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:
- "The Bourne Stuntacular" is officially open at Universal Studios Florida! The all-new, epic stunt show surrounds guests with scenes and props from the popular film series, immersing them in a storyline straight out of the Bourne universe ... plus toadally awesome, action-packed stunts, of course! Universal released a virtual sneak peek so that you can jump in on the show at home! Have you seen the show? What did you think?
- There's a new baby zebra at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! Say "jambo" to Phoenix, the newest female Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal born at the resort. Phoenix recently made her toadally adorable debut at the resort’s Sunset Savanna with the rest of the herd. Did you know that there have been four zebras born at Walt Disney World this year (two of which reside at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge)?
- And if, like us, you’ve wondered what the animals have been up to (and cared for) at Disney's Animal Kingdom, you're in luck! Dr. Mark Penning, VP of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, took over Walt Disney World's Twitter for a behind-the-scenes look. Dr. Penning shared enrichments the animals are taking part in while guests are away, as well as some special appearances from "babies" we've reported on previously, including gorilla Grace and giraffe Jabari. We are counting down the days until we can hop back! (No, really — T-minus 9 days until Disney's Animal Kingdom reopens to the public!)
- Disney World's new Advance Dining Reservation window (60 days rather than 180) is now in place. That means if you had an active dining reservation on or before Sept. 2, 2020, you may now make a new reservation, beginning June 30, up to 60 days in advance of your visit. One thing hasn't changed: Disney Resort hotel guests may book for the entirety of their stay, while off-site guests can book 60 days in advance of each day of their visit. For more information, hop over to our full post dishing all of the deets, including a full list of the restaurants that will be available when Disney World reopens. (Spoiler alert: If you want to visit Phoenix, Sanaa is open!)
- Hoppy anniversary, Toy Story Land! Two years ago, this toy-riffic land opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and to celebrate, Disney Parks Blog released a 10-hour ride video of Slinky Dog Dash! Could you ride Slinky for 10 hours? (Yeah, us too.)
- Señoras y señores, buenas tardes, buenas noches ... We toadally love Mariachi Cobre, and always stop to watch their performances in the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT. This week, we got an extra treat when the group shared an at-home performance of "The World Es Mi Familia" from "Coco." We can't wait to tap our toes along with Mariachi Cobre in person again when EPCOT reopens July 15! ... for this music is my language, and the world es mi familia!
- Are you ready for the Fourth of July? SeaWorld Orlando is hosting a socially-distanced fireworks celebration. For three nights, “Light Up the Sky” will, well, light up the sky above SeaWorld's central lake July 3, 4 and 5. The Independence Day spectacular is included in regular SeaWorld admission, but note that specific-date reservations — available via the park’s website — will still be required to get into the park. SeaWorld has reconfigured the show so that it's visible in several areas throughout the park, aiding in social distancing efforts.
- LEGOLAND Florida's "Red White & BOOM" fireworks show is returning for the Fourth! And, for an enhanced experience, guests can grab a pair of specialty viewing glasses to transform the fireworks into LEGO bricks. Whoa! 3D glasses will be available to pick up July 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at designated locations around the park.
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!
