Portal testing at Epic Universe, Disney’s latest movie slate, and more news! – The Attractions Podcast
The Attractions Podcast: Portal testing at Epic Universe, plus the latest theme park updates and more from Attractions Magazine.
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Is Universal Orlando using facial recognition? Photo validation explained
Here’s a quick overview of Universal Orlando’s Photo Validation, in which guests can scan their ticket, take a photo, and then use that image for faster future entry by matching the guest to the ticket on subsequent visits or checkpoints.
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Theme Parks | Universal Destinations & Experiences | Universal Orlando Resort | Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando expands photo validation testing to King’s Cross
Universal Orlando appears to be expanding Photo Validation testing, with new kiosks now installed at King’s Cross and Express entry areas.
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SeaWorld San Diego 1,000-drone light show to replace fireworks
It is official: one of San Diego’s summertime traditions is being reimagined from the ground up. SeaWorld San Diego has received unanimous approval from the California Coastal Commission to replace its long-running fireworks shows with a nightly choreographed display featuring up to 1,000 illuminated drones.
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Hershey expands resort options with luxury villas and new family hotel
The Villas at Hotel Hershey is perfect for anyone looking to stay on property, but not have to walk down long hallways and be surrounded by hundreds of people throughout the day. It truly feels secluded, quiet, private, and comfortable. Every guest can feel a little pampered by the friendly staff in the lounge as well.
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Exhibits | Movies | Theme Parks | Video Games
(Review) New Superman attraction opens at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Our review covers the new Superman attraction at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Superman Experience: Defenders Unite promises an interactive walkthrough adventure—and mostly delivers.
This new add-on to the Studio Tour features an original storyline that brings guests into a world inspired by James Gunn’s 2025 film “Superman.” Guests begin inside the Fortress of Solitude, as they are recruited by Superman himself to receive incredible abilities to help him with a new threat to Metropolis and the world at large. We were invited out earlier this week to take a sneak peek at the experience and have a chat with Danny Kahn, Vice President and General Manager of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, about the addition of the Superman Experience…, and the future of the Studio Tour itself.
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(Review) Kings Island’s Phantom Theater Opening Nightmare is more than a nostalgia play
Kings Island has revived one of its most beloved cult attractions with Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, replacing Boo Blasters on Boo Hill with a modern dark ride rooted in nostalgia. During today’s media preview, we experienced updated animatronics, interactive flashlight gameplay, practical show scenes, and a family-friendly spooky tone that honors the original while creating something distinctly new. Here is our full review of the long-awaited return of Phantom Theater.
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Kings Island opens 2026 season with new Phantom Theater dark ride and summer events
The curtain is rising on a new season at Kings Island, and 2026 brings a mix of nostalgia, new experiences, and seasonal entertainment for guests returning to the Ohio park.
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Bluey Magic Shots at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — and more Disney PhotoPass news
Bluey Magic Shots are rolling out at Animal Kingdom, with new interactive PhotoPass experiences popping up near the entrance, the Tree of Life, and beyond.
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Blackpool Pleasure Beach introduces pay-per-ride Flex Pass
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is shaking up the traditional theme park model with its new Flex Pass, allowing guests to pay per ride instead of purchasing an all-inclusive ticket—an approach that stands apart from trends at major parks like Disney and Universal.
