Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around Universal Orlando, the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort, other theme parks and more.
- Oh, it's on ... you better believe we'll be one of the first to hop in line to meet Donkey Kong at Epic Universe. Universal Orlando Resort confirmed the giant gorilla will have his own meet-and-greet location, Donkey Kong's Treehouse, in Super Nintendo World once Universal Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025. Can't wait to go bananas and grab a treat from The Bubbly Barrel. Plus, Rambi the Rhino will join in the fun with an interactive activity. For more things we're looking forward to, hop to our Super Nintendo World guide.
- Love is in the air — can't you smell it? The Disney culinary teams at Disney World and Disneyland are whipping up some lovely treats to celebrate Valentine's Day. If anyone's falling in love this February, it's my taste buds! In need of a date night? Be sure to check out the most romantic things to do at Disney World and Disneyland all year long.
- Imagine if you combine Halloween Horror Nights and Comic-Con — you would get Universal Fan Fest Nights! This brand-new, after-hours event highlights a variety of fandoms, including "Star Trek," "Back to the Future," "One Piece" and "Harry Potter." The night is packed with fully immersive experiences, photo-ops, themed food, exclusive merch and the opportunity to connect with other fans. Tickets are now on sale, and you can snag select discount tickets through Undercover Tourist! Find out more in our Fan Fest Nights guide.
- Feet don't fail me now! Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is kicking off its 30th year tomorrow, Feb. 1, and continuing the party until March 30, 2025. Universal Studios Florida hosts the New Orleans-inspired celebration, complete with Cajun and international cuisine, concerts, street entertainment, a float-filled parade and more.
- Get ready to rock at the Garden Rocks concerts this year. Disney released the full Garden Rocks lineup for EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, hoppening from March 5 to June 2, 2025. Four festival newcomers — Maverick City Music, The Outlaws, The Cat Empire and We The Kingdom — join returning favorites, including Simple Plan, Plain White T's and A Flock of Seagulls. (Then, hop on Guardians and cross your fingers for "I Ran.")
- In honor of Black History Month, Disney World and Disneyland host Celebrate Soulfully experiences to recognize Black heritage and culture through entertainment, food, music and art. At Disney World, award-winning journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall will lead the way as Grand Marshal during the Festival of Fantasy parade on Feb. 1. Admire Black artists' work at the Disney Springs Art Walk and EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. At Disneyland, Celebrate Gospel concerts return to the Fantasyland Theatre on Feb. 8 and 15.
- After weeks of Tiger Tuesday updates and live streams on Disney Parks Blog, Bakso, the baby Sumatran tiger, made his debut at Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom! The adorable cub joined his mom, Sohni, all ready to explore his whole new world.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced new details about Wild Oasis, a kid-friendly "adventure realm" coming to the former Jungala section of the park. Opening this spring, guests can explore Habitat Hideaway, where new animal species will live, including capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and tropical birds. Young thrill seekers can tackle Tree Top Drop, a 35-foot drop tower surrounded by jungle scenes displayed on screens. The Canopy Climb is a multi-level climbing attraction featuring horizontal climbing trails and vertical climbs up to 45 feet. Then adventurers can cool off at Enchanted Falls, an interactive splash pad.
- The transformation of Grand Avenue is set to begin in May, opening doors for the "Monsters, Inc." themed land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. The latest update includes the last days for Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano (May 10) and Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo (June 7). The start date of the Muppets' takeover of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is still to come, but you can stay up to date on our Refurbishments post.
- SeaWorld Orlando's Seven Seas Food Festival returns bigger and better today, Jan. 31, and runs through May 4, 2025! Choose from over 190 dishes and drinks inspired by global cuisines. For the first time, select concerts will be held on Fridays, in addition to Saturdays and Sundays. Headliners include Boys Like Girls (Feb. 1), Sara Evans (Feb. 2) and Luis Fonsi (March 23) — with more to be announced.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!