From a major birthday to a newly born attraction, theme parks are making downtime a lucrative business for event planners. Take a look at the latest theme park news from around the globe.
Universal Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated new theme park, officially opened this week, unlocking portals to five astounding worlds filled with extraordinary adventures.
Designed to be one of the most innovative and immersive theme parks ever created and the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years, Epic Universe transports guests to five imaginative worlds filled with unforgettable adventures: 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.
More than a decade in the making, Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created, transporting guests to five expansive worlds featuring a combined total of more than 50 experiences – ranging from jaw-dropping attractions and exhilarating entertainment to delectable dining, themed shopping and more.
At the edge of Epic Universe is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, a 500-room Mediterranean-inspired escape that features a variety of dining options, a resort-style pool with cabanas, a rooftop bar overlooking Epic Universe, and a dedicated entrance to the theme park from the lobby for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required).
For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.
Disney Park, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.
The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. Miral, which has developed a number of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort.
Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.
Disneyland, Anaheim
Disneyland’s 70th Celebration is in full swing, beginning May 16, 2025 and continuing through summer 2026.
Here are some of the highlights:
- On Toy Story Midway Mania! in Disney California Adventure Park, 70th anniversary “stickers” not only enhance the decor, but also guests’ scores. There will be targets worth 700 or 7,000 points, plus additional “Celebrate Happy” stickers.
- New media will debut in the Animation Courtyard at Disney California Adventure Park for the first time in 10 years. The six animated films joining the rotation are “Encanto,” “Coco,” “Soul,” “The Princess and the Frog,” Zootopia” and “Moana.”
- The Key to Disneyland is an all-new souvenir that enables guests to activate special features while visiting nine lock stations across Disneyland Park. Once all stations are “unlocked,” the key will reveal one of nine hidden commemorative trading pins inside.
- A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour explores the rich heritage of Disneyland Park, from opening day attractions to the latest innovations.
- “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” at Disneyland Park features character friends not often seen at Disneyland, like Duffy and ShellieMay.
- Dining packages include reserved viewing for select entertainment during the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, such as the Paint the Night dining package at Plaza Inn.
A special surprise is planned for July 17—the day the park opened in 1955—when the park’s founder will attend the party himself in the form of a new attraction Walt Disney—A Magical Life, featuring the first ever audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney, who passed away in 1966.
To book dining packages, visit Disneyland.com.
Wild Oasis, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Scheduled to open for Pass Member previews on May 30, 2025, and to all guests on June 6, 2025, the new Wild Oasis adventure realm will transport guests into a vibrant environment inspired by the beauty and biodiversity of the rainforest. Set within the Jungala area of the park, Wild Oasis will feature:
- Habitat Hideaway, introducing all-new animals, including capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and tropical birds. Set in a lush, natural environment, this all-new multispecies animal habitat will offer unique viewing perspectives from both ground-level and aerial viewpoints.
Rendering of Tree Top Drop. - Tree Top Drop, a 35-foot drop tower featuring an immersive multimedia experience with action-packed jungle scenes displayed on screens throughout the ride’s cenote-themed environment.
- Canopy Climb, an expansive attraction featuring four levels of climbing structures, 200 feet of horizontal climbing trails and vertical climbs reaching 45 feet high. Younger adventurers can cool off at Enchanted Falls, an interactive splash pad and play area with fountains and spray towers.
For more information, visit BuschGardensTampa.com.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Young at Heart: Disneyland Turns 70
