Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, Disneyland Resort, other theme parks and Disney Cruise Line.
- Get ready to "defy gravity." In late October, "thrillifying" new experiences inspired by the upcoming film, "Wicked," will be flying into Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. On the East Coast, "Wicked: The Experience" will open at Universal Studios Florida. Here you'll have the opportunity to step into the fantastical Land of Oz as you're whisked along the yellow brick road and into a variety of iconic locations from the film, such as Shiz University and the Emerald City. Fanciful costumes and props created by designers from the film will also be on display as you're immersed in spectacular theming that recreates some of the movie's most memorable moments. On the West Coast, the Feature Presentation and UNIVRS stores and the Universal Cinema will transform into epic "Wicked" experiences with props from the film, a "swankified" photo-op and — later in tandem with the movie's opening — costumes from the film. On both coasts, you'll find "fantabulous"-themed dining, including limited-time treats at Voodoo Doughnuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, as well as a wonderful array of "Wicked" merchandise, including elevated apparel, home goods, accessories, toys and more.
- National Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month is almost here! The culinary teams at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have both been hard at work creating delicious dishes inspired by classic flavors of Hispanic and Latin American cultures. In preparation for the celebration, Disney dropped its foodie guide for the month-long fiesta (hoppening Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2024) and we can't wait to sink our teeth into all the mouthwatering bites, such as the Cuban Burger at Restaurantosaurus hosted by IMPOSSIBLE in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the Mexican Street Corn at the Cilantro Food Truck in Disney Springs and the Torta de Milanese at Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure Park. Don't froget the refreshing beverages, such as the Blackberry Caiprioska at Connections Eatery in EPCOT and the Chef's Special Aguas Frescas at Tiendita in Downtown Disney District! Check out our guide to Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month at Walt Disney World for all of the ofrendas mágicas across the resort.
- "Do you remember the 21st night of September?" Well, Walt Disney World certainly did. It's been confirmed that the beloved Earth, Wind & Fire song will play on repeat at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind on that iconic date. You can bet our souls are singin'!
- It's almost time to deck the halls! Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios is less than two months away. As we're already preparing our dapper duds and game plans for the festive event, Disney shared a first look at some of the more than 20 characters we'll be able to meet during the nighttime holiday party. We can't wait to sing our favorite carols with Panchito and José Carioca, make mischief with Phineas and Ferb and tell Santa Duffy and Santa Stitch what we want for Christmas! Check out our guide to Disney Jollywood Nights to see all the yuletide fun that awaits us at this sensational seasonal celebration.
- Gay Days are back at Disneyland and the resort is celebrating with some tasty rainbow treats available Sept. 13 to 15, 2024. Enjoy Rainbow Macarons at Coffee House and Tangaroa Terrace: Casual Island Dining, a Rainbow Linzer Cookie at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta, Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Red Rose Taverne, Market House and Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and a slice of Rainbow Cake at Paradise Garden Grill, Aunt Cass Café and Plaza Inn. Check out our Pride Guide to Disneyland Resort for everything you need to know about this popular "unofficial" event!
- A frogciting piece of cruise news: Guests aboard Disney Cruise Line ships can now use their DisneyBand+ for easy debarking and embarking at all ports of call. Hoppy sails!
- An even more frogciting piece of cruise news: Bookings for the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Destiny, are now open! Beginning Nov. 20, 2025, this ship — featuring your favorite Disney heroes and villains — will sail from Port Everglades on 4- and 5-night itineraries to either The Bahamas or the Western Caribbean, including a stop at one or both of Disney's private island destinations: Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Save on your next cruise when you book through Undercover Tourist and enjoy exclusive Disney Cruise Line savings. (You can also score a FREE in-room decor set for a limited time!)
- Calling all Trekkies! When Universal Fan Fest Nights begin in spring 2025, fans of the iconic franchise will get the chance to voyage through the final frontier aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D in an all-new immersive experience. Learn everything we know so far about this thrilling inaugural event in our guide to Fan Fest Nights!
- Fan-favorite haunted house, Area: 64: Alien Outbreak, is coming back to Howl-O-Scream San Diego ... but this time, it's a full-scale invasion. These terrifying extraterrestrials are out for revenge and you'll need to evade them — as well as lethal security guards and raving mad scientists — if you want to leave with all your organs intact. You may come in peace, but they certainly don't. (Be sure to check out the map for this year's event if you want to start planning your escape route!)
- Knott's Spooky Farm is just around the corner and Knott's Berry Farm has dropped all the dastardly deets about the family-friendly daytime celebration. Little ghouls and goblins will be able to trick-or-treat around the town of Calico's shop and buildings as they collect sweet treats. Plus, there's even more Halloween fun to enjoy, such as meeting the Creepy Critters of Calico at Livery Stable, decorating a cookie in the amazing pumpkin patch in the heart of Ghost Town and exploring the confectionary-covered caves and caverns at the Calico Candy Mine Ride! Check out our not-so-scary guide to Knott's Spooky Farm for everything you need to know about this Halloween event!
- A convenient new way to grab snacks and merch has just opened at Knott's Berry Farm! Skip the checkout at M & T's on the Go Refreshments. Simply tap or insert your credit card to enter, select the items you want (you're only charged for what you keep) and exit! You can scan the provided QR code for your receipt or visit shop.getzipin.com. Toadally righteous!
- A fangtastic guest just announced his return to Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND New York. Lord Vampyre has awoken from his coffin and is just dying to meet you! Don't miss out on this monster party. Grab your tickets to LEGOLAND New York today!
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news this week.
Hoppy planning!
