Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens and other theme parks.
- Aloha! The new Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is set to open in December 2024. As part of the DVC property, the 10-story tower features the rich culture of Polynesia through beautiful designs, including a Manta Ray that symbolizes freedom, protection and grace, on the exterior — as well as an art panel installation in the lobby inspired by the islands and wildlife. Starting June 4, Disney Vacation Club members can begin to make early rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800 (points-based reservations will become available at a later date). Annual passholders can make reservations June 5 and all guests can make reservations June 6 by calling (407) 934-7639.
- It's about halfway to Halloween, but we know that Halloween comes extra early to the theme parks (in August!). It all feels just a tad closer, being treated to all of the Halloween announcements this week for both coasts and the sea. Disney World tossed us some treats in terms of new details for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starting Aug. 9, 2024, and running select nights through Oct. 31. Mickey and Minnie are sporting new neon spiderweb attire, and there will be more villain sightings. You can dance the night away at the DescenDANCE Party, meet Bruno (as long as you don't talk about it — just kidding!) and the Boo-to-You parade will start an hour earlier (at 8:15 p.m.). Undercover Tourist has tips to help you save time and money. No tricks!
- Disneyland dropped the Oogie Boogie Bash party dates. Oogie Boogie Bash — A Disneyland Halloween Party kicks off earlier than ever before with an all-time high number of nights. The party takes place on select nights from Aug. 2 through Oct. 31, 2024. Our Oogie Boogie Bash post has all the ghoulishly good details. The on-sale date is yet to come!
- And speaking of spooky stuff, we got a look inside The Haunted Mansion Parlor coming to the Disney Treasure! This new bar adds a new nautical storyline to the nostalgia of the original attraction. It features eerie portraits, a ghostly line of drinkware and a mysterious aquarium with ghost fish. Check out more details about the Disney Treasure in our main guide.
- Also in cruise news, Halloween on the High Seas is back at Disney Cruise Line. Mickey and Minnie have gone batty with their new ensembles. Donald is sporting a gentleman spider costume. Guests can trick or treat, sip on themed drinks and snack on treats during the Halloween takeover.
- Lastly in this week's Halloween news, SeaWorld Orlando has released 2024 Howl-O-Scream tickets, so take advantage of the early prices and selection. The scary separately ticketed event will take place on select nights from Sept. 6 to Nov. 2, 2024. This year, you might just be running for your lives for an entirely different reason — the park will host the first-ever Howl-O-Scream 5K, conveniently on Friday the 13th (Sept. 13, 2024).
- Disneyland officially moves forward with DisneylandForward. The City of Anaheim officially approved plans that will lead to new theme park experiences, lands, rides, parking, shopping and more to take place over the next 40 years. New projects, lands or attractions could be themed around "Avatar," "Coco," "Encanto," "Frozen," "Tangled," "Peter Pan," "Zootopia," "Toy Story," "Black Panther" and "Tron."
- Ready to get your glow on? Aquatica Orlando announced a new after-hours event. AquaGlow is the ultimate neon nighttime experience. This separately ticketed event takes place on select nights in June, July and August from 8 to 11 p.m. Guests can jump into the fun early as of 6 p.m. Grab your neon swimsuit and bask in the glow of short waits and vibrant hues at this reduced capacity event.
And that's gonna do it for theme park news and Halloween announcements this week!
Hoppy planning!
