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.
Weekly Roundup of Theme Park News
- Ho, ho, ho ... it's already time to start making your Universal holiday must-dos list (and checking it twice!). Universal Orlando Resort revealed additional details about the 2025 holiday season, which runs from Nov. 21, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026. Many fan-favorite festivities are returning, including Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas and Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. Tickets are now on sale for special experiences such as the popular Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast and the Universal Holiday Tour. Plus, for its first-ever holiday season, you'll find special lighting and decor in Celestial Park and Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe! Check out all the details in our Holidays at Universal Orlando guide.
- Debuting during Disneyland's 70th Anniversary, a touch of "Tangled" will join a classic, original Disneyland attraction. When the Storybook Land Canal Boats reopen this winter, guests will float by a miniature Rapunzel's Tower between Patchwork Quilt and Toad Hall. The stone wall even dons multiple wanted posters seeking Flynn Rider. During the day, an arrangement of "When Will My Life Begin?" escapes from the tower, while at dusk, "I See the Light" will play as the canal lights twinkle.
- We're getting closer to the opening of Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a 4D show located in the Tree of Life Theater at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Debuting Nov. 7, 2025, celebrate Zoogether Day with your favorite furry friends from "Zootopia" and "Zootopia 2." While most characters will be brought to life on the screen with "Carrot Vision" glasses, Benjamin Clawhauser will be in the theater as an Audio Animatronics figure. Annual Passholder previews will take place on Nov. 5 and 6, with two opportunities to join a virtual queue at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.
- Speaking of Audio-Animatronics, we learned that Disney will upgrade the Anna, Elsa and Kristoff figures in Frozen Ever After at EPCOT early next year, just in time for the ride's 10th anniversary. Additionally, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will debut in Summer 2026 with band manager Scooter as an Audio-Animatronics figure, alongside a team of penguin audio engineers. But he may not be the only Audio-Animatronics figure ... stay tuned for future updates by checking our What's Coming post.
- Disney World foodies, listen up! New specialty cold brew offerings are hitting the theme parks, as well as expanded cold brew and cold foam locations across the entire resort. Once you get your morning caffeine in, try any of the new 13 saucy chicken strips, featuring flavors such as spicy ranch, honey buffalo, sweet chili aïoli and more. Top it off with dessert — hand-dipped Mickey's premium ice cream bars are now available at select dining locations.
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has introduced new simplified packages at Disneyland and Disney World. At Disney World, there are now only three packages to choose from — The Fairy Tale Package (themed shirt with princess sash & cinch bag, makeup, nail polish and hairstyling), The Kingdom Package (princess gown, sash & cinch bag, crown & wand, makeup, nail polish and hairstyling) and The Adventure Package (knight shirt, accessories and hairstyling). Disneyland has an additional Enchantment Package, which includes a themed shirt and tutu, sash & cinch bag, headband, makeup, nail polish and hairstyling. At both Disneyland and Disney World, the Fairy Godmother now makes special appearances during your princess pampering!
- Disneyland Resort gate prices have officially gone up, but Undercover Tourist is holding lower ticket prices for a limited time, including tickets pre-loaded with Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Lock in maximum savings of up to $105 per ticket! Tickets are valid through Jan. 12, 2027, so if you're planning a 2026 Disneyland vacation, there's no better time to hop on it. Plus, Undercover Tourist tickets come with a 365-day refund policy (no worries if plans change!).
- Hot deal alert: Save up to 30% on select 5-night stays at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel from Nov. 6, 2025, through March 12, 2026. Unlock additional savings when you bundle your Universal hotel stay with your Universal Orlando Resort tickets, including tickets with access to Universal Epic Universe. Plus, Undercover Tourist now offers a flexible deposit option, so you can secure your Universal Orlando hotel stay for only a refundable $200 deposit, and then pay the remaining balance 30 days prior to check-in.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
