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.
- I have a very good feeling about this ... Season of the Force returns to Disneyland Resort from March 28 through May 11, 2025, bringing new entertainment, characters, specialty menu items, exclusive merch and more. A new nightly projection show "Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga" will debut, and a shadowy figure visits Batuu for the first time — rumor is it's Luke Skywalker! Plus, Space Mountain transforms into Hyperspace Mountain for a high-speed galactic adventure. Find out more in our Season of the Force guide.
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is blooming from March 5 through June 2, 2025, and will be celebrating its 30th year! An all-new "Moana"-inspired topiary display, featuring Moana, Maui, Heihei and Pua, will greet guests at the park entrance. Other new festival offerings include a Playalong Bay Play Garden presented by Smucker’s Uncrustables, two Outdoor Kitchens (cleverly named Beach Grub and Yacht Grub), a garden inspired by "Inside Out 2" and a gallery inside CommuniCore Hall where you can learn more about how the topiaries are brought to life. Here's all the buzz to know before you go!
- New experiences are coming to Main Street, U.S.A. and beyond, starting July 17 in honor of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration. Inside the Main Street Cinema, a short tribute film will premiere, celebrating the Sherman Brothers and revealing a third and final verse of the song, "It's a Small World." This verse will also debut in the "it's a small world" attraction. The Main Street Opera House will receive a new gallery experience featuring the evolution of Walt Disney's dream of Disneyland and a special exhibit about the history of Audio-Animatronics. Lastly, the previously announced Walt Disney – A Magical Life attraction, which will house the first-ever Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney himself, will open July 17, alongside these special Opera House exhibits.
- Did someone say, "Accio Butterbeer crepe"? Universal Orlando gave us a taste of the menu items coming to all five worlds at Universal Epic Universe, which opens May 22, 2025. From sugary Butterbeer crepes in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic to the spicy Darkmoor Black Wings in Dark Universe, there will be pleeeenty of food and drinks to fuel up with while exploring the brand-new theme park! Hop over to our Epic Universe food guide to devour the menu details.
- The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is almost here! Disney Eats released the 2025 menus, packed with new items and returning favorites. One brand-new festival marketplace, Mercado de Antojos, features new Mexican-inspired flavors including Birria Mac & Cheese, Café de Olla Tres Leches Cake, Raspberry Horchata and Watermelon Cucumber Mojito. We can't wait to dig in! Find the full list of menus on our blog.
- To celebrate the release of "Captain America: Brave New World," you can find limited-time treats available Feb. 14, 2025, at Disney California Adventure Park. Try the new Red Gamma Gulp (red velvet cold brew), Red Rage Wings, Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza Pockets, and bring home the Captain America Shield Sipper.
- With all the blocks (sections of the ship) in place, Disney Cruise Line shared a first look at the bow of the Disney Destiny, which depicts Minnie Mouse in her superhero fit. The artwork is a Disney Cruise Line tradition, as each ship features a distinct character-inspired image embossed on the bow. Superhero Minnie embodies the "Disney Heroes and Villains" theme of the upcoming ship, which will debut in November 2025.
- Experience your favorite coasters under the stars with low crowds! SeaWorld Orlando is bringing back its limited-capacity Coasters After Dark event on select nights in March and April. This time, attendees will also receive a 5-sample lanyard to use at the Seven Seas Food Festival booths, as well as complimentary popcorn at select dining locations.
- SeaWorld San Diego is throwing it back this summer with its Summer Spectacular Concert Series, hoppening every Saturday night from June 21 to Aug. 23, 2025. This year, the lineup consists of R&B, hip-hop and rap legends from the 90s and early 2000s, including Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, Waka Flocka Flame and Yin Yang Twins. Plus, the I Love The 90s Tour and Turnt Up Tour will each make a stop during the concert series. Concerts are included with general admission tickets, along with the option to upgrade with reserved premium seating.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
