Leaderboard

Anakeesta has announced a $100 million investment plan spanning five years that will double the footprint of the Gatlinburg adventure park. Most immediately, the park's chairlift will be replaced with a scenic lift, the Firefly Village will be reimagined, the Treetop Skywalk expanded and a new evening Firefly Experience will be added to the park. Starting in 2027, the park will add new thrill rides and dining options to the park's lineup. https://anakeesta.com/blog/anakeestas-expansion-plans-for-2026-and-2027/ Anakeesta’s Expansion Plans for 2026 and 2027 Anakeesta is excited to announce Making More Magic—a $100-million investment we’ll be making in our park over the next five years. This expansion is the largest in the adventure park’s history, and guests can start experiencing some of our first major changes in early 2026. If you’re interested in visiting the park soon or want to know more about our plans for the park, check out our overview of Anakeesta’s planned expansions for 2026 and what these expansions will mean for visitors. 5 Changes Coming to Anakeesta During Our $100 Million Expansion Throughout the five-year project, Anakeesta will double its footprint, adding new themed villages, dining and retail experiences, and thrilling attractions. In 2026, the first of these expansions will be implemented, with a new scenic lift, a reimagining of Firefly Village, an expanded Treetop Skywalk, and an enchanting nighttime firefly light show experience. Find out more about Anakeesta’s plans for expansion in 2026 and 2027 below: 1. Next Generation Scenic Lift (Spring 2026) Since it opened in 2017, our original Chondola has done a wonderful job carrying millions of guests to Anakeesta. However, with more guests than ever visiting Anakeesta in 2025, we decided it was time to provide an even better riding experience. Our brand-new lift will feature 56 cabins with glass bottoms and large wraparound windows, giving riders 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains on the ride up to the park. During the four-minute ride, you can expect to see downtown Gatlinburg’s skyline, lush Smoky Mountain forests, and native wildlife. Each cabin has seating for six guests to make it easy for families and large groups to stay together. Before the new lift opens in early May, you can take the Ridge Rambler, a large adventure truck, from the base of the park to Black Bear Village in just a few minutes. 2. Firefly Village Reimagined (Spring 2026) Alongside upgrading our lifts, we’ll be reimagining Firefly Village to create an even more beautiful, whimsical environment that inspires connection. We expect the upgrades to be completed by Spring of 2026. Some of our top additions will include thoughtfully designed gathering spaces, winding pathways, and flowing water features. We’re also building a brand-new overlook that will give our guests another location to take in breathtaking mountain views of Gatlinburg. 3. Treetop Skywalk Elevated (Spring 2026) Already the longest tree-based skywalk in North America, we’ll be elevating our Treetop Skywalk experience in the Spring of 2026. When you visit our reimagined Treetop Skywalk, you can expect to find expanded bridges, winding canopy pathways, and soaring towers. With a variety of new vantage points to view the forest, it’ll be easier than ever to immerse yourself in nature and connect with what makes the Smoky Mountains so special. 4. Firefly Experience (Fall 2026) For around two weeks every year, the Great Smoky Mountains light up with fireflies synchronizing their flash patterns. In our expansion, we wanted to bring this experience to our visitors year-round, paying homage to the fireflies our Firefly Village is named after. Our new Firefly Experience will include state-of-the-art lighting features that mimics the fireflies’ synchronous glow. Year-round, you can marvel at a dance of light that combines storytelling, nature’s beauty, and unforgettable light displays. 5. Phase 2: Thrills and Flavors on the Mountain (Begins in 2027) After all of our Phase 1 expansions are completed in 2026, we’ll be ready to move on to Phase 2 of our Making More Magic expansion. During Phase 2, we’ll be performing even more comprehensive upgrades to the park, solidifying Anakeesta as a must-see experience in Gatlinburg. Some highlights from Phase 2 include new dining options and thrilling rides. These changes will give thrill-seekers more rides to enjoy while also making it easy for families to take it easy when they want to move at a slower pace! What to Know About Visiting During Construction While our park will be closed starting January 5, 2026, it will reopen shortly after, in March of 2026. After we reopen in March, the Ridge Rambler will take visitors up to the park until the new lift opens in May. Otherwise, the logistics of visiting Anakeesta won’t change much during the ongoing expansion. What Visitors Should Know About Anakeesta’s Upcoming Expansion Have questions about Anakeesta’s Making More Magic expansion? Check out our answers to potential questions you might have about it: When Will Anakeesta Be Closed for Construction? Anakeesta will be closed from January 5, 2026, to early March 2026. When Does Construction Start on the New Lift? Construction on our new scenic lift starts in November 2025, with the expectation that it will be completed by Spring 2026. Though site prep for the new lift starts in November, the park will remain open through January 4 before closing for construction starting on the fifth. How Will Guests Get to the Park Before the New Lift Opens? Before the new lift opens, our Ridge Rambler will drive visitors from the base of the park to Black Bear Village. When Will the New Lift Be Ready for Riders? We expect the new lift to debut in the Spring of 2026. What Is Different About the New Scenic Lift? The new scenic lifts offer more cabins (56 in total), more seating (six guests per cabin), and faster speeds (you’ll reach the top in four minutes!). The glass floors and expansive windows will give riders even better views than they could receive on the original Chondola. What’s Changing in Firefly Village? In 2026, Firefly Village will add whimsical pathways, water features, a new overlook, and many places to linger as part of a reimagining of the classic village. What’s New on the Treetop Skywalk? We’ll be adding new bridges, towers, and canopy pathways to Treetop Skywalk to give visitors more immersive viewpoints. What Is the Firefly Experience? The Firefly Experience is an immersive, year-round lighting experience inspired by synchronous fireflies that will be located on our Treetop Skywalk. What Arrives in Phase 2? Starting in 2027, we’ll be upgrading the park with new thrill rides, dining experiences, and additional attractions. Stay Tuned for More Updates on Anakeesta’s Expansions As Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s number one attraction, Anakeesta is proud to grow our park and continue to help our visitors experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. With mountain coasters, scenic dining spots, retail options, Astra Lumina, adventure zones, and many new planned expansions, we’re confident you’ll love your time at our park. Whether you’re visiting with your family, friends, your partner, or another group, you can find something your crew will love! Learn more about our upcoming expansion today. If you’d like to stay tuned to our expansion project and any special events, please sign up for our newsletter!

Nice!!

Universal Destinations & Experiences has released new details about the themed lands and experiences coming to the first ever Universal Kids Resort, opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/universal-kids-resort-unveils-details-of-themed-lands-featuring-interactive-play-areas-and-more/ Universal Destinations & Experiences unveiled more details about the themed lands kids and families will experience at Universal Kids Resort. The new resort specifically designed and developed for families with young children will open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. Kids and their families will be able to explore, imagine, and play while enjoying attractions in seven lands made for kids featuring iconic brands and characters: DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club Jurassic World Adventure Camp DreamWorks’ TrollsFest Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom Isle of Curiosity “Universal Kids Resort embodies the spirit of igniting thrill that drives everything we create — designed to bring our youngest guests and families together through play, creativity, and beloved characters and stories,” said Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative. “It’s a destination made for kids and, as a regional theme park, brings Universal’s signature storytelling to families close to home.” Inspired by that spirit, the creative team brought the park to life through a child’s lens. “We envisioned this park through the unbridled creativity of kids where infinite imagination, curiosity and free-spirited play were core to our design philosophies,” said Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative. “It produced a park that’s pure joy and an absolute celebration of what it is to be a kid.” Families will enter through the Isle of Curiosity, a whimsical gateway with space for kids to explore. This will be the spot to join the one and only Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse for a special meet and greet and a pawsome dance party. At DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Shrek has transformed a swampy shack into a waterlogged paradise for some ogre-sized fun for his three adorable triplets. Kids and their families will have a chance to meet Shrek and Fiona, and they can even take photos in the onion carriage. Two interactive play areas, Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, will allow kids to stomp and/or splash away. Families can also venture to DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar. From meeting the fearless hero himself along with Mama Luna, Perrito and friends to taking on the challenging carnival games Barriles de Leche and El Gato’s Meow, the feline fun will be in full force. Next, let the games begin at Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club where the Yellow Minions attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts leading to water-soaked fun. Families can take part in this action-packed competition, or just relax, and watch the chaos unfold. With a special Minions meet and greet and interactive play areas, there’ll be plenty of surprises. The excitement continues for kids and families as they experience awe-inspiring and thrilling moments exploring Jurassic World Adventure Camp. Whether it’s meeting a newly hatched baby dinosaur or climbing up the Lookout Towers play area to get a Pteranodon’s view of the park, guests of all ages will have an exhilarating journey. “With all the interactive play areas at Universal Kids Resort where kids can explore, discover and create, we’re really excited about this being a place for kids to play their way. We’re even going to support play with team members who will help kids dream up imaginary worlds with sidewalk chalk or spray themselves silly with water blasters. From blowing bubbles to belly laughs, there will be fun for kids of all ages and interests,” said Robinson. In addition to the park’s many play areas, Universal Kids Resort features multiple sensory gardens designed to give children and families opportunities to pause, reset, and connect. These carefully crafted spaces invite guests to explore through touch, sound, and color in calming, nature-inspired settings — creating moments of balance within a day full of play. More fun abounds at DreamWorks’ TrollsFest where the music will be bumping and the energy will be pumping in the liveliest party in Troll Kingdom. Families can meet Poppy, Branch and the rest of the DreamWorks’ Trolls gang at a glitter-filled meet and greet. Two interactive play areas will offer good Trolls-fashioned fun including Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl. Then, it’s time for an undersea adventure at Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom where kids and their families can have the best day ever as they get to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks in Bikini Bottom since “F” is for friends who do stuff together. There’ll be oceans of nautical nonsense as kids can explore Mussel Beach for some rest and Pineapple Paradise for some playful splashing around. After all the fun, families can relax just steps away at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel. The colorfully themed on-site 300-room hotel designed with families in mind will offer a place to stay and relax just steps away from the park. The vibrant site will also serve as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort. More details on the attractions, entertainment, merchandise and foods kids and their families will be able to enjoy at Universal Kids Resort will be announced soon. To stay updated on all of Universal Kids Resort’s newest developments, visit UniversalKidsResort.com.

Supernovae Productions on a Theme Park Roadtrip to Sweden Summer vacation 2025 was all about a trip with the final destination: Liseberg in Sweden. As preparation we designed a route with the help of coast2coaster, making sure to hit several parks along the way. Starting from Rotterdam, the trip took us through Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and back again to the Netherlands.  Day 1: You can find it here Tier-und Freizeitpark Thule  Day 2: You can find it here Pottspark Now we’ve arrived at Day 3 and the third park of the trip. If you rather watch a video full of nonsense click here: Right next to Strohnado stands a Vekoma Junior Coaster with the imaginative name “Achterbahn”. A quick and easy credit. Then there was Verrücktwärts, a shuttle coaster. And let me tell you folks: in the time this thing takes to get going, you could travel around the world, negotiate world peace, file your taxes, and enjoy a proper cup of coffee. Okay, I may be exaggerating—but it really gives you an idea of just how sloooooow this ride was. Given the layout, it’s hard to understand what the manufacturer (SBF-Visa Group) was going for here. Or maybe we coaster fans have just gotten too spoiled? With the heat, the water rides were a welcome sight. We started with the Rafting-bahn (river rapids). The highlight here was the whirlpool, but theming was minimal—just a few dinosaurs scattered around and lots of green vegetation. The waves were tame, and we came off surprisingly dry, which was actually a bit disappointing on a 30°C day. Luckily, there was also a log flume: the creatively named Wildwasserbahn. Two drops—one small and one big finale. Unlike the previous park, this time the final splash really got us soaked, which was perfect in the summer heat . Splash from the small drop Splash from the big drop We wrapped up the day with a ride on Blizzard, the park’s bobsled coaster. Earlier we’d considered skipping it due to the massive queue, knowing these types of rides are usually a nightmare for capacity. Thankfully, by the end of the day the wait had dropped, so we decided to go for it. These bobsleds are always fun, especially because you can control the speed yourself. Luckily, none of us got stuck behind slow riders, so we were able to go full throttle all the way down. Final thoughts on the park: pretty similar to the last two we visited—small, family-friendly, and only really worth it if you’re in the area. The coaster lineup was underwhelming (not in number, but in type). If you’re looking for something more exciting, Thule or Potts Park would be better choices. Tomorrow, we’re off to our first major park of the trip: Heide Park!

Are you ready! The Tormenta Trains will be revealed today! Pics courtesy of Six Flags Over Texas!

Universal Destinations & Experiences has unveiled the full lineup of attractions, shows, dining and shopping offerings that will be found at the Universal Kids Resort when it opens in Frisco, Texas in 2026! https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/full-details-of-universal-kids-resort-revealed/ Universal Destinations & Experiences announced the attractions, shows, food & beverage and merchandise experiences that will be featured in the all new Universal Kids Resort – a regional theme park specifically designed for families with young children. The theme park will open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. Universal Kids Resort will feature seven themed lands including DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity. “When creating Universal Kids Resort, we leaned into that childlike curiosity and invited play to be our guide,” said Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative. “Every detail was designed through a child’s eyes from signs at their height to colors that invite them in. The result is a park that celebrates the joy of being a kid — where imagination isn’t just encouraged, it’s embedded in every attraction, space, and experience.” Jurassic World Adventure Camp At Jurassic World Adventure Camp, the curious Ankylosaurus, Bumpy, has gone missing, so families will zoom through twists, turns, peaks and valleys on Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster to help find her. Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin will take families on a twisting and turning journey. Kids and their grown-ups can also enjoy the Pteranodrop, an exciting ride that gives brave adventurers a bird’s eye view of the park from high above. The Jurassic World Canteen will help tame T. rex-sized appetites for carnivores and herbivores alike. Jurassic World Outfitters will offer families the chance to gear up for some dinosaur-sized adventures with toys, accessories and more. From meeting a newly hatched baby dinosaur to climbing up the Jurassic World Lookout Towers play area or having fun at Paddock Play, kids and their grown-ups will have many ways to explore. Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom Jellyfish Fields Jamboree will be a vibrant attraction where kids and their families hop aboard their very own Jelly Angler to bounce around with the one and only SpongeBob SquarePants. Barnacle Bus will showcase Bikini Bottom’s sights and residents while Bobbing Barrels will feature water cannons for families to blast water at each other as they spin around. Of course, no day would be complete in Bikini Bottom without a boating lesson, so Mrs. Puff’s Boating School will have the class taking a spin through her specially designed course. Then for hungry Bikini Bottom visitors, Goofy Goober’s will offer guests chicken sandwiches, salads, hot dogs and sky-high sundaes. A sunken wooden treasure chest will be the home of Barg’N-Mart for all the nautical nonsense anyone could wish for, including sunny day apparel, toys, plush and more. With opportunities to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks, explore Mussel Beach for some rest and more, it’ll be the best day ever. DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp The attraction Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After will take kids and their families on a special ride through the story of how Shrek met Fiona. Built by Shrek for their triplets, families will ride along to relive the quest to rescue Princess Fiona, with help from Donkey of course. For ogre-sized appetites, Shrek’s triplets’ favorite eats will be served at Swamp Snacks including the Shrekzel. For swamp apparel, accessories and plush for the whole family, Triplets Treasures will allow parents to shop for themselves along with matching and complementary outfits for their growing ogres. Kids and their grown-ups will also have a chance to meet Shrek and Fiona. Two interactive play areas, Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, will allow kids to stomp and/or splash away. Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club Next, guests step into the mayhem of a spirited water battle, full of unexpected surprises that only Illumination’s iconic Minions can deliver. Grab a water blaster and join the action. A game of golf and a boat cruise are far from relaxing at the Minions Bello Bay Club. Find yourself in the splash zone on the Bello Bay Cruise as you witness the antics between the Yellow Minions and their Purple counterparts. Then, take the wheel and hold on tight as the competition spins out of control at the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby. Choose your side with pride by visiting Bello Bay Boutique and fashion yourself with Team Yellow, Team Purple, and other themed merchandise. And after all that mischief, you can recharge at Bello Bay Bites with some tasty Minion-themed snacks. Capture the fun with photos at the Minion meet and greet, discover playful Minion moments, and experience surprising water features at Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club. DreamWorks’ TrollsFest For even more fun, kids and their families can move, giggle and groove at King Trollex Techno Dance Party, an indoor interactive experience, or lead sound check and learn dance moves at a Trolls-themed amphitheater stage show. They can also hop on board Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express to twist and turn through the festival grounds on an armadillo bus ride, and they can soar above TrollsFest on the colorful ride Hair in the Clouds, featuring a mix of flower-faced balloons. Then for TrollsFest food, Trolls Eatz! will serve up a symphony of flavors in family-approved bites. BroZone Cones will offer ice cream from TrollsFest’s coolest boy band. To get ready to take center stage, Sparkle Shine Glitter Glow will offer the unique Troll-ify Me! experience, the ultimate Trolls makeover for kids’ and grown-ups’ hair to be in the clouds and their sparkles to be loud via headbands, apparel, make-up and more. For those looking for a more subtle look, Mr. Dinkles’ Market will feature colorful, concert-ready t-shirts, souvenirs and more. Families can also meet Poppy, Branch and the rest of the DreamWorks’ Trolls gang, and two interactive play areas, Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl, will offer good Trolls-fashioned fun. DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar Small heroes unite at DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar where Swings Over Del Mar will have guests flying high. Kids and their families can also enjoy Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day! where they’ll be able to see Puss in Boots in his greatest adventure yet as he returns to the village of Del Mar for a spectacularly silly puppet performance. For small heroes’ appetites, Comidas y Leche will serve up Puss in Boots’ approved eats. Then, purr-fect apparel awaits in Mercado de Perrito while candies and treats will make Tienda de Dulces the sweetest spot in Del Mar. Families can also meet the fearless hero himself along with Mama Luna, Perrito and friends. In addition to the park’s many play areas, Universal Kids Resort will feature multiple sensory gardens designed to give children and families opportunities to pause, reset, and connect. Isle of Curiosity The Isle of Curiosity will serve as the gateway to the other themed lands at Universal Kids Resort. Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party! will allow kids and their families to boogie with Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse. Cakey’s Cupcakes will serve up a variety of cupcakes in chocolate, vanilla and rainbow while the Universal Kids Resort Café will be a colorful spot to fuel up whether it’s sitting down and relaxing or grabbing bites for the road. The flagship Universal Kids Resort Store will be the one-stop-shop for gearing up for the day or finding best-of-the best from each themed land and a variety of merch inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse to dress the part for their meow-zing adventures ahead. “Universal Kids Resort is a place where kids are accepted just as they are, free to dance, dream, and play without limits or judgment,” said Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative. “For many, it will be the first time the worlds they’ve only seen on screen come vividly to life — moments that ignite creativity, confidence, and joy. It celebrates all the best parts of being a kid, the laughter, the curiosity, the courage to be unapologetically yourself, and in doing so, invites a new generation into the incredible thrills of Universal.” Universal Kids Resort Hotel As a place to stay and relax just steps away from the park, Universal Kids Resort Hotel was designed with families in mind. Rooms will sleep up to five or six guests. Standard Queen, Deluxe Queen and Signature Queen rooms will each offer a twin-over-full bunk bed and a queen bed. Family suites will offer a king bed in a separate bedroom, a queen pullout sofa and a twin-over-twin bunk bed along with an eating area. Curiosity Café will be a quick service restaurant offering hotel guests meals throughout the day. A full-service bar, outdoor pool, fitness room and a game room will round out the hotel amenities. To stay updated on all of Universal Kids Resort’s newest developments, visit UniversalKidsResort.com.