Theme Park News: A Sizzling Start to Vacation Season
Vacation season is officially heating up, and the theme park landscape is bursting with exciting new experiences, milestone celebrations, and immersive adventures. From coast to coast, parks are unveiling new attractions, shows, and meet-and-greets to delight guests of all ages. Let’s dive into the latest happenings in the world of theme parks.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Mega Movie Summer
Universal Studios Hollywood is gearing up for a Mega Movie Summer, a celebration of iconic blockbusters that have shaped fandom. From June 13th to August 10th, guests can immerse themselves in the worlds of Jaws, Back to the Future, Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, and Wicked.
Jaws at 50: Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws with the return of the iconic hanging shark photo-op. Meet and greet characters portraying Quint and Brody, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Back to the Future: The DeLorean time machine will be making a stop at Universal Studios Hollywood. Meet Doc Brown, Marty McFly, and even Einstein, the time-traveling dog.
Wicked: Get ready to be spellbound! Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked will be making special appearances for meet-and-greets.
Jurassic World Rebirth: A new dino baby will be hatching just in time for Jurassic World Rebirth.
How to Train Your Dragon: Toothless, the lovable dragon from How to Train Your Dragon, will be available for meet-and-greets.
Themed Film Foods: A selection of themed film foods will be available throughout the park.
Universal Fan Fest Nights: Don’t miss the remaining weeks of Universal Fan Fest Nights, where you can meet the Straw Hats, the Wicked witches, and explore Hill Valley in a Back to the Future experience.
Universal Orlando Resort: Epic Universe Preview Days
Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe is preparing to open its doors, with select preview days available to the public this month. Guests can get a sneak peek at the Isle of Berk, inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, and experience Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family-friendly coaster.
Disneyland Resort: 70th Anniversary Celebration
Disneyland Resort is kicking off its 70th anniversary celebrations next week. The Jonas Brothers have debuted a new single, "Celebrate Happy," to soundtrack the milestone.
New Character Cavalcade: A new park character cavalcade will feature the new song.
New Renditions of Disney Faves: New renditions of Disney favorites will also be included.
New Original Tracks: New original tracks will also be featured in the celebration.
The festivities begin May 16th at the Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney World: New Shows and Pirate Fun
Walt Disney World is introducing new villainous and sea-spirited experiences.
New Shows: Two new shows are premiering May 27th:
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (revamped)
- Villains: Unfairly Ever After at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Pirate’s Shack: A new pirate-themed lounge, the Beak and Barrel, is coming to the Magic Kingdom. The lounge is set to open at the end of summer.
Gaylord Hotels: DC Comics Immersive Experiences
Gaylord Resorts nationwide are partnering with Warner Bros. to launch immersive DC Comics experiences.
DC Summer: The collaboration includes participatory entertainment at select vacation resorts.
Gaylord Texan Exhibit: A special walk-through exhibit at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, will feature multiple DC worlds and 40 iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains in more than 1,000 glowing lanterns constructed by master artisans from Zigong, China.
Meow Wolf Dallas: Best Location-Based Experience
Meow Wolf’s Grapevine, Texas, outpost has been named "the best location-based experience" by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. This honor recognizes the immersive, whimsical chaos of the Meow Wolf brand, competing against major studio-driven parks.
