Close Banner
Buy a 2025 SeaWorld® Fun Card and get the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 FREE!
SAVE UP TO $117
GET MY TICKETS
Home / Blog / News & Announcements / Disney & Parks News: Test Track Gets Closer to Launch; Will Universal Get More Simpsons?

Disney & Parks News: Test Track Gets Closer to Launch; Will Universal Get More Simpsons?

by Leap on November 16, 2012

It's time for the Frog Family's weekly roundup of Disney and Orlando theme park tidbits from the interwebs.

We love comments! Drop us a line below if you have something to share.

This week's highlights:

  • Test Track at EpcotWe're getting closer and closer to the official re-opening of Test Track on Dec. 6. To whet our appetites, Disney has unveiled details of the pre-show, where guests can design their own custom concept car that will then be put to the test against a SimCar.
  • It's Rumor Central over at Universal Orlando just a few weeks after the resort unveiled plans for a Transformers 3D ride. Now, there's talk of adding perhaps Simpsons-themed dining in the spot of the former International Food & Film Festival restaurant. Maybe we'll get a Krusty burger? There is also speculation about whether "Wicked" might be making its way to the resort. We shall see.
  • Antarctica: Empire of the PenguinSeaWorld Orlando unveiled the ride car for its coming spring attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, at an attractions expo earlier this week. The first-of-its-kind vehicle will combine a mobile, moving simulator on a completely trackless ride system. Tad can hardly wait!
  • Disney officially unveiled its new castle projection show "Celebrate the Magic" to guests earlier this week. The nightly show incorporates music, storytelling and special effects from classic Disney films as well as newer favorites, including "Brave," "Wreck-It Ralph" and "Pirates of the Caribbean."
  • Mickey's CheckDisney has unveiled the Mickey check on kids' menus to help parents identify more nutritious choices in the parks. Mommy Frog and I are always trying to get Tad and Lily to eat healthy, so we're giving it the frog seal of approval!
  • Splitsville, the luxury bowling alley headed to Downtown Disney, is getting closer to its opening. Disney gave us an update on the construction and what's to come.
  • Java lovers, rejoice! The first Starbucks will be coming to Magic Kingdom and Epcot next year.
  • Senses day spa at the Grand FloridianFor those of you in need of a spa day, Senses -- A Disney Spa is getting ready to open Dec. 17 at Disney's Grand Floridian. Mommy Frog, who thinks every day should be spa day, is itching to visit.
  • In case you've forgotten (I bet not), new Fantasyland, including Be Our Guest restaurant, opens next week for all park guests.
  • If you're one of the lucky few (millions) who will be visiting the theme parks next week, we leave you with our Thanksgiving planning guide.

That's all for this week. Until next week, happy planning!

— Leap

Keep hopping, Leap!
View Comments

Leave a comment

Search blog articles

About Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on theme park news, planning tips, concert and sports announcements, special offers and much more!

Park Plans

Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day.