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:
- Who's ready to chow down in Downtown Disney again?! Both table-service and quick-service restaurants, as well as carts with your favorite goodies, are opening back up this week at the Disneyland Resort. Carthay Circle Lounge opens Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, for alfresco table-service dining on Buena Vista Street, featuring delicious options such as tortilla soup with grilled chicken, harissa-roasted lamb and even a double chocolate ice cream sundae with candied almonds (yes, please!). Reservations are now available. Award Wieners and Smokejumpers Grill are also open and offer Mobile Ordering service to get your shakes and corn dogs in a flash — as well as outdoor vending carts to get your ice cream and cotton candy fix!
- SeaWorld San Diego is splashing back into action this weekend as a zoo! After closing Dec. 7, 2020, the aquatic park will reopen Feb. 6 with character meet and greets, outdoor fun, animals (naturally) and food. The park's rides and roller coasters will remain closed until further notice. Looking to dive into more details about what to expect at SeaWorld San Diego? Make the jump to our full guide!
- The first California theme park has set a reopening date! California's Great America will reopen May 22, with limited capacity and health and safety measures in place. For more information about the operating status of theme parks around the world, hop to our full list.
- Disney and Pixar's "Soul" fans, you can now let Joe Gardner take you on a musical jazz tour of America! "The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure" exhibit is open at EPCOT, featuring the rich history of jazz music as seen through several influential cities, as well as artifacts from legendary jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong.
- Walt Disney World recently updated its face coverings policy to add that guests who have received a COVID-19 vaccine will still be required to wear a face mask on property. Disneyland's polices were also updated to reflect this; Universal plans to keep their face covering policy in place, as well.
- Universal Orlando Resort will be the new host to Pop Warner families for both the Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Dance & Cheer Championships, and the Universal Orlando theme parks will host the Pop Warner party during championship week. The weeklong competitions have been held in Orlando since 1997.
- Grab your goggles! Universal's Volcano Bay will reopen Feb. 27 — we can't wait! While he (impatiently) waits for opening day, Tad made his case for why this "waturi" paradise is a must-do.
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
