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 recently revealed its special lineup of events and festivals for the upcoming year! In 2024, the parks will welcome back acclaimed annual events, such as Lunar New Year, Food and Wine Festival and Oogie Boogie Bash, and beloved celebrations of the past, including Pixar Fest (running from April 5 to Aug. 24, 2024) and the "Star Wars"-inspired Season of the Force (running from April 5 to June 2, 2024), plus more. In other frogciting news, beginning May 24, 2024, the nighttime show "Fantasmic!" will once again illuminate the Rivers of America in Disneyland Park with an innovative spin. We can't wait to see how these frogtastic festivities play out!
- Calling all night owls! There are four confirmed Disneyland After Dark events to look forward to in 2024. While three of these nighttime events — Star Wars Nite, Pride Nite and Sweethearts Nite — are back by popular demand this year, Disney Channel Nite will make its After Dark debut! During Disney Channel Nite, guests will have a chance to relive the iconic childhood TV shows, characters and stories brought to life by Disney Channel over the years. Tickets to both Sweethearts Nite and Disney Channel Nite will become available for purchase via Disneyland's website beginning Dec. 14 (no earlier than 9 a.m.) for the general public and Dec. 12 for Magic Key holders. Stay tuned for further details on Star Wars Nite and Pride Nite tickets!
- In honor of Disney's 100th anniversary, unfrogettable new additions arrived in EPCOT this month! On Dec. 5, a brand-new area, known as Dreamers Point, opened along with a statue dedicated to the heart and soul of the Walt Disney Company — Walt Disney himself! A new nighttime fireworks spectacular featuring two original songs, Luminous The Symphony of Us, debuted on the same day!
- Universal Destinations & Experiences has unveiled its plans to introduce two new hotels as part of Universal Orlando Resort in early 2025! The Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will be co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., with each featuring 750 guest rooms in the Prime Value category. Stay tuned for more information on how to book stays beginning January 2025 at Universal Stella Nova Resort and stays beginning February 2025 at Universal Terra Luna Resort. Additionally, Universal recently revealed the name of its upcoming family-focused park, Universal Kids Resort!
- All foolish mortals will be hoppy to know that the legendary Hatbox Ghost has materialized in the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park! He can be found in the Endless Hallway scene, greeting guests just before their Doom Buggies speed off further into the mansion.
- Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm is undergoing major renovations! On Memorial Day weekend 2024, the reimagined children's area will unveil six acres of fun, in the form of a new off-road adventure attraction, a family rollercoaster, a giant swing and an immersive camping experience with the PEANUTS crew. The area's existing rides will also receive an upgrade, and a new show starring Snoopy himself will debut at the new Camp Snoopy Theater!
- Aquatica Orlando announced its newest addition, Tassie's Underwater Twist, which will be an immersive waterslide through a seagrass meadow, measuring 129 feet in length and a unique super-bowl element on a two-person raft. It's set to open Spring 2024!
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
