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:
- Ready for Tiana's Bayou Adventure?! We frogs can hardly contain our excitement! Disney announced that Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom will close Jan. 23, 2023, to begin the reimagining. We also got a sneak peek at some of the critters Tiana will encounter in the bayou, including fireflies, an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon and more — all of which are playing instruments made of natural materials. Per Imagineers, zydeco music (a special blend of rhythm and blues from Louisiana) will also greet riders' ears in this scene. Disneyland's Splash Mountain closure dates are still TBD, so keep hoppin' back!
- The Trinidad area at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort has some new thingamabobs and whatsits to showcase! Guest rooms in the area, which have sleeper availability for a fifth guest, now have touches inspired by "The Little Mermaid," including under-the-sea details around the room.
- Exciting news! The Magic Happens parade will return to Disneyland Park Feb. 24, 2023! This enchanting parade had a short run in 2020, and we cannot wait to see it again! We know it'll be every bit as magical the second time around :) Hop over to our blog post for even more details.
- Even more Disneyland dates have been announced! Lunar New Year will take place from Jan. 20 through Feb. 15, 2023, and the Hurry Home — Lunar New Year Celebration will return again, running before World of Color showings. Raya will be available for meet and greets during the festival, as well! What's that we smell? From March 3 to April 25, 2023, Disney California Food and Wine Festival will return, along with Soarin' Over California.
- As you can see, it's gearing up to be a hoppin' spring! For Southern California residents hoping to experience all of the upcoming fun at Disneyland, we've got a limited-time deal for you — hop over to see all of the details on our SoCal Resident tickets to Disneyland, at a discount!
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts' Disney on Broadway Concert series will return in 2023, and the lineup is incredible! Get ready to see performances from newcomers Patti Murin ("Frozen") and Robert Creighton ("Frozen"), as well as festival favorites Arielle and Adam Jacobs ("Aladdin") and Ashley Brown ("Mary Poppins") and Michael James Scott ("Aladdin"), just to name a few. Disney on Broadway dining packages will go on sale Dec. 13, 2022.
- Universal's The Great Movie Escape will open Dec. 9, 2022, at CityWalk Orlando! Tickets are on sale now. Try your hand at evading an apex predator in Jurassic World: Escape, or time traveling in Back to the Future: OUTATIME.
- Want to ring in the new year at Universal Studios Hollywood? EVE is returning for 2022, featuring music, entertainment and a special fireworks show — it's all included with your park admission on Dec. 31, and offers extended park hours, too!
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
