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.
Weekly Roundup of Theme Park News
- Splish, splash! The Disney Water Park seasonal pass has returned, allowing access to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon through May 9, 2026 (with blockout dates from March 28 to April 5, 2026). Passes are on sale now directly through Disney for $89 (adults) and $83 (kids 3-9). Plus, one round of mini golf is included with your pass over the season. Disney also announced that Typhoon Lagoon's last day before its seasonal closure will be Feb. 14, 2026. Starting the next day, Feb. 15, Blizzard Beach will reopen, just in time for spring break!
- A new milestone was reached for the brand-new Disney Adventure! Construction is complete, and the Singapore-based ship has officially joined the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The ship, still in Germany, is one step closer to arriving in Singapore for its inaugural sailing, which begins March 10, 2026.
- Disney Cruise Line has recently received multiple cruise line industry awards, recognizing customer service and immersive storytelling. U.S. News & World Report named Disney Cruise Line as the Best Cruise Line for Families and Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean. The "Best Cruise for Families" title was also recognized by the 2025 Recommend Readers' Choice Awards, Travel Pulse's 2025 Travvy Awards and Travel Weekly's Readers Choice Awards. Plus, for the eighth consecutive year, Disney Cruise Line was ranked as the best Cruise Operator on America's Best Customer Service list by Newsweek.
- Christmas Week is finally here, and Magic Kingdom spreads a little extra cheer every year during this time. While usually exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for most of the holiday season, catch Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade from Dec. 22-31 at noon and 3 p.m. At night, instead of Happily Ever After, guests can enjoy Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime fireworks from Dec. 22-29 at 8:30 p.m. Then, on Dec. 30-31, ring in 2026 with special New Year's Eve fireworks! EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios also have special New Year's Eve festivities.
- If you can't get enough joy from watching the waddling penguins at SeaWorld San Diego, then SeaWorld has a holiday present for you! For a limited time, the beloved Penguin Cam is back for 24/7 live streaming during the holidays. From the comfort of your couch, you can tune into the daily activities of more than 200 penguins, which include five different species (King, Adelie, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Macaroni).
- Ho, ho, hop on our SeaWorld Parks holiday sale! If you're planning a trip in 2026, you won't want to miss this opportunity to save up to 55% off on SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island tickets, as well as 30% off Discovery Cove admission.
- Perhaps my favorite 'breaking news' of the season — Stitch made the nice list this year! This winter, he joined the Disney Holiday Magic Tour to bring holiday magic to kids all over the world, visiting hospitals, schools and more.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning, and hoppy holidays!
