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Six Flags Mexico has announced the addition of a new family boomerang coaster which will open at the park in 2026! https://static.sixflags.com/website/files/sfmx_boomerang.pdf Six Flags Mexico is pleased to announce the introduction of a new ride for 2026. It is a Roller Coaster Family Boomerang, whose installation will begin in the coming days. The new attraction is designed to provide fun for visitors of all ages, consolidating the company's commitment to family entertainment and social development. The game will be accompanied by the addition of more than 300 square meters of green space along its boundaries and will not involve the felling of a single tree, as its construction will be carried out on an existing concrete slab that was once a theater stage. It's important to highlight that the construction of this new game meets all sustainability and environmental requirements. It has been verified by the competent authorities of Mexico City and the Tlalpan Municipality and has the required permits for its installation. The construction of the Boomerang Family Roller Coaster meets the highest safety and technological standards, has all the required official permits, and strictly complies with local safety and environmental regulations. With this new investment, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation reaffirms its commitment to Mexico, Mexico City, and the Municipality of Tlalpan, as well as to the responsible growth of the entertainment industry, an important pillar of the country's economic flow. Beyond the adrenaline rush, our Roller Coaster Family Boomerang seeks to make a positive impact on the community. The attraction, designed for all ages, will allow a wide audience to enjoy more hours of fun. The Roller Coaster Family Boomerang is part of Six Flags Mexico's comprehensive social responsibility strategy. This attraction, the only one of its kind in the region, will not only diversify the park's offerings but will also contribute to strengthening the social fabric, positioning Six Flags Mexico as an active partner in community development. The park will release more details about the Boomerang Family Roller Coaster in the coming months.

The Walt Disney World Resort has released new information regarding Disney Starlight, the new nighttime parade set to debut at the park on July 20th, 2025! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/everything-we-know-about-disney-starlight/ Raise your hand if you love a Disney parade! I know I do! Announced last August at D23 EXPO, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” is the new nighttime parade coming to Walt Disney World this summer. While we’re eagerly awaiting to see “Disney Starlight” light up the streets of Magic Kingdom, I had the chance to speak with the creative team behind the magic to share everything we have to look forward to soon. When is “Disney Starlight” coming to Magic Kingdom? It's official! Just announced: you can dream the night away at Magic Kingdom when “Disney Starlight” debuts July 20. And, you don’t have to wait to see a sneak peek of the poster coming soon to the Magic Kingdom train station! Will there be “Disney Starlight” merchandise? Of course! Sparkle along with the show with a “Disney Starlight” logo tee shirt, blanket, a Disney pin, a light up pair of Mickey Ears with a removable bow, and a light-up bubble wand that will dance along with the parade.  And, for the snackers, a dreamy new popcorn mix is coming soon! Themed to celebrate the debut of “Disney Starlight,” this new offering will be available exclusively at the Main Street Confectionary in Magic Kingdom starting the first night of the new parade. Guests can enjoy a star-kissed mix of Bubble Gum and Blue Raspberry Candy Popcorn, M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Candies, mini-marshmallows, and white chocolatey drizzle. How were the “Disney Starlight” floats designed? Designing floats for a nighttime parade adds another layer to the live entertainment production process. This first look at the floats reveals these are more than just static structures – they are storytelling stages on wheels. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKLNtosSCPC/ When we think about what this storytelling looks like at night, we think about creating these landscapes – or dreamscapes, as we think about them – out of light. How do we use this medium to portray movement, color, and imagery that we would normally see in a more scenically driven float during the daytime? Today’s technology gives us more options than ever to use lighting and video elements as a storytelling tool. For instance, our Blue Fairy magic, seen throughout the parade, is made completely from points of light; the use of a curved LED panels on the Encanto float gives us the opportunity to create magic and movement that a static image would not provide. This is the exciting technology and art of the “Disney Starlight” floats. And speaking of exciting, here’s a moment we’ve been eagerly waiting for: the reveal of the grand finale float of “Disney Starlight.” All the joy, wonder, and magic culminates in the parade’s finale, where a whimsical train, inspired by the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade float, emerges to take dreamers of all ages on a ride through the stars. Swirling ribbons of starlight reveal Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck leading a procession of Disney moments that includes Snow White and Dopey in a twinkling minecar, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider floating toward a gleaming lantern on their boat, and Aladdin and Jasmine taking a magic carpet ride. Closing out the celebration are the original dreamers, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, draped in sparkling new looks. Together, the duo sends us off, reminding us to believe in the power of wishing upon a star. Which of the finale friends are you most excited to see? What music will we hear in “Disney Starlight”? A parade without music is like a canvas without color. Show Director Tara Anderson said it perfectly: “You’ve got to have great music to have a great experience.” We have an original theme written specifically for “Disney Starlight” that truly embodies all the majestic and fantasy feelings you get watching a parade come down Main Street, U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle in the background. For Disney fans, this new theme may have some surprises that sound familiar – be sure to listen closely for some Disney Parks favorites woven into the score. Is "Disney Starlight” rehearsing now? While floats set the stage, and music sets the tone, our performers bring the energy and excitement. Choreographed by Cindy Wilson, who drew inspiration from each of the films represented in the parade, as well as a mix of different dance styles. Every eight-count is meticulously timed to coordinate with the music and lights as they animate across the costumes and floats. Every float built, every note in the music you hear, every performer learning the choreography for the first time – it all plays a part in building the excitement and anticipation as we get closer to the final production. I’ll leave you with a final quote from Tara. Anyone who has worked with her can attest that this is really something she says throughout every project as we prepare for guests to see all the hard work come to fruition, and I think it really embodies what motivates the team behind the “Disney Starlight” parade: “We need to touch every heart.” What is “Disney Starlight” about? “Disney Starlight” transports guests into the stories of our beloved Disney characters. Through the power of the Blue Fairy’s magic, you’ll watch dreams and wishes come true. As the lights dance from float to float, you’ll see favorite classic and contemporary characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Pixar films, some for the very first time in a Disney Live Entertainment nighttime parade! Brought to life by the creative hands and hearts at Disney Live Entertainment, "Disney Starlight” is the perfect continuation of our legacy of nighttime parades, with bits of nostalgia sprinkled throughout a dazzling procession that raises the bar for the future. This idea holds true for every part of this parade, not only in the float design, but in the music, choreography, and more. With several members of the creative team having worked on fan-favorites such as “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “SpectroMagic,” you will see the inspiration from ever-iconic electrical parades of years past. “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” recalls the nostalgia of nighttime spectaculars with innovation lighting the way for a magical experience like never before. What Characters Can We See in “Disney Starlight?” From the moment the Blue Fairy’s magic wand lights up the night, dreams will come to life with an enchanting order of floats with these fantastic friends: The Blue Fairy Peter Pan & Wendy Asha La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, Bruno) Elsa Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming Miguel and Pepita Moana Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck,Snow White and Dopey, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Aladdin and Jasmine, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse “Disney Starlight,” we can’t wait to see you this summer – July 20 is going to be the dreamiest night!

Flamingo Land has been actively pursuing approvals to build a resort destination on the shores of Loch Lomand, Scotland since 2018 and it appears that it is expecting to receive final approvals in the coming weeks for its latest proposal. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c19d8kvd0m8o What is happening with Flamingo Land at Loch Lomond? A proposed resort on the shores of Loch Lomond featuring a waterpark and monorail is set to be approved by the Scottish government, overturning the decision of the national park authority. The project was initially rejected last year by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority, who said it did not comply with environmental and nature conservation policies. The proposal is by theme park operator Flamingo Land. It hopes to build the £40m Lomond Banks resort, which features a monorail, waterpark, hotel and restaurants. What is Flamingo Land? The plans feature a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants. Flamingo Land is a theme park and zoo in Yorkshire that has operated since the 1950s. The name comes from a colony of the brightly coloured birds that were among the first animals on the site at Kirby Misperton. In 2018 the company behind the park - Flamingo Land Limited - submitted proposals for a tourist development at Loch Lomond, including a hotel, craft brewery and leisure centre. The plan was met with strong opposition, with an online petition against it gathering more than 55,000 signatures. In September 2019 the company withdrew its original plans, but returned in 2020 with an updated £40m ($50m) proposal featuring a water park, monorail, swimming pool, hotel and restaurants. Throughout the process Flamingo Land has insisted that the development would not be a theme park, and planning papers state that it would be a "a major step away" from their other resorts. More than 174,000 people signed the petition against the new proposal. Why do some people oppose Flamingo Land? The original plans were dubbed "the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history" by Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens MSP, and the revised proposal has proved just as controversial. Concerns have focused on whether the development would distort public green space in one of Scotland's most scenic areas. In April 2024, Lynne Somerville, the chairwoman of Balloch and Haldane Community Council, told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that the plans would "dominate the whole west side of Balloch" and be a "living hell" for people living locally. However, it is not just locals who are concerned, as evidenced by the number of letters sent to the council protesting against it. Others have raised fears that the vista of Loch Lomond would be affected - damaging both a stunning view and a tourist hotspot. Additional traffic in the area is another concern. Flamingo Land estimated an additional 253 cars would be on the road during rush hour times, from 17:30 until 18:30. What has changed from the original proposal? The original proposals were unanimously objected to by West Dunbartonshire Council, but it did not oppose the proposal the second time around. The park authority is responsible for planning - not the council - but the local authority's change of heart was still greeted furiously by protesters. Flamingo Land has also said the new proposal would feature visitor accommodation and walkways sympathetic to the local environment, and that public access would be maintained throughout the site. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency requested that lodges were removed from part of the site designated as a flood plain and questioned whether proposals to mitigate the risk of floods were "technically feasible." Flamingo Land stated in its plans that part of the site was exempt from the flood plain concern due to it having been in previous use as a railway line until the 1980s. What benefits could Flamingo Land bring? Flamingo Land and Lomond Banks believe there would be considerable benefits for the local community, starting with creating around 200 jobs. They have stated that they would use local businesses throughout the construction of the development, estimated to raise £3m for the local economy. The company has made their promises to the area legally binding in a unilateral voluntary undertaking called "the Lomond Promise." Improvements to transport in the Loch Lomond area would also be planned, upgrading the congested Stoneymollan roundabout. The planning papers lodged with the park authority state that the Ballochloan roundabout should be reprofiled as well, and that the overall development would become a "focal point" for Balloch. The same papers praise the possible monorail in particular. Who will make the final decision? The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority board decided to reject the proposals in September. It cited the concerns over flood risks and the impact on the surrounding environment. The developers said they were disappointed by the decision, but remained committed to the project and would appeal it. The Scottish government planning reporter has since signalled his intention to give planning permission for the development, overturning the decision of the national park authority. He said the project did not conflict with the local development plan for the area, or the rules set out in the government's national planning framework. The site could operate safely despite being within a flood risk area, he said, and there could be "locally significant" benefits in terms of jobs and a boost to the economy. Will the project go ahead? Full planning permission would only be granted if Flamingo Land and the park authority came to a legal agreement. There are 26 weeks for this agreement to be reached - and if it is not, the Scottish government planning reporter will reconsider whether to approve or reject the application. Dr Heather Reid, convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park authority board, said the board would now take time to consider the implications of the report. She added: "We stand by the reasons for the board's unanimous decision to refuse this planning application and it is deeply disappointing that the reporter has taken a different view." The Balloch and Haldane Community Council said it would fight the decision as it "contradicts the expressed will of the community". Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer called the decision an "anti-democratic outrage" and said his party was "urgently considering our options for continuing this fight".

Merlin Entertainments had previously announced that they were considering selling off their portfolio of Sea Life aquariums around the world and bids are being prepared by at least one company... Merlin has advised that they do not intend to sell their major locations attached to their parks/resorts or their London location. https://news.sky.com/story/bonhams-owner-epiris-eyes-plunge-into-merlin-aquariums-13372586 The private equity backer of businesses including Bonhams, the auctioneer, and Amber Taverns is plotting a bid for a portfolio of aquariums earmarked for disposal by the world's biggest theme park operator. Sky News has learnt that Epiris is among a number of parties preparing to table offers for a number of Sea Life sites in the coming weeks. The auction process - initially reported by Sky News earlier this year - remains at an early stage, with first-round bids yet to be submitted. The aquariums have been put up for sale by Merlin Entertainments, which wants to prioritise investment in its biggest international sites - including in London. The London attraction is not part of the auction. Merlin is jointly owned by the private equity giant Blackstone and the investment vehicle of the family behind the Lego dynasty, and counts Alton Towers, Legoland and Madame Tussauds among its British venues. The group owns more than 40 aquariums globally, many of which trade under the Sea Life brand. In the UK, there are 11 such attractions, including in London, Birmingham and Manchester - which are not for sale - and Blackpool, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Loch Lomond, Scarborough and Weymouth. The potential disposals only relate to Merlin's aquariums division and do not encompass any other area of its operations. Epiris declined to comment on its interest. A Merlin spokesperson said earlier this year: "Like any well-run business, Merlin regularly reviews its estate, to ensure it reflects the company's long-term growth strategy. "We continue to invest in our attractions globally - opening 24 new rides, attractions and experiences in 2024.

Rye Playland opened this weekend, albeit with only 8 of its 21 attractions in operation... And the park is offering free admission, parking and rides through Memorial Day. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/playland-park-free-admission-rides-opening-weekend/ Playland Park in Rye is open for the 2025 season, but there's good news and bad news for visitors. Admission, parking and rides are free through Memorial Day, but only a handful of attractions are operating. Even Zoltar couldn't predict Playland's future just a few weeks ago. The private firm operating Westchester County's amusement park for the last three years walked away, leaving the county scrambling to assemble a team to get it ready for the summer. County Legislator Katherine Parker said the Parks Department rose to the challenge. Eight of the 21 rides in Kiddieland will operate Memorial Day weekend, along with with the Carousel, Dragonator, Kite Flyer, and two other rides in the main park. The historic, wooden Dragon Coaster, Playland's premiere ride on every serious roller coaster fan's bucket list, is likely weeks away from being ready, officials said. "A little bit of Playland is much better than no Playland at all," Parker said. The historic nature of many of the rides at Playland is complicating the opening preparations. "We have historic and much older rides that are wonderful [and] in great shape to operate, but their parts, the companies don't exist anymore. So we have to get the parts fabricated," Deputy Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia said. Leading a tour of the park, County Executive Ken Jenkins said admission to Playland will be free until later in the summer. "When we get to a critical mass of rides open, then we'll have the fees that'll be charged. But we haven't decided when that's going to be," Jenkins said. A limited number of food options will be available at Playland over Memorial Day weekend, the county said. All of the games and the arcade will be in "free play mode" through Monday.

PortAventura has announced a new up-charge experience coming to the El Diablo: Mine Train coaster! Billed as the world's first "mixed reality" experience, this new offering includes an augmented reality pre-show as well as the on-ride experience. https://www.portaventuraworld.com/en/tickets/diablo-neo El Diablo Neo, a mixed reality experience! Height Requirements The minimum height to ride El Diablo Neo is 1.40 m. Accessibility Exclusive access for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. Price Enjoy the El Diablo Neo experience for 4 € per person. Did you know...? El Diablo Neo is the world's first attraction with a mixed reality experience. A new reality over El Diablo Experience El Diablo: Mine Train like never before! Diablo Neo is the first mixed reality experience in a ride at a global level. As you board the ride, you’ll wear augmented reality glasses that allow you to follow the usual path while uncovering a never-before-told story about the attraction. A portal to a new realm, a cursed train, unseen creatures, and the familiar mine come together in a completely new experience in El Diablo Neo — an innovative way to enjoy the ride. Blend the real world with the virtual one for just €4 per person! Live the mixed reality experience of El Diablo Neo By purchasing the El Diablo Neo experience, you’ll ride El Diablo: Mine Train with augmented reality glasses that reveal the mine’s hidden story — all for just €4 per person. What kind of experience is it? It’s the world’s first mixed reality experience on a roller coaster. This technology aims to enhance the ride by combining the best of the real and virtual worlds. How does it work? Visitors ride with a mixed reality headset and watch the mine transform into a new world filled with fantastic creatures. How long does it last? The ride lasts about 3 minutes, like the original, but includes an augmented reality pre-show that extends it to around 5 minutes. What does it cost? Purchasing the El Diablo Neo augmented reality experience costs €4 per person. Is there a separate queue for El Diablo Neo apart from the one for other visitors? No, access is the same as for the regular attraction. What ages is it recommended for? Recommended for youth and adults aged 10 and up, or over 140 cm in height. Are you ready to uncover the mine’s deepest secret?

Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation has announced that they have completed the acquistion of the previously announced 24 U.S. attractions previously owned and operated by Palace Entertainment. https://www.hfecorp.com/whats-new/herschend-completes-acquisition-of-palace-entertainments-us-attractions/ Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (“Herschend”), the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, has officially completed its acquisition of Palace Entertainment’s 24 U.S. attractions, solidifying plans first shared in March. As of today, Herschend operates 49 properties, with 22,000 hosts serving nearly 20 million guests annually. This milestone moment also coincides with Herschend’s 75th anniversary—two defining moments that underscore Herschend’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth, aligning with its purpose of Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. “This is a landmark moment—not just for Herschend, but for every host, guest, and community we serve,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. “To us, this is so much bigger than adding attractions to our portfolio of family brands—growth is about people. It’s about creating a great place to work so our hosts love what they do and can create memories worth repeating for our guests for generations to come.” This season will be all about listening, learning, and building relationships. Guests can expect the same familiar attractions and hospitality they’ve come to know and love. Herschend's current focus is supporting its hosts and empowering them to deliver exceptional guest experiences. “Our purpose has carried us through both bright seasons and challenging ones—and it will continue to guide us as we move into this next chapter,” said Chris Herschend, Board Chair and third-generation owner. “We’re focused on doing what’s right for the business, our hosts, and the communities we’re honored to be part of. This process will take time, and we know we will not get everything perfect, but we are committed to listening, communicating and continuously improving.” About Herschend Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide. While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality. We’re proud to love in all we do, every day—caring for each other, welcoming our guests with warmth, and making a positive difference in our communities.

^ We shared that info here!

After having sailed on the Disney Dream across Europe over the Summer, we were excited to have the chance to experience something entirely new... The Disney Treasure launched late in 2024, taking alternating seven night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. Along our sailing, we would have the chance to visit our favorite Disney's Castaway Cay as well as the new Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera, Bahamas. As big fans of the Disney Wish (I've got another report to share from our somewhat-recent sailing there soon), we excited to see how the Disney Treasure would be similar and different from her sister ship... This is never a bad sight to start off your day! Given that our sailing was at the tail end of the year, the port (and several of our ports of call) were decorated for the holidays. The Grand Hall on the Disney Treasure is inspired by Disney's Aladdin. I spent a lot of time staring across this space. We love exploring the ship during the embarkation day "open house" period, as it allows you to visit spaces that are primary closed off to adults and non-paying guests (depending on the venue) before the ship has left the port. The it's a small world nursery is an adorable example of this. Presented in the classic Mary Blair style, there is a lot of character to take in... This moving train that circles the ceiling of the venue is one of my favorite details. Mickey & Minnie's Captain's Deck is a nice play space that can be annexed into either the Disney's Oceaneer's Club or the it's a small world nursery throughout the cruise, enabling children from either age group to have a chance to enjoy all that is found within. The Walt Disney Imagineering Lab in Disney's Oceaneer's Club is one of my favorite youth spaces in the fleet, and of course they have those amazing handwashing stations here as well. The Imagineering Lab has an interactive simulator which allows younger guests to ride virtual versions of classic Disney attractions. The space is filled with detail and authentic props from the parks... The costume from the former Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park is one of my favorites. A model of the very ship we were sailing on, found on the very ship we were sailing on. Three of my favorite posters for three of my favorite attractions. A scale copy of the Grand Hall bronze statue found in the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab... Figment has found his way onboard! There are lots of themed spaces for kids to enjoy within Disney's Oceaneer's Club. Also a collection of some of the most adorable restrooms you'll find out of anywhere made by Disney. As my username implies, I kind of like Star Wars. Ok, I like it a lot. Enough to get really excited when I see a dianoga in the water... Especially excited to see an adorable lothcat twitching in its sleep. Marvel Superhero Academy is another impressive space within Disney's Oceaneer's Club, featuring interactive experiences and games... I was able to try my hand at being a certain web-slinging superhero in a battle against Ultron's army of bots. The space directly ties into the Worlds of Marvel dinner show, particularly the Avengers: Quantum Encounter show. Back in the Grand Hall we found Peter Pan guiding guests on a treasure hunt. And a friendly Genie overhead to welcome guests aboard. One of my most important stops on embarkation lunch is to Marceline Market where I indulge in delicious seafood... But maybe I'm just shellfish. Our home for the next seven nights! Complete with a very comfortable verandah! Sarabi is the ship's two-story flex venue which hosted shows, trivia, bingo and more throughout the cruise. A close-up look at the magic lamp found in the Grand Hall of the Disney Treasure. I'm not kidding when I say that "Let's Set Sail" is one of my favorite entertainment offerings across the Disney Cruise Line fleet. It's a high energy kick-off to your cruise featuring all of your favorite characters, great upbeat and emotional music (gets me every time) and tons of fun! The magic is so strong, the cast float on air! We've got royalty in the house! Make that double! How about triple? Simply the best! Not long after the ship sailed away from Port Canaveral it was time for our first dinner at Plaza de Coco! Located in the same space as Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure on the Disney Wish, this venue features in-story entertainment as well as authentic, fantastic Mexican food. These Chorizo Street Croquettes were among my favorite things I consumed throughout the cruise. Abuelita Elena's Shrimp Diabla did not disappoint! The show also features an authentic mariachi band to entertain guests and to set the evening mood. The Butternut Squash Enchilada was a fantastic meatless meal option. The Margarita Lime Cheesecake was a delicious way to cap off our meal. The level of detail in bringing Coco to life onboard is excellent. Miguel's family tree... I love the feel of this space! Like other Disney Cruise Line ships, the hallways and stairwells contain unique art that pays tribute to Disney content of all types and ages. Now for something I had been eagerly anticipating for some time... Welcome foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion Parlor! The Haunted Mansion Parlor is an extension of the Haunted Mansion attraction, with its own unique story, elements and lots of tie-ins to the original experience. This fish tank is one of the most notable elements within the space... But you won't find regular fish in here. Not unlike the attraction that inspired it, the Haunted Mansion Parlor features portraits that aren't quite as they appear... There's something more ghoulish that reveals itself in each of these, given time. The characters are similar to those you find in the Haunted Mansion, right down to the poses, but their stories and forms are not carbon copies of what you'd find on land. It was very appropriate that Captain Culpepper Clyne, also known to fans of the Disney lore as The Mariner, found his way into the Haunted Mansion Parlor. This character is based on one of the earliest Marc Davis sketches for Disney's version of what would become The Haunted Mansion. He at one point was represented in the attractions as a portrait whose staring eyes followed you. He also has a tomb in the Walt Dsieny World Magic Kingdom version of the attraction's queue. The Mariner also has his own themed drink and accompanying collectible mug available for purchase... Which I did. The Siren (previously pictured in portrait form) also has her own drink and mug available for purchase... Which I did. The mantle clock is similar but different to the grandfather clock found in the Haunted Mansion attraction. The Hitchhiking Ghosts make appearances in the bar mirror throughout the evening... A look at the venue's drink menu... There is a hidden drink option if you can solve a "chilling challenge" from within the digital menu... And here is what that option is. I love this tribute to former Imagineer Rolly Crump! Notice how these sconces look very similar to the "The Spirits Have Been Released" hidden menu item? The Haunted Mansion Parlor is filled to the brim with details including this candelabra which features a candle that is a nod to the Candle Man character that was once conceptualized for the attraction. There are blink-and-you-miss-it details throughout the Haunted Mansion Parlor... Like this portrait... It doesn't quite stay the same throughout the experience. Jumbeaux's Sweets is the ship's ice cream parlor and sweets shop. The space is incredibly cute! And there are lots of great ice cream flavors to enjoy! For all of you Taittinger enthusiasts, yes they have plenty onboard. The Jade Cricket Cafe is one of several coffee bars onboard. This one is inspired by the lucky cricket, Cri-Kee from the animated Disney film Mulan. Our night ended with an early rest knowing that our next day would be our first full sea day with lots to do throughout.

A local man has submitted a bid to Aspro Parks, the owners of Oakwood Amusement Park who recently announced that the park would permanently close in 2025, to purchase, invest in and operate the park. https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/113336/plan-to-rescue-oakwood-revealed-as-local-man-makes-bid-to-save-park/ A Pembrokeshire resident has launched a bold rescue plan to bring Oakwood Theme Park back to life — just two months after its shock closure was announced. Oakwood, Wales’ largest theme park, closed its doors suddenly on March 4 after four decades of family fun. The site, owned by Spanish firm Aspro Parks, had faced a sharp decline in visitor numbers and growing financial challenges in recent years. But now, a new proposal has been submitted by a local group known as Richens Leisure Projects (RLP), which aims to restore Oakwood to its former glory and turn it into a flagship attraction once again. The man behind the bid, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the project is deeply personal. “I grew up in west Wales,” he told The Herald. “I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. Oakwood wasn’t just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for so many children in Wales. You didn’t just go there. You remembered it.” RLP says its proposal includes a phased investment plan, promising to repair and update aging infrastructure, reintroduce popular rides, and generate over 100 seasonal jobs in the local economy. “This isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about rebuilding pride. It’s about giving today’s kids the same memories we had, but doing it with proper community backing and long-term thinking,” the group said. Since its closure, Oakwood has been stripped of several well-known attractions, and the future of the site remains unclear. However, the new bid aims to change that, and discussions with Aspro Parks have been initiated. “We’re not here to pressure anyone,” RLP said. “We’re trying to do things properly and respectfully. But if the park’s future is undecided, we’re ready to step in. What we’ve put forward isn’t just an idea — it’s a fully costed, deliverable plan that can begin immediately if given the green light.” Asked about funding, the group said it would not disclose specific backers at this stage due to the uncertain ownership position. However, it claims the business case is robust and based on professional financial modeling. The campaign has already attracted support from local residents, many of whom were shocked by the park’s closure. A petition launched just days after the announcement gathered thousands of signatures. RLP added: “We’ve kept this quiet until now, out of respect for the owners and the park’s legacy. But the time has come to show people that there is a serious option on the table. This doesn’t have to be the end for Oakwood — it can be the start of something new.” The Herald contacted Aspro Parks for comment but had received no response at the time of going to press. Background Oakwood Theme Park first opened in 1987 as a small family attraction before expanding dramatically during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was home to popular rides including Megafobia, Hydro, and Speed, and welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors each year at its peak. In recent years, however, the park faced growing criticism over ageing infrastructure, rising prices, and the closure of key attractions. In March this year, its owners confirmed that keeping the park open was no longer viable. Whether the new rescue plan will be accepted remains to be seen — but for many in Pembrokeshire, it offers a glimmer of hope that the thrills and laughter of Oakwood might one day return.

Paultons Park has announced significant expansion plans in the form of Valgard, a new viking-themed land which will be host to new attractions and experiences added to the park between 2026 and 2027. Cobra, the park's Gerstlauer bobsled coaster will be renamed Raven and will interact with the new Drakon Euro-Fighter coaster. The park is already teasing its 2027 addition to this new land but has yet to reveal details as to what this experience will be. https://paultonspark.co.uk/valgard-realm-of-the-vikings Valgard Realm of the Vikings What's New at Paultons Park in 2026 In 2026, the Viking realm of Valgard will rise at Paultons Park. Face the wrath of Drakon, (Paultons’ most thrilling coaster yet and the first ever inverting coaster at the Park) as it intertwines with Raven - another legendary coaster reborn. Swing into battle on the UK’s first epic ‘Vild Swing’ ride, explore a Viking-themed playground, and feast like true warriors in a brand-new Nordic themed dining hall. A Vision of Valgard Explore the artists impression of the new realm awakening in 2026 at Paultons Park and prepare to map out your visit! Explore a brave new world with answers to your most asked questions! Where is Valgard, Realm of the Vikings located in Paultons Park? The new area at Paultons Park will be opening adjacent to Lost Kingdom. What does the Drakon thrill coaster ride involve? Drakon is a custom Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter roller coaster with a vertical lift hill that plunges into a beyond vertical drop, with an inversion coaster track that intertwines at top speeds with a legendary existing coaster at the Park. Are there any other new rides or attractions in Valgard, Realm of the Vikings? Yes, as well as Drakon – our legendary Gerstlauer Bobsled will be reborn as Raven. ‘Vild Swing’ a 12m high Art Wild Swing is a first of its kind in the UK. There will also be a Viking themed playground and dining hall. What age is Valgard, Realm of the Vikings appropriate for? Parents, older children and teens will love this new line up of rides, but they are not for the feint hearted. So be prepared to be brave. Height and age advice will be available soon. Will Valgard, Realm of the Vikings be included in the entry ticket? Yes, the new area and rides will be included in all Paultons Park tickets after they open in 2026. What other plans are there for Paultons Park in the future? In March 2025, Paultons Park submitted a planning application to construct a holiday village, which will see the creation of a resort offering by installing 85-95 units of lodge-style accommodation, adjacent to Valgard Realm of the Vikings, with its own Parking and entrance to the Park. What’s new for 2027 at Paultons Park? Let us know what you think! Tag @paultonspark on social media.

After seven years of ownership under Parques Reunidos, Belantis amusement park has been sold to Compagnie des Alpes for €22 million. https://www.intergameonline.com/coin-op/news/german-amusement-park-belantis-sold-to-compagnie-des-alpes Compagnie des Alpes, the operator of mountain resorts and leisure destinations, has completed the purchase of one of the largest amusement parks in Leipzig, Germany. It has bought the Belantis amusement park from the Parques Reunidos group for €22 million. Originally opened in 2003, the park features 27 attractions across nine themed areas, along with three shops and six F&B outlets. In the 2024 financial year it recorded a turnover of approximately €22m. The purchase includes a total land area of over 800,000sq.m, with an additional 410,000sq.m available for future development. 2024 saw Belantis welcome around 300,000 visitors, but Compagnie des Alpes believes that it has the potential to welcome almost 900,000 visitors a year. The purchase price has raised questions locally, given the relatively low cost and the recent investment of €60m by its previous owners. With the acquisition, the company now has leisure parks in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Dominique Thillaud, CEO of Compagnie des Alpes, said: “The acquisition of Belantis is a great opportunity for Compagnie des Alpes. This site has real assets which, combined with the group's expertise in terms of operational excellence, marketing and customer satisfaction, give us great confidence in the park's future potential for development and performance.”

Universal Studios Japan has announced that Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan will expand by 40% with the addition Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast. This new attraction will be similarly to the version found at Universal Studios Florida. https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/news/2025/0425_2/index.html Since its opening in April 2017, a spectacular themed MINION PARK at Universal Studios Japan has been immensely popular. In Summer 2025, MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with an all-new area, based on Illumination’s Minions Film Franchise. At today's “MINION PARK” 8th anniversary fan event, the Park announced a series of surprises, including news of the area’s expansion, Grand Opening time and an overview of the Park's first-ever moving walkway* interactive blaster attraction, “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast”. Approximately 300 enthusiastic fans of Illumination’s Minions gathered for the event and were Super Excited about the prospect of a new and unprecedented Minions experience. Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” film franchises are immensely popular around the world, becoming the first animated film series to gross over 5 billion dollars at the worldwide box office. Since its opening in April 2017, the “MINION PARK” area at Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve as one of the world's largest themed areas based on the world-famous “Minions” characters, with the introduction of “Freeze Ray Sliders” ride and a variety of seasonal programs, welcoming many guests from Japan and abroad. With this area expansion, Universal Studios Japan hopes that families and people of all ages will be able to experience the greatly enhanced “MINION PARK”. Please stay tuned for more information on the new area. *Ride attraction with moving walkway on which guests progress while standing. “Go For It!” Experience an Unprecedented Enhancement of Mayhem! MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with new area! MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with new area. In addition to the existing popular attractions in “MINION PARK” such as “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” and “Freeze Ray Sliders”, the new “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast” will debut as an attraction guests of all ages can enjoy. In addition, there will be a number of new entertainment elements including snack stands and stores offering unique food and merchandise developed with mayhem in mind, only available in the new area that will make you want to “Go For It!” when you see it. “Go For It!” Blast your way to supervillain stardom! NEW ATTRACTION “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast” The first moving walkway interactive blaster attraction in the Park's history debuts at Universal Studios Japan's MINION PARK, offering an exciting evolution of the popular Orlando attraction – now featuring new, exclusive content and enhanced gameplay features. Join illumination’s Minions at Villain-Con and encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you compete to become the newest member of their supervillain group. Use your E-Liminator X blaster and test your skill in this exhilarating, interactive attraction that requires no restraint. Simply stand on a moving walkway and blast your way through the competition as you cause maximum destruction and collect valuable loot. Whoever scores the most points will be on their way to supervillain stardom! It’s all-new fun at Minion Park at Universal Studio’s Japan. Attraction Information [Experience time] Approximately 7 minutes *People under 122cm must be accompanied by an adult. Children cannot be held in their arms. *Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted. However, electric wheelchairs are not permitted. “Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal” holders Advance experience We are planning “Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal” holders have a special opportunity that to enjoy the new area before grand open. Details, including the content of the experience, will be announced at a later date. https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/attractions/illuminations-villain-con-minion-blast Blast your way to supervillain stardom in the new Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction. Join Illumination's Minions at Villain-Con and encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you compete to become the newest member of their super villain group. Use your E-Liminator X blaster and test your skill in this fun, interactive attraction. It's all-new fun at Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan. Summer 2025—Minion Park gets even more mayhem! The famous Villain-Con trade show is taking place right here in Universal Studios Japan. And headlining the event is the Vicious Six, the world's most formidable team of super villains. Compete in an interactive blaster game to become the newest member of the Vicious 6 by causing maximum destruction and collecting loot. Whoever scores the most points will be their newest member. Happy blasting and may the worst villain win! You're going to be provided with an interactive E-Liminator X blaster. As you stand on the moving walkway, you're going to blast your way through 7 different scenes. Along the way you'll be able to switch between elemental blasts and more powerful launchers. Target power-ups to unlock new modes on your blaster so you can blast fire, electricity, and maybe even a few surprises! You can download the Villain-Con app to enjoy enhanced gameplay at Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction and throughout Minion Park. This means you can actually sync your mobile phone with your blaster so you can choose your own villain avatar, track your score, upgrade your blaster, and more.

Westchester County has issued an emergency order selecting Zamperla to inspect, repair, maintain and operate Playland Amusement Park's attractions for the 2025 season, pushing for a reopening after Standard Amusements sought to exit their 30-year operating agreement three years in. https://westchester.news12.com/emergency-order-issued-to-expedite-playland-amusement-parks-2025-opening An emergency order has been issued to expedite the opening of Playland Amusement Park’s 2025 season. Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O’Connor issued the order, saying, “The Emergency order will allow the County to hire a company to inspect specific rides, secure all necessary supplies and parts to operate the rides, repair and thereafter maintain the rides. Standard's abrupt departure leaves the County with little time to properly carry out all of this work. Standard left little or no spare parts in inventory, in some cases did not properly winterize rides and a number of rides were left dis-assembled.” The Parks Department determined that competitive bidding could not be pursued due to the urgent nature of the situation. It has selected Zamperla, Inc. to do the needed emergency work to open up the park.

Universal Orlando Resort has shared new details regarding Summer entertainment offerings, experiences, anniversary celebrations and more! https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/guides-and-tips/everything-to-experience-at-universal-orlando-resort-this-summer/ There are lots of reasons to love summer. Pool and beach days, more excuses to eat ice cream, the money I’ll save on self-tanner… I could go on. But, as an Orlando local, I think the biggest reason to get excited for the summer is the fact that this year, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the stops for an entire season of fun! I’m talking entertainment and attractions that will make your whole day and night a blast, celebrations of your favorite summer blockbusters, and more exclusive merchandise, food, and drinks than you can shake a (popsicle) stick at. And I’ve compiled all of them below in a handy-dandy guide! Read on for everything to experience at Universal Orlando Resort this summer. All-Day (and Night) Summer Fun Universal Mega Movie Parade – April 12–November 13 Watching a T. rex prowl the streets of Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida never gets old. And that’s why I’m so excited to watch Universal Mega Movie Parade this summer! Get ready to show your true colors to the Trolls, laugh at the Mini-Pufts plaguing the Ghostbusters, and insist to Mayor Vaughn that you and Chief Brody really do need a bigger boat. Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular – Select Dates April 14–August 24 Da-dum. DA-DUM. DA-DUM. Those suspenseful notes can only mean one thing… it’s time for Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular! This nighttime show will cap off your day in Universal Studios Florida on a perfect note — literally. Embark on a journey through your favorite movie moments as the soundtracks of “Harry Potter,” “Jurassic World,” “Jaws,” and more sync with dancing fountains and pyrotechnics. Hogwarts Always – Select Dates April 14–August 24 The Hogwarts Always nighttime projection show is the perfect way to end a summer day in Universal Islands of Adventure. The show takes you on a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts. Enjoy unforgettable music and relive incredible moments of wizardry — receiving a Hogwarts acceptance letter, attending a Quidditch match, a House Cup celebration — all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle. Celebrate Your Favorite Summer Blockbusters Jurassic World: Rebirth – In theaters July 2, 2025 It’s not every summer that a new “Jurassic World” movie comes out! To celebrate, Universal has loads of special offerings for you to sink your teeth into. In Jurassic Park in Islands of Adventure, you’ll find themed photo ops as well as exclusive food and beverage items at The Burger Digs. Starting May 23, you can also pick up some exclusive “Jurassic World: Rebirth” merchandise in Jurassic Outfitters and Dinostore. PRO TIP: Got some extreme dino fans in your family? Book a Jurassic World Kids’ Suite at Loews Royal Pacific Resort to take your summer vacation to prehistoric new heights! How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) – In theaters June 13, 2025 Over in Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent, you can gear up to be a dragon-rider. Near Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House, you’ll find a themed shopping experience in celebration of the upcoming live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon.” If you’ve ever wanted a miniature version of Toothless to carry around on your shoulder, good news: It’s time for your (and my) dream to come true! Wicked Rejoicify! We’re only a few months away from the release of “Wicked: For Good” — why not pass the time in Wicked: The Experience in Universal Studios Florida? This magically immersive experience features enchanting film costume replicas, Elphaba and Glinda-themed photo ops, bewitching merch, and — from June 23–August 10 — the thrillifying opportunity to take a photo with Elphaba and Glinda. M3GAN 2.0 – In theaters June 27, 2025 You’ve seen her kill it on the big screen, and from June 10–30, you might just see her in Universal Studios Florida. I’m not at liberty to share any more details. No, she isn’t standing over my shoulder while I type this. Jaws (50th Anniversary) For the last half-century, “Jaws” has made children all over the world think twice before going in the pool. Or maybe that was just my experience. In Universal Studios Florida, you can celebrate 50 years of “swimmin’ with bow-legged women” in the San Francisco area of the theme park, which will be transformed to feel like the Amity of old. Snag limited-time food and beverage offerings along with a ton of exclusive merchandise, including the bucket hat and popcorn bucket that I am absolutely obsessed with. Back to the Future (40th Anniversary) Time flies when you’re in a flying time machine! And believe it or not, it’s already been 40 years since “Back to the Future” premiered. We’re marking the occasion with tons of exclusive merchandise, including apparel, a snazzy license plate, and even a (non-flying) hoverboard (pouch). Biff, eat your heart out! 15 Years of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Over the past 15 years, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando Resort has taken theme park immersion and thrills to the next level — and it all started in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade on June 18, 2010. Whether you want to join Harry and fly above the castle grounds in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, or grab your Second Generation Interactive Wand to cast some spells around Hogsmeade, there’s no wrong way to celebrate this anniversary. Plus, beginning in mid-June, you can take home a commemorative glass plaque commemorating 15 years of Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort! Extra Perks for Passholders Universal Orlando Passholders know that Universal Orlando Resort is the place to be in the summer! And that’s why we’re celebrating our Passholders with plenty of exclusive perks this season, including: An exclusive viewing area for the Mega Movie Parade Exclusive seating areas in select dining locations Exclusive menu items Exclusive merchandise commemorating the 35th anniversary of Universal Studios Florida 3-Park Passholder Early Park Admission at Universal Volcano Bay Fun All Summer Long Whew! If you made it this far, it’s safe to say that you take summer fun very seriously. Believe it or not, there’s even more excitement coming to Universal Orlando Resort in the coming months! At Universal CityWalk, enjoy classic blockbusters as part of our Summer Movie Series, including: “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”: May 17 and 21 “The Mummy”: May 31 and June 4 “The Fast and the Furious”: June 7 and June 11 “Kung Fu Panda”: June 28 and July 2 “Trolls”: July 12 and 16 “Shrek”: July 26 and 30 If you’re more of an audiophile than a cinephile, we’ve got you covered there too. The Summer Music Series will run on Saturdays from June 21 through August 9! On the Fourth of July, sparks fill fly with characters and a DJ in the Music Plaza and a pyrotechnic show from the roof of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, as well as music and entertainment throughout CityWalk. I feel like I’m forgetting something… oh, yeah. A brand-new theme park! Like I said: we’re pulling out all the stops. Now close this blog post, pack your suitcase or grab your Annual Pass, and get ready for summer! What are you most excited to experience in Universal Orlando Resort this summer? Comment below and let us know!

Royal Caribbean Group has released details of their new Ultimate Destination lineup including Perfect Day Mexico and their upcoming Royal Beach Clubs. These destinations join Perfect Day CocoCay as private offerings for Royal Caribbean's growing fleet of ships to visit worldwide. https://www.royalcaribbeangrouppresscenter.com/news/royal-caribbean-gives-thrilling-first-look-at-perfect-day-mexico-plus-three-more-destination-experiences-to-come Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) – The world’s boldest vacations are on the horizon as Royal Caribbean is raising the bar with its newly revealed Ultimate Destination lineup – with headliner Perfect Day Mexico* set to break records with never-before-seen features. From all-new thrills and unrivaled ways to chill at the next Perfect Day to unmatched beach getaways across the first Royal Beach Clubs, the vacation brand’s growing portfolio of exclusive destinations will deliver more ways for vacationers to experience the best of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships alongside shoreside adventures in Mexico, The Bahamas and the South Pacific. “We have spent the last 50 years shattering perceptions around cruising to transform into a global vacation brand for all generations. Now, we’re bringing our demonstrated history of unparalleled service and revolutionary innovation – everything our vacationers know and love – into our collection of destinations that offer more locally inspired perfect days and beachfront getaways,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. “Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.” Spanning more than 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Perfect Day Mexico will raise the bar on vacations with record-breaking experiences, industry firsts and twists on Royal Caribbean favorites when it all comes to life in fall 2027. There's something for adventurers of all ages across seven neighborhoods. Highlights include: Loco Waterpark – Thrill-seekers can conquer more than 30 adrenaline-pumping waterslides across five slide towers, including the tallest waterslide tower – and waterslides – across North and South America. The more than 170-foot-tall Jaguar’s Peak features two dueling slides, taking riders through more than two minutes of pure thrill and the longest coaster waterslide in the world. Vacationers can scale new heights across the tower’s 10 slides, and they can even do so together on the tallest family raft slide, designed for four to six riders at once. There are more thrills across the waterpark with hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and the world’s first sombrero slide, modeled after Mexico’s iconic sombrero. Plus, adventure pools, a wave pool and slides designed for younger kids ensure there’s something for everyone. Splash Cove – The central neighborhood for guests of all ages to go all-in will introduce the longest lazy river in the world – with a crazy side. Along the hour-long float are multiple entry and exit points and plenty of ways to stay hydrated with float-up bars and a cupholder in every tube. And for those who dare, an optional crazy section of the river features unexpected twists and turns with waves, rapids and spins. In the center of it all is a seemingly never-ending 100,000 square foot pool – just one of Perfect Day Mexico’s more than 10 expansive pools that together span the size of four football fields. The little ones have their own adventures at Royal Caribbean’s largest Splashaway Bay with waterslides sized just for them. The first-ever Splashaway Cabanas right nearby make it the perfect home base for families. El Hideaway – At this adults-only neighborhood, day pass holders 18 years and older can party all day long with a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar and in-pool DJ. Those looking to celebrate big can max out the party vibes at the new Ultimate Party Cabana for 20 guests, with its own pool and bar. For unmatched chill, El Hideaway sets the scene with live music, toes-in-the-sand bars and cabanas. Costa Beach Club – Guests looking to upgrade their beach day to the next level of exclusivity can enjoy the white sand beaches, heated infinity pool and premium dining of Costa Beach Club. And for the ultimate retreat, adventurers can spend the day in a private cabana with a personal cabana attendant, thoughtful amenities and a dedicated pool. Chill Beach North and South – Vacationers looking to kick back can enjoy the natural beauty of Mexico along nearly 2 miles of white sand beaches at Chill Beach, spanning north and south from the pier. Guests can enjoy complimentary loungers, umbrellas and towels at all beaches and pools at Perfect Day Mexico. Fiesta Plaza – Where all the festivities begin: a vibrant arrival area transports vacationers straight to the heart of Mexico with live music and dance. Plus, the world’s largest sombrero sits atop the Tipsy Sombrero bar, welcoming guests with margaritas, cervezas and more. Fueling the thrill and chill all day long are 12 regionally inspired dining options, from sit-down spots to grab-and-go eateries, with nearly all food spots complimentary to guests. Plus, there are endless reasons to toast “¡Salud!” at 24 bars, including six swim-up bars. Mariachi performances, art installations, and local artisans for souvenir shopping further bring the Mexican culture to life. Upon opening in fall 2027, Perfect Day Mexico will welcome Western Caribbean itineraries sailing from Galveston, New Orleans and all Florida homeports. Itineraries featuring Perfect Day Mexico will become available to book this fall. "We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what a modern-day vacation can be – delivering innovative experiences that create unforgettable memories for our guests and value for the communities we visit,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings at sea and on land, our ambition is to offer our guests a diverse range of experiences that grow with them, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.” To bring Perfect Day Mexico to life, Royal Caribbean is continuing its longstanding partnership with the local government and community to develop a modern, sustainable destination that will bring vacationers from around the world to Mexico. The port will remain open during all phases of the project and beyond, with a new welcome center being built by Royal Caribbean to acquaint guests of all visiting cruise lines with landmark attractions in the Mahahual area and provide transportation throughout the region. The development of the Perfect Day Mexico site, and local community infrastructure projects, is in line with parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s SEA the Future commitment to deliver the best vacation experiences in a responsible manner by sustaining the planet, energizing communities and accelerating innovation. “At Royal Caribbean, our ambition is bigger than ever, and so is our lineup of amazing experiences we are designing, all centered on our guests,” said Kara Wallace, chief marketing officer, Royal Caribbean. “Vacationers trust us to help them make every moment a memory, which is why we are changing the game with unforgettable experiences at Perfect Day Mexico and beyond.” Royal Caribbean delivers the best vacations to more than 7 million people annually and visits 300+ destinations on 28 ships, with four more on order. Over the next three years, the vacation brand will also expand its destination lineup to six locales with the addition of four exclusive destination experiences that redefine what a vacation can look like. Alongside the original game-changer Perfect Day at CocoCay and the next bold adventure, Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Clubs will deliver the ultimate beach day. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island – Set to debut in December 2025, the first-of-its-kind Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas will combine the stunning beaches of Nassau’s Paradise Island with Royal Caribbean’s signature experiences. With the purchase of an all-inclusive day pass, vacationers can enjoy unlimited dining, drinks and amenities, from The Floating Flamingo – the world’s largest swim-up bar – to three island-style eateries for local fare, Bahamian art installations, and live music. Vacationers can join the official waitlist to be the first to know when bookings become available in just a few short weeks. Royal Beach Club Cozumel – Featuring stunning beaches, pools with swim-up bars, cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking and more, the beach club will complement all the island has to offer when it opens in 2026. The spirit of Mexico will be at the heart of the experience across local touches and a variety of ways to dine and drink, a street market, and hands-on experiences like tequila tastings and cooking classes. Adding to the range of experiences for any vibe and mood are Royal Caribbean’s exclusive beach destinations in Labadee, Haiti, and, in early 2027, Lelepa in the South Pacific for more ways to bask in paradise. Lelepa – Royal Caribbean is bringing a bold beach experience to the shores of Lelepa, a Vanuatuan island in the South Pacific Archipelago east of Australia. The first exclusive island cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere will offer a locally inspired experience for guests in Australia and beyond, complete with serene beaches, nature trails, water activities and delicious dining. In August 2025, vacationers on the new Icon of vacations, Star of the Seas, will experience the best of Royal Caribbean from beginning to end with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay alongside the world’s best family vacation. By 2027, 90% of the brand’s Caribbean vacationers will experience a Perfect Day across Perfect Day at CocoCay and Perfect Day Mexico. What’s more, vacationers sailing from U.S. Gulf ports are in for the ultimate vacation days starting in 2027 with Royal Caribbean itineraries that visit both Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico. More information about Royal Caribbean’s leading vacations and growing lineup of destinations can be found at www.royalcaribbean.com/. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor.

Isla Magica has announced that they are adding a new attraction called "Wooden Coaster" to the park's lineup, in addition to two new swimming pools. The expansion will cost €2.7 million and is planned to open in 2026. Sevilla's Isla Magica theme park will get a 25-metre-high rollercoaster over its lake plus two new swimming pools. The ride will reach a top speed of 68 km/h and building licences have been granted for the expansion. The rollercoaster will cost €2.7 million and will be called Wooden Coaster. It will join the park’s other coaster ride- Jaguar. The new ride will occupy an area of around 6,000 m2 and is expected to open in 2026. It will be a three-dimensional wooden structure supporting a track of steel rails with bends, ascents and descents coming in at 595 metres in length. Each train carriage will have capacity for up to 16 people with a journey time of 93 seconds. The park capacity will rise by 500 to 15,500 people but car park spaces will be cut by 213 to accommodate the new features. The Aqua Magica section of the park will be expanded by 5,665 m2 currently used for car parking. The two swimming pools will be developed into two aquatic areas with attractions, rest areas and auxiliary buildings. Surrounding the water attractions will be 600 sunbeds distributed in different locations separated by flowerbeds with vegetation and artificial grass. The cost of this extension will be €1 million.

Kennywood Park has sent us a press release confirming the return of The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster, opening to the general public on May 24th, 2025. It’s kick-off time at Kennywood Park for The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster. The highly anticipated, triple record-setting coaster will reopen to the general public on Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from the park’s General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza, and special guests joining from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including current players and alumni, to mark the official Grand Opening. Standing a staggering 220 feet above the park, Pennsylvania’s tallest roller coaster, will return with its famed nine inversions, the most of any coaster in the United States including the highest in North America, this Memorial Day Weekend. To mark the grand return, Gold and Platinum Season Passholders will get exclusive first ride time on the coaster on Friday, May 23. Those interested in tackling record setting thrills early can save $40 on a Gold Season Pass now during the final days of the park’s Spring Pass Sale. “Kennywood fans should get ready to reach speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour as they tackle every twist, turn, and touchdown-level drop starting this Memorial Day Weekend,” said General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza. “We can’t wait to reintroduce this iconic coaster to our guests. With a heightened focused on the Steel Curtain’s reliability, this summer, guests can expect to hop on for a ride during every visit to Kennywood.” Featuring 4,000 feet of track, the Steel Curtain originally opened to riders in 2019. In 2024, the coaster began a yearlong modification project to increase the reliability and longevity of the ride. Through the project, the park worked with the ride’s manufacturer, S&S Worldwide, and third-party engineers to add three new columns and additional braces throughout the ride. This modification decreased the structural movement of the ride, ultimately allowing the coaster to make more cycles throughout its lifespan. In addition to the grand return of The Steel Curtain, Kennywood’s longest season ever continues with the beginning of Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival on Friday, May 23. Offering mouth-watering foods from around the world, this year’s event features two new countries, Cuba and Spain. Visitors’ taste buds will be thrilled as they make their way around the Kennywood Lagoon to eight tasting locations offering unique menu options at each booth. The festivities continue throughout the weekend as the popular Nerveless Nocks return to Kennywood for the second year in a row. The Original Dare Devil Circus will take place at various times throughout the day at the Garden Stage from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, June 29. Guests will be on the edge of their seats watching one of the most legendary stunt families in circus history perform breathtaking acrobatics and motorcycle stunts. Kennywood will be open every day beginning Friday, May 23 through Monday, August 18. Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through June 29, plus Monday, May 26. Then, in July the park celebrates America with July 4 and 5 fireworks shows above the Lagoon and nine nights of Drone Shows July 11 through July 19, during the new All-American Summer. Kennywood will close out the 2025 season with Fall Fantasy Parades, Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights.

Hersheypark has announced that it will open Twizzlers Twisted Gravity on May 24th, 2025! https://stories.hersheypa.com/twizzlers-twisted-gravity-to-open-may-24-at-hersheypark/ Hersheypark, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, today announced that Twizzlers Twisted Gravity attraction will open to the public on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The high-thrill pendulum attraction manufactured by S&S Worldwide will be the tallest Screamin’ Swing in the world when it opens. Daily summer operations at Hersheypark begin Thursday, May 22, 2025, with the 11-acre The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park opening Saturday, May 24, 2025. Hersheypark summer tickets include three experiences in one with 70 rides, featuring the most coasters in the Northeast, a full water park (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) and an 11-acre Zoo. Unique Ride Experience The one-minute and 10-second experience on Twizzlers Twisted Gravity begins as riders of Hershey’s height category (48-54”) and above sit in one of four branded zones across two gondolas featuring the Twizzlers Strawberry, Cherry, Hershey’s Chocolate and Black Licorice-flavored designs. Riders will ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments as they swing high above Spring Creek in The Hollow region of Hersheypark. Be the First to Ride The 2025 Hersheypark Season Pass program features four tiers with unlimited visits and sweet perks to fit every family’s lifestyle. 2025 King Size and Giant Size Season Pass Holders will be one of the first to ride Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, plus enjoy other popular benefits like unlimited visits, free tickets, a free souvenir cup, one-hour early access during the summer season and more. Please note that Giant SIze Season Passes are sold out. The First To Ride Event will occur on Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registration is required, with details shared in an email to eligible Season Pass Holders. The Summer of Twizzlers To celebrate the newest candy to join the iconic Hersheypark skyline, guests can enjoy several Twizzlers-themed offerings throughout the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania this summer. Meet and snap a photo with Twizz Character at the all-new Twizzlers Terrace area overlooking The Hollow with Twizzlers Twisted Gravity in the background Enjoy food and beverage offerings like a Twisted Strawberry King Size Shake topped with a mousse pop made with Twizzlers twists and a Twisted Strawberry Sundae at Simply Chocolate dessert shop, Twisted French Fry Flight at Tower Fries stand, Twizzlers-inspired burger at East Coast Burger Works stand and Twizzlers-inspired coaster dog at Berks hot dog stand Twist up the summer wardrobe with colorful red and blue apparel and Twizzlers Twisted Gravity accessories at Hersheypark Supply Co. Hersheypark is also the only place where guests can measure as a Twizzlers height category and ride in a Twizzlers-themed train on Candymonium hypercoaster. Plan a Summer Visit Great ticket deals are available online. Guests interested in visiting Hersheypark multiple times this summer can purchase a Summer Fun Card for just $99 per person through May 31, 2025. The Summer Fun Card includes unlimited visits from the date of purchase through Sept. 7, 2025, for epic splashes, thrills and family fun. Families interested in extending their stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth can save on a summer getaway at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark with packages at The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground. Guests can book the biggest resort package of the summer at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge with the Ultimate Summer Fun Package. This package is available on select Hersheypark operating dates and includes deluxe accommodations, the Hersheypark Summer Fun Card for unlimited Park visits all summer, breakfast each day of the stay and a Hersheypark All-Day Drink plan. Free Resort Benefits include extra morning and evening hours at Hersheypark, front gate shuttle service to an exclusive resort drop-off location, outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, daily summer resort recreation and activities, and more.

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced a new event, Universal Mega Movie Summer, featuring enhanced attraction experiences, character meet and greets, themed food & merchandise and more! This event starts on June 13th, 2025 and runs daily through August 10th, 2025! https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/universal-studios-hollywood-introduces-universal-mega-movie-summer-featuring-exciting-new-entertainment-dining-and-merchandise-to-deliver-the-best-summer-day-in-l-a-beginning/ This summer, Universal Studios Hollywood will become movie buff central when iconic movies leap from the silver screen to the theme park as part of Universal Mega Movie Summer, an all-new seasonal event designed to offer guests the best summer day in L.A. Debuting Friday, June 13 and continuing daily through Sunday, August 10, 2025, Universal Mega Movie Summer will create experiences for guests that redefine how they can “beat the heat,” “hang with friends” and “party in the park.” With the addition of ingenious menu items, curated by Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef Julia Thrash and complemented by all-new collections of exclusive merchandise, including apparel and toys, Universal Mega Movie Summer will delight guests and fans with an array of exclusive in-world, themed offerings. Highlights follow: Jurassic World—The Ride Featuring Mosasaurus Splash, inspired by Universal Pictures’ highly-anticipated movie Jurassic World Rebirth opening in theaters on July 2, roars to life within the theme park’s popular dinosaur-laden thrill ride. The iconic 84-foot water drop at the ride’s finale will reverberate with the menacing roar of a Mosasaurus. Four new Spitter dinosaurs will join the melee and water geysers will erupt to shower guests. An all-new adorable dinosaur from Jurassic World Rebirth will join Blue the Velociraptor, Juliet the Triceratops and Baby Tango. These highly realistic, lifelike dinosaurs will engage with guests alongside the debut of an all-new adventure character, also inspired by Jurassic World Rebirth. A larger-than-life photo op of a Spinosaurus dinosaur will welcome guests to step into a thrilling scene from the film for a memorable photo for instant social postings, and an inspiring scavenger hunt game featuring Compy will entertain visitors while keeping them on their toes. Jurassic Cafe will serve up a sampling of new prehistoric delicacies, plus Isla Nubar will feature new cocktails, The Jurassic Water Rebirth and Spicy Jurassic Pearadise. To mark the 50th Golden Anniversary of Jaws the movie, Universal Studios Hollywood is reintroducing its iconic hanging shark, a larger-than-life dimensional sculpture photo op, and paying homage to this Academy Award-winning blockbuster with the debut of meet and greet characters, Captain Quint and Chief Brody. On the Studio Tour, Jaws will be featuredon the iconic Hollywood Sign replica, situated along the backlot hillside, and the infamous Jaws Lake attraction as it celebrates July 4th all summer long. Hollywood & Dine, located just inside the theme park’s main entry, will transform into Amity Island Cafe, serving up a menu fit for a great white. Menu and beverage highlights will include Lobster Roll, Vegan Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Fish and Chicken Basket, Shark Bait Burger, Shark Fin Funnel Cake, Amity Island Parfait and Amity Beach Lifesaver Donut, as well as The Shark Bite cocktail and Amity Open Water, a non-alcoholic beverage. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the landmark film Back to the Future, the iconic Time Machine from the film will be staged on the theme park’s Upper Lot, adjacent to Mel’s Diner. Characters Doc Brown, Marty McFly and Einstein the dog will all be on hand and paw to greet guests and pose for timeless photo ops. With its decades-old throwback sensibilities, Mel’s Diner idyllically captures the essence of Back to the Future, serving up such menu options as the Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, Time Machine Pastrami Melt, Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie, Outatime Cookie, Time Traveler’s Milk Shake, Flux Capacitor Mocktail and Wake Up Juice Cocktail. Guests and fans of Universal Pictures’ blockbuster Wicked will have a chance to rejoicify with popular characters, Elphaba and Glinda, when they step out in style to greet guests at the theme park’s existing vibrant Wicked themed photo op, located adjacent to the main entrance. A sculpted dimensional photo op of Toothless from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks’ live action movie How to Train Your Dragon opening in theatres on June 13, will take center stage within Universal Plaza. This lifelike, 730-pound, larger-than-life sculpted dimensional dragon will tower at nearly 6’ in height, measuring 24’ in length and 8’ in width. Surprised guests posing next to Toothless will no doubt be able to imagine themselves soaring with their favorite dragon within the Isle of Berk. A dedicated food cart within Universal Plaza will serve scrumptious treats that only a dragon could devour, such as Toothless and Light Fury cookies and a Toothless popcorn bucket. As construction continues on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster opening in 2026, the theme park will offer guests an exciting sneak peek at one of the ride vehicles for this all-new adventure. The Dodge Charger ride vehicle, designed to look like Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger, will park within Universal Plaza for guests to enjoy as the theme park races towards the roller coaster’s grand opening next year. Universal CityWalk Hollywood is also toasting Universal Mega Movie Summer with a variety of entertainment and limited-time offerings. These include: Voodoo Doughnut, featuring the cleverly named Doughnut Go In the Water inspired by Jaws, plusLittle Stepper and Big Stepper treats inspired by Jurassic World Rebirth. The Universal Studio Store and Cartooniversal will sell a variety of themed merchandise aligned with Universal Mega Movie Summer’s engaging entertainment. Five Towers Stage will shake, rattle and roll with DJs and stage performances. Visit Universal CityWalk for more information and a schedule of events. Universal Cinema, an AMC® Theatre, is the ideal location to catch the latest blockbusters, including How to Train Your Dragon and Jurassic World Rebirth, with an opportunity to see original movie costumes on display in the theatre lobby. Moviegoers will also have a chance to watch the original Back to the Future movie on the big screen with multiple screenings taking place on July 3. Universal Cinema is the only theatrical venue in the world to feature both a six-story 70MM IMAX® with 4K laser projection and the new PRIME at AMC® theater, featuring 4K laser projection, superior acoustics and heated, plush, recliner seats with built-in subwoofer technology. Visit Universal Cinema for up-to-date screenings and times. Universal Mega Movie Summer complements the slate of unprecedented groundbreaking attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, including the interactive land, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride; “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” highly immersive land that features Hogsmeade™ village, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™ rides; “Jurassic World— The Ride”; Illumination’s award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem”; Springfield, U.S.A. and “The Simpsons Ride™”; “TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D” and “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride,” as well as the theme park’s signature, behind- the-scenes Studio Tour attraction. For more information about Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X and like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook.

DreamWorks Water Park has begun to tease that a new splash pad playground themed to Gabby's Dollhouse will be joining their lineup of attractions. https://www.americandream.com/venue/dreamworks-water-park

There are new rumblings that a buyer from Florida might be lining up to take another stab at reopening Ghost Town in the Sky as a new attraction... https://www.facebook.com/NationalAmusementParkHistoricalAssociation/posts/1111008691062973?ref=embed_post Ghost Town Village in Maggie Valley may soon see a revival, as a potential buyer from Florida has expressed interest in purchasing the long-closed amusement park. Owner Jill McClure, who inherited the property, hopes to sell it for entertainment purposes rather than housing. The buyer envisions a venue featuring country music, rodeos, and festivals, aiming to keep the park family-friendly. McClure had a professional appraisal valuing the 285-acre property at $6.4 million1. If the deal doesn’t materialize, she plans to put it on the market. Locals are optimistic about the revival, believing it could boost tourism and revenue for the town. Movement on the sale could happen within months. The potential buyer first became interested in the property after delivering hurricane relief supplies to the area. McClure has full discretion over the sale following legal maneuvering after the passing of previous co-owner Frankie Wood. While some residents prefer Maggie Valley to remain a quiet town, others see the revival as an opportunity to restore its tourism-driven economy. The amusement park, originally opened in 1961, was once a major attraction featuring Wild West shows and celebrity performances.

Universal Horror Unleashed has released a new teaser for their "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" haunted house...

Local media has shared a construction update on the indoor coaster coming to LEGOLAND California... https://youtu.be/1Raqvb6MWDw?si=-322cEdwfE7nLqnq

Hard to believe even now, but the last day of my Oktoberfest adventure with Theme Park Review had arrived. It was bittersweet to say the least. Another full day of fun planned at the incredible Phantasialand, but the end of that day would bring the end of the trip. I snuck out the bathroom window one more time to admire the view of Rookburgh during the daytime... The walk down from the hotel to the land through the property's exclusive park entrance is both convenient and immersive. The group was up bright and early to take in the steam and get our head start on lining up for the remaining attractions we hadn't ridden during the prior day. Crazy Bats (previously Temple of the Night Hawk and before that, Space Center) was a surprisingly long indoor coaster that now features VR headsets. Even nicer, the VR experience is included in your park admission and all riders get a headset to wear. The coaster has three light hills and lasts nearly four minutes, which gives the VR experience (themed to three bats in a frozen castle) plenty of time to take you through their story. I would've never expected it, but this ended up being the best VR experience I had across the entire trip! I was very excited to get the chance to explore the Deep in Africa: Adventure Trail, which had only opened a few years earlier. By once again squeezing another experience in and around others park elements, Phantasialand maximizes the space the park uses, while making the big attractions (like Black Mamba) feel even more deeply interwoven into the land. If you know where to look, the adventure trail offers some great vantage points of Black Mamba. Up close and personal. The Deep in Africa: Adventure Trail is also a great way to get soaked if you don't pay attention to where you're going and how you're trying to get there. Case in point. I got drenched. We had some sweet treats, like this trio of eclairs, along the course of the day. The Hotel Ling Bao towers over the Chinatown section of the park. And there are great options for food inside! Today was the day where we had planned to tackle at least one water ride... Ponchos engaged. I fell out of my seat on Mystery Quest trying to keep my shoes dry but it was worth it. This was quite a fun rapids ride. I was fairly confident I'd be leaving Phantasialand without having a chance to ride my much-anticipated Chiapas... But as luck would have it, with three hours left in the operating day, boats started to cycle for testing. About an hour later we were seated for our journey downriver... This is such a fun log flume! And the airtime hill is a great touch! We got wet, but I wouldn't say soaked. But it was great fun and a highlight of the visit! An acceptable amount of wetness! I went back to the room to change before our exclusive ride time and couldn't help but to take in more of the view. Just incredible. It is nearly impossible to articulate just how much this coaster weaves in and out of the other elements of the realm. Just incredible. And so ridiculously smooth. One of my favorite parts of F.L.Y. is how the second launch sends riders directly between two sides of cabins belong to the Hotel Charles Lindburgh. Pics or my visit didn't happen. I'm kind of a fan of this place... Kind of. One of my favorite photos I managed to grab of F.L.Y., not because it is the highest quality, but because this angle does a good job of showing just how much coaster (and other stuff) that is packed into a small section of the land. Overbanked turns on this kind of coaster are a joy. Dessert waffles for a snack. It was time for our final ERT of the trip... F.L.Y. elevates the flying coaster experience with its unique loading system, over-the-top-theming and its incredibly immersive environment. It was one of my favorite experiences of the trip and one of my favorite coasters I've ever been on (if only for the total package of it all). And it was an amazing final ride with which to round out the trip. One more dinner at Bar 1919... If you ever get the chance to visit, do yourself a favor and get the sliders... Trust me. Dessert was great too! The next morning we flew from Cologne to Munich... From Munich it was time for final farewells as we all flew in our own homeward directions... Naturally I had to choose Madame Web for my flight home. Many of us were anxious about getting home because flights back in the Southeast were being cancelled as airports announced their closure due to an impending hurricane. There was a very real chance I could have been spending a few days in Toronto. Fortunately enough, mine was the last flight to Orlando from Toronto to not be cancelled... I gave my thanks to the Saint of Good Travel, Tim Hortons... I had my first Western-ish meal in over two weeks before it was time to board the plane home. Much rainier skies were in my future but the last sixteen days would make it all worth it. It's taken some time to prepare and post all of these updates, but in recollecting the experiences I shared with so many friends on this trip, I'm eternally grateful to Robb, Elissa and so many others who made this trip what it was. I experienced several bucket list moments and went to places I was fairly confident I'd never have the chance to visit in my lifetime. I ate (and drank) well throughout and visited some of the best parks I've ever been to. It was an incredible trip and I cannot wait for the next chance to travel with TPR... It will surely be another incredible adventure!