Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and other theme parks.
This week’s theme park highlights:
Falcon's Fury officially opened! Busch Gardens' drop tower with a twist, or should I say pivot, is 335 feet of terrifying fun. At its highest point, riders pivot 90 degrees face down before their 60-mph plunge. The 6-second free fall is sure to be the scariest of your life! So who's ready?- There is good news for those of you who wanted to attend Night of Joy but just couldn't make it — the event is being webcast live! Casting Crowns, Skillet and MercyMe are a few of the bands performing at the event tonight and tomorrow night at Magic Kingdom.
- Rock the Universe is also happening tonight and tomorrow night. Universal Orlando's Christian rock experience will feature Third Day, Newsboys and Switchfoot.
The very first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party of the season was held Sunday, and there were plenty of delicious, Halloweeny eats and drinks just for the party. Don't worry, they'll be available during all of the parties this Halloween!- You've heard us say this before, but September is the very best month of the year for crowds at the theme parks. With the frogs (and kids) back in the school and summer crowds gone, wait times at Diagon Alley and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts are downright reasonable!
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is headed to Disney California Adventure. Starting Sept. 14, you'll be able to meet one of Disney's earliest cartoon stars on Buena Vista Street!- Sometimes it feels like a zoo around here, especially with meal prep, but it's nothing compared to the work the Animal Nutrition Team at Disney's Animal Kingdom goes through on a daily basis for some 2,000 animals!
- Disney World's other source for Dole Whips is officially open! Pineapple Lanai inside Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is but a quick stop on the monorail for those of you who must have your fix and just can't make it to Aloha Isle inside Magic Kingdom.
- Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff are set to return to the big screen in an animated short set around Anna's birthday. "Frozen Fever" is expected to debut in spring 2015.
That’s it for the theme park news this week. Have a great weekend!
If you’re thinking about a trip to Disney World, make sure to check out the other news, tips and information we post to the blog throughout the week. If you’re ready to plan your trip, we recommend you start with our planning pages.
