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:
- Roaring into Universal Studios Hollywood on May 11 and 12 is a bash celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jurassic Park. The specially ticketed event will include after-hours park access, an exclusive film screening, a costume contest, interactive expo and so much more.
- Pixar Fest kicks off today at Disneyland with the new Pixar Play Parade and Together Forever — A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular. Follow along with @themeparkfrog on Instagram as we adventure through the festivities featuring some of our favorite characters and stories!
- Walt Disney World introduced the Pandora Conservation Initiative Utility Suit to Disney's Animal Kingdom guests this week, ahead of its official April 22 scheduled debut. The mechanism, guided by a human pilot, is designed to study wildlife. What does this mean for guests? The pilot will be sharing information regarding Pandora's bioluminescent wildlife.
- Disney California Adventure will soon be giving guests the chance to meet none other than the Master of the Mystic Arts himself, Doctor Strange. The announcement emphasizes that Doctor Strange travels between dimensions in an instant, so we have a feeling he'll pop up unpredictably throughout the park. Keep an eye out for details coming soon, and potential sightings!
- If you love a feel-good animal story (I'm especially fond of those aquatic in nature), you'll adore this! After a mother manatee was found with buoyancy issues, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium transported the distressed mother and her nursing calf to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation and care. We're so hoppy this duo is safe and sound.
- Adventure Island at Busch Gardens Tampa was the backdrop for a tearful reunion between Sgt. Josh McCallister and his family after seven months of military deployment. Those aren't tears in our eyes, it's just pond water ...
- Universal Orlando Resort shared first-look photos of its upcoming Fast & Furious — Supercharged ride coming this spring. The queue and ride feature familiar scenes and characters to make you feel like you've truly stepped into the film. We can't wait to ride!
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
