimsical, the Piglet & Pooh Bear Hearts Cardigan, featuring pearl buttons and ribbon bows is pure cottagecore sweetness.
For those who live for 90s nostalgia, the Max & Roxanne Retro Print Quilted Jacket is an absolute standout. It’s perfect for a Powerline concert or just a casual stroll through the parks. If you want to keep it cozy, throw on the Max & Roxanne Embroidered Heart Crewneck, it’s the perfect way to show some love for Disney’s most underrated couple.
Now, if you want to turn heads, the Mickey & Minnie Valentine’s Day Icons Smock Dress is the winner. It’s a chiffon dream with flutter sleeves and a smocked waist that is basically Made for Instagram, plus, it has pockets (because we have priorities). For a more laid-back look, the Mickey & Minnie Valentine’s Day Pink Crewneck features delicate embroidery that makes it feel way more high-end than your standard sweatshirt.
The baby tee trend is alive and well in this collection. The Winnie the Pooh Honeycomb Heart Women’s Baby Tee is a ribbed, cropped masterpiece featuring Pooh Bear tucked into a honeycomb heart. It’s sweet, simple, and pairs perfectly with high-waisted jeans. If you’re more of a Minnie stan, the Minnie Mouse Valentine’s Day Women’s Baby Tee brings that signature “fashionista” energy with beautifully embroidered details.
Bags That Make a Statement (and Smell Like One, Too)
BoxLunch really leveled up the sensory experience with their bag collection this year. The Mickey & Minnie Chocolate Heart Box Crossbodydoesn’t just look like a box of chocolates; it actually has a chocolate scent! If honey is more your speed, the Winnie the Pooh Honey Heart Mini Backpackis honey-scented and features a plush Pooh Bear that is almost too cute to handle. For the classic collectors, the Mickey & Minnie Heart Ears Mini Backpack with its heart-shaped zipper pulls is a must-have for your next Disney trip.
If you’re looking for a “just because” gift, the plush keychain sets are a total win. You can go classic with Mickey and Minnie or bring a little bit of that signature Disney attitude with the Donald and Daisy set.
Between the embroidered baby tees and those gorgeous smock dresses, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. This collection is definitely going to fly off the shelves, so you might want to snag your favorites before they’re gone.
SeaWorld Orlando Unlocks “Secret Menu” and Elevated Dining for 2026 Seven Seas Food Festival
SeaWorld Orlando is officially setting sail on its most ambitious culinary voyage to date. The Seven Seas Food Festival returns from January 30 through May 17, 2026, bringing a massive wave of global flavors, “secret” experiences, and a powerhouse concert lineup that cements its status as Central Florida’s premier spring event.
With over 200 international offerings and more than 30 headlining acts, this year’s festival isn’t just bigger—it’s bolder.
In a festival first, SeaWorld is introducing a layer of mystery to the dining experience. Guests “in the know” can head to the hostess stand at Sharks Underwater Grill and ask about the Secret Menu.
This exclusive, insider experience unlocks a three-course chef-driven meal designed to surprise diners while they eat alongside majestic sharks. This limited-time experience is available daily throughout the festival (Jan 30 – May 17) but remains strictly for those who know the “secret.”
For those seeking a more sophisticated palate, 2026 debuts the “Seas the Flavor” Wine Pairing Dinner Series. Hosted at the Sea Harbor Pavilion on one Saturday each month (starting February 14), this ticketed event features:
Five-Course Gourmet Menu: Including elevated dishes like seared sea scallops with guava polenta and porcini-duvted duck breast.
Premium Pairings: Expertly curated wines ranging from Monterey Chardonnays to Canadian Ice Wines.
The Experience: Live musical ambiance and storytelling from the chefs and wine experts behind each pairing.
Bonus: Every dinner guest receives a complimentary five-punch tasting lanyard to explore the rest of the festival.
A Global Culinary Tour with 29 Marketplaces
The festival grounds will host 29 marketplace huts, including eight brand-new concepts for 2026:
New Additions: Old Fashioned Milk Co., Travelers Café, Half Pipe Pavilion, Cantina, Lucky Cat, Mediterranean Wine, Brews (Florida Avenue Brewing Co.), and Hops and Dreams (Wicked Weed).
Rotating Flavors: To keep things fresh, every hut will feature at least one item that rotates monthly, giving guests a reason to return.
Fan Favorites: Expect the return of the buttery lobster rolls, Brazilian churrasco steak, and the legendary BBQ pulled pork mac & cheese.
30+ Headliners at Bayside Stadium
The music is just as hot as the food. Concerts are included with park admission and take place every weekend at 7 p.m. at Bayside Stadium. The 2026 roster spans six decades of hits, featuring:
The Icons: The Beach Boys, Gene Simmons, and Boyz II Men.
Today’s Hits: Flo Rida, Fitz and the Tantrums, and The Fray.
Genre Stars: Trace Adkins (Country) and Grupo Manía (Latin)
Upgrade Your Night: Reserved seating starts at just $9.99, while the Seven Seas VIP Tour ($199.99) offers the ultimate day—including a Dolphin Encounter, priority ride access, and front-row concert seats.
The Best Ways to Experience the Festival
Annual Passes: The only way to catch the monthly rotating menus and all 30+ concerts without breaking the bank.
FREE Preschool Card: Kids 5 and under get in free all year, but you must register by February 3.
FREE Teacher Card: Florida educators can enjoy the festival (and the park) for free all year long.
