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.
- Spooky fun is almost upon us at Disneyland Resort! Starting as early as Aug. 29, the entire resort will be serving up some tasty tricks and treats, specifically for Halloween Time. Guests can enjoy a variety of sinister sweets and eats from multiple locations throughout Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the on-site Disney hotels. Bite into themed treats such as the Poison Apple Funnel Cake Fries at Award Wieners, the Graveyard Banana Funnel Cake at Stage Door Café or the Ursula Shake at Schmoozies!
- Almost there! Tiana's Palace Restaurant is set to open Sept. 7, 2023, at Disneyland Park. The reimagined quick-service restaurant will pay homage to the cuisine of New Orleans and expand Princess Tiana's story at the park. You'll see movie references, such as lilies, frog porcelains (ribbit!) and her father's favorite gumbo spoon on display. The restaurant's opening will also mark the return of the Mint Julep Bar. A full menu is still to come, but stay tuned!
- As part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Pass Member Appreciation Days, the park will host a special lights-on walkthrough of one of the Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses, Stranger Things 4 (just for Platinum pass holders). This experience will be available at select times on Sept. 13 and 19, 2023. An RSVP is needed to attend and space is limited, so Platinum pass holders should hop to it now!
- In honor of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, Walt Disney World Resort will act as a hub of colorful festivities this fall. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, guests can partake in this cultural celebration across the parks. Some special activities will include meeting Mirabel from "Encanto" in her magical casita in Magic Kingdom Park, catching talented Hispanic and Latin American artists during EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival and observing the Disney Springs Art Walk — which will welcome TRATOS, a Miami-based Cuban couple who will paint their art live. Guests can also indulge in some tasty Hispanic eats (specifically at EPCOT), such as Charcuterie in a Cup from Spain, Pão de Queijo from Brazil and Guava Cake with whipped cream and coconut.
- Calling all adventurers! Due to its popularity among park guests, Universal Orlando Resort has released the full soundtrack of Universal's Islands of Adventure Park. Fans can now listen to tunes from their frog-favorite rides and areas in the park, including The Cat in the Hat ride and Camp Jurassic, on YouTube.
- The talented culinary teams at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World Resort are cooking up some creative new creations for park guests to savor at the Contempo Café. As of Aug. 16, new selections are available for curious guests to expand their palates during any meal of the day! Try the new Breakfast Flatbread or Minnie Cinnamon Roll for breakfast, a Four-Cheese Grilled Cheese & Tomato-Basil Soup for lunch or dinner and a 5-Legged Goat Fruit Tart for dessert, amongst other options.
- Mattel recently released a first look at its first-ever theme park, currently being built in Glendale, Arizona. While the opening date of the park is not yet known, some of the park’s exciting attractions were finally announced! Guests can expect to experience Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride roller coaster, consisting of 1,500 feet of linear track, as well as a 30,000 square-foot, life-sized Barbie beach house. But the fun doesn’t end there! The park will also feature an interactive, Thomas and Friends Train Adventure and a Masters of the Universe He-Man v. Skeletor Laser Tag area.
- Ahoy! Disney Cruise Line just revealed its newest ship, the Disney Treasure! On Aug. 30, at 11 a.m. ET, Disney will hold a virtual reveal of the brand-new vessel on the Disney Parks Blog! During the world premiere of "Unlocking the Disney Treasure: Adventure Awaits Onboard Disney’s Newest Ship," viewers will get a glimpse of the Disney Treasure's special features and fixings, including its world-class dining, immersive family entertainment and the ship’s majestic Grand Hall — inspired by real-world influences from Asia and Africa, as well as the fictional land of Agrabah from Disney’s "Aladdin."
- Starting Aug. 23, travelers visiting Batuu may encounter Ahsoka roaming around Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland in honor of the premiere of the new Disney+ series, "Ahsoka."
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
