A.J.

Disney has announced The Magic of Disney Animation, a reimagined venue based on the real Walt Disney Animation Studios building for Disney's Hollywood Studios, in conjunction with a refresh of Animation Courtyard! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/disney-animation-inspired-experience-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/ Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world. That was the heart and premise of the Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” and soon, it will inspire a brand-new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, this upcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is getting ready to bring the wonder of animation to life like never before. New Adventures Under the Sorcerer Hat In 2026, the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences. Topping the building will be Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the real building in California!), which will cast a spell with pixie dust. Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play! Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures. The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in “Once Upon A Studio;” you’ll find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course); and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch. Our youngest animators-to-be can explore the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. It’ll be the perfect whimsical indoor play area for little ones to grow “curiouser and curiouser!” All of those places to explore and create, and we haven’t even talked about character greetings… and there are lots! The whole family will be drawn to all the creative ways to play together when “The Magic of Disney Animation” opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year. The Walt Disney Studios Lot Comes to Life at Hollywood Studios The pixie dusting from the Sorcerer’s Hat will extend far beyond the walls of “The Magic of Disney Animation” as the entire courtyard is reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank. This special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot includes our version of the Studio Theater, which will continue to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and over at the soundstage, you’ll find a fresh Disney Jr. show. While exploring the studio grounds and courtyard area, families can take a break to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees. And make sure to look around, too. You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass. Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to the whole courtyard in new and immersive ways families will love. We can’t wait for you to experience this fantastical place in 2026. As we prepare for this transformation, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. During this time, guests will still be able to go under the sea with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and enjoy the exhibits and film presentation at Walt Disney Presents.

Merlin has officially announced the Space roller coaster for Legoland Florida! https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/newsroom/news-releases/2025/na-legoland-investment/ https://www.legoland.com/florida/things-to-do/theme-park/2026-news/ Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, has today unveiled the first details of the space-themed experiences being developed at its LEGOLAND Resorts in Florida and California, including groundbreaking indoor rollercoasters. This marks the next milestone in the £70 million investment already announced for the two resorts. The news, which closely follows the official opening of the 11th LEGOLAND Resort in Shanghai in early July, demonstrates Merlin’s continued commitment to bringing the LEGO® brand to life, at scale, through innovative new formats across its estate. It also reflects the business’ broader strategy of working with the owners of leading, global brands to bring them to life through memorable experiences and investing to premiumise its existing estate, with a focus on priority attractions with the greatest potential for growth. Families will be invited to travel together into the LEGO galaxy packed with adventure, including immersive indoor rollercoasters in both Florida and California. These are set to be the most technologically advanced attractions the Resorts have ever created, brought to life by Merlin Magic Making’s global team of designers and engineers, in close collaboration with the LEGO Group. “After months of anticipation, we’re delighted to confirm details of these immersive, space-themed themed experiences at two of Merlin’s premier resorts globally. This £70 million investment exemplifies our strategy to premiumise our existing portfolio, offering young families even more high-quality attractions, with the captivating storytelling and learning through play that LEGOLAND Resorts are renowned for. Our Merlin Magic Making creative team are constantly working on new, compelling and interactive experiences across our LEGOLAND Resorts as we further strengthen our partnership with the LEGO Group and broaden our appeal to LEGO’s global fan base. In both locations the boundless creativity of LEGO will meet the wonders of space – setting a new standard for fun and imagination, and once again providing guests with a new reason to visit these destination resorts.”

Merlin has unveiled new details about the upcoming Space expansion at Legoland California, including the new indoor roller coaster! https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/newsroom/news-releases/2025/na-legoland-investment/ https://www.legoland.com/california/things-to-do/theme-park/2026-news/ Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, has today unveiled the first details of the space-themed experiences being developed at its LEGOLAND Resorts in Florida and California, including groundbreaking indoor rollercoasters. This marks the next milestone in the £70 million investment already announced for the two resorts. The news, which closely follows the official opening of the 11th LEGOLAND Resort in Shanghai in early July, demonstrates Merlin’s continued commitment to bringing the LEGO® brand to life, at scale, through innovative new formats across its estate. It also reflects the business’ broader strategy of working with the owners of leading, global brands to bring them to life through memorable experiences and investing to premiumise its existing estate, with a focus on priority attractions with the greatest potential for growth. Families will be invited to travel together into the LEGO galaxy packed with adventure, including immersive indoor rollercoasters in both Florida and California. These are set to be the most technologically advanced attractions the Resorts have ever created, brought to life by Merlin Magic Making’s global team of designers and engineers, in close collaboration with the LEGO Group. “After months of anticipation, we’re delighted to confirm details of these immersive, space-themed themed experiences at two of Merlin’s premier resorts globally. This £70 million investment exemplifies our strategy to premiumise our existing portfolio, offering young families even more high-quality attractions, with the captivating storytelling and learning through play that LEGOLAND Resorts are renowned for. Our Merlin Magic Making creative team are constantly working on new, compelling and interactive experiences across our LEGOLAND Resorts as we further strengthen our partnership with the LEGO Group and broaden our appeal to LEGO’s global fan base. In both locations the boundless creativity of LEGO will meet the wonders of space – setting a new standard for fun and imagination, and once again providing guests with a new reason to visit these destination resorts.”

Disney has announced that the renovated Test Track will open on July 22, 2025! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/test-track-reopening-date-july-22/ Buckle up for a new spin on a fan-favorite attraction – Test Track presented by General Motors will reopen on July 22! This attraction update will debut an all-new musical score, as well as new scenes that highlight technology making our cars smarter and our lives more fun. See Through the “Eyes” of a Vehicle One of those scenes showcases how vehicles can use advanced cameras and sensors to “see” the world they drive through. While Test Track has always celebrated new and future automotive technology, it’s also a reminder of what a road trip is all about: spending quality time in the company of friends and family while embracing the beauty of the world around you.

Universal has announced that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is now official, and will open in 2026! https://media.universalparksusa.com/press-releases/hit-the-nos-universal-studios-hollywood-announces-fast-furious-hollywood-drift-the-destinations-first-high-speed-outdoor-roller-coaster-opening-in-2026-will-rocket/ Universal Studios Hollywood announces its “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,” first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster launching in 2026 will debut as the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio at a staggering 72 MPH. The theme park also reveals a first look rendering and animatic video showcasing the breadth of this exciting new thrill ride. Construction continues on this ambitious roller coaster and its state-of-the-art ride system, which is being uniquely designed to immerse guests within Universal Pictures’ exhilarating Fast & Furious universe. This innovative roller coaster will take guests on an adventure, unlike anything ever encountered before. Featuring groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles, the coaster will rocket guests up to 72 MPH along 4,100 feet of elaborate track, meticulously constructed with sound reduction technology for a breathtaking experience. The fully rotational ride vehicles will create a seamless sensation of drifting cars as guests spin in motion at furiously fast speeds while being catapulted along an aerial track that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots. “Watching the progress of this incredible roller coaster come to life is truly spectacular,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “2026 is just around the corner and we are equally as excited as our guests to introduce such an inspiring new ride to our theme park portfolio. ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’ will be a powerful game changer for Universal Studios Hollywood that will not only transform the topography of our destination but will infuse an entirely new level of adrenaline to our already dynamic theme park. We look forward to riding it ourselves and to welcoming guests to experience it in the very near future.” “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will be located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests will queue up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films. The ride vehicle modeled after Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger is currently on display at Universal Studios Hollywood. The “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster will benefit from Universal Destinations & Experiences’ decades-long expertise in revolutionizing the development of the contemporary roller coaster across its global theme parks.

Disney has unveiled new details about expansions at the Disneyland Resort, including Coco and Avatar at Disney California Adventure and a brand-new arrival experience! https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/future-expansion-plans-for-disneyland-resort/ All-New Parking Structure and Transportation Hub Coming to Resort Area Plans are underway for a new parking structure and transportation hub that will be built on the east side of Disneyland Resort, on a portion of what is currently the Manchester cast member parking lot. This new area will provide approximately 6,000 parking spaces, shuttle and rideshare areas, security screening and dedicated access for traffic off of Disney Way, improving parking and traffic flow throughout the resort area. As you can see from the artist concept rendering above, this new parking and transportation hub will also feature a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard, leading to an all-new esplanade arrival experience. This pedestrian bridge will also provide convenient public access to and from Harbor Boulevard. These enhanced parking, transit, and arrival offerings are the first step in our next phase of construction, creating the infrastructure necessary to prepare for future growth and to welcome more guests as new experiences are added – including two all-new attractions that will double the size of Avengers Campus, plus the new “Coco”-themed ride and Avatar destination coming to Disney California Adventure park. The multi-year construction of this new arrival experience is slated to begin in fall of 2026. Updates on the Location for the “Coco” Attraction As we continue to add new experiences to Disney California Adventure, we’re excited to share that the upcoming attraction themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” will be built near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, in areas that are predominantly backstage today. Construction on this attraction is set to begin backstage this fall! Avatar Experience Location Details Additionally, we’re looking forward to transforming a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area into our Avatar destination in Disney California Adventure. This project is still in the early stages of development, and additional details will be shared later, including construction timeframes. To make way for this new experience, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will close in early 2026.

Disney has shared some brand-new artwork of the Rivers of America replacement, now called Piston Peak National Park! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/piston-peak-national-park-builds-on-the-story-of-frontierland/ Cars from around the country are fueling up to be the wildest racer in the “wheelderness.” Of course, we know that fans are curious to see how the exciting new backdrop for the big rally race will fit into the waters, landscapes, and storytelling at Magic Kingdom.  Today, we are excited to share that Piston Peak National Park will continue the sweeping storytelling tradition that has crossed Liberty Square and Frontierland since opening day.   Westward Ho! Crossing into New Frontiers at Magic Kingdom Since the early days of Magic Kingdom, adventurous guests have traveled across space and time as they pass from Liberty Square to Frontierland. Starting with architectural influences from upstate New York and colonial America in Liberty Square, before traveling to a bear-y fun concert in the North Woods, a stop by New Orleans at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and ending in the Arizona bluffs at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.   At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that helped forge a path to their dreams. To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom. Welcome to Piston Peak National Park Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers. While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.   Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.    From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally. 

Cedar Point has announced that Top Thrill 2 will be reopening on May 3rd!

Keep the discussion about the park itself please, anything else, take to the Random forum. Thanks!

At this year's SXSW conference, Disney offered a glimpse of how the loading will work for the Monsters Inc coaster! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/sxsw-2025-monsters-coaster-hollywood-studios/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI5bHpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdHoxw7Pw2OetQ8acCEboLvRSbufh1oRZWLkzvRgh4v05C7uMos2ySILxg_aem_teqoq6hD45zimFNGSFM9gA When the team at Pixar Animation Studios start dreaming up new worlds and places to visit in the movies, there’s a little voice inside their head (an emotion, maybe) asking, “Is this something Imagineers could create, and we could walk into?” If the answer is no, they keep working. But if the answer is yes… well it’s time to partner with the team at Walt Disney Imagineering to see if it’s possible to bring that space to life in one of the Disney Parks around the world. Taking to the stage during The Future of World-Building at Disney panel at SXSW, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Imagineer Michael Hundgen walked the crowd through their latest upcoming immersive space to occupy Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Monstropolis. First announced at last year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Imagineers are hard at work bringing the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Monsters, Inc. to life — and that includes its monster inhabitants, James P. Sullivan, Mike Wazowski, and more. While getting to walk through the streets of Monstropolis is exciting enough, the land will include a signature attraction where guests embark on a thrilling roller coaster ride through the Monsters, Inc. door vault. “Imagineers have been itching to turn that moment into an attraction ever since we saw it for the first time,” Hundgen teased. While many details about the attraction are still locked up in a laugh canister, the Imagineering team is ready to reveal the load area for the attraction. The upcoming door ride will feature the first-ever suspended coaster at a Disney Park, and the first-ever vertical lift. Get ready to scream — not out of fright, but fun. Showing off a new animatic of the attraction, guests will board the vehicle before being hoisted into the air (just like in the movie!) to zoom into the door vault. It’s going to be, “an experience that’s as memorable and fun as the film,” Hundgen continued. “I can tell you that everyone at Pixar is excited about how this is coming together,” Docter told the crowd. “It really is like a dream come true for us.”

Disney has announced a slate of new and returning experiences for the Disneyland resort for its 70th anniversary! https://disneyconnect.com/disneyland-press/release/disneyland-resort-to-celebrate-happy-in-2025-with-70th-anniversary-and-limited-time-events/ Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration begins May 16, 2025, with returning ‘Paint the Night’ parade and debut of new ‘World of Color Happiness!’ Family fun across two theme parks, Downtown Disney District and three hotels make Disneyland Resort a multi-day vacation destination Limited-time festivals and separately ticketed events offer even more choices of entertainment, food and beverage, and merchandise ANAHEIM, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2024) – Disneyland Resort announced the start date and experiences for its 70th anniversary celebration, along with the 2025 calendar of events and festivals coming to the resort. With a breadth of family fun to discover, guests can experience as much of the magic as possible with multi-day visits and overnight stays at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Reflecting on a 70-year legacy, Disneyland Resort is also in an era of incredible growth with the launch of new offerings and further development in the future. Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration begins May 16 Beginning May 16, 2025, and continuing through summer 2026, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will honor seven decades of happiness and many moments of joy in the making. Families and friends will be able to “celebrate happy” with limited-time entertainment, colorful décor, food and beverages, collectible merchandise and much more. The fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade will return to Disneyland Park, featuring stunning color, vibrant floats and more than a million brilliant LED lights. Guests can look forward to the new “World of Color Happiness!” nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park, which will draw inspiration from Walt Disney’s words from the opening day park dedication from seven decades ago: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!” The beloved nighttime spectacular “Wondrous Journeys” will also dazzle Disneyland Park once again, enhanced with fireworks on select nights. The high-energy parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will also return to Disney California Adventure Park. “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular and “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade will temporarily pause to make way for seasonal Halloween and Holidays entertainment offerings, then resume at a later time. Also debuting are an energetic, new character cavalcade at Disneyland Park and special projections on the facades of Carthay Circle Restaurant and “it’s a small world.” To honor the anniversary, a new theme song “Celebrate Happy” will be heard in various entertainment offerings. Brilliant, colorful décor will adorn the entire resort, including an elegant medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will all come dressed for the party in Town Square at Disneyland, in custom looks designed just for the occasion. Must-visit experiences and more happiness in the making In 2025, guests can also enjoy many recently debuted and reimagined experiences, including Pixar Place Hotel, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, enhancements to New Orleans Square and Bayou Country at Disneyland Park, and more. “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut at the Main Street Opera House theater at Disneyland Park on May 16, 2025. The attraction will feature a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, brought to life for the first time ever through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling. After welcoming new restaurants, the Avengers Reserve retail store and The D-Lander Shop in 2024, the Downtown Disney District continues its transformation with more dining and shopping on the horizon. The Disney Wonderful World of Sweets shop and Parkside Market dining hall are scheduled to open in early 2025. 2025 festival and event calendar Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (Jan. 17-Feb. 16): Offerings inspired by Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions will ring in the Year of the Snake. In 2025, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will debut all-new outfits with representations of traditional Korean attire. Returning offerings include “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” on select days, “Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration” water short, daily live musical performances and Asian-inspired menu items across six Lunar New Year marketplaces and select dining locations. Anaheim Ducks Day (Jan. 24): At Disney California Adventure Park, fans will be able to enjoy a cavalcade, appearances by select Anaheim Ducks players, themed games and more. Anaheim Ducks Day Overtime at the Downtown Disney District will be an exciting fan zone with entertainment, fun activities and photo opportunities. Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park (Feb. 8 and 15): A resort tradition for more than a decade, the uplifting annual concert will return on Feb. 8 and Feb. 15, with performances by community choirs from across Southern California and award-winning artists. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (Feb. 28-April 21): This foodie event celebrates the Golden State with heaping helpings of creative menu items, ten marketplaces – including two with new themes – live entertainment and the return of fan-favorites such as Chef Goofy, bookable culinary experiences and the classic Soarin’ Over California attraction. Season of the Force at Disneyland Park (March 28-May 11): “Fire of the Rising Moons” will perform nightly at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with epic, new projection effects and galactic music – enhanced with fireworks on select nights. Hyperspace Mountain will return to Tomorrowland, hurtling guests through the galaxy and encountering TIE fighters along the way. Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party (Summer): The one-day event at Disney California Adventure Park and two-day event at Downtown Disney District are set to return with entertainment, Disney Jr. character encounters and activities that families with young children will enjoy. Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort (Aug. 22-Oct. 31): Guests of all ages can enjoy eerily awesome fun throughout the resort, including uniquely themed attractions, not-so-scary entertainment and autumn-inspired food and beverages. Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (Aug. 22-Nov. 2): The Academy Award®-winning Pixar Animation Studios film “Coco” comes to life at this celebration of the everlasting bonds of family and the spirit of Día de Los Muertos. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Nov. 14, 2025-Jan. 7, 2026): This enchanting season brings sparkling wintry décor, festive entertainment and more. Disney Festival of Holidays will return to Disney California Adventure Park, featuring specialty menu items, live entertainment and family activities inspired by the diverse season of celebrations in Southern California. Separately ticketed events scheduled in 2025 After-hours events for guests of all ages feature pre-party park mix-in, shorter wait times for select attractions, unique entertainment, themed food and beverages, plus unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event. Disneyland After Dark* events invite guests to play the night away during vivacious, themed parties at Disneyland Park: Sweethearts’ Nite (Jan. 21, 23, 28; Feb. 4, 6, 9, 11, 13): Couples, friends and families alike can celebrate love with a new cavalcade on Main Street, U.S.A., Royal Ball, encounters with character couples and lively music. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Dec. 12, 2024. 90s Nite (March 4 and 6): Dance parties, sing-alongs and more celebrate Disney films, music and pop culture from this iconic decade. “90s on Parade” will have nods to past parades, such as “The Lion King Celebration” and “Mulan Parade.” Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Dec. 12, 2024. Star Wars Nite (April 8, 10, 22, 24, 29; May 1, 4, 6): Galactic adventures await with appearances by Star Wars characters from the Light and Dark sides of the Force, unique gatherings and out-of-this-world photo opportunities. Ticket sale details will be announced at a later time. Pride Nite (June 16 and 18): This celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community brings allies and community members together to enjoy rainbow projections, colorful décor, fabulous entertainment and more. Ticket sale details will be announced at a later time. Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party*: Guests are invited to dress up in costume** for this frightfully fun, after-hours Halloween party at Disney California Adventure Park with family-friendly tricks and treats. In 2025, the party will offer more nights than ever before with 31 different dates: Aug. 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31 Sept. 2, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 Oct. 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31

Disney has just announced that Animation Courtyard will be completely taken over by the new Monsters Inc land, with MuppetVision 3D closinng! In addition, the Aerosmith theme of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will be retired, with the Muppets' Electric Mayhem band coming in to replace it! https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/monsters-inc-the-muppets-hollywood-studios/ Get ready to open the door because Mike and Sulley are coming to town! That’s right, humans will be able to enter the world of Monsters, Inc. when it is added to the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Building off the exciting announcements from last summer’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the new land will include the coaster we’ve all dreamed of – a suspended ride recreating the door vault scene – plus dining and shopping and a whole new theater show. To make way for the monsters, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! But there’s more to the story: The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival! We know so many of you share our love for The Muppets and know their energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster. Plus, as the first Disney ride ever to feature The Muppets, there’s sure to be laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure and plenty of Muppets-themed merchandise on Sunset Boulevard! In the meantime, there’s still enough time to catch a super-stretch limo to the Forum to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and catch Muppet*Vision 3D again before their final curtain calls. As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.

Kings Dominion has formally announced that Project 305's new name and theme will be Pantherian! https://www.kingsdominion.com/rides-experiences/pantherian Kings Dominion announced the new name for the park’s tallest roller coaster will be Pantherian starting in the 2025 season. The name comes from the legend of the jungle cat and fully incorporates the ride into the theming of the Jungle X-Pedition area of the park. "We've been eagerly anticipating revealing Pantherian as it joins the highly anticipated, record-breaking roller coaster Rapterra in filling out the adventures of our Jungle X-Pedition area of the park,” said Bridgette Bywater vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. "The 2025 season promises to be a 50th anniversary celebration filled with new thrills, and unforgettable experiences.” The Jungle X-Pedition area was introduced in 2022 and each ride in the area represents a temple to Jungle animals from an ancient culture. For Pantherian, the intense speed, rapid shifts, and raw power mimic a large panther on the hunt. The ride's transformation comes with a new logo that shows an image of the jungle cat and new paint colors for the ride's support columns and track. Pantherian was originally opened in 2010 and is one of the tallest and fastest coasters on the East Coast, with a first drop of 305 feet and a top speed approaching 95 mph. The ride operated under the placeholder name Project 305 during the 2024 season. Guests can enjoy unlimited rides on Pantherian during 2025 with the purchase of a 2025 Gold Pass.

Universal has announced that Epic Universe will be opening on May 22nd, 2025! https://media.universalparksusa.com/press-releases/universal-epic-universe-officially-opens-on-may-22-2025/ The countdown to Epic has officially begun! Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations. Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created and will be the next gamechanger for theme park entertainment. With a total of more than 50 incredible experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions to breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining and shopping and so much more, Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched across five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. And anchoring the park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a majestic 500-room property that will offer one-of-a-kind views of the park and feature its very own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required). The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created, 11 spectacular hotels that are destinations unto themselves, and more – forever changing the landscape of the award-winning destination. “This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same.” SELECT MULTI-DAY TICKETS AND PACKAGES GO ON SALE NEXT WEEK, WITH MORE ON THE WAY SOON Next week, guests can begin planning an epic 2025 vacation to Universal Orlando to experience the entire destination as the first phase of ticket products and packages that include access to Universal Epic Universe will go on sale. Specific products launching in this first phase include: A variety of multi-day tickets and vacation packages that include three, four or five days of admission to Universal’s theme parks – including one day admission to Epic Universe. These products will go on sale on Tuesday, October 22. Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open on Tuesday, October 22 for stays beginning May 22, 2025. Annual Passholders have the exclusive opportunity to purchase single-day tickets to Universal Epic Universe before they go on sale to the general public. Passholders can take advantage of this priority opportunity beginning Thursday, October 24.

Six Flags has announced Quantum Accelerator, a new Intamin family coaster, will debut at Six Flags New England in 2025! https://www.sixflags.com/newengland/attractions/quantum-accelerator Launching through space and time in 2025 is Quantum Accelerator, New England’s first dual-launch straddle coaster. Quantum Accelerator is a family-friendly thrill ride with two exciting launches, twists and turns, 11 moments of airtime, and speeds up to 45 miles per hour.