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.
- Hoppy Birthday, Super Nintendo World! Can you believe it's been a year since Super Nintendo World officially opened Feb. 17, 2023, at Universal Studios Hollywood? To celebrate, a brand-new dining option —Power Up Cafe — will have its grand opening in the Upper Lot on Feb. 15, 2024. Until then, you might just be able to snag a new Super Mushroom Calzone or Fire Flower Pretzel during a soft opening. Other birthday party goodies include a complimentary, limited-edition 1-Year Anniversary button (available at Guest Relations) and a special-release Golden Power-Up Band — both available starting Feb. 17 until supplies last. Wahoo!
- Speaking of Super Nintendo World ... did you hear the EPIC news that dropped this week?! Universal Destinations & Experiences revealed many frogciting details about Universal Epic Universe, the brand-new theme park coming to Orlando in 2025. We now have gotten a first look at the five immersive worlds inside Epic Universe, including Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and an original world that ties them all together called Celestial Park. Plus, Universal confirmed the third hotel, Universal Helios Grand Resort, which will actually be located inside Epic Universe. Find all of the new details in our Epic Universe guide.
- It's time to catch some beads! Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval kicks off tomorrow, Feb. 3, at Universal Studios Florida and will run through April 7, 2024. Dance along to jazz bands or a weekend concert, dine on international cuisine and enjoy the main highlight of the event, the Mardi Gras parade. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
- Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel has completed its transformation into the new Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort. It's the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States and has touches of Pixar throughout the hotel from the lobby and pool deck to guest rooms. You can even meet Bing Bong from "Inside Out" or watch Joe Gardner from "Soul" play the piano in the lobby! Tour the new Pixar Place Hotel in our YouTube video above.
- The iconic SkyRide is making its grand return to Busch Gardens Tampa since its last operation in 2020. Now open starting today, Feb. 2, the gondolas will swing and soar above the Serengeti Plain (weather permitting), taking guests back and forth between the Stanleyville and Cheetah Hunt stations. It will cost $5 for a one-way ride, and Busch Gardens pass members can ride for free. Riders must be 56 inches tall or accompanied by a supervising companion.
- Rawr! Legoland California shared a first look at the brand-new Dino Valley land, coming this spring. Complete with new rides, character greetings and build and play areas, Dino Valley celebrates Legoland California's 25th anniversary — along with the park's first-ever parade, coming later in the summer. But that's not all of the bricktastic news! In 2025, Legoland California has plans to open a new space-themed land called Lego Galaxy, featuring an indoor roller coaster. Find out what else is coming to SoCal theme parks in 2024 and beyond.
- SeaWorld Orlando has teased that the ride track is officially complete for Penguin Trek, the family-friendly launch coaster opening this spring (SeaWorld's latest thrill). The new snowmobile-style coaster will take riders on an Antarctic adventure, ending up in the heart of SeaWorld's penguin habitat.
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!