Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and other theme parks.
Here Are This Week's Theme Park Highlights:
- Disney Vacation Club announced that a new DVC tower is in development as an addition to Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows at Walt Disney World. Projected to be completed by late 2024, the tower would provide additional rooms, plus new recreational and dining options. Upon the news of this expansion, the Spirit of Aloha dinner show has permanently come to a close. More details will be released at a later date.
- The first episode of the new planDisney podcast dropped, and it was about all things spring break at Disney destinations. For frogs listening closely, the planDisney podcast host and guest panelists shared that H2O Glow Nights will take place once again at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Dates and details are to come, though we already can't wait to party with DJ Partysaurus Rex!
- While "A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King" was one of the first live shows to return at Disney World, the modified version has still been missing a fan-favorite act. But we won't be without them for much longer — the Tumble Monkeys are coming back this summer, and they won't be the only ones jumping up and down upon their arrival!
- Over the next few years, Disney's BoardWalk will be getting a fresh look with new offerings and enhancements. In addition to lobby and guest room updates, there will be new dining options, including a coffee bar and a table-service restaurant/bakery. With an expected opening in 2023, the Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will offer savory and sweet menus, along with afternoon tea. Meanwhile, the current BoardWalk Bakery will transition to a sandwich shop.
- While we're on the topic of food, both Disney World and Disneyland are introducing seasonal treats for St. Patrick's Day and menu updates that are hoppening this spring season. We can now enjoy DOLE Whip at Disney Springs (umm, a DOLE Whip flight?!), beignets and live entertainment at Scat Cat's Club - Lounge (Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter) and breakfast at Red Rose Taverne (Disneyland Park). Plus get your tux and gown ready — Victoria & Albert's will return to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa later this year.
- Oh, boy (senberry)! The Knott's Boysenberry Festival kicks off today, and we're hopping over on Day 1. Be sure to check out our guide to the festival for more details about the latest and greatest boysenberry bites and beverages.
- Universal Orlando recently opened a new quiet room at Universal Studios Florida. It's specifically designed for guests who need to take a sensory break from the noise and crowds in a low-stimulation location. The quiet room can be found near the Studio Audience Center at the front of the park, and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- The archeologist guide, Taylor, and Professor Elias Baxter are giving tours of the ancient temple of Poseidon once again. After nearly a two-year closure, Poseidon's Fury — an indoor, walkthrough theatrical attraction — has finally reopened in the Lost Continent at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Also reopening after two years is SeaWorld Orlando's Sky Tower, which gives guests a bird's eye view of the theme park.
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
