A.J.

Universal has officially announced the expansion to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan... Donkey Kong Country! https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/areas/super-nintendo-world/donkey-kong-country Step foot into an unknown, wild space with lush greenery. In this jungle where Donkey Kong and his friends live, you can hop on a mine cart from The Golden Temple for a thrilling ride through the mines, challenge yourself at a play experience using your whole body, and have loads of other wild adventures! Plus, you can check out all the food and merchandise in the middle of the jungle! Awaken your instinct to play and enjoy all the fun and surprises that the world of Donkey Kong has to offer!

Universal has released new information and concept art for their new resort in Texas - now called Universal Kids Resort! https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/universal-destinations-amp-experiences-creates-first-ever-theme-park-concept-for-families-with-young-children-universal-kids-resort/ Today, Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, officially introduces Universal Kids Resort – the company’s first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children. Located in Frisco, Texas and first announced earlier this year, this imaginative, original resort brings the company’s innovative style of storytelling to a new, younger audience. Universal Kids Resort will include a theme park featuring immersive themed lands that celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun – bringing to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow the youngest theme park goers. It will feature family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, unique merchandise, fun food and beverage venues and character meet and greets. The resort area will also include a 300-room themed hotel giving families a place to stay and to play following their day of adventure. “Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery and most importantly – play,” said Molly Murphy, President, Universal Creative. “We’re designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters.” Set in lush green landscape with a distinctive look, feel and scale specifically for younger kids, the park will deliver the quality the Universal brand is known for worldwide. Progress on the new concept is well underway following a groundbreaking in November. Universal Kids Resort will drive immediate economic impact for the region, creating thousands of jobs including more than 2,500 new construction jobs. Throughout the project, the company will remain focused on ensuring the resort adds value and positively serves the community.

Disneyland Paris has announced the offerings for the upcoming Symphony of Color event, including the Electrical Sky Parade nighttime drone show, and A Million Splashes of Color daytime parade! https://disneylandparis-news.com/en/spectacular-electric-parade-with-drones-and-new-daytime-show-kick-off-2024-at-disneyland-paris/ Starting January 8, 2024, life will be as colourful and joyful as in a movie at Disneyland Park! Over the first few weeks of the new year, Disneyland Paris will gradually introduce a series of exciting experiences that will add colour to cloudy winter days: Disney Symphony of Colours. This programme includes a new nighttime drone sequence, a new daytime show and brand-new decorations! AN ELECTRICAL DRONE PARADE TO LIGHT UP THE SKY Starting January 8, 2024*, Disney Symphony of Colours will kick off with a bang for guests, with Disney Electrical Sky Parade, giving them the chance to discover a nighttime drone parade in the sky! This feat will be made possible through an exceptional new nighttime show combining synchronised drones, video projections, lights and fountains across Sleeping Beauty Castle.The sky will be transformed into a palette of colours, thanks to the vibrant illuminations above the castle. This novelty will pay dazzling tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade, a nighttime spectacular that marked the history of Disneyland Paris when it was staged in Disneyland Park between 1992 and 2003. Disney Electrical Sky Parade gives nostalgic fans a chance to relive their childhood, and younger fans the opportunity to discover this iconic Disney Parks experience in a brand-new, never-seen-before format. Up to 500 drones will parade across the night sky in the form of illuminated floats, symbolising the various icons of the Main Street Electrical Parade, including Mickey Mouse and his friends’ dazzling train, Elliott the adorable dragon and Cinderella’s carriage. The unforgettable electro-syntho-magnetic music, which has been remixed for the occasion, will once again set the tempo for this spectacular festival of nighttime magic. To develop Disney Electrical Sky Parade, the Disneyland Paris Entertainment teams have once again collaborated with Dronisos, official technology supplier of Disneyland Paris and European leader in drone shows based in France, United States and Middle East. This breathtaking new show will follow in the footsteps of recent nighttime productions such as Disney D-Light, Avengers: Power the Night or the incredible Bastille Day drone show performed on 14 July 2023. A NEW DAYTIME SHOW CELEBRATING DISNEY ANIMATION AND PIXAR Starting February 10, 2024*, guests will be able to enjoy a colourful, musical experience in a new, energy-packed daytime show celebrating the animated films from both Disney Animation and Pixar, with a host of characters: A Million Splashes of Colour. This original creation, performed several times a day, will take guests on a journey through time to discover the stories of Disney Animation and Pixar – from timeless classics to the most recent hits. The colourful floats will be inspired by art, music and writing – the core elements at the very heart of Disney Animation and Pixar’s storytelling. Each of the floats will have its own visual identity and will be packed with many Disney details and references. For example, guests will recognise the float dedicated to art with its giant paintbrushes and oversized paint pots as well as labels that allude to Disney characters. Music will play a central role in setting the pace for this celebration, combining two original scores and a mashup of iconic songs from both Disney Animation and Pixar films in specially adapted versions. From ‘The Bare Necessities’ (The Jungle Book) to ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ (Encanto) and ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ (Toy Story), this selection of songs will delight guests of all ages as it showcases songs that have touched many generations. A wealth of colours will also be expressed through the costumes and make-up of the show’s dancers. In total, 30 dancers and characters will give guests a colourful and warm welcome every day. ENCHANTING DECORATIONS ON MAIN STREET, U.S.A. Main Street, U.S.A., a must-see when visiting Disneyland Park, will feature new colourful decorations from February 10, 2024*. The land will be decked out in dazzling decorations with sprinkling of colour, a twinkling of light and some flowery touches that ‘wake up winter’ thanks to Pixie Dust sprinkled by Tinkerbell and her twin sister, Perriwinkle. Celebrating the wonders of nature in both Winter and Spring, this new decoration will draw its inspiration from Art Nouveauand celebrate the richness of Disney’s stories. Over 50 Disney Animation and Pixar characters will be featured, including Donald, Tiana (The Princess and the Frog), Elsa (Frozen) and Woody (Toy Story). The main landmarks on Main Street U.S.A., such as the Gazebo and Main Street Station, will be redecorated to celebrate Disney Symphony of Colours. These decorations, conceived by the Entertainment scenography team, are made in collaboration with French artisans combining a range of skills, including sculpture and ornament modelling.

The separate thread that was created yesterday with the Reuters piece has been merged with this one. Please use this thread to talk about the news and do not create additional threads. Thanks everyone!

Tokyo Disney Resort has announced that Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea will be opening on June 6th, 2024! https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/special/fantasysprings/ Oriental Land Co., Ltd. announced that Fantasy Springs, the eighth themed port at Tokyo DisneySea® Park, will open on June 6, 2024. To enter Fantasy Springs and experience the new areas and their attractions, a Standby Pass (available free of charge) or Disney Premier Access (available for a fee) will be required. Fantasy Springs consists of three areas inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios films: Frozen Kingdom (the Frozen-themed area), Rapunzel’s Forest (the Tangled-themed area) and Peter Pan’s Never Land (the Peter Pan-themed area), as well as the Disney hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel. Themed to magical springs that lead to a world of Disney fantasy, this new themed port will be the only one of its kind in the world. At the entrance to Fantasy Springs, nestled between Lost River Delta and Arabian Coast, guests will first be welcomed to this world of Disney fantasy by an entry archway adorned with magical springs representing Disney characters such as Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel and Peter Pan. At Frozen Kingdom, with its beautiful views of the kingdom of Arendelle, guests can experience the Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey attraction and enjoy a heartwarming tale of two sisters that discover only true love can thaw a frozen heart, together with some of the well-known songs from the Disney Animation film Frozen. In Rapunzel’s Forest stands a tower where the long-haired princess, Rapunzel, has lived since she was a child. Here, guests can experience the Rapunzel's Lantern Festival attraction and take a romantic boat ride to the annual Lantern Festival. All photos are concept images. © Disney Peter Pan’s Never Land offers spectacular scenery, which includes Captain Hook’s pirate ship and the iconic Skull Rock that guests may recall from the Disney Animation film Peter Pan. At the Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure attraction, guests join Peter Pan and his friends as they encounter Captain Hook and fly over Never Land. The Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies attraction in Pixie Hollow, the fairy valley where Tinker Bell lives, welcomes guests at fairy size to enjoy the changing seasons. Additionally, guests can stop by new restaurants, a merchandise shop and more, each with their own unique charms that bring to life the worlds from the films. Furthermore, guests can enjoy a stay at Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel, which will be the sixth Disney hotel in Japan. This Park-integrated hotel comprises two buildings: the “deluxetype” Fantasy Chateau and the “luxury-type” Grand Chateau. With the addition of this new “luxury-type” option to the current lineup of “value-type,” “moderate-type” and “deluxe-type” hotels, guests can experience an even more personalized resort stay immersed in a Disney dream. To enter Fantasy Springs and enjoy the new locations and attractions, a Standby Pass (available free of charge) or Disney Premier Access (available for a fee) for eligible attractions in Fantasy Springs will be required, in addition to a valid Park ticket for Tokyo DisneySea. With a Standby Pass or Disney Premier Access for an attraction in Fantasy Springs, guests will be able to enter Fantasy Springs at a specified time to enjoy both the new area and the attraction. Standby Pass is available on the Tokyo Disney Resort App, and guests can obtain a Standby Pass free of charge after entering the Park. Guests will be able to experience any of the four attractions at Fantasy Springs with a Standby Pass. Once guests obtain a Standby Pass, they will be able to enter Fantasy Springs to explore the new area and experience the selected attraction at a designated time. Disney Premier Access is available for a fee, and guests can purchase Disney Premier Access using the Tokyo Disney Resort App after entering the Park. Guests will be able to experience three attractions at Fantasy Springs with Disney Premier Access. With Disney Premier Access for an attraction at Fantasy Springs, guests will be able to enter Fantasy Springs at a specified time to explore the new area and experience the selected attraction with a reduced wait time, offering convenience and added flexibility for those who wish to maximize their visit to this new area. Since opening in 2001, Tokyo DisneySea has been transformed after undergoing the largest development in its history, spanning an area of approximately 140,000 m2 . Taking just over five years from the start of construction in May 2019, there has been a total investment of approximately 320 billion yen in this project. The addition of the new themed port, Fantasy Springs, to the world’s only Disney Park themed to the sea promises to deliver even more moments filled with adventure and imagination to guests in Japan and from around the world. Guests can delight in the beginning of a new story at Tokyo DisneySea.

Disney has announced that Zootopia will be opening on December 20th, 2023! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/10/zootopia-opening-dec-20-2023-at-shanghai-disney-resort/ We are so excited to share that Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort will be opening on Dec. 20, 2023! Mammals big and small are invited to come experience the incredible land and all the details that make the beloved film come to life. Each element of the new land – from food and beverage, entertainment, merchandise and more – has been specially designed to immerse you in the mammalian metropolis. Let’s go wild and explore six ways to step right into the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Zootopia,” at Shanghai Disney Resort. 1. Immersive Zootopia Stories Around Every Corner Prepare to step into the vibrant city atmosphere of Zootopia like never before with storefronts along the streets that tell a unique story. Stroll by the Beaver Dentist, where you can listen to the sounds of patients having their teeth worked on through the window. At the Hibernation Hotel, a modern “pod” style hotel where Zootopia’s bears and other residents hibernate, you can even hear them snoring from their cavernous rooms. Don’t miss the Arctic Spa, specially designed for the polar bears, where you might overhear Mr. Big’s henchmen humorously discussing their plans to attend tonight’s Zootopia Day Concert. 2. Innovative New Attraction to Ride at Zootopia In Zootopia: Hot Pursuit you will be greeted by Officer Clawhauser. The boisterous cheetah frequently pauses to talk to the newest rookie police officers or rave about Gazelle and the big concert tonight. Chief Bogo then orders his new rookies to board cruisers to back up Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde and from there the adventure begins! From sliding across the ice of Tundratown to flying off the track onto the busy streets of Sahara Square, enjoy thrilling turns, spins, slides, and “drops” in this family-friendly attraction on a mission to rescue Gazelle from her kidnapper, Bellwether. This experience will surprise and delight your wild side as you have your very own experience in this sequel to the movie! 3. Land Details Found Around Zootopia Your journey begins the moment you step foot (or hoof or paw) on Mane Street. This street is lined with a variety of storefronts perfect for any sized animal that might find themselves perusing the streets. You will then be led to the civic plaza, Savannah Central, exactly where Judy Hopps once found herself when embarking on her great Zootopia adventure! Savannah Central’s fun, colorful, and animated advertisements are played on the large Zootopitron screen, showcasing the energy and vitality of this modern city. Behind this is the stunning skyline of Zootopia, which was originally inspired by a variety of city skylines in the animated film. At Zootopia Central Station, a large metro train can be seen passing behind an upper-level decorative stained-glass window. The train comes and goes as it picks up and drops off animal commuters, just as it did in the film. If you pay attention, you’ll even spot animal-inspired street modifications like “Cubs at Play” warning signs and vehicle height clearance signs to remind long-necked citizens, like giraffes, to be aware of their height when entering tunnels and underpasses, along with roads and streets that are accommodating of all animals of all sizes. 4. Zootopia Merchandise to Dress from Head to Paw In Zootopia, you can discover a wide array of unique merchandise upon the opening of the land, including the Disney Zootopia Cute collection, which will offer even more enchanting items and options. Fashions by Fru Fru, owned by Zootopia’s favorite fashionista and Mr. Big’s daughter, features vibrant colors and flourishes that match Fru Fru’s outgoing personality. Inside, you’ll find two special areas themed after Yax and Duke Weaselton, bringing more characters from the film to life. You will also discover over 200 products, many designed exclusively for the new themed land, including headwear, apparel, accessories, and much more, allowing you to dress up from head to paw! Collections will feature beloved characters like Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Flash, Clawhauser, and more, with careful consideration of each character’s species, personality, appearance, and story. You’ll also find items themed after iconic scenes in the film, such as Fashions by Fru Fru Toy Bricks and Tundratown Building Toy Bricks, making them perfect souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. 5. Unique Food and Dining Experiences From Zootopia-themed desserts to snacks, drinks and more, there is a sweet and savory safari right at your fingertips! Take a visit to Jumbeaux’s Café which is adapted to welcome animals of all sizes! It has even made accommodations like a lower take-out window for smaller customers, fashioned directly into the façade’s original elephant-sized door. Sink your teeth into a paw-shaped popsicle inspired by the ones made by Nick Wilde in the film! There’s also the Chocolate Marshmallow, which mimics the size and look of the Jumbo-pop that Nick tricks Judy into buying, but re-imagined as a raspberry-flavored marshmallow. If you’re looking for something on the smaller side, there’s the Mini Chocolate with the same look. What’s more, Officer Clawhauser’s favorite donuts will be provided in two different sizes, meeting the needs of all animals, big or small. Upon opening, there will even be offerings right out of the film, such as the Disney Zootopia Blueberry Pie created by Gideon Grey, the fox; the Carrot Shaped Lollipop that will remind everyone of Bunnyburrow, and more treats to come. 6. Characters Brought to Life in New Atmosphere Show Not only does Zootopia have attractions, food, and so much more, unique entertainment is on the way too! Imagine walking down the street and hearing the residents chatting with one another from their windows. You may even strike up a conversation with Flash the sloth or the Hopps family! This atmosphere show will bring the characters from the film to life in an innovative way that you can only find at Shanghai Disney Resort. Get ready to embark on this exciting journey into the world of “Zootopia” at Shanghai Disneyland, where adventure and fun await beginning on Dec. 20, 2023!

Disneyland has announced that the Paradise Pier Hotel will officially become the Pixar Place Hotel on January 30th, 2024! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/10/opening-date-revealed-for-pixar-place-hotel-at-disneyland-resort-plus-sneak-peek-of-great-maple-menu-pixar-themed-hotel-rooms-and-more/ Playful Pixar elements have been coming to life over the past few months at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland Resort, and we’re excited to share that the property will officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel on Jan. 30, 2024, becoming the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. Today, we’re giving you a glimpse of rooms inspired by Pixar stories, menu items to look forward to when Great Maple opens soon, plus what you can enjoy on your vacation now! Favorite Pixar Stories Abound in the New Pixar Place Hotel Lobby Pixar Place Hotel will evoke the inspiration and humor that goes into every Pixar film, while celebrating the artistic process. Showcasing early sketches to finished design, the art and decor will highlight vibrant Pixar stories, revealing some never-before-seen artwork. When the lobby is complete, you will see even more unique art inspired by Pixar films and be greeted by the iconic Pixar Lamp balancing atop its ball, with an imaginative mobile of beloved Pixar characters floating from the bright skylight above. The mobile will depict the beginning stages of Pixar filmmaking, when animators create the characters’ designs with their most basic shapes and colors. The characters you’ll see are at the beginning of their journey, just as the guests who step into the lobby begin their own story at the Disneyland Resort! First Look at a Reimagined Guest Room Featuring Iconic Pixar Characters Now, let’s give you a colorful peek inside one of the guest rooms! From pillows inspired by the Pixar Ball to lighting reminiscent of the Pixar Lamp, there will be whimsical nods to the iconic animation studio throughout these comfortable and contemporary accommodations. Some of the art was even created by Pixar Animation Studios artists especially for Pixar Place Hotel! The headboards will consist of concept art from a variety of Pixar features, including “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 3” and more that are arranged in order from warm to cool colors, sharing the importance of color to the tone of a scene. Great Maple Opening Soon, Plus More Snacking Details Revealed Now, let’s dish! Opening in November, Great Maple restaurant will bring its innovative menu of upscale comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This modern American eatery will serve a robust selection of dishes made from scratch daily including the Cajun Shrimp & Cheddar Biscuit Benedict, Soda Pop-Braised Baby Back Ribs, Charred Cauliflower Hummus, Maple Pecan-Crusted Salmon, Market Fish, a variety of inspired salads, and my favorite, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Maple Bacon Doughnuts! A few weeks after the ground-floor flagship eatery opens, more culinary delights also operated by Great Maple will open. A new grab-and-go coffee shop in the lobby called Sketch Pad Café will serve assorted pastries accompanied by a selection of coffee and tea. Plus, an all-new menu will debut at the rooftop pool bar to be named Small Bytes, serving up salads, wraps, assorted cheese plates and more which you can enjoy with signature beverages. Pixar-Themed Offerings You Can Enjoy Now If you’re ready to “dive in” to the fun now, you and your family can frolic at the hotel’s new “Finding Nemo”-themed splash pad and pool area! Recently opened for guests of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, this rooftop oasis features Pixel Pool, which is lined with relaxing loungers, along with Nemo’s Cove pop-jet splash pad, and the not-to-miss Crush’s Surfin’ Slide, a 186-foot-long water slide inspired by the coolest sea turtle in the ocean. The adjacent play court and pool bar will open later this fall. Near the pool, you can gather with friends on comfy couches surrounding fire pits inspired by some of Pixar’s more hotheaded characters, including Jack-Jack from Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and Anger from Pixar’s “Inside Out.” Back in the lobby, browse through the new gift shop STOR-E — a playful take on the Pixar film name “WALL-E” — featuring Pixar-themed apparel and toys, plus more Disneyland Resort souvenirs and sundries. Plus, a new and expanded fitness center recently opened, offering treadmills, free weights and more complimentary for hotel guests. Keep an eye out for a mural of Mike and Sulley running on a treadmill, inspired by Pixar’s “Monsters University.”

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced Phoenix Rising, a brand-new B&M family inverted coaster, to open in 2024! Get Ready for a Fiery, Family-Friendly New Adventure: “Phoenix Rising” Set to Soar Above the Serengeti Plain at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Spring 2024 “Phoenix Rising” becomes the largest family-friendly addition to the Pantopia area of the park and will be the first coaster to feature on-board audio Minimum height requirement of only 42 inches will have thrill-seeking families experiencing the exhilarating flight of the Phoenix aboard an all-new suspended roller coaster that will swing riders side-to-side 2024 Annual Pass members will be the first to ride with passes on sale now Expect a blaze of excitement in Tampa Bay this coming Spring, as Busch Gardens brings to life a legend with its newest roller coaster “Phoenix Rising,” – the park’s tenth coaster, and the largest family-friendly addition to the Pantopia area of the park. This exhilarating new experience will have family members soaring above the Serengeti Plain before going on an exploratory journey over the Pantopia region, with its vibrant colors, thrilling attractions, and more. Riders will feel the rush of the wind and thrill of the flight in this suspended roller coaster that enable ride cars and riders to swing side to side as the train races along the track high above the Serengeti Plain. “Phoenix Rising” will be the first coaster to feature on-board audio, enhancing the ride experience with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack, integrated into an exhilarating array of twists, turns and surprises for families riding together. The best way to experience Busch Gardens is with a 2024 Annual Pass and pass holders will be the first to ride the family-friendly coaster “Phoenix Rising” before it opens to the public. Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, “Phoenix Rising” is a family-friendly suspended roller coaster, traveling at speeds up to 44 miles per hour throughout the 1,831-feet journey. With a minimum height requirement of 42 inches, “Phoenix Rising” will be the perfect attraction for thrill-seeking families to embark on and have fun together. “Phoenix Rising” will be an extraordinary journey for our seasoned coaster enthusiasts and younger thrill-seekers alike,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “Joining a comprehensive coaster collection, this new attraction reinforces our commitment to provide guests with new, immersive and one-of-a-kind experiences.”

SeaWorld has announced new attractions at all three US theme parks for 2024, including a brand-new jellyfish experience coming to SeaWorld San Diego! https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seaworld-to-open-exciting-one-of-a-kind-marine-life-themed-rides-and-experiences-for-the-whole-family-in-every-park-in-2024-301941243.html?fbclid=IwAR2sI-YLXuCex8PumYog6zravF8H04-JShfKX9kej41HzW24oVO_4jhmoic SeaWorld is thrilled to announce it will open one-of-a-kind marine life themed rides and attractions in every SeaWorld park in Spring 2024. Guests to the award-winning parks in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego can look forward to epic journeys and experiences for the whole family that will leave them breathless, drenched, and utterly mesmerized. Attractions include "Penguin Trek" at SeaWorld Orlando, an all-new family friendly coaster for guests 42-77 inches in height that will transport riders on an unforgettable expedition through the Antarctic wilderness aboard unique snowmobile styled ride cars traversing an indoor/outdoor track that ends at the penguin habitat where riders can experience the enchanting world of these remarkable animals. The first of its kind at SeaWorld parks, the all-new "Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience" at SeaWorld San Diego offers an immersive and interactive view into the mysterious underwater world of glowing and graceful jellyfish, along with touch and behind the scenes experiences. At SeaWorld San Antonio, guests will celebrate the first splash of the much-anticipated opening of Catapult Falls, the world's first launched flume coaster and the only vertical lift in North America. The new attractions continue the SeaWorld legacy of blending marine life inspired adventure, discovery, and family-friendly thrills. The best way to experience the new attractions is with a SeaWorld 2024 Annual Pass on sale now. 2024 pass members will be the first to experience the new attractions before they open to the public. "2024 looks to be another fun year with exciting new rides in our parks and our first jellyfish exhibit," said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. "We know our fans will delight in the all-new lineup of marine life inspired experiences that gives everyone even more new ways to really enjoy our parks. And when they do, they can feel good knowing that a portion of proceeds goes toward our rescue and conservation work." "Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience" at SeaWorld San Diego Offers an Immersive Experience with the Beauty and Wonder of Graceful Jellies, the First at SeaWorld Parks SeaWorld San Diego is thrilled to announce the upcoming debut of "Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience" in 2024, adding another exciting and educational dimension to the park's offerings. The first of its kind for SeaWorld parks, the Jellyfish Experience will be the newest immersive and interactive aquarium at the park. Nestled within the Ocean's Explorer area, guests to the new exhibit will be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes in three unique galleries as if diving into the heart of the ocean. Glowing with an ethereal light, Moon Jellyfish, Pacific Sea Nettles, Upside-Down Jellyfish, and Comb Jellies will gracefully glide through the water, showcasing their hypnotic movements that seem almost unworldly. The experience features an 18-foot-tall cylinder, among the tallest jelly cylinders in the country, a 10-foot-tall acrylic living arch of jellyfish for guests to walk through for views from multiple angles, plus a vivid display from walls to ceiling that show virtual oceanic moments, ranging from calm waters to dynamic, energetic crescendos. Guests can also upgrade their experience with a behind-the-scenes tour led by an aquarist and learn more about jellyfish propagation and have hands-on experience to touch the ocean's translucent treasures. As part of the park's commitment to education, the Jellyfish Experience also offers a fun way to learn more from experts about what makes a jellyfish, the beauty and diversity of the translucent species, their behaviors and patterns, and how they have adapted to some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Plus, guests will come away with a better understanding of what they can do to protect jellyfish and our oceans.

SeaWorld has announced new attractions at all three US theme parks for 2024, including a brand-new family coaster for SeaWorld Orlando! https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seaworld-to-open-exciting-one-of-a-kind-marine-life-themed-rides-and-experiences-for-the-whole-family-in-every-park-in-2024-301941243.html?fbclid=IwAR2sI-YLXuCex8PumYog6zravF8H04-JShfKX9kej41HzW24oVO_4jhmoic SeaWorld is thrilled to announce it will open one-of-a-kind marine life themed rides and attractions in every SeaWorld park in Spring 2024. Guests to the award-winning parks in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego can look forward to epic journeys and experiences for the whole family that will leave them breathless, drenched, and utterly mesmerized. Attractions include "Penguin Trek" at SeaWorld Orlando, an all-new family friendly coaster for guests 42-77 inches in height that will transport riders on an unforgettable expedition through the Antarctic wilderness aboard unique snowmobile styled ride cars traversing an indoor/outdoor track that ends at the penguin habitat where riders can experience the enchanting world of these remarkable animals. The first of its kind at SeaWorld parks, the all-new "Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience" at SeaWorld San Diego offers an immersive and interactive view into the mysterious underwater world of glowing and graceful jellyfish, along with touch and behind the scenes experiences. At SeaWorld San Antonio, guests will celebrate the first splash of the much-anticipated opening of Catapult Falls, the world's first launched flume coaster and the only vertical lift in North America. The new attractions continue the SeaWorld legacy of blending marine life inspired adventure, discovery, and family-friendly thrills. The best way to experience the new attractions is with a SeaWorld 2024 Annual Pass on sale now. 2024 pass members will be the first to experience the new attractions before they open to the public. "2024 looks to be another fun year with exciting new rides in our parks and our first jellyfish exhibit," said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. "We know our fans will delight in the all-new lineup of marine life inspired experiences that gives everyone even more new ways to really enjoy our parks. And when they do, they can feel good knowing that a portion of proceeds goes toward our rescue and conservation work." "Penguin Trek" at SeaWorld Orlando is a Unique Family Friendly Coaster Experience to Traverse through the Antarctic Wilderness Aboard a Snowmobile Styled Ride Car on an Indoor/Outdoor Track that Concludes in the Penguin Habitat Designed as THE ultimate family launch coaster experience, "Penguin Trek" features a unique snowmobile styled ride car where once aboard, riders will embark on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica as they join a penguin research mission unlike any other. Featuring two exhilarating launches and a maze of twists and turns, this unforgettable coaster moves at speeds of up to 43 mph across a 3,020-foot track that traverses both indoors and outside. Yet, what sets this experience apart as truly extraordinary is its unparalleled finale: as the coaster comes to a halt, guests find themselves not in a simulated penguin colony, but in the very heart of SeaWorld Orlando's own penguin habitat. An experience for the whole family, the ride accommodates rider heights from 42-inches to 77-inches. A unique and immersive blend of coaster thrills and authentic animal interaction offers the whole family the spirit of adventure and exploration, while further connecting SeaWorld's mission and commitment to animal care, education, and research. Coming in Spring 2024, "Penguin Trek" is the eagerly awaited eighth coaster to join SeaWorld Orlando's ever-expanding ride portfolio.

We have news out of Destination D23 for all sorts of new stuff coming to Magic Kingdom! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/09/new-country-bear-disney-songs-pirates-lounge-hatbox-ghost-coming-to-magic-kingdom/ Country Bear Jamboree will be getting new songs and the bears will be performing a new act! Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty told the Destination D23 audience that when the show debuts, the bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country and other styles. Imagineers are envisioning the new take as a homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound. The popular attraction will continue to have the fun and friendly tone and same characters. In late November, the legendary Hatbox Ghost will be materializing in the Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The iconic grim grinning ghost will appear in the Haunted Mansion attraction as you pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at passing Doom Buggies. Imagineer Daniel Joseph joined Josh on the Destination D23 stage over the weekend for the announcement and shared details about the arrival of Hatbox Ghost. Also, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. This first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Imagineers are currently in the design process and more details will be coming.

We have news out of Destination D23 for all sorts of new stuff coming to EPCOT! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/09/opening-dates-revealed-for-new-epcot-fireworks-show-figment-moana-and-more/ A new nighttime spectacular called “Luminous The Symphony of Us” will debut at EPCOT on Dec. 5, 2023! “Luminous The Symphony of Us” will feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects and music and continue Disney’s long tradition of amazing nighttime entertainment at the park. Fan-favorite Figment will begin greeting guests at EPCOT on Sept. 10! Beginning tomorrow, the iconic purple dragon will be at the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT sparking your creativity and helping your imagination soar. Check out our new five fun Figment facts story featuring some new must-have fashion items. The World Celebration neighborhood at EPCOT will begin welcoming guests this December! World Celebration will unite the front of the park, tying together the other two new EPCOT neighborhoods, World Discovery and World Nature. The completion of the last of the park’s three neighborhoods is the latest major milestone in EPCOT’s multi-year transformation. Also, the popular Test Track attraction at EPCOT is being reimagined! Imagineers along with teams from corporate alliance partner Chevrolet are reaching back into history for inspiration – from the original World of Motion – and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of Test Track! More to come in the future. And Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open on Oct. 16, 2023! Journey of Water is a new walk-through experience located within World Nature – the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world. Also on Oct. 16 – Moana will arrive in World Nature and make her first appearance in her own dedicated space near Journey of Water.

Disney has unveiled new details about the Zootopia themed land at Shanghai Disneyland, including the main attraction, Zootopia Hot Pursuit! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/09/shanghai-disney-resort-reveals-attraction-details-dining-experiences-and-more-for-zootopia-a-new-themed-land/ Save the day on Zootopia: Hot Pursuit Attraction Get ready to become a rookie police officer at the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD)! Set after the Walt Disney Animation Studios film’s timeline, residents of Zootopia are gearing up for a big concert celebrating Zootopia Day featuring Gazelle. When you walk into the ZPD for orientation, you’ll be greeted by Officer Clawhauser. Suddenly, an alarm sounds and you’ll be whisked away to an emergency briefing delivered by Chief Bogo where you’ll learn that Gazelle has been kidnapped — on the day of the anticipated concert! Before you know it, you’ll be assigned to back up Officer Judy Hopps and her partner, Nick Wilde, now officially a police officer, in an action-filled police chase. Here you will traverse across Zootopia’s iconic terrains, sliding across the ice of Tundra Town, prowling for fugitives through the streets of Sahara Square, sharing a too-close-for-comfort encounter at Mystic Springs Oasis, and plummeting from the canopies of the Rainforest District all in pursuit of Bellwether and her gang to track down Gazelle. Meet and interact with many of your favorite characters from Zootopia One-of-a-kind live entertainment experiences await, bringing Disney Animation’s Zootopia and its residents to life! Catch a glimpse of many of your favorite characters, including Fru Fru and her father Mr. Big, along with Koslov the polar bear, Flash the sloth, Yax the yak, Duke Weaselton the weasel, and even the Hopps family who appear to interact amongst themselves (and sometimes even with you!) throughout the day from the windows of Zootopia’s beautifully iconic buildings. You’ll also be able to take a selfie with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde at the Zootopia Recruitment Station. Who wouldn’t want a photo with this fun duo?! Familiar treats and shopping awaits We wanna try everything on offer at Zootopia! So many delicious Zootopified food and beverage offerings await at Jumbeaux’s Cafe, an ice cream shop that fans of the movie may recognize. Enjoy a sweet yet tart paw-shaped Disney Zootopia popsicle, as seen in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, grab a Chocolate Marshmallow to fuel your park adventures, or try Officer Clawhauser’s favorite donuts! After satisfying your taste buds, why not indulge in a little shopping? Head into Fashions by Fru Fru, owned by resident fashionista, Fru Fru, which is right by the entrance of Mane Street. Shop for the perfect gifts for family and friends amongst hundreds of different themed products including the Zootopia Cute collection as well as fun new headwear, apparel, accessories and more. Inside the store, you’ll also find two special areas themed after Yax and Duke Weaselton.

Great Escape has announced Bobcat, a brand-new wooden coaster for 2024! https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230830146448/en/The-All-New-Bobcat-Coaster-Pounces-into-Six-Flags-Great-Escape-in-2024 Six Flags Great Escape, the thrill capital of upstate New York, proudly announces a brand-new roller coaster for 2024, The Bobcat. This exciting addition marks the first new wooden coaster introduced to New York state since 1999 and is the first new coaster to be constructed at Six Flags Great Escape since 2003. Replacing the Alpine Bobsled which retires September 4, 2023, the family coaster features an adventurous mix of speed, airtime, twists and turns. “We knew we had to find a perfect fit to replace the Alpine Bobsled in the hearts of our guests,” said Resort President Rebecca Wood. “This beautiful, all-natural wooden family coaster will deliver a smooth, fast and heart-pounding experience. It is sure to be an instant classic.” Fast facts about The Bobcat: Speeds up to nearly 40 mph; Height: 55.4 feet; Length: 1412 feet; 2 trains, 12 passengers per train; Height requirement: 42” with person of responsibility, 48” to ride alone; Beautiful, natural design to compliment park surroundings; Revolutionary coaster trains provide smooth rider experience. Pending Town of Queensbury approval, The Bobcat will begin its prowl in the spring of 2024, just in time for the park’s 70th anniversary celebration. A perfect complement to the fabled Comet, The Bobcat will provide the unique feel of a quintessential wooden coaster, introducing thrill-seekers to quick turns, spunky drops and heart-pumping excitement aboard a custom, state-of-the-art, themed train.

Disney has announced that Disneyland will be giving The Haunted Mansion an outdoor plaza expansion and new retail location! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/08/new-haunted-mansion-grounds-expansion-retail-shop-coming-to-disneyland-resort-in-2024/ The stately grounds of the Haunted Mansion will expand with a spirited metamorphosis at Disneyland Resort next year. In 2024, the additions will build on the story and lore of the Haunted Mansion and include an expanded outdoor queue to immerse guests in enhanced theming, as well as a new retail shop adjacent to the attraction’s exit. Local legend suggests the manor known today as the Haunted Mansion was first built by a prosperous sea captain. To this day, the mansion’s staff faithfully maintains the happy haunting grounds. The expanded queue will tie into these stories and more, including new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota and the one-eyed cat. Each of the gardens will feature unique elements ranging from a water fountain and gazebo to themed statuary and landscaping. In fact, guests will be able to see a new greenhouse where the groundskeepers for the Haunted Mansion grow their plants. The pet cemetery and horse-drawn funeral hearse will continue to reside on the attraction’s grounds. And speaking of Madame Leota, we felt it was time to continue her presence beyond the walls of the Haunted Mansion with an all-new retail shop. This carriage house of the mansion, belonging to Leota, will be a standalone shop that we are just “dying” to tell you more about in the future. We also will make enhancements to the plaza adjacent to Tiana’s Palace. This area is one that holds a lot of memories and history, and a new, elegant park-like setting will be a place to relax and enjoy the ambiance and live entertainment under the shade of new and historic trees. Construction on these additions will begin in January 2024. We will take the opportunity to help improve the accessibility of these areas which includes a new elevator exit from the Haunted Mansion for guests with disabilities.

Silver Dollar City has announced a brand-new version of Fire in the Hole to open in 2024! Silver Dollar City today announces the new groundbreaking $30 million FIRE IN THE HOLE indoor family roller coaster, the largest in the Midwest. Opening in spring of 2024, the highly-anticipated attraction joins the park’s lineup of revolutionary rides. Located in the newly incorporated Fire District, FIRE IN THE HOLE doubles the size of one of The City’s most popular areas, already home to Station No. 3 firehouse and a collection of family-friendly attractions. Just ten months ago, the 1880s theme park, Silver Dollar City revealed an additional $30 million investment in new guest experiences and improvements, hinting at further development in the next five years. Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, recently announced Silver Dollar City, located in the picturesque Ozark Mountains, as the number one amusement park in the United States based on traveler reviews and ratings. “Signifying our biggest investment in a single attraction, FIRE IN THE HOLE continues Silver Dollar City’s strategic, multi-phased growth plan offering families opportunities to play and stay together in the heart of the Ozarks,” said Brad Thomas, President of the Silver Dollar City Company. “Spurring the creation of The Fire District, the custom-designed FIRE IN THE HOLE makes history as the Heartland’s largest indoor coaster. As the District’s anchor attraction, it will be a favorite rite of passage for families where one generation introduces the next generation to this adventure and where the heroes of today spark the heroes of tomorrow.” The coaster experience, with a powered incline and gravity descent, including three drops and a quick splash-landing, promises a thrilling ride. In addition, a custom soundtrack with high-resolution onboard audio, show lighting effects and enhanced special effects, like using fiber optics to create a fast-burning fuse, heightens the ride experience and brings the FIRE IN THE HOLE story to life. Nearly a third-of-a-mile long, the new ride is housed in a five-story, temperature-controlled building to ensure ridership regardless of weather. True to Silver Dollar City’s roots, the new ride's storyline is steeped in authentic regional heritage as the story is a fictional account of a real night in Ozark Mountain history when the mining town of Marmaros was burned to the ground by notorious vigilantes called the Baldknobbers. Created for multiple generations, FIRE IN THE HOLE depicts the day when Silver Dollar City citizens of all ages are pressed into service to save their town. The makers of the finest fire wagons in America’s Heartland, the Silver Dollar City Pumper Factory, invite the townspeople to the unveiling of their newest model. Instead, the visitors find the town in flames due to the reckless Baldknobbers. Ignited into action, everyone bands together to battle the fire. Known for pioneering innovation in the theme park industry, and a decade since they first teamed together on the history-making, award-winning Outlaw Run, Silver Dollar City once again partners with Idaho-based Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) to custom engineer and manufacture the new FIRE IN THE HOLE. “Like Silver Dollar City, Rocky Mountain Construction is committed to creating custom-built ride experiences that haven’t been done before,” said Darren Torr, President of RMC. “We loved the challenge of engineering, fabricating, and installing the one-of-a-kind FIRE IN THE HOLE, creating a new ride experience while honoring a legendary coaster. It feels fondly familiar, yet it will be daringly different.” The new attraction is inspired by the original FIRE IN THE HOLE attraction, first imagined, engineered and custom built at Silver Dollar City in 1972. Now celebrating its final season at the Ozarks park, the first FIRE IN THE HOLE made history when it opened, being lauded as one of the world’s first indoor roller coasters. To date, more than 25 million guests have experienced the original Ozark adventure and final rides continue through the end of the 2023 season.

Kings Island has announced Camp Snoopy, an expansion to Planet Snoopy, for 2024! This includes a brand-new Vekoma family boomerang! https://www.visitkingsisland.com/new-in-2024 New in 2024 Attention Campers! Join Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts next year at Kings Island’s new Camp Snoopy. Opening in 2024, the expansion of the park’s award-winning Planet Snoopy kids’ area will feature Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers, a brand-new family roller coaster that races both forward and backward; and Beagle Scout Acres, an area where kids can run, crawl, play or relax with the family in a shaded comfortable space. Snoopy's Soap Box Racers Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers takes the classic fun of a soap box racing derby to a whole new level as both parents and kids climb aboard their favorite Peanuts-decorated soap box coaster car and are hoisted up a 70-foot hill to the starting line. As Snoopy waves the checkered flag, riders will be released and launched forward onto a track full of exhilarating twists and turns, passing the camp lookout station, racing toward the finish line up ahead. And, just as they think they are about to cross it, the entire train of soap box cars will roll backward, traversing the same course, now in reverse! Beagle Scout Acres Beagle Scout Acres is an area where kids can run, crawl, play or relax with the family in a shaded comfortable space. Explore a campsite filled with turfed mounds and grassy areas, interactive equipment to makes noise, tents to climb through or over and footprint paths made by Woodstock and his friends. New Ways To Play Experience new ways for kids and families to play at Kings Island with Camp Snoopy. It’s guaranteed to feel like a day at camp where you can play your way by exploring and relaxing in the great outdoors with Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts. Members of the Peanuts gang will lead you in Camptivities where you can raise the flag up the flagpole, light a campfire or make the camp bugle sound! Then, when you need a break, sit with the whole family and enjoy a snack.

Dorney Park has announced their first brand-new coaster in almost two decades - Iron Menace, a B&M dive coaster! https://www.dorneypark.com/new-in-2024 Forge your own fate on Iron Menace, the northeast’s first dive coaster. Firing up in 2024, this new ride at Dorney Park suspends riders 160 feet in the air before plummeting at a beyond-vertical, 95-degree drop. Four mind-twisting inversions and speeds up to 64 miles per hour leave riders of this drop coaster spellbound—and burning for more. Backstory: The Mystery Behind the Menace In the early 1900s, Scottish businessman Hiram S. McTavish opened McTavish Steel Mill, a direct competitor to Bethlehem Steel Company. Greed dictated McTavish’s every move, and he was well known to prioritize profits above people. With an eye on maximizing output, McTavish created a massive hauler he dubbed “Iron Menace,” a device the steel industry had never seen. The rail transporter moved workers and ore at record volumes and dizzying speeds. Suddenly the greedy steel baron mysteriously disappeared—no one knows how or where. Shortly after, McTavish Steel Mill closed. All that remains today are the mill’s decrepit shell, rusty relics and wild tales of the owner’s whereabouts. The Drop Just as it did in the early 1900s, the Iron Menace hauls riders throughout the now-defunct steel mill. The hulking train elevates riders to a height of 160 feet and lets them dangle over the edge—face-down—for what seems forever. Suddenly the train releases, and riders dive down 95 degrees. (Remember from math class that a 90-degree drop is straight down, so this drop is BEYOND straight down.) Four Inversions Only the most twisted thrill rides offer numerous inversions, and Iron Menace boasts four. After the initial, beastly drop, the train pulls up sharply and flips 180 degrees in an Immelmann inversion. A zero g-roll dishes out a 360-degree inversion in wild weightlessness. A tilted loop (the world’s first on a dive coaster) and a mind-bending, 360-degree corkscrew spin leave you wondering which way is up—and counting the seconds until you can ride again.

Cedar Point has announced Top Thrill 2, an update to Top Thrill Dragster re-engineered by Zamperla! SANDUSKY, Ohio (Aug. 1, 2023) – Cedar Point, The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®, will once again redefine roller coaster innovation in 2024 with the debut of Top Thrill 2, the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata roller coaster. The strata coaster, known as any roller coaster eclipsing a height of 400 feet, was first pioneered by Cedar Point in 2003. The park will build on that legacy with not one, but two, 420-foot-tall track towers, putting riders in the driver’s seat for one of the greatest races of all time. A New Formula for Thrills Riders will immerse themselves as they join the CP Racing Team and climb into one of three, sleek high-performance racing vehicles. Each of Top Thrill 2’s trains will feature open-air seating, providing heart-pounding views on the world’s first and only dual-tower vertical speedway. On the start, using an all-new linear synchronous motor (LSM) launch system, riders will peel out down the straightaway reaching speeds of 74 mph, racing toward the sky on Top Thrill 2’s original 420-foot-tall “top hat” tower. After experiencing weightlessness during the “rollback” – the coveted fan-favorite moment when the train’s momentum isn’t great enough to make it up and over the tower – the train shifts into reverse and into its second launch, reaching speeds of 101 mph. Riders will then see Cedar Point unlike ever before as they speed into a backward climb at a 90-degree angle on a new, 420-foot-tall track tower. After a second moment of weightlessness, the train shifts into drive and races forward into its third launch, clocking in at the ride’s top speed of 120 mph. Crossing over the top hat tower, the train decelerates momentarily before diving into a 270-degree spiral and crossing the finish line. “Top Thrill 2 will be the boldest and most advanced roller coaster Cedar Point has ever introduced. It’s another one-of-a-kind that could only be built at Cedar Point,” said Carrie Boldman, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. “Our stamp on the industry is in roller coaster innovation, and today, that’s solidified as we redefine the strata coaster into a mega-thrill that our guests will come from far and wide to experience.” Delivering High-Tech Racing Performance Partnering with Cedar Point and utilizing the ride’s original and iconic top hat tower, Zamperla Rides and its Roller Coaster Business Unit engineered and designed a completely new experience. Top Thrill 2 is one of the first roller coasters in the world to utilize Zamperla’s “Lightning” trains, capable of high-speed aerodynamics, performance and rider comfort. The ride’s new high-tech LSM launch system delivers smooth and quiet acceleration while giving riders the chance to feel the rush of motorsport racing. “My sincere congratulations to Cedar Point on the announcement of this incredible project. Today, with pride and excitement, we embark on this collaborative journey together,” added Antonio Zamperla, president and CEO of Zamperla. “It is an honor for Zamperla to add our signature on The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®. I cannot wait until next year when we see this record-breaking scream machine come to life.”

Hersheypark has announced that Wildcat's Revenge will be opening on June 2nd! https://stories.hersheypa.com/wildcats-revenge-hybrid-coaster-to-open-june-2-at-hersheypark/ WOOD AND STEEL COASTER FEATURES FOUR INVERSIONS WITH WORLD’S LARGEST UNDERFLIP Hersheypark amusement park today announced that Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid coaster will open to the public on June 2, 2023, as part of a historic summer in The Sweetest Place On The Earth. The wood and steel hybrid will be the first at Hersheypark as part of an impressive 15-coaster collection. With the debut of Wildcat’s Revenge, Pennsylvania’s largest amusement park is now home to the most coasters in the Northeast. Hersheypark will be open daily starting Thursday, May 25, with the 11-acre Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park opening Saturday, May 27. Hersheypark summer tickets include three parks in one featuring 70 rides and thrilling coasters, a full water park and a zoo, with summer getaways and entertainment throughout the destination. UNIQUE HYBRID COASTER EXPERIENCE The first hybrid manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) in Pennsylvania, Wildcat’s Revenge adds an all-new steel track with unique elements to the wooden framework for a one-of-a-kind thrilling ride experience found only at Hersheypark. The debut of Wildcat’s Revenge comes 100 years after the first Wild Cat ride opened at the Park, the first coaster purchased by founder Milton S. Hershey. The 2-minute and 36-second experience begins as riders climb a 140-foot hill, plunge into an 82-degree drop and hit a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour along 3,510 feet of red track on a black steel and wood structure. The pursuit continues as riders stalk their prey through four inversions, including the World’s Largest Underflip, an inversion that begins with an upward climb, followed by a counterclockwise 270° roll and a dive down towards the side. Located in the Midway America region of Hersheypark, Wildcat's Revenge features a fully renovated coaster station with a design that harkens back to the iconic 1923 Wild Cat station, with low-pitched gables around the roof's perimeter. Guests of Hershey’s height requirement and taller (48 inches and above) will sit in one of three custom trains, showcasing fully-dimensional black, charcoal and silver wild cats exacting revenge on their wooden predecessor.

Universal has announced that Universal Studios Florida will be getting their own Minion Land, to open in Summer 2023! https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/universal-studios-florida/lands/minion-land?__source=aa.TWITTER&linkId=214969604 Today, Universal Orlando Resort shares new details about all the ways guests can eat, laugh and make mischief with the Minions in the highly anticipated Minion Land on Illumination Ave. – an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination. Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, the new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise. As soon as guests enter the land, they’ll be greeted by a fun, photo-worthy “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on the mischief that awaits along Illumination Ave. From blasting their way to supervillain stardom in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast to savoring tasty dishes at the Minion Cafe to snacking on banana-flavored popcorn at Pop-a-Nana and meeting fan-favorite characters along the way, here are details about the exciting new experiences that await in Minion Land: ILLUMINATION’S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime. Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon. ILLUMINATION’S MINION CAFE It’s Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination’s Minion Cafe – the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly-entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe’s menu; the Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions’ break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colorful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land. Just as eye-catching as Minion Cafe’s incredibly-themed surroundings is its delicious menu – the latest example of how Universal Orlando’s award-winning culinary team continues to raise the bar when it comes to theme park dining. Guests of all ages can enjoy inventive, family-friendly fare featuring nearly 20 items inspired by memorable characters and staples from the Minions franchise, including eclectic “despica-bowls” such as Otto’s Noodle Bowl, Agnes’s Honeymoon Soup and Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower (vegan offering); delectable handhelds such as the Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich; adorable desserts such as Bob’s Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff; a kids’ menu for the “mini Minions” in the family that includes items like the Mini Boss’ Mega Melt; and so much more. The Minion Cafe will also feature an express window with a limited menu for those looking to satisfy their mischievous cravings quickly and return to the mayhem in Minion Land. BAKE MY DAY Topped with a massive pink cupcake that’s visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s’mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more. POP-A-NANA Banana-flavored popcorn, anyone? This walkup location features sweet and savory popcorn inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket. FREEZE RAY POPS Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector – along with beverages. ILLUMINATION THEATER Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theater facade. Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films.

Disney has announced the 17th Disney Vacation Club resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort! Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Vacation Club today announced proposed plans to bring refreshed cabin hideaways to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, offering guests a private retreat in the midst of nature with many of the comforts of home. “For more than 50 years, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground has offered guests the opportunity to explore nature with their loved ones while staying in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “We’re excited to continue to build upon the resort’s rich legacy and elevate the cabin experience for our Members and all guests to enjoy for years to come.” Nestled across 750 acres of scenic woodlands, proposed plans call for more than 350 new cabins to replace the existing cabins at the resort, which have delighted guests for many years and will soon be ready for a refresh. Additionally, the proposed cabins would be built with an eye toward the environment, utilizing the footprint of the existing cabins and taking advantage of more energy-efficient features. Design concepts offer a fresh take on the current cabin experience and are inspired by the resort’s idyllic setting, while also paying homage to the resort’s unique culture and heritage through the magic of Disney storytelling. Each proposed, stand-alone cabin offers spacious accommodations, sleeping up to six adults, and features a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen and private patio. A select number of cabins are also expected to be dog-friendly. As with all Disney Vacation Club resorts, the proposed cabins will continue to be open for reservations to all guests, including those who are not Disney Vacation Club Members, based on availability. The planned cabins are part of a collection of improvement projects underway at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground that are designed to enhance the guest experience. Examples include proposed pool and walking trail enhancements as well as new expanded dining experiences at Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern, with more exciting news to come. Located right in the heart of Walt Disney World magic and a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom Park, Members and guests would have easy access to the theme parks and be able to enjoy the resort’s cherished amenities, including horseback riding at the recently updated Tri-Circle-D Ranch, fishing, walking trails, pools, playgrounds for the little ones, Chip ’n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long and rootin’ tootin’ dining and entertainment at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Campsite accommodations will also continue to be available for guests. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort is projected to open in 2024 and would be the 17th Disney Vacation Club resort. Additional information regarding project details, the start of sales and rental bookings will be released at a later date.

The wearable technology known as MagicBand in Disney's theme parks will be coming to Disney Cruise Line as DisneyBand starting in summer 2023 on the Disney Wish! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/04/introducing-disneybandplus-wearable-technology-on-disney-cruise-line/?fbclid=IwAR1VFRu7TiyJc502IMNM7DG8jSoCiOUZeW5IciTWkCHVchxdLjG1bCqfwuI Summer 2023 is bound to be action-packed for Disney Cruise Line guests! Not only are we celebrating our 25th anniversary with an exciting array of new, themed offerings, but we are also excited to announce that the popular MagicBand+ technology used at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will start to make its way to Disney Cruise Line, beginning with a preview opportunity on select Disney Wish sailings before it officially debuts. At Disney Cruise Line, we are calling it DisneyBand+. With DisneyBand+, you’ll be able to unlock the hands-free conveniences of wearable technology on the high seas for the first time on a Disney cruise. With three Disney Cruise Line-exclusive designs to choose from, DisneyBand+ will be the perfect accessory for your Disney cruise vacation. Keep reading to learn how the smart features of DisneyBand+ will enhance your cruise experience while providing magical surprises along the way! DisneyBand+ will make unlocking your stateroom door, charging a sweet treat or a souvenir to your payment card on your stateroom folio as easy as tapping your wrist. And no matter where your vacation takes you, you can be assured that your DisneyBand+ is adventure-proof. Wear it while you cool off at the pool, go snorkeling at Disney Castaway Cay or take a thrilling plunge on AquaMouse! Even the littlest explorers can experience the magic of DisneyBand+. Children ages 3 and up can also use their bands in lieu of the Oceaneer Club Band to access kids’ clubs including Disney’s Oceaneer Club while onboard and Scuttle’s Cove at Castaway Cay. Whether you’re meeting a favorite Disney character or striking a pose in front of the iconic Disney Cruise Line red funnel, onboard photographers around the ship are ready to capture your favorite vacation memories. And with one simple tap, you can easily link your photos to your stateroom making it easy to view and purchase photos during your cruise. The fun doesn’t stop there! Wearing your DisneyBand+ will allow you to discover enchanting surprises throughout your cruise, so keep your eyes peeled for extra moments of magic. Plus, it is rechargeable — making it the perfect accessory for your future Disney vacation experiences, including Disney cruises and visits to Disney Parks and Disney Resort hotels.

Disney has released new concept art and details for San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure, which will open in phases this year! https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/02/step-into-san-fransokyo-square-at-disney-california-adventure-park-beginning-summer-2023/ At D23 Expo 2022, we announced to much fanfare that Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure park will turn into San Fransokyo from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning “Big Hero 6”! Those of you who have recently been to the park may have seen that this exciting transformation has already begun. Later this summer, during the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, you will be able to step into the new area — named San Fransokyo Square — and discover new offerings inspired by Baymax and friends. Today, we’re excited to tell you more about the Walt Disney Imagineering story behind San Fransokyo Square and some of the fun that awaits. San Fransokyo Square will transport you to the not-too-distant future, in a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo. As the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times, entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses where you’ll be able to eat and shop. An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tide pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll catch a view of the floating wind turbine atop an old fishing net tannery, powering the district from high in the sky. Clues to the area’s storied and charming past can be found in the details throughout San Fransokyo Square. Outside a converted warehouse at the south end of San Fransokyo, you may have the opportunity to encounter Baymax. Today, Pacific Wharf is home to eateries featuring sourdough bread, ice cream sundaes, delicious Mexican fare, Asian dishes and more. You’ll still be able to enjoy all your favorite Pacific Wharf dining locations during this transformation. When the transformation to San Fransokyo Square is completed this summer, you’ll find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, as well as many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería draws inspiration from its tri-cultural influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a fun and inviting beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado. The San Fransokyo Square Public Works Department is hard at work on this transformation. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details, and we look forward to bringing San Fransokyo Square to life in Disney California Adventure park this summer!

After unveiling it in 2022, Merlin has put out all the full details of World of Jumanji, opening this year! https://www.chessington.com/jumanji/jungle-journal/world-of-jumanji-full-details/ Chessington World of Adventures Resort has today announced World of Jumanji - set to open in spring at the Surrey Theme Park and Zoo - will include the World’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster. The World’s first Jumanji themed land will also feature two further rides and much more, as Chessington brings the box office hit film franchise to life in its wildest adventure yet! World of Jumanji will see families follow in the footsteps of Dr. Bravestone, through a whole world of adventures to locate the Jaguar’s Eye Jewel, lift the curse and save Jumanji. The first adventure, and the World’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster, Mandrill Mayhem, will sweep up riders in the long arms of a mandrill, as the horde whisks those from just 1.2m tall around the sites of Jumanji, all while dodging the hazards of the jungle. The most fearsome of all the wild animals, the mandrills are unpredictable and will launch at full speed through the treetops, flipping upside down on a hair-raising adventure, spiralling to the summit of the 55ft tall Jaguar Shrine. Glimpse the Jaguar’s Eye Jewel glow before falling and braving the adventure again… backwards. Not just the World’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster, Mandrill Mayhem is a winged, launch, shuttle ride, with an inversion – a first for Chessington, which last introduced a rollercoaster back in 2004. Two further adventures in the World of Jumanji will await families… Dodge the fangs of the black mamba on a dizzying, untameable ride in the bazaar, Mamba Strike. Then swerve a herd of stampeding ostriches on a whirlwind ride in the dunes on Ostrich Stampede. The single largest investment in Chessington’s history, World of Jumanji will also feature a maze of pathways – some trickier to navigate than others – based on the iconic Jumanji board game. Themed food, drink and merchandise will also be on offer. Complementing the above, six NEW Jumanji themed bedrooms will be introduced to the Chessington Safari Hotel as well. Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, which operates Chessington, said: “We look forward to Welcome-ing you to the Jungle this spring, as the amazing World of Jumanji opens at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. Families should prepare to be turned upside down… literally, as the first NEW rollercoaster in nearly 20 years at the Resort has a twist, turn and flip that will have you holding on to your seat! This is the Next Level for families wanting to explore the ultimate adventure together.” Keep checking the website for updates and to book to be the first to sleep in the NEW Jumanji themed Hotel bedrooms from Saturday April 1, ahead of World of Jumanji opening. World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures Resort follows a global agreement between Resort operator, Merlin Entertainments, and Columbia Pictures Location Based Entertainment Ends.