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.
- Hoppy Independence Day! If you're wanting to do something extra special for this upcoming holiday, many theme parks nationwide are hosting Fourth of July festivities with fireworks, food and more. Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating July 4 with a live fife and drum band throughout the day and its annual dazzling display of fireworks at 9 p.m. Disney Parks are whipping up some red, white and blue treats, including Fourth of July milkshakes, star-spangled brownie bars, mozzarella dogs and more! And just to name a few, the following theme parks are also hosting their own respective events — SeaWorld in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando; Busch Gardens Tampa and LEGOLAND California & Florida.
- Grab your superhero shield ... and dancing shoes. Rogers: The Musical is now showing at the Hyperion Theatre at Disney California Adventure Park! The 30-minute, one-act musical is based on the origin story of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. It features five new songs, and is only available for a limited time, running until Aug. 31. Hop over to our Rogers: The Musical post for more details!
- It's your last chance to ride SandSerpent at Busch Gardens Tampa! The family coaster will be taking its last wild ride, July 9, after 19 years. Busch Gardens has plans for something new in the future but has not released any details about its replacement.
- The tiara-topped water tower for Tiana's Bayou Adventure was installed overnight earlier this week at Magic Kingdom. The unveiling of the new focal point is the latest major construction update for "The Princess and the Frog"-themed attraction, which is set to open in 2024.
- Walt Disney World introduced a new Disney Genie+ update, as the service now offers single-park and multiple-park options. Because each theme park offers a different price point, this new change brings more flexibility and potential savings when planning your day.
- Another new scare zone — Big Ed's Demolition Derby — has been revealed for Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa. Some of the "roughest, toughest and meanest baddies from all over Howl-O-Scream" will be competing, thanks to Big Ed. Better bring your helmet!
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
