Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and other theme parks.
- The beginning of March marks the start of Women’s History Month, and Walt Disney World Resort is welcoming new flavorful treats to celebrate! Honor the influential women in your life throughout the month with enchantingly innovative eats across the parks, such as the Feathered Friends Mousse Dome inspired by Kevin from the Disney Pixar film, “Up,” and the Princess of Alderaan Shake. But the magic doesn’t stop there! Savor satisfying eats and drinks at Disney Springs and Disney World hotels, including the Her Hops Flight at City Works Eatery & Pour House and the Cauliflower Bisque at The Artist’s Palette in Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
- Walt Disney World visitors can now enjoy a stunning, new addition to Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression. Created by a Disney Cast Member, Marcella Swett — just in time for Black History Month — the artwork titled "Gullah Magic" reflects the heritage of Gullah people who are descendants of West and Central Africa, residing in the South today. As a former art teacher, Swett’s inspiration stems from her desire to teach others about Gullah culture — evident in the art piece’s many thoughtful details, such as the seagrass basket and grain of rice representing its customs and traditions.
- For the first time in two decades, China will be sending pandas to the United States! A newly signed cooperative agreement is in place for the San Diego Zoo to once again be home to a pair of pandas, one of which could be a descendant of Bai Yun and Gao Gao who previously resided at the San Diego Zoo! The zoo returned its last two pandas to China in 2019 after its agreement ended. The China Wildlife Conservation Association also signed an agreement with a zoo in Madrid, Spain, and is in talks with zoos in Washington D.C. and Vienna, Austria.
- Wahoo! To celebrate Super Nintendo World’s first anniversary, Universal Studios Hollywood and Spirit Airlines collaborated to launch the first-ever Airbus A320neo — complete with a Super Nintendo World-themed aircraft wrap. The adorable addition features a depiction of Mario leaping up in front of a backdrop of the spectacular land. A Universal Studios Hollywood logo can also be spotted on the engines! This special-edition plane will continue flying to destinations through May 2024.
- Six Flags Over Texas recently announced a new ride and other enhancements to the park, some of which will be unveiled as early as this year. The Arlington theme park will introduce a new family-friendly drop ride, Sylvester and Tweety Pounce and Bounce, that bounces riders 41 feet in the air. Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters, a classic family-favorite spinning ride, is set to return Memorial Day weekend! The park's second-oldest attraction, Chaparral Antique Cars, will undergo a retheme to Dino Off-Road Adventure with new cars, ride movements and 13 dinosaur animatronics, and it will open later in summer.
- Catapult Falls, the world’s first launched flume coaster, will debut at SeaWorld San Antonio on March 2, 2024. Spring breakers and thrillseekers alike will be able to experience a water-filled adventure ending in a 53-degree drop at speeds of up to 37 mph. Pass members will be able to preview the ride before it opens to the public.
- It’s nearly springtime and the culinary teams at Walt Disney World Resort are cooking up an egg-citing menu sure to spread Easter cheer! This year, guests can enjoy delicious delights from various locations throughout the resort. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is showcasing new artistic egg displays inspired by cherished Disney characters and stories, such as Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and the “Beauty and the Beast” film. The hotel’s famous Grand Cottage, returning for its third year, brings a flurry of festive treats from March 3 through April 1 — including the Bunny Pop Flower Pot and the Fruity Cereal Mickey Pop. Additional Easter egg displays will also be available at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort and Disney's Yacht Club Resort. We are so hoppy to know that even more Easter treats across the resort will be revealed soon!
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
