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, other theme parks and Disney Cruise Line.
- The Eat to the Beat Concert Series always serves up musical talent during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Concerts hoppen daily, with local bands typically performing during the week and internationally recognized artists taking the stage on weekends. Disney World just announced the 2024 lineup, which features new names, such as Yellowcard, The Wanted and David Archuleta, as well as returning fan favorites including Hanson, Boyz II Men and Tiffany. You can reserve an Eat to the Beat dining package starting July 9. For the full lineup, hop over to our EPCOT Food & Wine Festival guide.
- After a European summer, the Disney Dream will receive new updates when the ship returns to its home port in Fort Lauderdale this fall. Some of the kids' clubs will get revamped — the Oceaneers Club will get a new Marvel WEB Workshop and Edge will move to Deck 5 with new features. The Dream Tower Suite will undergo a makeover with new "Fantasia" theming. Concierge guests will enjoy an expanded and rethemed lounge inspired by "Hercules." Plus the spa will have a refreshed check-in area and new treatment rooms, and a guest-favorite cantina will join the quick-service options on Deck 11.
- Catch a blast of arctic air at SeaWorld Orlando this summer because the all-new Penguin Trek and the surrounding reimagined Antarctic Realm area are officially open, as of July 7, 2024. Penguin Trek is the perfect indoor and outdoor coaster if you still want to experience some thrills but aren't quite into the more intense coasters such as Mako, Manta and Kraken. Featuring two launches and snowmobile-style vehicles that reach speeds up to 43 mph, this experience ends in the heart of SeaWorld's penguin habitat.
- Ready for some glamping? The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort: A Disney Vacation Club Resort are now open! These new DVC cabins can sleep up to six guests with an open layout, including a full-size kitchen, two bathroom sinks, a deck space and now TWO queen-size beds and bunk beds. The cabins' new design is inspired by Tri-Circle-D Ranch and features hidden Mickeys, character details and superfan easter eggs.
- Universal Orlando Resort debuted the brand-new Universal Mega Movie Parade, which is now showing in technical rehearsals. Watch your favorite characters leap from the big screen to the streets of Universal Studios Florida. The parade hoppens on select days through Nov. 14, 2024.
- A reimagined Disney Ever After is back open at Disney Springs, and this store is now home to the custom character headbands that debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Resort earlier this year! You can also find many character-focused merch collections, whether it's Stitch, Figment or Donald Duck.
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!