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.
- It's time to save the date(s) and RSVP for the biggest party of the spring! Universal Orlando Resort has announced that Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will return from Feb. 3 to April 7, 2024. While we still await more Universal Mardi Gras 2024 details, hop over to our main guide to learn more about the celebration, including the jubilant parade, concert series, food and more. And start practicing your bead-catching skills now ...
- Big news for regional theme park fans: Six Flags and Cedar Fair have reached a deal to merge into one amusement park company. Together, Six Flags and Cedar Fair will own 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 17 states, plus locations in Canada and Mexico. Don't froget — Undercover Tourist currently offers discount tickets to all domestic Cedar Fair parks.
- From the upcoming Walt Disney Studios Animation movie, "Wish," Asha is now greeting guests at EPCOT, as of Nov. 1! You can find her at the gazebo near the entrance of World Showcase (across from Disney Traders). Check the My Disney Experience app for exact appearance times. She will eventually make her way over to Disneyland Resort, beginning Nov. 22 — the same day that "Wish" will be released in theaters.
- On your mark, get set, go mark your calendars! runDisney released its 2024-2025 schedule of events, which includes a brand-new Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend in 2024. Remember to jot down the registration dates as well. These popular races can sell out quickly!
- My fellow foodie frogs, we received the gifts of additional Disney holiday foodie guides this week! Disney unwrapped menus for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Festival of Holidays and Holidays at Disneyland Resort — plus a look at the gingerbread displays at Disney Parks. We frogs can't wait to try all the festive foods and merry drinks!
- We got a first look at "Luminous The Symphony of Us," the upcoming EPCOT nighttime spectacular, which debuts Dec. 5, 2023. The fireworks show will feature two new original songs, "Heartbeat Symphony" and "Beating of Our Hearts," plus new arrangements of favorite Disney hits. Fireworks, fountains, lights and music will shine a light on life experiences and commonalities of the heart, and how we're all more alike than different.
That's it for theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
