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:
- Let the good times roll! The annual Mardi Gras celebration has nearly begun at Universal Orlando Resort. Starting Feb. 4, Universal's Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval event will offer its jubilant parade (with a new "Mythical Realms" theme!) and savory New Orleans eats, as well as a frogtastic concert lineup, which was announced earlier this week. Artists performing this year include JVKE, Goo Goo Dolls, Maren Morris and Sean Paul. Both Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Six Flags Fiesta Texas have already started their own festivities, hosting family-friendly Mardi Gras celebrations since Jan. 14, 2023.
- Disney 100 Years of Wonder is right around the corner, beginning Jan. 27, 2023. Disney announced that Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway — which opens the same day the celebration begins — will only be available to ride through a virtual queue or by purchasing an individual Lightning Lane.
- Wahoo! Follow us through the warp pipe and into Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, officially opening Feb. 17, 2023. The land underwent a soft opening, providing some guests with a first look at its mushroom-esque merch, star-worthy treats and interactive games. Hop on over to our Super Nintendo World guide for a preview of the toadally awesome features it offers.
- Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure Park is officially under renovation. The outdoor food court will soon transform into the city of San Fransokyo from "Big Hero 6." There, guests will be able to enjoy a mash-up of Japanese and American architecture, and even snap a photo with Baymax himself!
- New details about the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival have bloomed! This year, more than 15 outdoor kitchens in the park will have specialty menus of fresh cuisine and beverages. In addition to the frogtastic topiaries that the festival already showcases each year, new shrubbery will sprout this March. Topiaries of Princess Tiana and Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from “Encanto” will make a grand appearance at the festival.
- It's a hoppening time at Magic Kingdom Park — character experiences are returning to the park beginning Jan. 22, 2023! This includes the popular meet-and-greet experience, Ariel's Grotto. The Enchanted Tales with Belle experience will also return Feb. 19, 2023.
- Leaping lilypads! Woody Woodpecker's Kid Zone at Universal Studios Florida, including Fievel's Playland, Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination and Shrek and Donkey's Meet & Greet, closed permanently Jan. 16. Although they are unknown as of yet, there are plans to build new attractions and experiences in its place.
- Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit! Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park is hoppening now. As always, there will be delicious Food Marketplaces, incredible entertainment and special character meet and greets. Returning for the first time since 2019 is "Hurry Home Little Lantern," a pre-show taking place before World of Color. And headlining for the Year of the Rabbit are Oswald the Rabbit and Ortensia the Cat (who will be making her very first U.S. Disney Parks appearance!). Leap over to our Lunar New Year food guide to see the selection.
- EPCOT's ongoing transformation has been touching everything from new rides and restaurants, all the way to brand-new parking signs! EPCOT revealed new character-themed parking lot names that feature Moana, WALL-E, Dory, Rocket and Gamora.
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.
Hoppy planning!