Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, Disneyland Resort, other theme parks and Disney Cruise Line.
- Mirror, mirror on the wall, guess what's coming before next fall? An all-new Disney Villains-themed show will debut in summer 2025 at Disney's Hollywood Studios! The live production will transport the audience into the realm of the Magic Mirror and feature the appearances of dozens of Disney Villains, including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent, as they break through the glass. The show will replace Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, which will close on Oct. 7, 2024.
- It's time to enter the grid — on your own timeline. Starting Sept. 9, 2024, TRON Lightcycle / Run will switch from using a virtual queue to a standby line. The popular roller coaster at Magic Kingdom has used a virtual queue since its opening in April 2023, and will continue to do so through Sept. 8. Lightning Lane Single Pass will remain an option for purchase if you wish to get expedited access through the Lightning Lane.
- Hello Kitty has arrived at Universal Studios Hollywood CityWalk! Sanrio Smile Shop and Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe both open Sept. 6, serving up sweet treats and beverages AND offering up a variety of merchandise featuring favorite Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty.
- It's that time of year again when we transition from the tropical oasis of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park to the snowy slides of Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Switching off seasonal operations, Blizzard Beach will reopen (while Typhoon Lagoon closes) on Nov. 4, 2024. Get in your last cowabungas of the season before you hit the slopes!
- Halloween Horror Nights has officially kicked off at Universal Studios Hollywood! This year, the terror-filled event boasts eight haunted houses, four scare zones, the Terror Tram and entertainment (including a new "Late Night with Chucky" experience). We attended the first night (you might still be able to catch our Instagram stories before they disappear tonight), and we'll have the latest info about this year's event ready for you in our HHN guide shortly.
- Can't get enough scares? Howl-O-Scream begins today (Sept. 6) at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and SeaWorld Orlando — as well as Sept. 13 at SeaWorld San Antonio and Sept. 27 at SeaWorld San Diego. Each park has unique haunted houses and scare zones, but all produce the same heart-pounding thrills and opportunities to ride your favorite roller coasters at night.
- On Harry Potter's birthday (July 31), we were introduced to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic coming to Epic Universe, and on Back to Hogwarts Day (Sept. 1), more details were revealed about the main attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The queue specifically will take Aurors-in-training through the British Ministry of Magic's atrium, the Hall of Ministers (where portraits of past ministers will interact with each other), the Aurors' headquarters and, of course, Dolores Umbridge's office complete with cat plates. And speaking of Umbridge, Imelda Staunton has reprised her role for the new attraction.
- The Family Madrigal's presence is growing at Disneyland Resort! You can now meet Mirabel's sisters, Isabela and Luisa, for a limited time at El Zocalo Park in Disneyland Park. In "Encanto," Luisa's strength is, well, her super strength and is known as "the rock" of the family. Isabela is the eldest sister who has the ability to grow beautiful flowers and is known as the "golden child."
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
