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.
- Disneyland Resort revealed that it will expand the Haunted Mansions’ grounds by 2024. Building on the complex lore of the beloved ride, the new additions will immerse guests in the story behind the eerie attraction — including an expanded outdoor queue and a new retail shop near the attraction’s exit.
- Halloween Time has officially commenced at Disneyland Resort! As of Sept.1, guests can experience more spooky season offerings than ever before at this fall celebration. During this season, experience classic thrills inside the Haunted Mansion holiday attraction, take a pic in front of the giant Mickey pumpkin and witness the festive town of Radiator Screams at Disney California Adventure Park — among other spooktacular entertainment! But that’s not all! All the while, guests can indulge in new themed eats such as the perfect Pumpkin Chai Cream Puff and the succulent Wicked Stepsisters Crispy Pork Bowl.
- Boo-kcle up and get ready for the ultimate horror experience at Universal Studios Hollywood! The park just announced three all-new sinister scare zones and two ghastly shows for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2023. Beginning Sept. 7, guests will find themselves encountering evil entities of all kinds as they walk (or run) through the park — from chainsaw-wielding ghostz and a tram full of killer insects to a new EDM-fueled stunt and water spectacular centered around "The Purge."
- Ba-la-la-la-la! San Fransokyo Square Public Works Department has transformed Pacific Wharf into San Fransokyo Square, a new shopping and dining area at Disney California Adventure Park! The city stems from Hiro’s fictional hometown in "Big Hero 6" — a combination of San Francisco and Tokyo’s cultures. In this new land, which opened Aug. 31, 2023, there’s loads of fun to hop into, from tasting Japanese and Mexican fusion cuisine to getting a warm hug from Baymax himself!
- Ahoy sailor! If you’re a fan of the open sea and all things Disney, tune in to Disney Parks Blog on Sept. 5 (11 a.m. ET) for the grand virtual reveal of Disney Cruise Line’s all-new vessel, the Disney Treasure! During the world premiere of “Unlocking the Disney Treasure: Adventure Awaits Onboard Disney’s Newest Ship,” guests will be able to witness brand-new details about the ship and explore some of its main features — including the ship’s Grand Hall, which is inspired by Asia, Africa and the fantasy land of Agrabah from “Aladdin.”
- Itching to hop back into the fog? At Universal Studios Florida, it’s practically already Halloween! Enjoy 10 terrifying haunted houses, five sinister scare zones and live entertainment during Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2023. From bloodthirsty mythical legends to Playstation's post-pandemic apocalypse, danger lurks around every corner during this year’s frightful festivities. And don’t froget to savor some sinister new original eats, such as the new Left Behind Ravioli — inspired by Universal’s original “The Last of Us” house.
- Starting Sept.1, Walt Disney World Resort is welcoming guests with new tasty, but treacherous, tricks and treats in preparation for Halloween! In the coming weeks, dastardly delights will arrive at several dining locations across the resort, including the parks, Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels. From the pungent Pirate Mickey Chocolate Piñata to the spooky Sour Apple Margarita, this year is sure to leave a toothy grin on everyone’s face!
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
