General Daily Insight for January 03, 2026

Big feelings collide with steady choices this morning. With the emotional Moon opposing the radiant Sun for a Full Moon at 5:02 AM EST, we’re balancing our more foundational duties versus the responsibilities beyond our door. This contrasting pull increases as Luna opposes combative Mars! We should try to pause before replying to co-workers, neighbors, or family. Once the Moon conjoins expansive Jupiter, we should be better able to respond with care and forgiveness. Freed from stress, we can enjoy empowering evening rituals.

NEW YORK (AP) — They’re going to light up 2026 like dynamite: K-pop group BTS’ comeback has an official date.

According to a note shared to social media by the entertainment company BigHit Music, the mega popular group will return on March 20.

That’s after a nearly four-year hiatus, as all seven members of BTS — RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope — completed South Korea’s mandatory military service.

“March 20th comeback confirmed,” BigHit Music wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Rapper Suga was the last group member to be released — from his duties as a social service agent, an alternative to serving in the military that he reportedly chose due to a shoulder injury. That was in June 2025.

The six others, RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin and j-hope, served in the army.

BTS tiered their enlistments, giving ample time for its members to focus on solo projects while the group was on a break.

Last summer, the group teased a world tour and announced that a new album would be released in the spring of 2026. At the time, they said they would begin working on the project in July 2025.

“Since it will be a group album, it will reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas,” they said in a statement. “We’re approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started.”

The 2026 album will mark their first since 2022’s anthology, “Proof,” their 2021 Japanese compilation album “BTS, the Best,” and their last studio album, “Be,” released in 2020.

No one wants to deal with the inconvenience of long lines every time you have a flight to catch. Instead, you can take a leisurely stroll through airport security by enrolling in TSA PreCheck. This trusted traveler program allows people to access a separate security line at the airport and eliminates some of the hassles involved in clearing airport security … for a price.

A TSA PreCheck membership costs $77 and remains valid for five years, so it’s relatively affordable. However, you may get that fee back if you have one of the top travel credit cards. Many of these cards reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee by granting a credit of up to $120. That means you can make the most of your card benefits and offset part of your annual fee by learning how to get TSA PreCheck with your credit card.

Here’s how to get TSA PreCheck by using your credit card.

How does TSA PreCheck work?

TSA PreCheck is an official trusted traveler program set up through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It requires you to go through a short online application and in-person interview where you’ll be fingerprinted and have your photo taken.

After you’re approved, you’ll have access to dedicated security lines and expedited security procedures at many U.S. airports, allowing you to keep your laptop and travel-sized liquids in your bag. Plus, you’ll keep your wait time to a minimum since 99% of TSA PreCheck members wait less than 10 minutes to make it through security, according to the TSA.

How to get TSA PreCheck free with a credit card

There are several ways a credit card can help you get TSA PreCheck for free:

—The easiest way is by paying for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application with a card that reimburses it. You’ll automatically receive a statement credit to cover the cost.

—You could use the rewards you’ve earned through an airline or hotel loyalty program to pay for it.

—You could use your credit card rewards to cover the fee.

Using a statement credit to get TSA PreCheck

Nearly 40 credit cards offer an application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and that includes business credit cards and co-branded airline and hotel credit cards. However, it is important to note that most travel credit cards that cover TSA PreCheck come with an annual fee of anywhere from $95 to $695.

While there are travel credit cards with no annual fee, it’s uncommon for them to include a TSA PreCheck benefit. That said, occasionally you may be able to find a travel card with this benefit and no annual fee — but there will likely be a catch.

For example, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business card, which comes with no annual fee the first year, offers an up to $120 reimbursement credit for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck every four years. However, this card charges an annual fee every year thereafter.

Using a loyalty program to get TSA PreCheck

Many airline and hotel loyalty programs allow you to redeem the rewards you earn for TSA PreCheck. Some of these programs include:

—IHG One Rewards

—Marriott Bonvoy

—Orbitz Rewards Platinum Members

—United Mileage Plus

However, this method usually isn’t the best option since you’ll typically spend $100 or more in rewards — which is more than the cost of a TSA PreCheck membership. If you have a bank of points or miles that are about to expire, then it could be a decent option.

These loyalty programs also occasionally offer promotions and deals on TSA PreCheck, which may help you to get a discounted membership or a free membership with certain levels of elite status.

Using credit card rewards to get TSA PreCheck

If you’re not interested in a travel credit card or paying an annual fee, rewards from one of the top cash-back cards could help you cover your TSA PreCheck fee. These credit cards allow you to earn rewards or welcome bonuses that you can then redeem as statement credits to cover your TSA PreCheck application.

Bankrate’s take: If you travel internationally and would like to shorten your trips through customs, consider applying for Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck. Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs screening for travelers entering the United States, and membership costs $120 for five years.

Which credit card with TSA PreCheck credits is right for you?

When determining which travel credit card is right for you, take a few factors into account, including the card’s

—annual fee

—general rewards structure

—additional benefits

You’ll also want to think about how it fits into your current spending habits and lifestyle. If a particular card is only appealing because it pays for TSA PreCheck, then you should consider a different card that better aligns with your spending habits and interests — even if that card is just a general rewards card that will help you to earn enough cash back to cover the application fee.

Keep in mind that many business, airline and hotel credit cards offer a TSA PreCheck benefit. If you own a business, you may want to consider a general business travel credit card (which offers more flexibility) or a credit card for an airline or hotel that you use frequently (which will offer airline- or hotel-specific perks).

The bottom line

If you want to get TSA PreCheck for free, there are a lot of credit cards out there that can help you cover the cost.

Whether you choose a card that reimburses your TSA PreCheck fee or a card that helps you earn rewards to cover the fee, you’ll have plenty of options to save on the cost of your TSA PreCheck membership. And once you’ve got that TSA PreCheck stamp on your boarding pass, you’ll be able to save time (and effort) at the airport.

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

It’s as if everyone in Hollywood ran out of new ideas all at once. Don’t blame writers, but executives who are rapidly shepherding their industry towards irrelevance with an over-reliance on reworked IP, while original ideas are left unproduced. In better news, the winter Olympic Games are this year, with the opening ceremony taking place Feb. 6 on NBC. (The Super Bowl is that Sunday as well.)

“The Pitt”

The Pittsburgh-set medical drama from “ER” showrunner John Wells is back for a second season, premiering almost exactly a year after it first debuted. Imagine, a streaming series returning on a reliable schedule! Dr. Robby (“ER” veteran Noah Wyle) is back once again, overseeing the managed chaos, student doctors and medical residents of his emergency department. One of the best examples of competency as comfort, something we could all use more of at the moment in real life. From Jan. 8 on HBO Max.

“The Night Manager”

Stylish and prestige-y as hell, Season 1 of this Tom Hiddleston spy drama premiered (squints) eight years ago. Welp, this is how TV works today. Season 2 follows Hiddleston’s character across the UK, Spain, Colombia and France as he “races to expose a conspiracy designed to destabilize a nation.” From Jan. 11 on Amazon. 

“Hijack”

The first season of this “Die Hard” ripoff starring Idris Elba took place on a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London. For the entirely unnecessary second season, the setting is now a subway in Berlin that’s been taken hostage. If Elba’s character doesn’t say “Why does this keep happening to me?!” at any point, then what are we even doing here? From Jan. 14 on Apple TV.  

“Ponies”

“Game of Thrones” alum Emilia Clarke stars in this 1977-set Cold War thriller about two women (the other is played by Haley Lu Richardson) who become CIA operatives after their husbands are killed under mysterious circumstances in Moscow. The pair become “ponies” in the parlance — persons of no interest — in order to uncover the truth of what really happened. From Jan. 15 on Peacock. 

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”

Another “Game of Thrones” spinoff. A prequel, this one takes place a hundred years before the events of “GoT,” as two unlikely heroes wander through Westeros: “A young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne, and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.” From Jan. 18 on HBO. 

“Steal”

Here I am typing “Game of Thrones” again because the show’s alum Sophie Turner returns to TV in this thriller about a heist at a British pension fund investment company: “But who would steal billions of pounds of ordinary people’s pensions and why? DCI Rhys (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) is determined to find out, but as a recently relapsed gambling addict, Rhys must keep his own money problems at bay while dealing with the secret agendas and competing interests at the center of this far-reaching crime.” From Jan. 21 on Amazon.  

“Drops of God”

I really liked the first season of this emotionally engrossing drama about two young wine experts who battle for a massive inheritance. The series was also criminally underseen, likely because: 1) Apple’s approach to promotion leaves much to be desired; 2) there are no recognizable (American) stars; and 3) that title, which makes sense once you’ve seen the show, but otherwise … nope. It’s back for a second season and if you’ve been missing that frisson of discovery in your TV viewing, this one is worth seeking out. From Jan. 21 on Apple TV.  

“Bridgerton”

Not a fan of this show, but plenty are, so mark your calendars. The Shonda Rhimes historical romance returns for Season 4, with a focus on the family’s second-eldest son, Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), who falls for a servant who sneaks into a masquerade ball. Netflix is chopping the season into two parts. From Jan. 29 on Netflix; the second half premieres Feb. 26.  

“Dark Winds”

This adaptation of Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels, with their stories of the Navajo Tribal Police in the 1970s, continues with a fourth season about a missing Navajo girl, which takes our investigators out of their usual setting and sends them to the underbelly of organized crime in Los Angeles. A tick or two better than your typical cop show, star Zahn McClarnon is reason enough to watch. From Feb. 15 on AMC.  

“Scrubs”

The medical comedy from the early aughts is back, reuniting the old gang: J.D. (Zach Braff), Turk (Donald Faison), Elliot (Sarah Chalke), Carla (Judy Reyes) and John C. McGinley’s memorably tangy Dr. Cox. New cast members include Vanessa Bayer and Joel Kim Booster. The premise appears to be the same as it was, picking up where the show left off. From Feb. 25 on ABC.

“Scarpetta”

A crime thriller based on Patricia Cornwell’s book series about the forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta, played by Nicole Kidman. According to the marketing blurb: “With skilled hands and an unnerving eye, this unrelenting medical examiner is determined to serve as the voice of the victims, unmask a serial killer, and prove that her career-making case from 28 years prior isn’t also her undoing. Set against the backdrop of modern forensic investigation, the series delves beyond the crime scene to explore the psychological complexities of both perpetrators and investigators, creating a multi-layered thriller that examines the toll of pursuing justice at all costs.” From March 11 on Amazon.  

On the other hand, according to Cinema United, the movie exhibition trade association, last year saw moviegoing by Gen Z grow by 25% — the highest increase of any demographic. Gen Z is also the first generation to have come of age during the great disruption caused by streaming. Turns out, people want what they’ve always wanted: A reason to leave the house for a couple of hours and be entertained.

The bigger financial questions surrounding the long and short-term viability of the movie industry are out of our hands, which means our only job as moviegoers is to pick and choose what we want to see. So let’s commit to a New Year’s resolution to stop talking about movies in terms of box office. What’s happening on the screen is so much more interesting anyway.

“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”

Filmmaker Nia DaCosta’s interests as a director run the gamut, from horror (the “Candyman” remake) to popcorn films (“The Marvels”) to her recent update and reimagining of the play “Hedda Gabler.” She circles back to horror with this sequel to the post-apocalyptic “28 Years Later.” Ralph Fiennes leads the ensemble cast. In theaters Jan. 16.

“The Rip”

Old pals Ben Affleck and Matt Damon team up on screen once again, this time in a crime thriller. Here’s the official description: “Upon discovering millions in cash in a derelict stash house, trust among a team of Miami cops begins to fray. As outside forces learn about the size of the seizure, everything is called into question — including who they can rely on.” Screenwriter Joe Carnahan says the idea came out of a “deeply personal experience that my friend went through, both as a father and as head of tactical narcotics for the Miami-Dade police department.” On Netflix Jan. 16.

“Send Help”

A plane crashes and a woman (Rachel McAdams) and her jerk of a boss (Dylan O’Brien) are the only survivors, now stranded on a deserted island. Didn’t Anne Heche and Harrison Ford already do this in 1998’s “Six Days, Seven Nights”? Well, this one’s way more ominous, directed by “Spider-Man’s” Sam Raimi. In theaters Jan. 30.

“Dracula: A Love Tale”

Director Luc Besson reimagines the vampire story as a tragic romance. The movie opened in Europe late last year, with one critic describing it as Dracula meets “Pride and Prejudice”: “While it almost certainly does not work on any narrative level, it remains compulsively watchable throughout thanks to writer-director Luc Besson‘s flair for the preposterous.” In theaters Jan. 30.

“Pillion”

If you want the elevator pitch, this is Alexander Skarsgård’s gay biker romance, which premiered at Cannes last year, prompting this observation in Variety:  “With lots of kinky gay BDSM sex scenes, elaborately choreographed orgies, full-frontal nudity and men in rubber, ‘Pillion’ has easily been among the most sexually graphic films of Cannes so far (and also one of its most warmly received).” According to co-star Harry Melling (as the submissive partner), the movie’s themes are “relatable and familiar, but maybe dealing with a subculture that people aren’t so familiar with. It’s how those two things interplay that I found so fascinating … taking romantic comedy tropes and subverting them.” In theaters Feb. 6.

“Wuthering Heights”

Based on her resume so far, Emerald Fennell might be the most vibes-based filmmaker of the moment, judging by her visually specific but thematically shallow efforts with “Saltburn” and “Promising Young Woman.” This time she’s adapting the Emily Bronte 1847 novel about the stormy relationship between Catherine (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi). In theaters Feb. 13.

“Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die”

A sci-fi action adventure from Gore Verbinski (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) that has artificial intelligence on the mind. A man from the future (Sam Rockwell) travels back in time to strong-arm the patrons of a diner into helping him fight a rogue AI. Variety got an early look when the film premiered last fall at Fantastic Fest, calling it “unapologetically irreverent, wildly inventive, end-is-nigh take on the time-loop movie — call it ‘Terminator 2: Groundhog Day’ — except that here, Rockwell’s dizzy protagonist knows what it takes to stop the cycle.” In theaters Feb. 13.

“Crime 101”

Halle Berry and Chris Hemsworth star in this crime thriller (title sorta gave the genre away) about a burned out insurance broker (Berry) who gets caught up in a multi-million dollar heist organized by a jewel thief working one last job  (Hemsworth). Mark Ruffalo plays the LAPD detective on the case. In theaters Feb. 13. 

“Man on the Run”

As a pop cultural figure, Paul McCartney’s life and work has been endlessly documented. I don’t know if the world is clamoring for more, but here we are regardless. According to McCartney’s official website, the film will take viewers on an “intimate journey through Paul McCartney’s extraordinary life following the break-up of The Beatles and the formation of Wings with his wife, Linda.” On Amazon Feb. 25.

“Whitney Springs”

A live-action musical comedy from “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone about an interracial couple: A Black guy finds out his ancestors were enslaved by the ancestors of his white girlfriend. An additional twist: He works at a living history museum as a reenactor, playing an enslaved person. The script is from “South Park” alum Vernon Chatman. Kendrick Lamar is also a producer. In theaters March 20. 

“Project Hail Mary”

Adapted from the 2021 novel of the same name, Ryan Gosling stars in the sci-fi adventure as a guy who wakes up on a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. Slowly, he figures out that he’s the sole surviving crew member of a team searching for a solution to a catastrophic event back on Earth. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (“21 Jump Street”). In theaters March 20. 

“The Dog Stars”

Another post-apocalyptic story. So much apocalyptism these days, you think Hollywood decision-makers are feeling pessimistic? This one’s from director Ridley Scott and is based on the 2012 novel by Peter Heller. It takes place after a pandemic wipes out a chunk of the population, leaving behind a pilot (Jacob Elordi) and his dog, plus a grouchy ex-Marine (Josh Brolin). They live a lonely existence in an airplane hangar until, one day, a mysterious transmission comes through the radio. Are there other survivors? In theaters March 27.

If a can of coconut water and a banana smoothie had a baby, it might be banana water. The latest plant-based hydration beverage on the market is being touted as “the peel good beverage” that offers “a bunch of nutrients.” And it’s drumming up attention on social media.

“Boyfriend says it has aromatics of slightly overripe banana,” one Reddit user, leemoongrass, commented, adding, “It honestly isn’t that bad.”

“It smells like baby food,” lsp2c said on Instagram.

Not to be confused with banana water for plants, a DIY fertilizer made by soaking banana peels in water to extract nutrients, such as potassium and vitamin C, for your flora. Or homemade banana drinks, such as hot water steeped with banana peels and strained, or blended banana smoothies.

The new drink, sold in supermarkets, is being marketed as an alternative to sports drinks, a sort of coconut water 2.0.

But some have taken to social media with questions: “How do you think you juice a banana?!” tybottofficial asked on TikTok, while unpacking a box of organic banana water from Woodstock. “I wonder if they’re just in a factory, like, you know, really milking these bananas, I guess?” (He gave the drink a 7.5 out of 10.)

Both Woodstock and Banagua, leading manufacturers of banana water, make their banana water in Thailand from organic “Thai golden” and “Thai cultivated” bananas, which are shorter and stubbier-looking than the standard yellow bananas sold in most American supermarkets and which have a slight pinkish tint. The fruit gets pinker in the processing and the drink has a pinkish hue.

If you’re a label ogler, the ingredient list will put you at ease. Banana water contains just one ingredient: bananas. There’s no significant water added to it. A banana is 80% water, Banagua co-founder Rob Smithson says, and the processing of the drink (an “enzymatic process”) separates the water from the pulp — the drink is slightly viscous but not pulpy.

Woodstock’s bananas are steamed and mashed with “proprietary enzymes” to release nutrients. “Think of it as liquefied bananas,” says Bruce Bruemmer, vice president of brand management at UNFI Brands+, Woodstock’s parent company.

The upshot? Both companies say their banana water is especially healthy, brimming with electrolytes like potassium, B6 and magnesium, as well as minerals and antioxidants such as vitamin A and C. The drink has no added sugar, and zero fat, sodium and cholesterol, though a 330ml can does have about 13 grams of carbohydrates, slightly less than Naked coconut water’s 14 grams in a container of the same size.

So how healthy is banana water, what does it taste like, and is it worth the hype? Here’s the deal.

Manufacturer’s claims: “Our banana water has 205 mg of magnesium — 50% of the daily value,” Smithson says of Banagua’s Original Banana, which went on the market in July 2025. “And it’s especially hydrating — probably 2-3 bananas per can, which you can bring anywhere and you don’t have to worry about moldy bananas. And just 50 calories — Naked’s coconut water has 60.”

Woodstock’s 500ml can of banana water, which went on the market in March 2024, has just 80 calories. “Our Woodstock Organic Banana Water stands out for its great taste and natural hydration,” Bruemmer says, “delivering 765mg of electrolytes — similar to many sports drinks — without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.”

Nutritionists’ take: “It’s probably a sequel to coconut water,” says Dr. Thomas Sherman, a professor of pharmacology and physiology at Georgetown University Medical Center. “It would appeal to people who are worried about animal wellness and saturated fat in their milk drinks or who are worried about too high sugar — so this fits the bill. But I question its effectiveness — these types of beverages offer such trivial amounts of electrolytes compared to what’s already in our food. And it’s expensive.

Sherman says that, in the end, it comes down to the consumer’s intentions for choosing banana water.

“If you’re buying it because of the taste, and you want to support a plant-based beverage, and [because] it’s fairly low sugar, then fine,” he says. “But if you’re buying it because you’re interested in getting more potassium and magnesium and calcium with low sodium, then it’s silly because just eat plants, eat food, that’s going to supply hundreds of times more potassium and calcium and magnesium.”

Categorizing banana water as a sports drink is problematic, adds Vanessa King, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in supplements.

“Sports drinks replace electrolytes,” King says. “The problem with banana water is that while bananas are very high in potassium, the electrolyte that you predominantly lose when you exercise is sodium — and it doesn’t provide sodium. I would not choose it over a sports drink.”

King points out that “banana juice,” as she calls it, suffers from the same concerns as other juices: “It’s more concentrated sugar without the fiber you’d get from the fruit version.”

But any amount of potassium, magnesium, vitamin A and C — all key nutrients in banana water — is helpful, King says. “They’re all nutrients that are generally under-consumed by Americans. But bananas also have those nutrients!”

The taste: We found it sweet and tropical-tasting, slightly viscous but surprisingly refreshing. However, we didn’t go bananas for it.

Cost: Banagua’s Original Banana (330ml): $3.49; Woodstock’s Organic Banana Water (500ml): $2.99.

©2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

In this case, three of her tour costumes can now be seen in Walt Disney Presents, a walk-through attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

The trio is on mannequins behind glass in a single showcase, and Disney says they were each worn by Swift during her famed Eras Tour. Visitors can see the black-and-gold serpentine bodysuit (designed by Roberto Cavalli) that was part of her “reputation” set, a Vivienne Westwood dress that has the lyrics of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” on it, and a blue bodysuit that was topped with a red fringe jacket for “Karma,” the final song of the show.

The exhibit is in support of “The End of an Era,” a six-episode docuseries on Disney+ as well as the streamer’s “The Final Show.”

The costumes have been attention-getters during the busy holiday season. Folks are drawn to the shininess and the shows. I heard a woman comment that they made her feel like Swift was “normal-sized … and that’s good to show.”

Disney announces last Aerosmith day for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

The outfits are stationed right before the large display of upcoming attractions in the works for WDW, including Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Cars” rides at Magic Kingdom and the “Toy Story” land that’s under construction at Hollywood Studios.

Overall, Walt Disney Presents is a flashback sort of attraction, detailing subjects like Walt’s childhood, historic technology, the development of theme parks and paraphernalia associated with Mickey Mouse Club. Standing across from the Swift exhibit is a partially exposed animatronic of Abraham Lincoln. Or as a young passerby called it: “Honest Abe comes back as the Terminator.”

The exhibit of Swift’s costumes remains at DHS until Jan. 23, Disney says.

Orlando attractions 2026: Muppet thrill ride, Galacticoaster, sloths in action

Attractions news and notes

• The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association posthumously awarded David Siegel its Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award. Siegel, who started Westgate Resorts in 1982 and eventually grew to run 22 resorts with 13,500 rooms, died in April.

• Orlando Auto Museum, which operates out of Dezerland Park Orlando, was ranked as the No. 2 car museum in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine. It features more than 2,000 vehicles that are worth about $200 million. (The top museum on the list was Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.)

• Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has expanded its Brews Around the Zoo event to two days. The fundraiser is set for Feb. 21-22, and one-day general admission tickets are $49.99. A two-day pass goes for $75.99.

• Walt Disney World is now selling seasonal water park passes, which allow entry through May 9. Price is $89 ($83 for ages 3-9). Typhoon Lagoon is currently open, but the action shifts to Blizzard Beach as of Feb. 15.

• Great Wolf Lodge in Naples is offering season passes for visits through April 2026. There’s a weekday version ($65 per person) and an “anytime” pass ($239).

• The highest realized bid for Walt Disney World at the latest Van Eaton Galleries auction was $9,000 for a Figment costume that was seen in Epcot’s Journey to the Imagination ride. The animatronic’s formal-looking suit appeared in a scene representing the performing arts. A red sequined star attached to Spaceship Earth during the millennium celebration went for $1,600.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.

General Daily Insight for January 02, 2026

Courage threads through our upcoming choices. With healing asteroid Chiron stationing direct at 9:37 AM EST, we’re braced to start applying the lessons we’ve learned. As the emotional Moon faces off with cerebral Mercury, feelings challenge facts, yet plain words help us bridge misunderstandings before they grow heavy. From morning dreams into evening downtime, we can all edit our expectations so small mistakes lose their sting and steadier boundaries feel natural. We might not be able to move mountains, but what we can do still matters.

The 77-year-old woman was reported overboard New Year’s Day on the Nieuw Statendam, which sailed from the Fort Lauderdale port Dec. 27 and was due back on Jan. 3 at the end of its seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

The search was around 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba, the Coast Guard stated. The search covered more than 690 square miles over eight hours.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that while sailing in waters north of Cuba, a guest on Nieuw Statendam went overboard earlier today,” Holland America stated in an email. “The captain and crew initiated search and rescue procedures and are searching the area working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard which has deployed a cutter and helicopter to assist.”

The Coast Guard Cutter William Trump and Air Station Clearwater MH-60 crews had been involved in the search.

The ship’s plan to stop for a port of call in Key West on Jan. 2 was canceled, the line stated.

“Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement reads.

Consider our Top 10 for 2026 an evolving and ever-changing list of the best new rides and attractions coming to theme parks in the U.S. in the coming year.

ALSO SEE: Six Flags Magic Mountain to turn kids area into Looney Tunes Land

Many parks have already begun construction on 2026 projects while others have only announced plans or launched teaser campaigns.

We’ll update our Top 10 list for 2026 as new rides and attractions are unveiled and more details become available.

1) Universal Kids

Frisco, Texas

The new Universal theme park aimed at families with young children will boast lands dedicated to DreamWorks, Nickelodeon and Illumination film franchises when the Texas kiddieland opens in 2026.

The 97-acre Universal Kids resort will be home to a theme park and themed hotel with space set aside for future expansion.

ALSO SEE: Universal’s newest theme park brings kid-sized fun to Texas

Universal Kids will feature seven themed lands: Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, TrollsFest, Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity.

2) Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift

Universal Studios Hollywood

The new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood will feature 360-degree rotating coaster vehicles designed to look like drifting race cars from the street racing film franchise that has earned $7 billion at the worldwide box office.

Coaster trains with four street racing cars will rocket from zero to 72 mph along the 4,100-foot-long track.

ALSO SEE: First look at Fast & Furious coaster on-track test at Universal Studios Hollywood

Riders will drift and spin in a replica of Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger as they ride in the new launch coaster coming to the Upper Lot of the Hollywood theme park.

3) NightFlight Expedition

Dollywood

The new first-of-its-kind attraction coming to Dollywood will take riders into the Smoky Mountains on a soaring nighttime flight that turns into a roller coaster ride and then a whitewater rafting excursion before concluding with a mysterious dark ride across a shimmering lake.

The $50 million NightFlight Expedition marks the largest single attraction investment in Dollywood’s history.

ALSO SEE: $2.5 billion Disneyland Paris makeover starts with new Frozen land

The hybrid roller coaster/whitewater river rapids ride will be the first Mack Rides Rocking Boat Ride in the United States built by the German ridemaker.

4) SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep

SeaWorld Orlando

The new, first-of-its-kind ride coming to SeaWorld Orlando will take riders under the sea in a three-person submersible vehicle to explore sunken shipwrecks brimming with sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and other extraordinary sea creatures.

The new SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep will be the world’s first Vekoma suspended dark ride from the Netherlands-based ridemaker.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland 2026: All the seasonal events, food festivals and late night parties

The indoor dark ride will feature a submarine-like ride vehicle suspended from an overhead track that will swing and rotate through a series of themed environments.

The backstory for SeaQuest will involve a deep sea exploration of glowing undersea worlds filled with awe, wonder and adventure.

5) Tormenta Rampaging Run

Six Flags Over Texas

Tormenta Rampaging Run will claim the title of world’s tallest, longest and fastest dive coaster when it debuts at Six Flags Over Texas.

Tormenta will become the world’s first giga dive coaster — combining a 300-foot-plus height (giga) with a beyond vertical drop (dive) to create a completely new ride category.

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The coaster by Switzerland-based ridemaker Bolliger & Mabillard will be themed to Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls tradition.

6) Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare

Kings Island

The classic dark ride set in a haunted theater on a dark and stormy night will return to Ohio’s Kings Island in 2026 with a cast of familiar characters, a new storyline involving the Maestro’s famed pipe organ and a little interactive game play to avert disaster on opening night.

The new Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare by Florida-based Sally Dark Rides will feature 26 scenes with animatronic figures, hidden Easter eggs and sound and wind effects.

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Riders in enchanted opera boxes will use interactive spellbound flashlights to collect “ghost notes” released from the organ during a lightning strike.

7) Soarin’ Across America

Disney California Adventure and Epcot

The new “Soarin’ Across America” films coming to the venerable flight simulator rides at Disney California Adventure and Epcot will debut just in time for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

“Soarin’ Across America” will be filmed at 33 locations across the United States with the new scenes capturing a bird’s-eye view of the “scenic wonders, amazing cities and the beauty of the coasts” in a celebration of America’s diversity and grandeur.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland sets opening date for Soarin’ Across America

Walt Disney Imagineering will use advanced cameras and lenses mounted on helicopters and drones to capture the aerial footage for the updated attractions.

Also in 2026: Disneyland will update Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run with a new adventure starring Mandalorian and Grogu while the Fantasyland Theatre will launch “Bluey’s Best Day Ever” musical comedy show.

8) Barracuda Strike

SeaWorld San Antonio

The $8.8 million Barracuda Strike inverted coaster by Switzerland-based ridemaker Bolliger & Mabillard will glide above SeaWorld San Antonio’s water ski lake.

Riders will hit a top speed of 44 mph after aboard coaster trains suspended beneath the 1,800-foot-long track.

9) Quantum Accelerator

Six Flags New England

The Quantum Accelerator straddle coaster by Switzerland-based ridemaker Intamin will blur the line between family friendly and extreme thrills with a ride aimed squarely at tweens looking for the next level of excitement.

The dual-launch coaster coming to Six Flags New England will reach a top speed of 45 mph with a tire-propelled boost in the middle of the 2,600-foot-long track filled with 11 airtime hills.

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The backstory for Quantum Accelerator turns the coaster into a steampunk-style time machine created by Professor Screamore.

10) Galaciticoaster

Legoland California and Legoland Florida

Aspiring young astronauts will design their own spaceships and train for an intergalactic mission into the Lego Galaxy aboard the new outer space-themed indoor coasters coming to Legoland California and Legoland Florida.

The first-of-their-kind Galacticoaster indoor coasters built by ridemaker ART Engineering of Germany will each travel along 1,500-foot-long tracks enclosed inside 30,000-square-foot “space port” buildings.

ALSO SEE: Legoland California trains kid astronauts for flights aboard new Galacticoaster

The galactic themed indoor launched roller coasters will send riders on an exploratory mission into the uncharted Lego Galaxy in custom Lego spacecraft where they will pass through cosmic scenes and meet other intergalactic travelers, according to the backstory for the ride.