Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around Universal Orlando, the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, other theme parks and more.
Weekly Roundup of Theme Park News
- Big news! Universal Orlando Resort has officially added Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Mine-Cart Madness to Universal Express Pass, starting today, Aug. 22, 2025. We expect this change to be an even bigger time saver for those with Express Passes, as these are two of the most popular rides at Universal Epic Universe. Plus, don't froget you can save money on Universal Express Passes through Undercover Tourist!
- Disney released official "first look" photos from Jock Lindsey's Halloween Hangar Bar (the bar's first-ever Halloween overlay) and The Beak & Barrel (a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge at Magic Kingdom). Jock Lindsey's is currently serving up its Halloween specials through Nov. 4, 2025, before its typical holiday transformation. Filled with lore, The Beak & Barrel houses a cursed bar, mess hall, the captains' quarters and and the mapmaker's room. This newest lounge opens Aug. 29, 2025, with reservations already booked through October (but keep checking, as availability could pop up due to last-minute cancellations!).
- In the upcoming 4D show at Tree of Life Theater, your furry friends from Zootopia are celebrating Zoogether Day, which honors the unity of diverse biomes found in the animal metropolis. From Tundratown ice skaters to a musical finale by superstar Gazelle, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will star familiar faces, including Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, and introduce new characters, such as Heidi Howler, the host of the Zootogether Day LIVE! broadcast. The show debuts Nov. 7, 2025. Plus, Judy and Nick will also greet guests near the Tree of Life, sporting new looks from "Zootopia 2."
- We frogs got a sneak peek at the Halloween Horror Nights food and merchandise at Universal Studios Hollywood! From Freddy Fazbear Pizza to Fallout's Yum Yum Deviled Eggs, the menacing menu is filled with horror-inspired foods and drinks. Plus, this year, Universal Studios Hollywood is introducing a new Dining Pass, which entitles guests to two entree items and four sides, snacks, desserts or beverages. Also, new in 2025, "Chainsaw Man: The Chaos," an original horror anime short film, will debut within the DreamWorks Theatre.
- Several rides at Walt Disney World are currently in the middle of makeovers (or will soon be!), including Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. This week, Disney provided additional details for each of those reimagined projects. First up, we got a first look at the brand-new ride vehicles and laser shooters for Buzz Lightyear's, which closed earlier this month and is expected to reopen in 2026. Also reopening in 2026, the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness will start with a new Rainbow Caverns scene, filled with illuminating and iridescent stalagmites and stalactites. The Electric Mayhem will take over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets in 2026, including a Muppets twist on the race through Tinseltown's scenery and landmarks.
- New Disney Cruise Line itineraries for spring 2026 and fall 2027 are here! Select sailings include an expanded season for Texas and California departures and a new stop at Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Of course, there are many sailings out of Florida (spread across five ships!) to The Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean. Early tiered bookings for Disney Castaway Club members begin Aug. 25, 2025, while the general public can start booking Sept. 2, 2025.
- If you're staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel in 2026, be aware of some changes to the on-site benefits starting in the new year. From now until Jan. 4, 2026, Disneyland Resort hotel guests can continue to utilize the 30-minute Early Entry access to a designated theme park every day of their stay. Starting Jan. 5, 2026, guests can instead use one Lightning Lane entry to a Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction of their choice during their stay. Guests must be listed on the hotel reservation and have valid theme park admission and a park reservation.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
