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.
- Bluey will go on new adventures at select Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line, starting in 2025. From the beloved Emmy-nominated children's animated series, Bluey and her family will set sail on select Disney Cruise Line voyages departing from Australia and New Zealand, as early as January 2025. Families will be able to meet Bluey and her sister, Bingo, and participate in a clue-filled game that ends in a dance party. Plans for the blue heeler family at Disneyland and Disney World will be shared in the future. This news also comes shortly after a 2027 "Bluey" movie announcement.
- "¡Celebración Encanto!" is now a full-time entertainment offering at CommuniCore Plaza. The "Encanto"-inspired sing-along show first debuted last summer when CommuniCore Hall and Plaza officially opened. At the time, it was announced as a limited-time offering, but it continued to stick around for Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month. Now, there's plenty of time to talk — err, sing — about Bruno. Hop to our post about where you can find the Madrigal Family around Disney World.
- The all-new Disney Treasure cruise ship is ready for its 7-night maiden voyage, which starts tomorrow, Dec. 21, 2024. Our frog family had the hopportunity to go on a 3-night preview sailing to bring you alllll the frogciting details aboard the ship. From stateroom options to kids clubs and themed bars and lounges (including The Haunted Mansion Parlor, Skipper Society and Periscope Pub), we're covering it all! Plus, check out our YouTube channel to find more videos, such as a stateroom tour and the Sail Away party (beware: the catchy tune will stay in your head all day long). Stay tuned for additional blog posts and videos from our trip!
- The Island Tower expansion is officially open at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. The DVC Resort gained 268 additional rooms, ranging from Duo Studios to 2-Bedroom Penthouse Villas. Guests can enjoy a brand-new fitness center, pool area with a "Moana"-themed splash pad and dining option, Wailulu Bar & Grill. Did you know you don't have to be a DVC member to stay there? You can book a stay through Undercover Tourist at a discount!
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is right around the corner ... it kicks off Jan. 17 and runs through Feb. 24, 2025. Disney Parks revealed more details about new festival experiences, including a new walkthrough exhibit celebrating 30 years of Disney on Broadway. Find Broadway costumes and props at CommuniCore Hall that have helped bring Disney animated films to life on stage in the Big Apple. Other new offerings to look out for include new Broadway performers (for the Disney on Broadway concert series), a "Moana" art photo-op, a food studio booth and a merchandise collection featuring Figment.
- In other festival news, EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will blossom from March 5 to June 2, 2025, for its 30th year. Disney revealed a partial lineup for the Garden Rocks concert series, which includes Air Supply, Rick Springfield and Tommy DeCarlo (former lead singer of Boston).
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
