Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and other theme parks.
Here Are This Week's Theme Park Highlights:
- In celebration of the new live-action film, "The Little Mermaid," opening in theaters May 26, 2023, guests will be able to meet Ariel at Disney Parks later this summer! At Walt Disney World Resort, Ariel will venture to Walt Disney Presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Also, for a limited time, film props and a sneak peek of the movie will be available at Walt Disney Presents Theater. Over on the West Coast, Ariel will greet guests along the promenade near "it's a small world" at Disneyland Park. The exact dates for her special character greetings will be shared at a later time.
- In other character news, the Edna Mode Experience will return May 14, as part of a reimagined Pixar Place in Hollywood Studios, where you'll also be able to meet Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone and Sulley from "Monsters, Inc."
- Hoppy Birthday to youuuuu! Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrated its 25th anniversary this past week, coinciding with Earth Day. The birthday festivities ranged from opening up a time capsule from 1998 Opening Day cast members, to welcoming Moana to her new character greeting location at Character Landing.
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- Disney released additional frogciting details about the Disney 100 Celebration coming to Disney World this fall. We've already started to see a few D100 photo opportunities pop up at the entrances of each theme park. Later this year, we can expect EPCOT to be the life of the party with a new nighttime spectacular, a meet and greet with Mickey and Minnie in their platinum best, a special Spaceship Earth lighting display — plus surprise character pop-ups at the hotels, and lots of specialty merch and treats (can't have a party without food and party favors!). Stay tuned as we learn more details about Disney100 at Disney World.
- May the Fourth be with you! In honor of Star Wars Day, the best treats of the galaxy are coming soon to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and other select locations at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. But that's not all of the "Star Wars" news — Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Resort released its official Disneyland After Dark event guide, along with special treats only available during the event. If you're attending one of the four nights, hop over to our Star Wars Nite post for all of the otherworldly details!
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas announced that an all-new, first-of-its-kind esports arena is coming to the amusement park. ESIX Gaming powered by Coca-Cola — the competitive gaming campus — will include an event stage for live tournaments, plus stations for gaming PCs, consoles and live streaming.
- It's almost time to hang 10! SeaWorld Orlando is getting ready to launch its newest roller coaster, Pipeline, which opens in May. Pipeline will be the world's first surf coaster, equipped with unique seats that leave you standing as you feel every turn, just as though you're actually surfing! Are you thrill seekers ready?
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
