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.
- For the first time in forever, both Disney water parks will be open this summer from May 21 to Sept. 7, 2025! Don't froget — Disney Resort hotel guests can visit a Disney water park — Disney's Blizzard Beach or Disney's Typhoon Lagoon — on check-in day for free, as one of the on-site benefits in 2025. Celebrate Blizzard Beach's 30th anniversary throughout April (note: it will close from May 1-20 before reopening for the summer). Also, Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Typhoon Lagoon on select nights from May 23 to Sept. 13 — tickets are on sale now!
- As of April 3, 2025, Disney is piloting an Airport Luggage Transfer service at Disney Value hotels for guests with Southwest Airlines flights departing from Orlando International Airport. Eligible guests can save time at the airport and drop off their checked baggage with Luggage Assistance at the hotel, and their luggage will be delivered to their flight (like magic!). If it sounds a bit familiar, there used to be a Resort Airline Check-In Service, which ran similarly. Right now, the pilot program is only limited to Value hotel and Southwest Airlines flights, but if anything changes, we'll keep our On-Site Benefits post updated.
- Things are about to get EPIC!! We're so frogcited that Universal Orlando Resort has invited us to a special media VIP Tour of Universal Epic Universe (including a first look at Universal Helios Grand Hotel) starting this evening. We can't wait to bring you along with us, so be sure to follow us on Instagram @themeparkfrog!
- New (and returning) entertainment is coming to Disneyland this spring! An all-new show, "Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!," will debut at the Disney Theater in Disney California Adventure, starting May 16, 2025 (the same day the 70th Anniversary Celebration kicks off!). Marking the 30th anniversary of "Toy Story," Rex will make his first Pixar Pier appearance for a limited time starting June 1. Lastly, beginning May 23, two interactive parties will return to Disneyland Park for a limited time — the Pixar Pals Playtime Party in Fantasyland Theatre and Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Blast in Tomorrowland Terrace.
- As one of Disney Cruise Line's unique traditions, each ship features Disney characters on the back of the ship, known as the stern. For the first time, Captain Minnie and Mickey Mouse will adorn the stern on the Disney Adventure, the first Disney Cruise Line ship based in Asia. The Disney Adventure sets sail starting Dec. 15, 2025 — for more info, hop over to our Disney Adventure guide!
- Downtown Disney District has been rapidly transforming with new shopping and dining options, and its growth is not stopping anytime soon! Just announced, lululemon and Nectar Life will open up new stores in the district. Additionally, this Nectar Life location will feature the first customization bar in which shoppers can create their own milkshake bath soaks and whipped soap. As for dining, Bopo Go! will serve high-quality boba drinks at a new cafe concept from the owners of Bopomofo Café, which has several locations throughout Southern California. We also got first looks at the interior of Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon, as well as Pearl's Roadside BBQ.
- Get ready for the happiest merch on earth! Disneyland released info about four new merch collections and an interactive experience to celebrate the 70th Anniversary. What's this experience, you ask? With the Key to Disneyland, you can "unlock the magic" at a lock station found within each of Disneyland's nine lands. Once all nine have been unlocked, the key will reveal one of nine hidden commemorative pins inside.
- Disney foodies, listen up! We've rounded up the latest Disney Eats news: New menu items have arrived at Disney's Pop Century Resort and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. We got a first look at some galactic bites only available during Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park. Plus, reservations open April 10 for two dessert parties during the 70th — World of Color Happiness! Dessert Party and Better Together Dessert Party.
- ICYMI: Last week, Disney World announced many new summer offerings, including the opening dates for two shows at Hollywood Studios! Both Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure will open May 27, 2025. Also, from May 27 through Sept. 1, expect to see even more family-friendly experiences in the theme parks and select hotels, including new kid zones in Storybook Circus, Tomorrowland and CommuniCore Hall. Also, more characters will make appearances during Early Theme Park Entry for on-site hotel guests. Lastly, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is getting an update this August!
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
