Blast off for new thrills
We have a review of Kings Dominion's new coaster, as well as news about not one, but two, new indoor coasters coming to Legoland.
As Spring Break crowds continue to fill the parks in Florida and California, let’s look ahead to what’s next in the theme park industry. It’s time again for our weekly newsletter.
Ups...
Legoland is building two indoor roller coasters: It's the biggest build in Legoland history. The Legoland theme parks in California and Florida will be getting 'first-of-its-kind' indoor roller coasters next year. Merlin did not reveal a name or theme for the coasters, except to tease in its press release that they will be "truly out of this world." However, we know from plans filed with the City of Carlsbad in California that the coasters will have a Lego Galaxy theme.
Kings Dominion launches its record-setting wing coaster: Out of the remains of a long dormant volcano, a majestic bird of prey rises onto the Virginia coaster landscape. This season, Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia is debuting Rapterra, a launched wing coaster from Bolliger and Mabillard.
Universal Orlando opens its second Epic Universe hotel: Universal Terra Luna Resort welcomed its first guests this week. The 750-room hotel stands across the street from its sibling, Universal Stella Nova Resort, which opened in January.
Britain's largest pendulum ride set for 2026 debut: Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort will add Britain's largest swinging pendulum ride to its line-up next year. The park today is working on site preparation for a US$11.3 million Intamin Gyro Swing ride.
…and downs
Disneyland closes another show: Another theater show has closed at the Disneyland Resort. Last weekend was the final performance of the Disney Jr. Dance Party at Disney California Adventure. The rooftop Avengers character shows will be closing in early April, too.
Could Disney or Universal buy Looney Tunes? Could Warner Bros. sell off its Looney Tunes cartoon franchise? That’s the question sweeping through Hollywood at the moment. If a sale happens, this could be a huge opportunity to bring together some iconic cartoon families.
Quit listening to these three bad travel tips: If you are flying to your theme park vacation this summer, here is some advice - do not bother with these three air travel tips you might see on social media.
Eats...
New dining options at Disneyland for the park's anniversary: Disneyland visitors can get reserved viewing for the returning Paint the Night parade with a new dining package at one of the park's top restaurants. And Donald Duck and friends are taking over another restaurant for a new character dinner.
Get a taste of Star Trek, and more, at Universal Fan Fest Nights: Universal is sharing menus for all the special food that it will serve at its upcoming Fan Fest Nights in Hollywood, including meals themed to Star Trek, Back to the Future, and more.
Putting Universal's new Butterbeer to the taste test: The new Butterbeer cream puffs move to the head of the class, as Universal welcomes more flavors to its The Wizarding World of Harry Potter treat family.
…and conversation
New discussions on the forum!
Make plans and support the site
If you have travel plans anywhere in the world in 2025, you can help support Theme Park Insider while saving money on discounted theme park tickets by following the links to our international and U.S. attraction ticket partners.
For assistance in planning a Disney or Universal vacation, please contact our travel agent partner for a free, no-obligation vacation quote.
Thank you for supporting the Theme Park Insider community,
Robert Niles