Top 10 Attractions Magazine theme park news stories of 2020
Let’s face it: 2020 was a stressful, complicated year in the theme park industry. With record-long closures, enhanced safety protocols, face masks, and more, visiting your favorite parks looked a lot different this year.
Here’s a look back at our Top 10 theme park news stories of 2020:
Editor’s Note: Many of our most popular articles this year were written in past years, but unless noted, these stories represent the top 10 that were posted in 2020.
10. SeaWorld Orlando re-opens with loose rules and limited rides
SeaWorld Orlando’s initial re-opening post COVID-closure was a little rocky at first, and we were there on Day 1 to document our experience.
9. Disney has officially banned another type of face mask
2020 was the year of the face mask, and with this new accessory comes a bit of trial and error at the parks – with changing rules as to what types of masks are and aren’t allowed.
8. Photo Update: Canceled and continued projects at Disney World
Walt Disney World is never finished, and even though the closures did affect the opening schedule of some upcoming offerings, construction continues on. These photos, provided by Bioreconstruct on Twitter, shared a look at what to expect in the years to come.
7. Universal Orlando’s CityWalk planning to partially reopen on May 11
Universal Orlando’s possible partial re-opening of CityWalk got a lot of theme park fans excited at the prospect of returning to the places we know and love. The entertainment district did, in fact, re-open to guests on May 14.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the centerpiece of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, made its eagerly-awaited debut in late 2019, but fans were still burning with questions about the new attraction in 2020. We attended the press previews and braved the opening week crowds to bring the vital information guests need to know in order to experience this immersive installment of the Skywalker saga.
5. What makes a princess a Disney Princess?
With The Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox officially complete, many fans were wondering if any of the princess characters acquired by Fox would join the ranks of the 12 official Disney Princesses.
4. Orlando theme parks share update for coronavirus
Before Orlando’s theme parks began their lengthy closures due to COVID-19, theme park fans awaited with bated breath to see how the parks would react to and handle the situation.
3. Coronavirus – Theme Park and Attraction Closings and Updates
As the theme parks began their coronavirus-related closures around the world, we kept a running list of all the openings, closings, operational changes, and requirements guests would need to know when planning for future visits.
2. Universal Orlando now offering ‘Buy a Day,’ visit all year tickets for Florida residents
Earlier this summer, Universal Orlando offered a new ticket option for Florida residents called the “Buy a Day” ticket, which allowed unlimited visits for most of 2020 for the price of just one day.
1. We wore a mask all day in the hot sun at a theme park; Here’s our experience and advice
When Universal Orlando finally re-opened to guests in June, we were there to check out all the updated safety precautions, operational changes, and see what it was like to wear a face mask all day in the Florida heat – and, of course, documented our experience.
Was one of your top stories represented in this list? Let us know what your biggest piece of theme park news for 2019 was in the comments below!
2021 will surely bring just as much exciting news from the theme parks, so be sure to stay tuned to our website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channel for all the latest updates, videos, breaking news and more.
