Attractions Newswire, August 2024: Theme park news, updated all month long
Welcome to Attractions Newswire, your continuously updated pitstop for bite-sized news on all your favorite theme parks and attractions: Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Six Flags, pop-ups, and more.
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This page will be continuously updated with more news as August progresses. Bookmark it and come back so you don’t miss any announcements from your favorite attractions!
Halloween Horror Nights menus
Aug. 26, 2024
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando starts this week, and we have some official information about the Halloween Horror Nights food and beverage.
Character guide for Oogie Boogie Bash 2024
Aug. 25, 2024
Oogie Boogie Bash character list: Find out which villains and Disney friends you’ll see at Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party 2024.
Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas arrives in 2025
Aug. 24, 2024
Star of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class vessel with a 1930s Chicago-style supper club and eight neighborhoods.
Dinosaur World welcomes gusts to experience Jurassic Haunt
Aug. 24, 2024
Jurassic Haunt: The Curse Unearthed will welcome guests into Dinosaur World in Florida after hours during Halloween season.
Top Thrill 2 to remain closed until 2025 at Cedar Point
Aug. 23, 2024
Top Thrill 2 is closed “mechanical modification” at Cedar Point and will not reopen until 2025.
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs now open at Disney’s BoardWalk
Aug. 23, 2024
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs finally opened. Did the arrival of this corn dog stand break the curse of average corn dogs at Walt Disney World?
Scorpion coaster closing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Aug. 23, 2024
Scorpion, a roller coaster, will permanently close at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to make way for an unannounced new attraction.
Universal Fan Fest Nights will be Halloween Horror Nights without the horror
Aug. 23, 2024
Universal Fan Fest Nights, an after-hours event, will debut in 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood celebrating “Back to the Future” and more.
New Halloween event at Sea Life Orlando
Aug. 22, 2024
Sea Life Orlando Aquarium will host Pirates of the Haunted Seas, a new event, from Oct. 4 – Nov. 3, 2024. Guests can watch divers carve pumpkins inside the aquarium’s underwater exhibits.
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ in Chicago
Aug. 22, 2024
Buffy: The Slayer Experience, a pop-up attraction inspired by “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” will take place in Chicago from Sept. 20 – Oct. 27, 2024 featuring a cocktail bar, restaurant, and haunted house.
Moana splash pad to open at new Polynesian tower
Aug. 22, 2024
A splash pad featuring Moana will be part of Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows when the new Disney Vacation Club property opens later this year.
Universal Orlando reveals Epic Universe early park admission, new hotel categories
Aug. 22, 2024
Epic Universe early park admission and new categories for Universal hotels are among upcoming changes at Universal Orlando.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be ‘crown jewel of Epic Universe’
Aug. 22, 2024
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, opening in 2025, will have its own exclusive entrance to Epic Universe and a rooftop bar overlooking the park.
Sneak peeks of Six Flags Fright Fest
Aug. 21, 2024
Six Flags shared new concept art for its haunted houses based on “The Conjuring,” “Saw,” and more, which will debut at various Six Flags parks’ Fright Fest Extreme this fall.
The worlds of Hello Kitty and ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ combine at McDonald’s
Aug. 20, 2024
Hello Kitty and Friends + Yu-Gi-Oh! = a new McDonald’s Happy Meal collaboration with new plush toys and the Worlds of Fun mobile game.
Construction update for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster
Aug. 20, 2024
“Fast & Furious” roller coaster construction races toward a 2026 opening at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Details released for Disney Imagination Garden onboard Disney Adventure cruise ship
Aug. 20, 2024
Disney Imagination Garden, the hub of the Disney Adventure cruise ship, will have a Marvel show, a “Moana” restaurant, and balcony rooms.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Loungefly
Aug. 20, 2024
New “Deadpool & Wolverine” products are now available from Loungefly, including a mini-backpack and a wallet.
Halloween Tribute Store opening Aug. 28 at Universal Orlando
Aug. 20, 2024
Just in time for the kickoff of Halloween Horror Nights (which begins Aug. 30, 2024), the Halloween Tribute Store will open at Universal Studios Florida on Aug. 28, featuring new merchandise, including the “Ghostbusters” jacket pictured above.
D23 tips & tricks for first-timers
Aug. 19, 2024
Considering going to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Read our D23 tips and tricks before you go to see if the event is right for you.
Disney characters host horse-themed dance party with Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift songs
Aug. 19, 2024
Disney characters Clarabelle and Horace hosted a Disneyland dance party with a playlist of horse-related songs by Chappell Roan and others.
Experience Penguin Trek and Pipeline at Give Kids the World charity event at SeaWorld Orlando
Aug. 19, 2024
The Coasting for Kids Summer Inversion Tour will stop at SeaWorld Orlando to raise money for Give Kids the World Village.
‘Only Murders in the Building’ limited-time escape room coming to New York and Los Angeles
Aug. 19, 2024
Hulu series “Only Murders in the building” is breaking in a new season with a limited-time escape room returning to L.A. and debuting in NYC.
Top 10 highest-attended theme parks and water parks of 2023
Aug. 18, 2024
The top theme parks and water parks of 2023 have been revealed in the annual Global Attendance Report. Did your favorite make the list?
Storyland Studios expands story-driven architecture team
Aug. 18, 2024
Themed entertainment agency Storyland Studios has expanded its master planning, architecture, and landscape architecture teams. These artists will perform their services in-house with Storyland, joining the company’s existing project design and creative development teams.
Six Flags Qiddiya to include trackless dark ride
Aug. 18, 2024
When Six Flags Qiddiya City opens in 2025, the new theme park will include The Enchanted Greenhouse, a newly announced dark ride. “The central idea is that an interactive dark ride should also be fun to enjoy when your finger is not on the trigger,” the park said in a press release.
SeaWorld Orlando unveils 2025 special events
Aug. 18, 2024
The 2025 special events calendar at SeaWorld Orlando will include the Seven Seas Food Festival, Howl-O-Scream, and more.
‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ light trail in New York
Aug. 18, 2024
The New York Botanical Gardens will host a light trail themed to “The Nightmare Before Christmas” from Sept. 27 – Nov. 30, 2024. The trail is created by Adventurelive and Letsgo.
Disney Dreamers Academy applications now open
Aug. 18, 2024
Applications are now open for Disney Dreamers Academy 2025, a four-day mentorship program for students at Walt Disney World.
Jimmy Fallon haunted maze opening in New York from Halloween Horror Nights designers
Aug. 16, 2024
A Jimmy Fallon haunted maze called “Tonightmares” will open in New York City from the designers of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Universal lays out vision for Epic Universe community impact
Aug. 16, 2024
Epic Universe construction will extend beyond the park itself, as Universal Orlando recently shared during a Chamber of Commerce meeting.
New Tiger Lily scene in Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom
Aug. 16, 2024
A new scene onboard Peter Pan’s Flight at Walt Disney World updates the ride’s portrayal of the Never Land Tribe and Tiger Lily.
Six Flags announces seven new coasters for 2025
Aug. 15, 2024
Six Flags has announced seven new roller coasters and an All Park Passport for unlimited admission to all 42 parks.
New Universal Orlando vacation package includes up to $1,000 dining card
Aug. 15, 2024
An all-new Universal Orlando Resort Dining Card Vacation Package includes a dining card worth up to $1,000.
Disney tops list of best U.S. amusement parks
Aug. 14, 2024
Disney has seven of the ten best U.S. amusement parks – but, surprisingly, the #1 park doesn’t have a castle in it.
The ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ popcorn bucket and. moremerch hasbeen summoned
Aug. 14, 2024
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice popcorn bucket and other movie merchandise has been summoned in anticipation of the movie in theaters Sept. 6, 2024.
Movie review: ‘Alien: Romulus,’ visually stunning
Aug. 14, 2024
“Alien: Romulus” is a remarkable achievement for a franchise that seemingly had little to no life after the previous two entries.
Epic Unvierse coasters testing, sculptures installed
Aug. 14, 2024
Epic Universe coaster trains are cycling at the construction sites of Donkey Kong, Universal Monsters, and “How to Train Your Dragon” rides.
New in 2025 at Six Flags New England: Quantum Accelerator
Aug. 14, 2024
In 2025, Six Flags New England in Massachusetts will open Quantum Accelerator, a straddle roller coaster with two launches.
Chuck E. Cheese membership pass now available
Aug. 13, 2024
Chuck E. Cheese membership is now available at 450 locations throughout the U.S., with membership renewing on a monthly basis.
Universal sets dates for Mardi Gras 2025
Aug. 13, 2024
Universal Orlando will host its annual Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval from Feb. 1 – March 30, 2025, complete with the parade and specialty food.
Squid Game attraction coming to New York
Aug. 13, 2024
Squid Game: The Experience will open Oct. 11, 2024 in New York City, featuring challenges, dining, and merchandise. Tickets go on sale Aug. 21.
‘Back to Hogwarts’ tickets available Aug. 19
Aug. 13, 2024
A special event commemorating “Back to Hogwarts” will take place at Grand Central Terminal in New York City from Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2024. Fans can obtain free tickets by opting into email communications from the Harry Potter Fan Club by Aug. 17, and then receiving an email with a ticket link on Aug. 19. Tickets will go live at noon ET on Aug. 19.
Two roller coasters delayed to 2025 at Six Flags parks
Aug. 12, 2024
Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags Great Adventure will postpone the openings of their 2024 roller coasters into 2025.
New Jersey park permanently closing
Aug. 12, 2024
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier will permanently close after 94 years of operation in Ocean City, N.J.
Tom Sawyer Island, Rivers of America to be replaced by ‘Cars’ rides at Magic Kingdom
Aug. 12, 2024
“Cars” rides at Magic Kingdom will replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America in the Florida park’s Frontierland.
Attractions Expert Q&A: Francois Fassier
Aug. 12, 2024
Previously a technical director at Disneyland Paris for 17 years, Francois Fassier is now vice president of Compagnie des Alpes.
Deadpool pitches attraction ideas, roasts Disney exec Josh D’Amaro at D23
Aug. 11, 2024
Deadpool’s D23 visit included an elaborate pitch of new ideas for Disney theme park attractions, and some jabs at infamous Disney blunders.
Every announcement from D23 parks panel 2024, organized by park
Aug. 11, 2024
Discover every major reveal from the D23 parks panel 2024, with news about upcoming attractions at Disney theme parks around the world.
Legoland Florida to debut first-ever drone show
Aug. 10, 2024
Legoland Florida will debut “Monsters Skytacular,” its first-ever drone show, as part of the park’s annual Brick-or-Treat event celebrating Halloween on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 14 – Oct. 27, 2024 (plus an extra day on Friday, Sept. 13).
Busch Gardens Williamsburg to host haunted 5K
Aug. 10, 2024
Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia will host the inaugural Fiends Frenzy 5K Run on Sept. 29, 2024 before park opening.
What’s new at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2024
Aug. 10, 2024
Walt Disney World kicked off the Halloween season with 2024’s first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Aug. 9. We updated our previous story with the locations of where to find villains this year.
King Thanos ride vehicle for California Adventure revealed at D23
Aug. 10, 2024
The King Thanos ride is currently in development for Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, and D23 attendees got a first look.
D23: All the Disney movie trailers & sneak peeks in one place
Aug. 10, 2024
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event debuted new trailers for “Moana 2,” “Agatha All Along,” the live-action “Lilo & Stitch,” and more.
Revenge of the Mummy manufacturer to build AlpenFury launch coaster for Canada’s Wonderland
Aug. 8, 2024
In 2025, Canada’s Wonderland will debut AlpenFury, a new roller coaster from the creators of Revenge of the Mummy at Universal parks.
New in 2025 at Kings Island: Water coaster + seven kids’ slides at Soak City
Aug. 8, 2024
In 2025, Kings Island’s water park, Soak City, will open a water coaster called RiverRacers, reaching speeds of up to 30 mph.
VP pick Tim Walz is just like us – thrill junkies
Aug. 7, 2024
Tim Walz, VP candidate, has a tradition at the state fair. Do you have a family tradition when visiting amusement parks or attractions?
McDonald’s Collector’s Edition cups celebrate Happy Meal toys’ history
Aug. 7, 2024
McDonald’s Collector’s Edition cups will spotlight throwbacks such as Grimace, Shrek, Barbie, the Minions, Beanie Babies, and more.
How has ‘Disney inflation’ impacted favorite theme park foods?
Aug. 7, 2024
It’s no secret that a Disney vacation is not inexpensive, but a new study shows “Disney inflation” has impacted favorite theme park foods.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas gets $100 million overhaul
Aug. 7, 2024
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is slated for a $100 million dry dock to add restaurants, new panoramic suites, and more.
New in 2025 at Carowinds
Aug. 7, 2024
In 2025, Carowinds will open a new Peanuts-themed roller coaster and water blaster ride as the park reimagines Camp Snoopy, its kids’ area.
M3GAN returning to Halloween Horror Nights
Aug. 7, 2024
A scare zone based on Blumhouse movies, including “M3GAN,” will debut during Halloween Horror Nights 2024 at Universal Studios Florida.
Limited-time treat at Universal’s Harry Potter worlds
Aug. 7, 2024
To celebrate “Back to Hogwarts,” guests can purchase an Iced Biscuit (aka frosted cookie) for a limited time beginning Aug. 12, 2024 at Honeydukes inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as at Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Express lane now offered at Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Aug. 7, 2024
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is now eligible for Universal Express access to a shorter wait time at Universal Studios Hollywood, effective Aug. 6, 2024.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Pride event
Aug. 6, 2024
All are welcome at “Out on the Mountain” — a Pride event at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif. — on Aug. 16, 2024 from 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
‘Stranger Things’ opening on Broadway in 2025
Aug. 6, 2024
The “Stranger Things” prequel Broadway production will debut in New York City in spring 2025. The show began in London.
Drones at Iowa’s Adventureland
Aug. 6, 2024
Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the park’s first-ever drone shows Aug. 16-18 at 9:10 p.m. nightly. Fans can vote on the shape of one of the drone formations.
‘Twisters’ returning to 4DX theaters
Aug. 6, 2024
4DX theaters will once again host screenings of “Twisters” in late summer 2024, along with the original 1996 movie.
SeaWorld Orlando to host inaugural Howl-O-Sprint
Aug. 6, 2024
SeaWorld Orlando’s first-ever Howl-O-Sprint 5K race will commence Sept. 13, 2024 — aka Friday the 13th.
College fair returning to Disney World
Aug. 6, 2024
The HBCU Week Foundation will host a college fair at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World on Oct. 23-24, 2024 spotlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and welcoming an expected 8,000 students.
‘Saturday Night Live’ season 50 lottery now open
Aug. 5, 2024
The ticket lottery for season 50 of “Saturday Night Live” opened last week and will be active through Aug. 31, 2024. Read our firsthand report about how to get tickets using both the lottery and the standby line:
What is the Olympics mascot?
Aug. 5, 2024
If you’ve been watching the Olympics and wondering who (or what) the mascot is, allow us to introduce you to the Phryges.
Hershey attraction opening in Chicago
Aug. 5, 2024
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure, an interactive experience, will open in Chicago, Ill. on Oct. 4, 2024. Tickets launch on Aug. 20.
Spooktacular set to return to SeaWorld San Diego
Aug. 5, 2024
The family-friendly Spooktacular event will return to SeaWorld San Diego on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Sept. 6 – Nov. 3, 2024 with new pirate-themed entertainment.
Kennedy Space Center to host after-hours glow party
Aug. 5, 2024
Kennedy Under the Stars, an after-hours event, will return to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island, Fla. on Aug. 31, 2024. The event will include exhibit access, real astronauts, and glow party elements.
Final week for Flavors of Florida
Aug. 5, 2024
It’s the final week of Flavors of Florida, the annual food festival at Disney Springs. The event’s last day of operation is Aug. 11, 2024.
Pixar Fest now over
Aug. 5, 2024
Aug. 4, 2024 was the final day for Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. With the event’s conclusion, the Pixar parade at Disney California Adventure has ended. The Pixar nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park will continue nightly through Aug. 22, 2024.
Space Mountain now closed for three years in Tokyo
Aug. 5, 2024
Last week, Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland closed for a major reimagining. The indoor coaster will reopen in 2027.
Rappelling down Melia Hotel in Celebration, Fla.
Aug. 4, 2024
Over The Edge is launching urban rappelling at the Melia Orlando Celebration Hotel for anyone who would like to sign up. We sent our reporter Connor Webber and his fiancé Emma over the edge for the first time.
Disney Halloween costumes and merchandise for 2024
Aug. 4, 2024
Disney Halloween merchandise is now available from Disney Store: costumes for kids & adults, apparel, décor, and more.
Cookie Monster, Snoop Dogg team up for Olympics coverage
Aug. 4, 2024
Cookie Monster, Elmo, and even Rocco (he’s just a rock!) have arrived at the Paris Olympics to report with Snoop Dogg and interview athletes.
‘Creep It Real’ Halloween festival returning to Orange County
Aug. 3, 2024
“Creep It Real Nostalgic” will celebrate the Halloweens of the ’80s and ’90s on Sept. 14-15, 2024 in Santa Ana, Calif. with special panels featuring the casts of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” hosted by our reporter Jeff DePaoli.
Inside the new Disney Vacation Club lounge
Aug. 3, 2024
A new Disney Vacation Club lounge is now open at Disney Springs, featuring refreshments, sofas, and balcony views. The spot shares a building with DVC’s model rooms.
Snake River Falls to permanently close at Cedar Point
Aug. 3, 2024
Cedar Point announced the permanent closure of Snake River Falls, the park’s 20-passenger boat drop ride.
New book ‘Deadpool & Wolverine: Exposed’
Aug. 3, 2024
A 224-page hardcover book entitled “Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine: Exposed – Photos from the Set” by Jess Harrold will publish from Marvel Universe on Dec. 17, 2024.
Disneyland Paris castle debuts new lighting
Aug. 3, 2024
Walt Disney Imagineering installed over 200 spotlights to shine upon Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in France.
Busch Gardens closes early for Tropical Storm Debby
Aug. 3, 2024
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay closed early today as Tropical Storm Debby neared. We’ve begun a page to be updated with any additional theme park closings should they occur.
Pee-wee’s Playhouse panel at historic Groundlings Theatre
Aug. 3, 2024
The Groundlings presented a panel all about the iconic character of Pee-wee Herman, created by Groundlings alum Paul Reubens.
Dragon flies over Epic Universe
Aug. 2, 2024
Adventuring with Annie spotted what appears to be Toothless the dragon from DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” films taking flight over the Epic Universe construction site. Universal’s new park will open in 2025, with Isle of Berk as one of its five worlds.
Tropical storm watch in central Florida
Aug. 2, 2024
Weather forecasters predict Tropical Storm Debby will have its strongest impact on central Florida on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. As of today (Aug. 2), Orlando theme parks have not announced any closures.
All-night Halloween Horror Nights in Japan
Aug. 2, 2024
Would you want to pull an all-nighter at Halloween Horror Nights? On Oct. 18, 2024, Universal Studios Japan will host the first-ever overnight version of the perennial haunt event.
Broadway in Orlando at Dr. Phillips Center
Aug. 2, 2024
The full show calendar and schedule for ticket sales dates is available for the AventHealth Broadway in Orlando 2024-2025 season at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla., as announced last week. Productions this season will include “The Book of Mormon,” “The Lion King,” and more.
All 13 Disney Princesses’ new designs, slogan for 2024
Aug. 2, 2024
The Disney Princess franchise has introduced a new slogan and updated the official designs of its 13 leading ladies.
Hallmark Christmas Movies will come to life at new 2024 attraction
Aug. 2, 2024
Hallmark Christmas movies will leap from the small screen to real life at the Hallmark Christmas Experience, a new attraction opening for the 2024 holiday season.
A summer of Disney at the Hollywood Bowl
Aug. 2, 2024
For fans of various Disney branches, there’s been no shortage of memorable performances taking the stage this summer at the Hollywood Bowl.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s 60th anniversary winds down
Aug. 2, 2024
Time is running short for you to witness Universal Studios Hollywood’s 60th anniversary offering before it ends on Aug. 11, 2024.
Tom Cruise to perform stunt at Olympics closing ceremony
Aug. 2, 2024
Tom Cruise and the Olympics will join forces when the actor performs a skydiving stunt to close out Paris 2024 and ring in Los Angeles 2028.
Oogie Boogie Bash teases new villains
Aug. 1, 2024
In a teaser video posted to social media, Disney all but revealed two villains making their Oogie Boogie Bash debut: Hades from “Hercules” and Dr. Doofenshmirtz from “Phineas and Ferb.”
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party runs select nights Aug. 23 – Oct. 31, 2024. All nights of the event are sold out.
Hello Kitty restaurant and store coming to Universal Hollywood
Aug. 1, 2024
Universal Studios Hollywood announced two new Hello Kitty-themed establishments will open at the west-coast CityWalk: a dining location called Hello Kitty and Friends Café and a retail location called Sanrio Smile Shop. Universal did not mention an opening date.
Sanrio is the parent company of Hello Kitty, as well as My Melody, Kuromi, Aggretsuko, and Gudetama. Hello Kitty has appeared in Universal parks for many years as a walk-around character and through merchandise.
‘Hocus Pocus’ fan costume party in Salem
Aug. 1, 2024
depaolEVENTS — organized by our own Jeff DePaoli — will host the “I Put a Spell On You Masquerade,” a Halloween costume party celebrating “Hocus Pocus.”
The adults-only party will take place inside Old Town Hall in Salem, Mass. (the exterior of which was used as a filming location for the 1993 movie) on Sept. 20, 2024 from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Costumes are required! The event will feature a dance floor with a DJ and performances by Salem’s Favorite Witches.
Operation: Shrek Edition game coming in September
Aug. 1, 2024
The classic board game Operation will take a trip to the swamp with a new “Shrek” edition. Regrettably, it looks like Donkey is a doctor. It’s all ogre for Shrek, we fear.
Operation: Shrek Edition will debut Sept. 4, 2024. The game is now available for pre-order.
Holiday drones at Orlando hotel
Aug. 1, 2024
Orlando World Center Marriott will partner with SkyElements to display a holiday drone show Dec. 25-30, 2024, with a different 12-minute show every night.
Dec. 20-31, the hotel will celebrate its 12 Days of Holiday Fun with daily dining events, including a gingerbread house decorating class and an ugly sweater bar. The season caps off with a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
Disney Destiny cruise ship revealed
Aug. 1, 2024
Disney Cruise Line revealed the themed areas, restaurants, shows, staterooms, and kids’ clubs for the upcoming Disney Destiny cruise ship over the course of July 31 – Aug. 1, 2024. The ship — which will be themed to heroes vs. villains — will set sail November 2025 from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.
Among the highlights of the Disney Destiny will be a “Lion King” dinner show experience, a Haunted Mansion lounge, a statue of Spider-Man on the stern, and a statue of Black Panther as the centerpiece of its main atrium. Read all the details in our ongoing coverage from this week.
Universal reveals attractions for Epic Universe’s Wizarding World
Aug. 1, 2024
Universal Orlando announced details for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, the highly anticipated area coming to the new Epic Universe theme park in 2025.
A ride called Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry will star Delores Umbridge as its primary villain. An indoor stage show will spotlight magical creatures from the “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” films.
Ministry of Magic was the final of Epic Universe’s five worlds to be revealed, following previous showcases for Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe.
Kings Dominion announces new coaster for 2025
Aug. 1, 2024
Rapterra, a wing coaster, will open in 2025 at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Va., the park announced yesterday. Manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, Rapterra will reach 65 mph in four seconds. Its backstory takes place at the base of a volcano.
‘Hahaha! Halloween Party’ at Universal Studios Japan
Aug. 1, 2024
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka will host its “Hahaha! Halloween Party” from Sept. 5 – Nov. 4, 2024, the park announced last month.
During the daytime, family-friendly event, DJ Pikachu will be in charge of the music and Minions will greet guests dressed as Frankenstein’s monster and the Bride of Frankentsein. MyMelody, Kuromi, Elmo, Snoopy, and more characters will join in the festivities, too. “Hahaha! Halloween Party” will also provide an opportunity for guests of all ages to trick-or-treat.
This page will be continually updated the entire month of August 2024. Bookmark it and come back so you never miss an announcement from your favorite theme parks and attractions!
No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
