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.
Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
- It's hard to believe we're only TWO months away from the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe. But we're getting so close to it becoming a reality with Universal's first official photos inside the new theme park. We cannot wait to step under Chronos Tower and explore all the nooks and crannies of Place Cachée in Wizarding Paris, collect coins to compete in a real-life video game, watch dragons fly high in the sky and enter the year-round fog surrounding Frankenstein Manor in Darkmoor. To read up on all you need to know about Universal's fourth gate, hop over to our Epic Universe guide.
- In addition to the first official photos of the Epic Universe worlds, Universal Orlando shared photos and videos of some of the characters you may cross paths with in How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. You won't want to miss Hiccup and Toothless, whose toothy grin looks toadally adorbs, as well as Astrid and Stormfly. Sign me up for dragon training ASAP!
- Disney World first announced a Spaceship Earth-themed lounge at the D23 Expo last year, and now, we finally have a name! As one of two lounges that will open at Disney World this year, GEO-82 will welcome guests 21 and older into a space hidden within EPCOT's icon with views of the World Celebration gardens and World Showcase lagoon. Inspired by Spaceship Earth's geometric shapes and metallic tones, this adults-only lounge will serve innovative cocktails and globally influenced small plates.
- With the 70th Anniversary Celebration right around the corner, Disneyland released details about two new (and one returning) dining experiences hoppening during the special event. The new experiences include a Paint the Night dining package at Plaza Inn and Donald's Tales of Adventure Buffet at Storytellers Cafe (join Donald, Daisy and friends for a BBQ buffet and campfire vibes). Reservations for both of those open March 25. Also, the Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Nighttime Gathering returns for an exclusive viewing of Fire of the Rising Moons (reservations open April 5).
- Baby shark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. OK, now that I got the song stuck in your head … Baby Shark and Pinkfong will be swimming their way to SeaWorld Parks this year. The pair will first appear in San Diego beginning April 18 before heading to Orlando for the summer on June 30 and wrapping up their U.S. visits in San Antonio starting Sept. 11. This limited-time celebration includes character greetings with Baby Shark and Pinkfong, as well as themed activities, food and merch. Plus, don't miss the debut of their new music video on April 30, starring Baby Shark and Pinkfong as veterinarians alongside the SeaWorld Rescue Team.
- Sesame Place Philadelphia is the first U.S. theme park to launch a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, designed to support people with non-visible disabilities. As part of the global initiative, a guest may wear a Sunflower-branded tool that discreetly signals to Sesame Place employees that they may need extra help, understanding or time due to a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent. Complimentary Sunflower wristbands are available at the Family Care Center and Mr. Hooper's Gift Shop and do not require personal information or a diagnosis. While the wristband alone does not come with special advantages or services, guests can still enroll in the park's existing accessibility programs, including the Ride Access Program and Special Access Pass.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
