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.
- Space Mountain turned 50 earlier this week, and Disney World commemorated the iconic roller coaster's special milestone by honoring its history and influence, as well as donning the exterior of the ride in a golden glow on the night of Jan. 15, 2025. For five decades (and counting), Space Mountain has created so many memories for numerous families, including us frogs — it was Tad's first roller coaster!
- Grab your paintbrushes and easel! The EPCOT International Festival of Arts kicks off today, Jan. 17, running daily through Feb. 24, 2025. As one of our favorite annual events, the festival celebrates the visual, performing and culinary arts with artwork at every corner, showstopping entertainment, Food Studios and more. For more details, hop over to our main Festival of the Arts guide and food menus post.
- With the lengthy refurb that expanded its grounds and then followed by the holiday overlay, it has been some time since Haunted Mansion has returned to normal operations. Upon reopening Jan. 18, a new bride will materialize, using new projection technology, as she holds a three-pronged physical candelabra emphasizing her ethereal state. Her glowing red heart also nods to the ride's original version of the bride.
- Debuting during the Festival of the Arts, the Voices of Liberty will show off new costumes that will be featured year-round (except for the holidays). Disney gave a behind-the-scenes look into the costume design team's creative process. For instance, the color palette is inspired by a vintage American flag, and the sustainable fabric is made from 50% or more recycled materials.
- Over on the West Coast, the Lunar New Year festival begins at Disney California Adventure. From now through Feb. 16, 2025, celebrate the Year of the Snake with a themed procession (featuring Mulan and Mushu), character greetings, festival food marketplaces and more. Hop over to our Lunar New Year guide to learn more!
- If you're a frequent Disneyland visitor, who hasn't been able to snag a Magic Key, we have good news! All four tiers of Magic Key passes are going back on sale starting Jan. 22, 2025, no earlier than 8:45 a.m. Pacific time.
- SeaWorld Orlando's Seven Seas Food Festival returns Jan. 31, 2025, bigger and better than ever. This week, SeaWorld released details about some new food and drink items — including Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Cardamom Chocolate Torte Cake and Reuben Egg Rolls. Also, for the first time, the concert series expands to select Friday nights in addition to Saturday and Sunday performances. Headliners include Luis Fonsi, ZZ Top and Sara Evans, with more to be announced later. The Seven Seas Food Festival admission and concerts are included with regular SeaWorld tickets (individual food & drink items are separate).
- LEGO NINJAGO Weekends are once again taking over LEGOLAND Florida on select weekends from Jan. 25 to Feb. 17, 2025. Packed with activities, entertainment, character greetings and special treats, this year's highlights include the all-new Thunderfang Scavenger Hunt and new LEGO brick-building activities such as the Dragon Rising Mosaic Build and the Heatwave Dragon Superbrick Build. Event offerings are included with general admission on event dates.
- Disney Cruise Line shared a first look at the construction of the Disney Destiny, the next ship to join the fleet in November 2025. The ship's exterior is officially complete, with interior work now hoppening. Check out the super cool timelapse to see how it was built alongside the Disney Treasure!
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
