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.
- Disney Cruise Line is traveling into uncharted waters this summer with the opening of its second private island, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, in the Bahamas. Over the past week, Disney released some sneak peeks about the entertainment and food options you'll find once the destination debuts June 6, 2024. A local group will introduce guests to traditional Junkanoo dance and music with RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration. Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities with Disney pals, such as Goofy’s Good Day Limbo and Pluto’s Pineapple Ring Toss, during the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash. We can't wait until we're under the sun and can relax with an Eleuthera Euphoria (the island's signature drink) in hand!
- If you're celebrating your mother, aunt, grandmother, caregiver or any other special person in your life during Mother's Day weekend at Disney World or Disneyland Resort, take a look at the Mother's Day foodie guide. From a simple but sweet Sunflower Cake to a Mother's Day dinner buffet at Storytellers Cafe, you have many decadent treats to choose from so you can show your appreciation. If you want even more ideas of activities to do at Disney World, hop over to our Mother's Day guide.
- There's so much more Disney foodie news, so let's do a quick roundup within our Weekly Roundup (roundup inception, anyone?). Disney Eats shared the foodie guide for Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, which began May 1 with offerings at Disneyland and Disney World. Over in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, Pym Test Kitchen is introducing new items including a Cookies & Cream Cold Brew, Humongous Taco Salad and Mini Pretzels with spicy nacho cheese. EPCOT's Coral Reef Restaurant and Le Cellier Steakhouse have new menu items to try out. And who loves a good croissant? The viral cookie croissant, plus lemon meringue, PB&J and espresso-flavored croissants are coming to select Disney World hotels.
- ICYMI: Universal Orlando Resort dropped TWO major news announcements this week. Kicking off a slew of summer hoppenings, DreamWorks Land will debut June 14, 2024. On the same day, we'll also be treated to two brand-new shows. At Universal Islands of Adventure, take a journey through a school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during a new castle projection show, Hogwarts Always. (It has four different endings, so you won't know which Hogwarts house wins the House Cup!). Over in Universal Studios Florida, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular will feature iconic scenes and scores from Universal's blockbusters, complete with 288 fountains, 4K projection mapping, an original composition and more than 600 drones over the lagoon. Only a few weeks later on July 3, the Universal Mega Movie Parade will take over the streets of Universal Studios Florida for the biggest daytime parade yet.
- Mamma Mia! Universal Orlando Resort also revealed more info about Super Nintendo World, coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. While it will share similar features found at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Orlando version will include both Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Catch all the details about the three attractions, interactive gameplay, character greetings, dining, shopping and more in our Super Nintendo World Orlando guide.
- Cheers! The limited-time Butterbeer ice lolly recently arrived at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood as part of Butterbeer Season, which was extended until June 2 on both coasts. It features an outer shell resembling the foam topping with a creamy Butterbeer filling. You can enjoy the ice lolly, along with all the other Butterbeer-flavored treats.
- Universal Studios Hollywood has teased its upcoming coaster by revealing the name and opening timeline. Get ready, frog fam — Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will open in 2026. Universal promises "groundbreaking technology" and "breathtaking immersion" with a unique 360-degree rotation of the ride vehicles paired with sound reduction technology that makes you feel like you're in a drifting car.
- LEGOLAND California announced North America's first-ever LEGO World Parade will debut May 24, 2024. The parade features awesome floats (including a LEGO City Firetruck, pirate ship and more), dazzling performers and five LEGO characters.
And that's gonna do it for theme park news this week!
Hoppy planning!
