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.
Weekly Roundup of Theme Park News
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is now officially open in the Tree of Life Theater at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Filled with fun for the whole family, the 4D show features your favorite furry friends from "Zootopia," who are celebrating Zoogether Day (check out our full show POV if you don't mind spoilers!). Once you've watched the show, you can meet Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde wearing their new "Zootopia 2" outfits at the Gathering Spot. (This is the former meet-and-greet area for Russell and Dug, who now meet along the Discovery Island Trails on the opposite side of the Tree of Life). Take home a souvenir from the new merch collection, and don't miss the Zootopia popcorn bucket and themed treats. From Clawhauser's Big Donut Macaron to Cub Soda and Bunny Burrow Brew, you've got to try everything!
- The Disney on Broadway Concert Series returns to the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts with a star-studded lineup. Six new performers, including Susan Egan (Broadway's original Belle in the "Beauty and the Beast" musical and the voice of Meg in "Hercules"), will partner up with returning fan favorites, such as Adam Jacobs and Kissy Simmons. Performances take place daily at the America Gardens Theater, and you can secure reserved seating with a dining package. Reservations open Dec. 17, 2025.
- Over the last several months, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been freshening up its lobby and Convention Center. The new lobby design continues to take inspiration from the Victorian era while updating the stained-glass skylights, murals, furnishings, carpet and more. The transformation is nearly complete! Starting Nov. 10, 2025, The Perch, a new lobby bar, will serve a light menu with champagne, beer, wine, two signature cocktails and a nonalcoholic specialty tea. In early 2026, the Garden View Lounge will return with a similar refreshed look. Stay tuned for more details about a new tea experience for guests of all ages.
- 2026 is shaping up to be a frogciting year for Universal Studios Hollywood! The full 2026 event schedule is here, so you can start planning your next trip. Whether you're looking to celebrate your favorite fandoms during Fan Fest Nights or brave the frights of Halloween Horror Nights, Universal's event lineup has something for everyone. Plus, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the park's first high-speed, outdoor roller coaster, will make its grand debut next year.
- (*Cue Mariah Carey's voice*) It's tiiiime ... for festive feasting! The massive holiday foodie guide has dropped for Disneyland Resort. From sweet treats to the Festival of Holidays marketplaces, there will be special holiday menu items everywhere you look. We've got the full scoop on all the holiday food that you can find in the theme parks. And even if you don't have a park ticket, there's plenty of holiday dining outside the parks in Downtown Disney and the resort hotels, too.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off tonight, Nov. 7, 2025, at Magic Kingdom, with Disney Jollywood Nights following closely behind, starting tomorrow night, Nov. 8, at Hollywood Studios. Both of the separately ticketed holiday events offer exclusive entertainment, rare character greetings and more. If you're visiting this holiday season, consider attending one (or both!), but hurry — tickets are selling out quickly. You can save on discount party tickets through Undercover Tourist!
- Roaaarrr! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced an all-new Lion & Hyena Ridge exhibit, showcasing a pride of five young male lions and a pair of hyenas. Debuting in 2026, this addition will expand the existing space to more than double its previous size. Plus, you'll be able to step into the savanna through immersive glass viewing areas with 270-degree views.
That's a wrap on the latest theme park news.
Hoppy planning!
