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.
- San Fransokyo Square, inspired by the fictional mash-up city from "Big Hero 6," is continuing its transformation at Disney California Adventure Park throughout the summer! This new space will replace what is currently known as Pacific Wharf. Disney Parks revealed new details about the eateries and shops tailored to fit the city's characteristic, industrious style. Outside of the Hamata Bot Shop, guests can interact with characters from the film, including Baymax! Another new establishment, Aunt Cass Café is owned and operated by Hiro's loving aunt, who will serve tasty Japanese cuisine and soups in freshly-baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls. Starting in mid-July, existing restaurants will introduce new menu items, and the Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería will officially open. More dining and shopping will be introduced in the following weeks through mid-August.
- Ready to rock out this summer? Well, SeaWorld Orlando is the place to be! This summer, the park's Nautilus Theater will host a special Summer Spectacular Concert Series. This year’s lineup features artists from various genres, ranging from nostalgic pop to classic rock. Bands, solo artists and other popular musical acts, such as Jesse McCartney and A Flock of Seagulls, will hit the stage every weekend from July 8 to Aug. 6.
- Avengers, assemble! Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury has arrived at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park. For a limited time, guests can interact with Fury as he attempts to recruit potential super-spies for an all-new experience in Avengers Campus.
- To celebrate the release of the upcoming Disney film, "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," Disney Parks are bringing the classic film series to life beginning June 30! At Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy offerings from the Den of Destiny, a new pop-up bar and memorabilia spot. Additionally, new "Indiana Jones" treats and merchandise will arrive at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this month. For a limited time, Indiana Jones himself will be greeting guests in Disneyland Resort.
- Dare to indulge in delightful frights and bright lights in the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest Howl-O-Scream scare zone: Sin City Zombies. Set in a fictional small town on the outskirts of the Las Vegas strip, the new scare zone will immerse guests in a world where rampant brain-eating zombies come back to life.
- Toadally adorable twin cotton-top tamarin Monkeys were born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park! Although the species is considered rare — with less than 7,500 remaining in the wild — twins are a common occurrence when these fascinating creatures breed. Weighing about as much as a chicken egg, and measuring only four inches in length, the new pair marks the first cotton-top tamarin births at Walt Disney World since 2001. These babies can be seen clinging tightly to their parents as they leap from branch to branch on Discovery Island.
- Well, now we know who will be winning the costume contest ... Minnie, Daisy and Clarabelle dressed as the Sanderson sisters will appear in Mickey's Boo-to-You Parade during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!
- Sesame Place San Diego is debuting The Count's Splash Castle June 30! The multi-level, water-play attraction features 111 play elements, including three giant tipping buckets, four waterslides, spray jets, flow pipes, water shooters and so much more. The Count's Splash Castle replaces the former splash area, and has doubled in size! In celebration of this new experience, kids under 3 years will now get free admission to Sesame Place.
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
