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.
- Inspired by the geometric architecture of the iconic Spaceship Earth, GEO-82 is an all-new, adults-only lounge coming to EPCOT next month. It will officially open June 4, 2025, with reservations opening May 6, 2025. From specialty cocktails to small bites, some of the menu highlights include the Brown Butter Old Fashioned (elevating a classic with brown butter-infused bourbon), an exclusive Disney Select bourbon flight and Truffled Ahi Tuna. While you sip and snack, enjoy spectacular sights of World Celebration Gardens. If you want to end with a special nightcap, the GEO-82 Fireworks Experience offers premium event-exclusive cocktails and a new view of fireworks.
- Surf's up! Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park has reopened after its seasonal closure, providing a tropical escape with splashin' fun for the whole family. Plus, keep an eye out for Stitch ... he might just be catching some waves while creating chaos. Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is now closed, but only until May 21 — both water parks will remain open until Sept. 7, 2025! If you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel in 2025, take advantage of free admission to one water park on your check-in day. (And if you're visiting in 2026? No worries — the perk will return in summer 2026!)
- One of the best things about a birthday party is the cake! And oh boy, Disneyland certainly didn't skimp on the sprinkles with its food and drink offerings for the 70th Anniversary Celebration. With over 70 items to celebrate 70 years, you'll be able to find all-new creations such as the 70th Anniversary Churro and nostalgic bites with a modern twist. For a full list of menu items, hop over to our 70th Anniversary food guide!
- Universal Orlando Resort has now opened up Universal Epic Universe Previews to the general public. From now until May 19, 2025, anyone can purchase a ticket during this technical rehearsal period for the brand-new theme park. Previews have been held since March — initially only for team members, followed by media and most recently, select groups such as annual passholders and hotel guests. Epic Universe will have its grand opening May 22, 2025. While Preview tickets are only available through Universal, Undercover Tourist can help you experience Epic like an expert with our comprehensive blog posts, planning resources and discount tickets!
- Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with new Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots, featuring Russell from "Up," Hiro and Baymax from "Big Hero 6" and Mei from "Turning Red" in her red panda form. Each of these Magic Shots can be found at select locations in both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Plus, you can also pose with HeiHei and Moana's oar near Creature Comforts at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
- Major planning news for Universal Volcano Bay: The water theme park will retire its virtual line system and TapuTapu wearables starting Oct. 1, 2025. Guests will be able to access standby lines on their own time instead of having to return at a later time. Additionally, in the distant future, Volcano Bay will begin a seasonal closure starting Oct. 26, 2026, with a planned reopening on or before March 24, 2027.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
