Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens and other theme parks.
- It's hoppenin'! The all-new Disney Springs drone show, Disney Dreams That Soar, makes its official debut tonight! Cast members were treated to a special preview early Wednesday morning, May 22, 2024. For the general public, the Disney Springs drone show kicks off tonight. It will run through Sept. 2, 2024, twice nightly at 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. As night falls, 800 drones will choreograph a dazzling performance in the sky, showcasing beloved Disney characters. Imagine spotting Peter Pan, Mary Poppings, Orange Bird, Dumbo, Grogu and other iconic figures lighting up the night. For optimal viewing of the Disney Springs drone show, stake out a spot along the waterway on the Disney Springs West Side. And don't froget to bring your MagicBand+. It will interact by lighting up and vibrating at certain moments throughout the show.
- DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida is just about ready to welcome guests to "ride, splash, laugh and play" this summer! DreamWorks Land officially opens June 14, 2024. Annual passholders have the opportunity to preview the new land beginning May 24, 2024, until May 27, 2024. Psst! We'll be hoppin' around and sharing a first look over on Instagram and later on YouTube. Be sure to follow over there! In the meantime, Universal Orlando Resort has given us a peek at their latest creation, even while it's still in the works. The highlights include a meet and greet with Shrek, Fiona and Donkey at Shrek's Swamp, Pinocchio's Fact Shack, Shrek's outhouse slide, Trolls Treats and Trollercoaster and Po's Kung Fu Training Camp.
- Gear up for the ultimate blast to the past! Relieve the magic of "Ghostbusters," "Back to the Future," "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," "Jaws" and "Shrek" at Universal Orlando's summer Tribute Store, opening May 24, 2024! Tucked in the center of the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida, The Tribute Store Plaza is themed after a 1980s shopping mall. (If this doesn't bring fellow Millenials to tears with nostalgia, we don't know what will!) Inside, you'll find three immersive mega rooms: Mega Video Rental, A retro Mega Castle Arcade and the Tribute Theatre.
- Universal Orlando Resort made all your Halloween dreams come true or presented your worst nightmares on a platter this week — coming in hot with not one, not two, but FIVE original haunted house announcements! Universal Orlando's iconic Halloween event, Halloween Horror Nights is returning for its 33rd year, and it's promising more terror than ever. Here are the first five (out of 10) spine-chilling houses announced so far:
- Slaughter Sinema 2: Prepare to be plunged into B-movie horror scenes from creature features, grindhouse gore, spaghetti westerns and beyond.
- Goblin's Feast: Step into the Goblin's Feast Tavern, where goblins, orcs, hobgoblins and witches are preparing a feast. Beware — you might just end up on the menu!
- Major Sweets Candy Factory: Run for your life as Major Sweet's sinister candies have turned innocent kids into candy-coated killers. HHN fans might already be familiar with this lore! ;)
- The Museum: Deadly Exhibits: An evil entity wreaks havoc after escaping from the Rotting Stone exhibit. Will you be able to survive a night at the museum?
- Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America: Here you'll come face to face with three terrifying monsters — Tlahuelpuchi, La Lechuza and El Silbón. You'll be begging for mercy before the end.
- Exciting news for Pixar fans! The Walt Disney Presents theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios will offer guests an exclusive sneak peek of the new movie "Inside Out 2." (Coming soon! We will keep you updated with dates as they are announced.) Amy Poehler, reprising her role as Joy, and Maya Hawke, introducing a new emotion, Anxiety, broke the news via social media. The sequel picks up where "Inside Out" left off, delving into Riley's emotional journey through teenage life. Mark your calendars for June 14 when "Inside Out 2" hits theaters. In conjunction, Joy will be meeting guests this summer at Pixar Plaza beginning June 10, 2024.
- After a hiatus of 13 months, Fantasmic! is returning to the Happiest Place on Earth May 24, 2024, and it's bringing some exciting updates. The newly reimagined show includes a battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent for a spectacular finale. You'll watch in awe as Maleficent rises an impressive 35 feet high, seemingly setting the River of America ablaze with her scepter. In addition, the fan-favorite "Peter Pan" sequence is making a return. Join Peter Pan and The Lost Boys as they battle Captain Hook on the iconic pirate ship. The 25-minute show has two nightly showings, 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. You can elevate your experience and secure a seat with newly released dining packages. which are now available at River Belle Terrace and Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante at Disneyland Park. Indulge in a delectable three-course meal before enjoying the show from a reserved seating area or even right from your table!
- The temps are rising, but SeaWorld Orlando just got cooler! Antarctica Realm is set to reopen May 25, 2024. While the highly anticipated Penguin Trek coaster is not quite ready, there's still plenty to explore in this area of the park. Enjoy fresh culinary delights at the revamped Expedition Cafe, sip on themed beverages at the brand-new South Pole Sips and shop for souvenirs at the new Glacial Supply. Be sure to visit the penguin habitat, where you can marvel at these fascinating creatures up close. We'll keep you posted on the opening date of Penguin Trek, the headliner attraction that will complete Antarctica Realm.
- Additionally, both SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego will kick off new 60th anniversary celebrations this weekend. SeaWorld Orlando will celebrate with a spectacular parade, "Xceleration," a thrilling BMX cirque show, Club SeaGlow, Ignite Fireworks and specialty treats and merchandise. SeaWorld San Diego's celebration will include the So Much More to SEA Parade, Shamu and Crew – Together Again live performance character show, BMX BLAST! a high-energy stunt show, the Summer Concert Series and the Enchanted Wonders Fireworks spectacular. The all-new Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience is set to open this summer.
- We're ready for our summer glow-up ... at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park, that is! Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon kicks off Saturday, May 25 and runs on select nights until Aug. 31, 2024. This event offers the opportunity to enjoy the water park during the evening with shorter wait times. The after-hours event includes glow lighting effects, a DJ dance party, complimentary novelty snacks, specialty glow-themed food and beverages and character meet and greets including a special appearance from the step-brother duo Phineas and Ferb.
- Feel the spark after dark! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is kicking off its Summer Nights starting May 24, 2024. The event will run until Aug. 11, 2024. The seasonal event includes exciting entertainment, fireworks (every Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and special food and drink offerings. Extended park hours will be in effect — staying open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. For even more fun, the Red, White and Brews Festival will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through July 7, 2024. Summery food and drink offerings include a Hushpuppy Dog, Roasted Corn on the Cob and Peach Pie Cupcake, just to list a few.
That's a wrap on theme park news this week!
Hoppy planning!
