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.
Weekly Roundup of Theme Park News
- The award-winning signature restaurant, Napa Rose, is reopening its doors Feb. 6, 2026, with a reimagined dining experience at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Celebrating 25 years of wine country cuisine, the bar and lounge spaces have been renovated with a new bar and fireplace and a refreshed outdoor patio. (Reservations are not required for the bar and lounge areas and are subject to walk-in availability.) The main dining room will debut a seasonal prix fixe menu, along with a new children's menu and expanded terrace. Plus, the Chef's Counter and the newly renovated private dining room will offer more personalized and intimate experiences. Advance dining reservations become available Jan. 27, 2026, no earlier than 9 a.m. PT.
- Don't be late for a very important date! The Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience returns to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this spring. The popular afternoon tea experience will feature new touches from "Alice in Wonderland" and a menu of small sweet and savory bites and premium tea blends, complete with your own tea guide. Plus, with a special children's menu and plant-based options, there will truly be something for everyone. The Garden View Lounge reopens March 19, 2026, with reservations available starting Feb. 19, 2026.
- Something fast and furious is racing toward its future at Universal Orlando Resort! Replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will speed its way into Universal Studios Florida in 2027. Riders will experience high-speed maneuvers, including 360-degree drifting and a 170-foot vertical "spike" that sends them nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk. To make way for this new attraction, Fast & Furious – Supercharged will permanently close in 2027. Previously announced, Universal Studios Hollywood is getting its own version of the roller coaster later this year.
- Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially confirmed that immersive Pokémon experiences are coming to Universal Studios Japan. Details are still to come, but it was also teased that, following its debut in Japan, Universal Destinations & Experiences will bring unique Pokémon experiences across its theme parks worldwide. Gotta catch 'em all, right? We're so curious to hear more about the global project, so stay tuned — we'll definitely share once we learn additional info.
- Celebrate the Year of the Horse during Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park. From today, Jan. 23, to Feb. 22, 2026, the festival honors the traditions of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and other Asian cultures with food and drinks, entertainment, characters and more. New this year, you can meet Horace Horsecollar (in a Chinese-inspired outfit) and Red Panda Mei from "Turning Red." Hop over to our Lunar New Year guide for more info!
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is right around the corner, and this year's Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup has been revealed! With a mix of Orlando's local talent and chart-topping artists, this year's lineup brings back fan favorites such as Simple Plan and Sugar Ray, as well as new performers including FireHouse and Katrina, formerly of Katrina & The Waves.
- From new "Star Wars" adventures to the final months of the 70th Anniversary Celebration, summer is shaping up to be a frogtastic time to visit Disneyland this year. And better yet, you can save BIG on your family vacation with the special Disneyland Kids' Summer Ticket offer, now available at a discount through Undercover Tourist. For a limited time, children ages 3 to 9 can save up to $368 on multi-day visits to Disneyland Resort from May 22 to Sept. 7, 2026.
- Lock in your Disney World vacation now! For a limited time, Undercover Tourist is now offering several deals on vacation packages, theme park tickets, hotels and even Florida Resident tickets. Find out more info about saving money on Disney World tickets here.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
