A big new blast from Universal
We've got new stuff from the parks at Disney and Universal this week, with a bunch more new attraction announcements coming soon.
Hollywood pretty much has shut down as the SAG-AFTRA actors union joins the WGA writers union on the picket lines. But it's business as usual for Disney and Universal at their theme parks, which this week announced some new stuff for fans.
I do want to note that while I am not (yet?) a member of SAG-AFTRA, I have done work as a background actor and stand-in that has been covered under SAG-AFTRA contracts. The union has stated that journalists covering the entertainment industry are not crossing picket lines by continuing with their coverage. However, in solidarity with my friends and co-workers in the unions, I will not be promoting struck work via new content on any of my channels on Theme Park Insider - so no new features or stories on movies or television shows (which I rarely do anyway). I will, however, continue to cover attractions themed to movie and TV IP, at Disney, Universal and elsewhere.
So on that note...
Universal Studios Hollywood confirms Fast & Furious coaster: Universal officially confirms that a Fast & Furious roller coaster is coming to Hollywood and construction will begin “soon.” But there’s no opening date yet.
New Minion Blast attraction opens at Universal Studios Florida: Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast is now in technical rehearsals in the newly designated Minion Land at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Orlando drops more Villain-Con Minion Blast details: Universal Orlando will be bringing over some tech from Super Nintendo World to help power the guest experience on Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
We got a first taste of Disney's new San Fransokyo Square: I sampled some of the new menu items that will be coming to San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure, opening next month. Here's what I thought.
Midwestern parks tease their new rides for 2024: What new rides are coming to major theme and amusement parks in the Midwestern United States next year? We are about to find out. Reveals are on the way from Cedar Point, Silver Dollar City and Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.
Legoland Florida to close Flying School coaster: Here’s one more flight cancellation for you - Legoland Florida’s Flying School. Its last date will be August 16.
Disney Milestones
Disney extends Iger for another two years: Disney sure loves its classic stories, doesn't it? The company has built its reputation on time-honored tales, such as princesses meeting princes, heroes defeating villains, and the Board of Directors extending Bob Iger's contract.
Disneyland celebrates its 68th birthday: Happy birthday to the theme park that helped make the travel and entertainment industries what they are today - the original Disneyland.
Ready for Halloween Yet?
'Stranger Things' returns to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights: Get ready to go back to the Upside Down. "Stranger Things" is coming back to Halloween Horror Nights this year at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Florida gets ready for the return of Howl-O-Scream
All Aboard
Disney Treasure is another step closer to sailing: The Disney Treasure sets sail next year, and Disney Cruise Line is sharing updates on the ship's construction, including the recent installation of the Treasure's bridge block.
How to get from the Orlando airport to Walt Disney World? The two bus services that tried to fill the gap between the Orlando airport and Walt Disney World after Disney's Magical Express shut down now are combining. So let's use that tidbit as an excuse for a reader poll on how you go in between MCO and the parks.
The 10 worst attractions at Disney and Universal: Which attractions offer guest experiences so poor or frustrating that removing them, or replacing them with something basic, would make their parks better? Here are our top 10 candidates for rides and shows that need to go.
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Thanks again,
Robert Niles