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.
- To save the galaxy or party down the bayou, you will no longer need to join a virtual queue at Walt Disney World Resort. Starting Feb. 25, 2025, Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT will use a traditional standby line. For expedited access, Tiana's Bayou Adventure will continue to be a Lightning Lane Multi Pass option, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will remain as a Lightning Lane Single Pass selection. While this means there won't be any active virtual queues for attractions at Disney World, the virtual queue system can return for future ride openings or seasonal offerings.
- Let the games begin! Level99, an interactive social gaming venue, has announced a new location is coming to Disney Springs West Side. A typical Level99 experience includes challenge rooms (themed physical or mental challenges for small teams of 2-6 players), duels (player vs. player challenges) and an art hunt, featuring local artists' work. An official opening timeline has not been confirmed, but we do know it will be Level99's biggest location to date, with over 60 challenge rooms and duels as well as a two-story bar.
- Duffy and friends are sailing for the first time aboard the Disney Adventure! Disney Cruise Line shared details about an all-new show, "Duffy and The Friend Ship," and more experiences you'll find on the new Singapore-based cruise ship debuting later this year. Guests of all ages can get a superhero makeover at Marvel Style Studio, and kids can join a tea party with Disney Princesses. Captain Jack Sparrow will battle a giant squid and hunt for treasure in an all-new show, "Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen."
- Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience will debut March 15, 2025, at SeaWorld San Diego. As a first-of-its-kind, the immersive aquarium will feature a variety of jelly species in three unique galleries. The exhibit includes a 10-foot-tall archway of moon jellies and one of the tallest jellyfish aquariums in the country, and uses LED digital video panels to create a 360-degree experience.
- A new aquarium is also coming to LEGOLAND Florida this spring! SEA LIFE Florida will officially open May 23, 2025. With 25 interactive exhibits designed for kids in mind, the aquarium will be home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 150 species. The main ocean display will showcase a "Theme Park Under the Sea" design — a unique theme not found in any other SEAL LIFE aquarium worldwide. To celebrate the opening date announcement, LEGOLAND Florida is hiding LEGO sea creatures around the park for a scavenger hunt, running daily from Feb. 22 to March 9.
- Universal revealed more details about the all-new Volcano Bay Nights, hoppening on select nights in April and May 2025. During the separately ticketed, after-hours event, guests can enjoy shorter wait times on 10 select attractions, meet DreamWorks characters and dance along the beach. Plus, enjoy complimentary treats, including a Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup, as well as specialty food items for purchase. Find out more in our Volcano Bay Nights guide!
- What if your worst nightmare never ends? Face your fears at Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round horror experience, opening Aug. 14, 2025, in Las Vegas. From vampires to creepy dolls that lurk behind every corner, you'll encounter four themed areas featuring original stories by the masterminds of horror at Universal. The jarring journey continues in four haunted houses: Universal Monsters, Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Scarecrow: The Reaping. You'll also be able to fuel up and find liquid courage at themed bars and food locations. Tickets start at $69 for one-time access and $99 for unlimited access to the haunted houses.
- Universal Destinations & Experiences also shared more exciting details about Universal Kids Resort, opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. Kids can explore six themed lands with kid-friendly rides, high-energy shows, character greetings and more. Explore Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob and friends, attend a glittery music festival with Trolls, help Puss in Boots with a kitty adoption drive, run around a swamp-themed playground built by Shrek, get into some (watery) mischief with Minions and come face to face with dinosaurs from Jurassic World. Plus, the central hub features play areas, shady rest spots and a retail experience featuring characters from Gabby's Dollhouse.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
