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.
- Boo to YOU! (We've waited all year to say that!) We've got Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates for 2025. The party runs on select nights from Aug. 15 through Oct. 31 at Magic Kingdom and includes entertainment such as the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Guests can trick-or-treat around the park, enjoy Halloween-themed ride overlays and meet rare characters. This year, Jack Skellington will receive an updated look capturing his toothy grin from the film. Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are on sale now for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests and will open to the general public on May 22, 2025. And an extra treat — Undercover Tourist will be selling discount Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets, so stay tuned!
- Epic Universe opens in less than ONE WEEK! Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated new theme park officially opens May 22, 2025. The park features five immersive worlds; Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park and Dark Universe. The giant expansion includes three new resort hotels; Universal's Stella Nova, Terra Luna and Helios Grand. The Frog Fam will be there on opening day, so be sure to follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for live updates and a behind-the-scenes look. Plus, Undercover Tourist can help you experience Epic like an expert with our comprehensive blog posts, planning resources and ticket savings!
- Universal's summer is STACKED! In addition to a brand-new theme park, Universal Orlando Resort is bringing the heat this summer with the return of the Universal Mega Movie Parade featuring beloved films such as "Ghostbusters," "E.T." and "Jaws." The fun keeps rolling with the nighttime lagoon show CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular and Hogwarts Always, a castle projection show at Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure. New for the summer, the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida will transform to feel like Amity Island to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Jaws", complete with themed eats, drinks and limited-time merch. Over at CityWalk, guests can get a dose of nostalgia with films such as "The Mummy" and "E.T." during the Summer Movie Series, plus enjoy live entertainment with the Summer Music Series. A special July 4th celebration will include characters, a DJ dance party and fireworks launched from the roof of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D.
- Cheers! We've got dates for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which will run from Aug. 28 to Nov. 22, 2025. The festival will feature more than 35 global marketplaces and include returning favorites such as Emile's Fromage Montage and Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
- Pop the confetti! Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration begins today, May 16, 2025, with new entertainment, exclusive treats and happy nods to the park’s history. Guests can catch the debut of the "Celebrate Happy!" cavalcade, the long-awaited return of “Paint the Night” parade, a brand-new "World of Color Happiness” and the nighttime spectacular, "Wonderous Journeys." "it's a small world" reopened on May 13 with Miguel and Dante joining the Mexico scene, plus a new projection show and updated song verse will debut July 17. Toy Story Midway Mania! will also feature fun anniversary touches. We've got all the details in this post, as well as discount tickets and savings on Disneyland Resort hotels to help with your Disneyland vacation planning.
- SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort soft opens on May 23, 2025. The official opening date is slotted for June 6, 2025. This brand-new attraction will feature more than 5,000 sea creatures across 150 species, including sharks and stingrays. Explore 25 interactive exhibits, including an invertebrate touch pool for the kiddos. The aquarium will have a unique “Theme Park Under the Sea” design with a 180-degree ocean tunnel. Psst! You can save some green when you purchase your tickets with Undercover Tourist.
- He’ll huff, he’ll puff and he’ll launch you into a wild new coaster adventure! The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge coaster is opening May 23, 2025, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This family-friendly inverted coaster is an exhilarating ride through Oktoberfest, with 2,500 feet of track and speeds of up to 40 mph.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
