Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and other theme parks.
- Calling all movie buffs! The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour turns 60 this year! To commemorate the diamond anniversary, Universal Studios Hollywood is hosting a celebration from April 26 through Aug. 11, 2024. During the celebration, the Studio Tour is receiving a nostalgic makeover that includes vintage photo opportunities such as the 1964 Glamor Tram and the iconic "Jaws" shark. Upgraded attractions such as "Earthquake — The Big One" promise a thrilling experience with new technology. Retro-themed treats and exclusive 60th-anniversary merchandise are available, along with a special Dining Pass.
- "We're almost there!" The Tiana's Bayou Adventure attraction poster, a second set of critter musicians and a first look at the new Audio-Animatronics have been revealed. Last week, we met the Zydeco band members, but this week we got a peek at the endearing Rara musicians. Rara, a form of Haitian folk music, is an important thread in the musical history and culture of New Orleans. The Rara critter musicians play musical instruments unique to this genre. On the new attraction coming to Disney World in summer 2024 and to Disneyland later in 2024, you'll encounter the Rara musicians as you float further down the bayou!
- Octavia the Bobcat is an adventurous daredevil who plays the vaksin, a single-note horn instrument.
- Pawpaw the Bobcat who has lived to tell the tale, also plays the vaksin. He's Octavia's devoted grandfather.
- Claude and Bernadette, the Louisiana Black Bears, a devoted pair known for their warmth and kindness, play the horn.
- Sebastián the Louisiana Black Bear is the cub of Claude and Bernadette. Sebastián is also a horn player and loves to adventure with his friend, Octavia.
- Phina the Gray Fox is the optimist of the group. As the energetic drummer, she's always thinking up new ideas!
- Disney Imagineering shared a preview of the Audio-Animatronics that will be featured in Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Several different Tiana animatronics will be situated throughout the attraction, as well as Mama Odi, Charlotte, Ralphie, Louis, JuJu and Eudora — all are incredible and Disney's "most advanced Audio-Animatronics figures yet." In conjunction, the new YouTube series, "We Call It Imagineering," will share behind-the-scenes stories about how these and other animatronics have been created.
- Adventure is out there! Celebrate Earth Month with new wallpapers featuring Disney's Animal Kingdom inhabitants, courtesy of Disney PhotoPass Service. All the wallpaper images feature photographs taken inside Walt Disney World, and you can use them for your phone, desktop or virtual meetings. In addition, new Magic Shots will be available at select locations throughout Animal Kingdom through April.
- Disneyland's Autopia is going green! Ribbit! To align with The Walt Disney Company's environmental goals for 2030, there are plans to convert this opening day attraction from gas to electric within the next few years. Ya know we frogs love those green efforts!
- Vroom, vroom! Speaking of cars, Test Track at EPCOT will close on June 17 for its planned reimagining, which will include nods to the original World of Motion attraction. Disney released a piece of concept art showing the new entrance. The revamped entrance will feature a new sign, canopy and two entrances — confirming that the Single-Rider option will still be in use. An opening date has not yet been announced.
- This is not a drill! Sabine Wren from "Ashoka" and "Star Wars Rebels" has arrived at Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland! She is making appearances for a limited time as part of Season of the Force. You may also spot Walt Disney Imagineering's BD-X droids rolling through Batuu. This galactic celebration blasts off on April 5 and runs through June 2, 2024. We've got all the event details here!
- Bob Iger dropped some HUGE and promising updates to the proposed 'Avatar'-based land planned for Disneyland Resort. At the Walt Disney Company 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, we got a first look at the "inspirational artwork developed for a potential new 'Avatar' experience." While nothing is concrete, it's certainly exciting and we'll keep you updated as we know more.
- Ready to step into the fog? The 2024 dates for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida have been announced! This coming spin-chilling season will start earlier than ever, making it the longest-running season to date! For all you brave frogs, the season will kick off Aug. 30 and run through Nov. 3, 2024, on select nights. Halloween Horror Nights features 10 haunted houses, five menacing scare zones and thrilling entertainment. Tickets are on sale now starting at $76 for single-night tickets with Undercover Tourist. We will keep you up to speed as more details are revealed.
- Finally, experience the excitement of SeaWorld's first-ever Seven Seas Food Festival 5K Fun Run on May 4, 2024. Perfect for all running levels, you'll traverse the picturesque pathways of SeaWorld Orlando. Wander through Sesame Street Land, Shark Plaza and Key West, even passing by famous attractions such as Mako and Dolphin Stadium. Additionally, special entertainment and photo-ops will greet you along the course. For the tadpoles, there's even a dedicated Kids Run for ages 7 and under. After crossing the finish line, both participants and guests can enjoy an exclusive Seven Seas celebration. A Seven Seas Food Festival Run finisher's medal will be awarded to all 5K participants. Registration is now open.
And that's a wrap for theme park news this week!
Hoppy planning!
