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.
- When Monsters, Inc. Land was first announced at the D23 Expo event back in August, we didn't know where it would go, but now we do! Disney has announced the monsters will take over Grand Avenue. The new land will include the first suspended roller coaster at a Disney Park, plus shopping, dining and a theater show. But don't worry — that's not the end for the Muppets! Kermit, Miss Piggy and their friends are moving to Sunset Boulevard and taking over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, which will become the first Disney ride to feature the Muppets.
- Blimey, Harry! Universal Orlando Resort gave us a first look at Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry, the headlining attraction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic coming to Epic Universe in 2025. As long-time "Harry Potter" fans, we think the Universal team outdid themselves — it looks just like the British Ministry of Magic straight out of the films. The queue's details are stunning, and we're so intrigued by the magical, omnidirectional lift ride vehicle. Why can't the Floo Network open right now? Where is Hermione's Time Turner when you need it ...
- But let's not get too ahead of ourselves — starting today, the holiday festivities take over Universal Orlando Resort. Celebrate Grinchmas in Seuss Landing with the Grinch himself and Whoville citizens. Grab a hot Butterbeer and listen to the seasonal performances by the Frog Choir or Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. And of course, don't miss Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's with larger-than-life balloons and festive floats. Hoppy Holidays!
- Wicked: The Experience is now open at Universal Studios Florida! Celebrating the new "Wicked" film, you can walk down the yellow brick road and fully immersive yourself in photo-ready locations from Shiz University to the Emerald City. Costumes and props from the movie are on display, along with plenty of themed merchandise and treats. If you're lucky, you might even run into Glinda and Elphaba, who occasionally make unscheduled appearances.
- In other Broadway/theme park news, Disney released the lineup and schedule for the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series during EPCOT Festival of the Arts. Every night during the festival, Broadway stars take the stage and perform classic Disney on Broadway songs. Fan favorites such as Adam Jacobs, Patti Murin and Caissie Levy return alongside new faces to the concert series, including John Riddle, Jelany Remi and Rodney Ingram.
- The Disney Treasure cruise ship celebrated its christening — one of the final construction milestones before its maiden voyage on Dec. 21, 2024. Disney Cruise Line also gave us a sneak peek at a variety of spots onboard, including the Great Hall, Haunted Mansion Parlor, Skipper Society (Jungle Cruise-themed lounge), Plaza de Coco ("Coco"-themed rotational dining), "Disney The Tale of Moana" (the first "Moana" stage show production) and so much more. (Pssst ... did you know that Undercover Tourist offers exclusive savings on Disney cruises, including sailings on the Treasure? Plus, as a special Black Friday deal, you can get a FREE in-room decor set AND champagne and a sweet treat included with your booking!)
- The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is now available in limited quantities for any guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels and other select hotels. When the Premier Pass was initially launched at Disney World last month, it was only available to guests of Disney Deluxe hotels.
- Ready for takeoff? Disney quietly updated a couple of scenes in Soarin' Around the World at EPCOT this week. Goodbye, bendy Eiffel Tower and Future World. Due to the screen's curvature, the iconic monument previously appeared crooked, but the updated France scene now approaches a straightened Eiffel Tower from a further distance. The final scene still flies over EPCOT with Tinker Bell and fireworks behind Spaceship Earth, but the update features World Celebration as we know it today. Instead of Future World's Fountain of Nations, Pin Central and Electric Umbrella, we can see CommuniCore Hall & Plaza and the central gardens with the illuminated EPCOT logo.
- runDisney revealed the race medals, featuring Disney Princesses and Villains, for the 2025 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Mulan and Shan Yu get down to business on the 5K medal, while Jasmine and Jafar are hypnotic on the 10K medal. Don't sleep on the Half Marathon medal with Aurora and Maleficent — and if you finish the fairest challenge of them all, Snow White and the Evil Queen complete the Fairytale Challenge medal.
- You know the Frog Fam loves saving you some green — our Black Friday sales are now in full swing! From theme park tickets, to vacation packages, to cruises, to hotel stays, you won't want to miss these incredible deals! Plus, we've got some cart codes to help you stack your savings. Hop here to see all of this year's Black Friday deals!
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
