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.
- Accio, new wands! Universal Orlando Resort revealed a second generation of interactive wands (which go on sale starting March 1), a personalized experience within the Universal Orlando Resort app and five brand-new spell locations in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Available in four designs, the new wand collection will feature lighting and haptic vibration effects unique to each spell so guests can see and feel their spellcasting at each Wizarding World land, including the forthcoming Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. Guests will be able to connect these wands to Universal Play within the Universal Orlando app, select their Wizard Name, Hogwarts House, Avatar and Patronus and explore exclusive adventures. (And yes, you’ll be able to earn house points!) New spells in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley include freezing pixies, conjuring a patronus and repelling spiders — plus, there will be 14 confirmed spell locations in the Ministry of Magic.
- Butterbeer Season returns for its second year to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, running daily from March 1 to May 31, 2025. The newer tradition celebrates the beloved drink from the "Harry Potter" series with exclusive treats and merchandise. During Butterbeer Season, enjoy a limited-time Butterbeer Cream Puff at Three Broomsticks, as well as drink frozen or cold Butterbeer from a special gold souvenir stein. Plus, the Butterbeer Ice Lolly joins the year-round lineup of Butterbeer treats. The new merchandise collection includes a crossbody bag, fleece hoodie, T-shirts and more.
- Universal Studios Hollywood is currently constructing a brand-new roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Set to open in 2026, the thrill ride will feature vehicles that can rotate 360 degrees individually so that riders feel like they're drifting at high speeds. To make way for this attraction, the Studio Tour's grand finale, Fast & Furious—Supercharged, will close March 10, 2025. A new experience will launch when Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift opens next year.
- Some popular guests will be in attendance at Universal Fan Fest Nights, the all-new, after-hours event coming to Universal Studios Hollywood this spring. Rejoicify because Elphaba and Glinda will greet guests at the "Wicked"-themed photo-op near the main entrance. Additionally, May 15, 2025, has been added to the event schedule. For more info about this new event, hop over to our Fan Fest Nights guide, and you can snag discount tickets through Undercover Tourist now!
- Disney is famous for its storytelling, so runDisney took that reputation and ran with it (pun intended). Each race during the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will have a storybook-genre theme. The 5K features Pluto on a Sci-Fi adventure, Chip 'n' Dale investigate a mystery for the 10K, lovebirds Donald and Daisy bring on the romance for the Half Marathon, and Mickey and Minnie embark on a journey of fun and fantasy for the Marathon. Race registration opens March 11, 2025, to the general public, so mark your calendars!
- Sip and savor your way through DCA! The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival kicks off today, Feb. 28, and runs through April 21, 2025. Featuring more than 80 new food and drink items, the festival celebrates California's best cuisine, from craft beers and wines at Uncork California to corn chip chili pie at Peppers Cali-ente. In addition to eight festival marketplaces, you can also find more specialty menu items at other restaurants across the resort, culinary demonstrations and seminars and special entertainment for the whole family.
- Oink, oink! The second-ever Peppa Pig Theme Park opens March 1 in North Richland Hills, Texas. The theme park based on the children’s series, "Peppa Pig," is designed for young tadpoles with kid-friendly rides, play areas, interactive shows and more. The first Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in Winter Haven, Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in 2022. The Dallas area is becoming a theme park hot spot for tadpoles — Universal Kids Resort is set to open in Frisco in 2026 (more details were announced last week).
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
