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.
- Get ready for a little bit more sparkle at night! Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will twinkle down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park starting July 20, 2025. The Blue Fairy leads the nighttime parade, followed by floats inspired by "Encanto," "Coco," "Frozen," "Peter Pan" and more. This week, we got a first look at the finale float, which will feature Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Mickey and Minnie in brand-new Disney Starlight costumes, along with Snow White, Dopey, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Aladdin and Jasmine. You, too, can shine with special merch, including a T-shirt, pin, light-up Mickey ears and a light-up bubble wand that interacts with the floats.
- What's the latest news for the upcoming Disney Destiny cruise ship? Pre-production for "Disney Hercules" is well underway — earlier this month, the Disney Live Entertainment team traveled to Nashville to record music for the live show. A small group of Orlando-based singers joined forces with some of Nashville's best gospel singers to produce the 55-minute soundtrack, including "Shooting Star," a song that didn't make the cut for the original 1997 film.
- Two new live shows debuted at Disney's Hollywood Studios this past week — Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure. The villains-themed show replaces Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, and follows Maleficent, Captain Hook and Cruella de Vil as they plead their cases to the audience to determine who has been treated the unfairest of them all. Meanwhile, The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure is a reimagination of the former Voyage of the Little Mermaid show, as it retells the story of Ariel's longing to be part of the human world.
- SeaWorld Orlando's Summer Spectacular event is in full swing! Plus, starting June 7, you will be able to catch SeaWorld's first drone show as part of the signature Ignite fireworks display over the lagoon on select nights. Don't miss new entertainment including Hydro Surge (with acrobatic performers, dancers and drummers), as well as returning fan-favorite hoppenings such as Rescue Tails and Club SeaGlow.
- Universal Horror Unleashed is bringing year-round scares to Las Vegas this August, and some new scary details about the thrilling experience have surfaced. First up, one of the haunted houses, based on Blumhouse's "The Exorcist: Believer," will immerse guests in a retelling of the film, beginning at the market where a giant earthquake occurs. Room by room, the terror builds as Katherine and Angela descend into demonic possession. Beyond the houses, there are four themed areas, including Prop Graveyard (where you'll find a supernatural collection of creepy dolls and mannequins from abandoned film sets) and food and drink options, such as Premiere House, a Blumhouse-themed tapas bar.
- Hold on tight! Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is now accepting Universal Express Pass at Universal Islands of Adventure! As of today, May 30, 2025, guests can skip the standby line and experience this in-demand coaster with shorter wait times. This is huge news — Hagrid’s ride has been one of the most popular and previously didn't offer Express access. Oh, and don't mind Fluffy!
- Flavors of Florida returns to Disney Springs this summer from June 27 to Aug. 10, 2025. The culinary celebration features more than 90 menu items inspired by the Sunshine State across more than 45 dining locations. Plus, on select Fridays throughout the event, chefs from your favorite Disney restaurants will host cooking demonstrations. Registration is required, but it is free! Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for future details.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
