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 its iconic birdcage, the Grand Floridian lobby will be home to a brand-new bar, which will wrap up the resort's multi-year refurbishment. The lobby bar will pay tribute to its Victorian roots with intricate woodwork, stained glass and brass accents. The surrounding lobby area, staircase and front desk will also feature botanical accents, new carpeting and updated furnishings. Over the past couple of years, the Grand Floridian has enhanced guest rooms and refreshed dining locations, including 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Narcoossee's and Victoria & Albert's.
- Meet Tucker! The new baby Masai giraffe was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and he's already strutting around the savanna with his mom, Mara. His arrival marks the first giraffe calf birth at Disney World since 2021, which is a significant achievement considering the Masai giraffe is classified as endangered. Keep an eye out — you may be able to spot him during your next ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris!
- As an epic surprise, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, A Loews Hotel, will officially open April 16, 2025, moving up from the original opening date, May 22, 2025! The new Signature Collection hotel serves as the backdrop of Universal Epic Universe and is the first hotel with a dedicated entrance directly into a theme park (theme park admission required). But that's not all! Universal Orlando also announced that Epic Universe previews will hoppen from April 17 through May 8, 2025, for select groups, including all Universal hotel guests and annual passholders. Find out how to get into Epic Universe early in our preview post!
- Coming this fall, the Disney Fantasy will get poolside tacos and bowls at Ramone's Cantina, updated spaces in Senses Spa & Salon, a new funnel suite that pays tribute to Sorcerer Mickey, a "Hercules"-inspired Concierge lounge and a new Edge space for tweens. (These updates are now available onboard the Disney Dream, too!)
- The Disneyland 70th Anniversary is just over a month away! And we're still learning more and more about the party festivities as it gets even closer. Some of the latest updates include new PhotoPass Magic Shots (as pictured above) and MagicBand+ features that unlock special effects during 70th entertainment and interactions inspired by opening day attractions. During World of Color Happiness!, guests can vote for one of four "Inside Out" emotions (Sadness, Anger, Digust or Envy) to see them featured in special scenes. If you're a Disneyland history fan, you won't want to miss the new add-on experience, A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour. Since the party continues through summer 2026, the 2026 runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend race themes will also "celebrate happy." For all the info on the special milestone event, hop over to our 70th Anniversary guide!
- The 70th Anniversary isn't the only special event hoppening this summer at Disneyland — get your tickets to Pride Nite at Disneyland Park. The Disneyland After Dark party will take place June 16 and 18, 2025, and you can purchase tickets starting April 17 (Magic Key holders can get tickets a day early) directly through Disneyland's website.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
