Disney changes a classic
We lead the week's theme park news with a change at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion.
"Here You Leave Today And Enter The World Of Yesterday, Tomorrow And Fantasy."
Sounds good to me after this month so far. Let's dive into the week in theme park news.
Disneyland axes the axe on its Haunted Mansion: The non-holiday version of the New Orleans Square dark ride has not been available for more than a year, and Disney's Imagineers have made some changes since fans last saw this version of the ride.
Something's off at Walt Disney Imagineering: The build-up to the reopening of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion reveals an organization more risk averse and more defensive than ever before.
It's take two on 2025 with Disney's Lunar New Year: More than two weeks after America welcomed 2025, Disneyland has welcomed the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure. Let's hope Disney has more luck with its version of the new year than the rest of us in Southern California have had so far.
Marvel's Groot takes over Disney's It's a Small World ride: Groot and other Marvel superheroes are back on Earth. But instead of saving the world from yet another evil villain, this time, they're on vacation. And wisely, they've chose the Tokyo Disney Resort.
Disney hits construction milestone on another hotel: Disney has completed structural work on its new hotel at Shanghai Disneyland. Now work can begin on the walls and interior of the resort's third on-site hotel.
Here is a new look at Walt Disney World's new parade: Walt Disney World is sharing concept art for another float in its new nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World expands its ultimate skip-the-line pass: Disney's most expensive skip-the-line pass is now available to all Walt Disney World theme park guests. Well, to all those who can afford to pay for it, of course.
Disneyland gets ready to reopen Magic Key pass sales: Disneyland is putting its Magic Key annual passes back on sale today, no earlier than 9am Pacific Time.
Over at Six Flags…
Six Flags releases first video of new record-setting coaster: Six Flags Great America has dropped a full-ride POV concept video for its upcoming Wrath of Rakshasa roller coaster.
Knott's gets ready to celebrate 75 years of Peanuts: The new year means a new round of festivals at the nation's theme parks. Starting February 8 at Knott's Berry Farm, it's the return of Knott's Peanuts Celebration.
Report: Pay cuts coming for some Cedar Point employees: Disturbing news from one of the world's top roller coaster parks. A local newspaper is reporting that Cedar Point will be cutting pay for some of its park employees this summer.
And at Universal…
Universal Orlando opens its first Epic Universe hotel: Universal Orlando took a big step toward the opening of its new theme park yesterday with the opening of the Universal Stella Nova Resort.
Plan your trip to Universal Studios with our updated guides: Planning a visit to Universal this year? No matter where you want to visit around the world, we have a guide to a Universal Studios theme park to help you plan.
On the Discussion Forum:
And finally…
Efteling shares new looks inside its new Grand Hotel: Efteling is sharing fresh concept art for its upcoming Efteling Grand Hotel, which opens this summer.
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Robert Niles
Such a good roundup, Robert!