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.
- Those visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this spring are in for a treat as both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood host Butterbeer Season. This new celebration, held from March 15 to April 30, 2024, lets guests enjoy Butterbeer in new and classic ways, including specialty treats and collectible mugs. Opening March 29, Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Counter in Honeydukes will serve up 10 flavors of ice cream at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- Disney H20 Glow After Hours will once again make a splash at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park this summer. Held on select nights from May 25 to Aug. 31, 2024, guests can experience the water park in a cool way with access to your favorite attractions, a DJ dance party, complimentary ice cream, popcorn and soda, plus specialty food and drinks for purchase.
- One of the best ways to celebrate a holiday is through food. We're all about the color green, so you know we are pinching ourselves with excitement over the many St. Patrick's Day offerings available at the theme parks. Over at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, you can savor lots of sweet treats, plus you won't want to miss the St. Patrick's Day Festival at Raglan Road in Disney Springs. Additionally, enjoy eggcellent Easter treats this month, and maybe even spot the Easter Bunny at Magic Kingdom!
- Now open as of March 15, Tassie's Underwater Twist is an exciting new waterslide at Aquatica Orlando! Take the plunge down into a giant bowl that circles you around and around — all while experiencing digital enhancements of marine life. Keep an eye out for a shark! Check out our YouTube video for a POV of the splashin' new fun.
- Ready to cruise your way to summer 2025? Disney Cruise Line has announced its summer 2025 itineraries, including exciting destinations such as Europe, Alaska, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. In addition, more details have been revealed for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney's newest island destination available starting this June.
- LEGOLAND California prepares to go pre-historic as Dino Valley opens March 22 in honor of the park's 25th anniversary. The new land will feature colorful dinosaur displays, two new rides, play areas and character meet-and-greets.
- On the East Coast, LEGOLAND Florida recently opened the new Ferrari Build & Race attraction. Guests of all ages can create their own brick cars and race them through both physical tracks and a virtual simulator. A highlight is the life-size model of a Ferrari totaling 424,000 LEGO pieces — the perfect photo-op!
- Disney released additional details on this year's Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort, running from April 26 to Aug. 4, 2024. The annual event celebrates all things Pixar with a nighttime party, special fireworks, merchandise, food and drink, plus the new Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! parade.
- SeaWorld Parks across the country are gearing up for a big celebration as they celebrate the 60th anniversary beginning March 21, 2024. Over at SeaWorld Orlando, the anniversary launch party, held from March 21-24, will include a cake cutting, special merchandise, character meet-and-greets and more.
- As thousands of Americans look forward to viewing the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, there are even more special ways to witness this rare phenomenon. Included in park admission, SeaWorld San Antonio will host an Eclipse Party with viewing glasses and a chance to watch from your favorite coasters. Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH is hosting a special ticketed event that day called Total Eclipse of the Point which includes park admission and access to select rides, entertainment, special viewing glasses and a commemorative lanyard and buttons, plus food and drink available for purchase.
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
