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:
- For most frog families, capturing memories is a huge part of your magical vacation. Since reopening last summer, we've coordinated cute matching masks and outfits, but we've missed seeing our smiling faces in photos! Now, Disney World's mask policy is relaxing just a smidge to allow guests to temporarily remove their masks in photos while remaining outdoors, stationary and distanced from others. Also, if you're celebrating an extra special occasion, Capture Your Moment — a personalized 20-minute photo session with a PhotoPass photographer — is now available to book online or through the My Disney Experience app.
- Mears, the transportation company that partnered with Disney for Magical Express, announced that it will be launching "Mears Connect" in January 2022. Hopping up just as Magical Express service discontinues, Mears Connect will continue to provide direct transportation between the airport and Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Prices and more details will be announced later this year.
- It's been a couple months since he said, "We're going to Disney World!" alongside teammate Rob Gronkowski, but Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady finally visited the Most Magical Place on Earth to celebrate the big victory. He spent a day at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where he built a lightsaber, drank Blue and Green Milk, piloted the Millennium Falcon and confronted Kylo Ren. Don't worry, he didn't join the dark side!
- After months of churro stand jokes and teasing tweets, Universal Orlando Resort finally announced June 10, 2021, as the opening date for the highly anticipated Jurassic World VelociCoaster. We cannot wait until this apex predator of roller coasters hatches! In the meantime, we'll just be sipping on Butterbeer while watching the ride vehicles circle around us on the new pedestrian bridge as the coaster continues its testing.
- Let the good times keep rollin'! Universal Orlando extended its Mardi Gras event once again, and now the final beads will be thrown May 2. Yay for more beignets!
- The West Coast also had major news this week, kicking it off with Disneyland's new reservation system and ticket sales. To visit Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park, guests ages 3 and up will need valid admission AND a reservation for each day of their trip once the resort opens April 30. The reservation system will open April 12 to anyone who already has theme park tickets. On April 15, guests without park tickets may begin purchasing tickets and making park reservations. We've also learned what rides will be available once the parks reopen. See ya real soon, Mickey!
- It's official! Avengers Campus is set to recruit the newest generation of Super Heroes, starting June 4, 2021. Not only did we get an opening date, but Disney also released a first look inside the Super Hero training complex. You'll soon be able to assemble with the Avengers (and even some villains) in this new land at Disney California Adventure Park. For all of the details about Avengers Campus, check out our toadally super guide.
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
