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.
- May the Force be with you! In honor of May 4 (aka Star Wars Day), Disney Parks will celebrate with a new limited-time Reclaimed and Reforged lightsaber theme at Savi's Workshop (at both Disneyland Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios). Additionally, you can find Season of the Force festivities, which continue through May 11, at Disneyland Resort — or find some galactic eats, such as lightsaber churros and Wookiee cookies, at Walt Disney World Resort.
- Speaking of Star Wars adventures, we learned new tidbits about the "Mandalorian and Grogu"-themed mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, coming next year on May 22, 2026. For the first time, the crew will control their own destination, with options such as Bespin, Endor and Coruscant. Plus, the engineers will have the ability to communicate with Grogu.
- If you love planning ahead (like me), I have good news! You can go ahead and book a 2026 Walt Disney World vacation — tickets, hotels and vacation packages (for travel dates through October 2026) are now available through Undercover Tourist. As a special offer throughout all of 2026, guests staying at a Walt Disney World hotel will get a free dining plan for kids (ages 3-9) when purchasing a dining plan for others in their party (ages 10 and up), as part of their vacation package. You can save even more green when booking through Undercover Tourist! Disney also confirmed on-site benefits will continue, such as Early Theme Park Entry (for all Disney hotel guests), Extended Evening Hours (for Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa guests) and free water park admission on check-in day, which will return in summer 2026.
- Ready to celebrate your favorite Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime fandoms? Universal Fan Fest Nights is here! The all-new, after-hours event at Universal Studios Hollywood kicks off today, April 25, and continues on select nights through May 18, 2025. Fans can expect special immersive experiences and entertainment, themed dining options and merchandise, and a fun night of cosplay and camaraderie with other fans. Be sure to follow along with us over the event's opening weekend on Instagram @themeparkfrog. We'll be sharing highlights, as well as updating our Fan Fest Nights guide after the event!
- A second set of Universal Epic Universe preview dates have dropped for select guests, including Universal Orlando hotel guests and annual passholders! Initially set for April 17 through May 8, the preview period will now take place through May 19, 2025. These additional dates lead up to two days before the theme park's grand opening on May 22. Universal hotel guests can purchase one preview ticket per guest for any date during their stay (subject to availability) at the Vacation Planning Center in their hotel's lobby, and can take advantage of entering the park up to an hour early. Annual passholders can buy preview tickets directly through Universal. For more info, hop over to our Epic Universe previews post.
- What's better than taking a cruise? Taking a cruise with your favorite Marvel Super Heroes and Pixar pals! Disney Cruise Line has shared that Marvel Day at Sea and Pixar Day at Sea cruises will return in January 2026. For the first time, Marvel Day at Sea will hoppen on select four- and five-night Disney Magic sailings out of Galveston, TX. Pixar Day at Sea is back on select five-night Disney Fantasy sailings out of Fort Canaveral, FL.
- In other recent Disney Cruise Line news, there are new updates about two ships on the horizon. Last week, we got some sneak peeks of the Disney Destiny (debuting November 2025), including the "Hercules" stage show, dining experiences, merch collections and more. Meanwhile, the Disney Adventure reached a construction milestone — the ship was set afloat for the first time in Germany. In December 2025, it will set off on its maiden voyage in Singapore, becoming the first Asian-based Disney cruise ship.
- Expedition Odyssey is officially opening May 9, 2025, at SeaWorld Orlando! The park's newest experience — a flying theater ride — will journey through the Arctic, combining dynamic motion, real-world footage and the latest technology. From witnessing towering glaciers to pods of beluga whales, riders will soar, dive, twist and glide, as if they are moving with the ocean currents. Then, once off the ride, guests will encounter live Arctic animals, including beluga whales and walruses. Annual passholder previews begin May 1, 2025.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
