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 and other theme parks.
Here Are This Week’s Theme Park Highlights:
- We've been mentally preparing ourselves to face Jack the Clown once again at Halloween Horror Nights 30. But it turns out the creepy clown is bringing some fiendish friends along for revenge! Universal Orlando announced "HHN Icons: Captured," which will feature the event's notorious characters from the past 30 years, all in one house. Jack the Clown, the Director, the Usher, the Storyteller, the Caretaker and more cannot wait to torment new victims. Catch up on all of the details in our HHN 30 survival guide and get your tickets before it's too late. (Also, for those who can't get enough scares, Frequent Fear passes are now on sale directly through Universal.)
- It may only be August, but the spooky season is just around the corner. Disney Boo Bash begins next Tuesday, Aug. 10 at Magic Kingdom! We'll be there in our best costumes (hint: Leap Loki), so follow us @themeparkfrog on Instagram for live updates. In other Halloween news, SeaWorld Orlando revealed a pirate-themed house and scare zone for its first Howl-O-Scream event, and Knott's Scary Farm announced its show lineup.
- We're finally learning more out-of-this-world details about the immersive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which will officially launch in spring 2022. The all-inclusive, two-night experience will take guests on their very own "Star Wars" adventure aboard the Halcyon. Disney even provided a sample itinerary along with sample prices for a standard cabin. Start saving up your credits now!
- At Disneyland Resort, more restaurants are reopening, including the return of additional character dining experiences! Napa Rose will once again host you and the Disney princesses for Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures, starting Aug. 26. Or you can have an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast with Minnie & friends at Plaza Inn, starting Aug. 12. Goofy's Kitchen will welcome back guests Aug. 18, but Goofy and friends will not be hosting until a later date. Reservations for all three restaurants become available Aug. 11.
- Good news for frequent Disneyland visitors! A new program called Magic Key will debut Aug. 25, officially replacing the former annual pass program. There are now four different Magic Key options to provide choice, flexibility and value. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Disney World annual passes will become available in time for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, and more details will be shared later this month.
- Hoppy International Beer Day! For all you craft beer aficionados (lookin' at you, Leap), SeaWorld Orlando will be hosting its Craft Beer Festival every weekend from Aug. 13 to Sept. 12. New this year is the Craft Beer Festival Dinner Series, which is a private four-course dinner featuring local and national breweries. Similarly, Bier Fest is returning to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay earlier than ever before. The festival will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (plus Labor Day) from Aug. 13 to Oct. 31.
- Any aspiring firefighters? Heroes Weekend returns Aug. 7 and 8 to LEGOLAND Florida. The event teaches tadpoles about safety through a variety of fun activities at the park. Meet LEGO policemen, interact with firefighter stilt walkers and build a LEGO City mosaic.
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!