Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around Universal Orlando, the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, other theme parks and more.
Weekly Roundup of Theme Park News
- Disney announced some all-new entertainment offerings that will help to bring the stories of legendary heroes and villains to life when the Disney Destiny sets sail in less than two months. In the Grand Hall, the ships's most striking and prominent gathering place inspired by the rich lore and vibrant colors of Marvel Studios' "Black Panther," passengers can experience the "Sounds of Wakanda". This musical celebration will feature a group of traveling percussionists whose rousing rhythms are inspired by the stories, legends and culture of the Black Panther's home. Additionally, guests might come across Zayah and Gamble in the Grand Hall — two traveling storytellers whose enchanted trunks react to the powerful energy and magic of classic Disney villains. The mystical duo will host a variety of immersive experiences throughout each voyage, such as "With Great Power: A Marvel Comedy Show," an adult-only sketch comedy show that will invite guests on an interactive journey through some of the most iconic moments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe using hysterically low-budget props, homemade sound effects and visual gags to tell their stories. (Looking to set sail on the Disney Destiny? Don't forget that we've got exclusive savings on Disney Cruise Line sailings, including the Disney Destiny!)
- Happy Birthday, Walt Disney World Resort! The Most Magical Place on Earth, Magic Kingdom Park, opened its gates for the first time on Oct. 1, 1971, bringing princesses and pixie dust to the East Coast. Not only that, but 11 years later to the day, EPCOT opened on Oct. 1, 1982, welcoming world travelers and all manor of explorers to Walt's Community of Tomorrow.
- Spooky Season is officially in full swing and festive fall treats are coming to Walt Disney World! Indulge in the Caramel-Apple Pie Shake at select Walt Disney World Resorts. Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you'll find the Pumpkin Cheesecake Pop at Flame Tree Barbecue, the Boo Log at Creature Comforts and the Halloween Mickey Cinnamon Roll also at Creature Comforts, as well as Isle of Java. Lastly, at Disney's Hollywood Studios, be on the lookout for the Pumpkin Patch Cookie at Catalina Eddie's and Dockside Diner, the Candy Cobbler at Rosie's All-American Café, the Halloween Mickey Brownie at select outdoor vending locations, the Caramel-Apple Shake at Dockside Diner, the Ghost Cream Puff at ABC Commissary and the Maleficent Cone and Hades Ice Cream Float at Hollywood Scoops.
- Looking forward to the most wonderful time of the year, Behind the Seeds: Glimmering Greenhouses will return for EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Reservations for this limited-time walking tour of The Land Pavilion will open beginning Oct. 9, 2025. During this one-hour experience, you'll learn about the crops that bring festive flavors to many of the resort's holiday traditions, enjoy brilliant light displays, explore hydroponic greenhouses and discover sustainable growing techniques used to bring Glimmering Greenhouses to life!
- Soak up some savings in 2026! An all new offer has dropped, and your froggy friends at Undercover Tourist can help you save, of course. For select stays between Jan. 4 and July 25, 2026, you can save up to 30% on Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms when you book a Hotel + Ticket Package (with optional dining plans). Plus, when you book a Hotel + Ticket Package in 2026 that includes a dining plan for each guest ages 10 and up, you can get a free dining plan for kids (ages 3 to 9)!
- And speaking of Disney World Vacation Packages, we've done a total week takeover on Instagram to walk you through the ins and outs of what a vacation package is, how Disney Dining Plans work, helpful cheat sheets and even some extra steep savings we found on select packages this winter. Check it out over at @ThemeParkFrog!
- Zoinks! Mystery-filled, monster-sized excitement awaits guests at Universal Fan Fest Nights when the event returns to Universal Studios Hollywood in Spring 2026. On select nights from April 23 to May 6, Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters will come together and join in on the fandom fun on the Universal Studios Backlot. Presale tickets are on sale now through Universal Studios. Jinkies, it's sure to be a howling good time!
- From Nov. 15, 2025 to Jan 3, 2026, Krampus & Kin are coming to town. Over in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed is celebrating its first holiday season by welcoming some nightmarish winter legends in from the bitter cold. Capture photo ops with the Germanic punisher Krampus, Icelandic troll Grýla and more, indulge in fiendishly festive food and drink and witness a processional of horrific beings throughout the night. You better watch out ...
- The Halloween fun begins this week at LEGOLAND New York Resort. Join in on all the fangtastic festivities as Brick-or-Treat returns from Oct. 2 to Nov. 2, 2025. Don your best costume and enjoy live entertainment and shows, Halloween character meet and greets, trick-or-treating and limited time festive food offerings.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
