A final goodbye to my favorite
We now have a final date of operation for Walt Disney World's Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America.
Compared to actual bad stuff that can happen to someone (such as to my neighbors in Altadena), losing your favorite childhood attraction isn't that big of a deal. But it still hurts to see an official closing date for an attraction that has meant as much to my life and career as Walt Disney World's Tom Sawyer Island.
Walt Disney World sets last day for Tom Sawyer Island: The final date of operation for Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will be July 6. Disney also is sharing a new themed map for the Cars-themed area that will replace those attractions. We've got more details on the reimagined area, including a first look at a new park-exclusive character.
Universal Orlando moves up roller coaster's closing date: Universal announced late last year that it would close Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in September. However, in a note posted to its website, Universal has announced that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit now will close August 18.
Let's look back at a wild month in theme park news: May was the wildest month in the theme park business in the past five years. I wrapped up four trips in four weeks, covering theme park news and events around the world. But that was just part of what happened in the industry last month. It's time for a recap.
Check out the latest video from Six Flags' next theme park: While Abu Dhabi grabbed the world's attention with its announcement of Disney Abu Dhabi last month, Saudi Arabia would like to remind fans that it is building a record-setting theme park in the region, too.
Haunts and more
Dark Harbor prepares a special haunt event this month: Can't wait for Halloween? The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor is returning early for a special, one-night-only event. That night? Friday the Thirteenth, of course.
Escape rooms debut at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood: Ten new escape rooms from Escapology, the world's largest escape room company, have opened next to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal to unleash new Blumhouse scares in Las Vegas: Universal unleashed a bit more horror this week, with its latest reveal for its upcoming Las Vegas attraction.
Universal confirms Five Nights at Freddy's for HHN: Universal also dropped the news that its Five Nights at Freddy's franchise is coming to its annual after-hours haunt event at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.
More news
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Robert Niles
One of my closest cast member friends at one time spent time operating the rafts to Tom Sawyer Island and the upcoming change to the Rivers of America is hitting him hard personally. He is highly concerned about how the atmosphere of The Magic Kingdom will be changed n a year or two.