First look at 'the ultimate Disney event'
We have a sneak peek at this year's D23 for you, plus more theme park attraction openings, and closings, this week.
D23 preview
Take a sneak peek at Disney's upcoming D23 fan event: Disney is expanding the show floor for this year's event, and we got a first look at some of what fans can expect.
Disney's D23 show expanding to Anaheim's Honda Center: The reason that Disney can expand that D23 show floor? Say good-bye to Hall D23, as the event's biggest presentations are moving down Katella Avenue to the Honda Center. All seats will be reserved for those sessions, and the prices leave fans with a choice: nosebleed or eye-watering?
Rohde, Blanding rep Disney Parks in 2024 Legends class: Congratulations to longtime Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde and former Disneyland manager Martha Blanding, who represent Disney Parks in this year's class of Disney Legends, announced this week by the company.
Openings...
Aquatica creates multimedia adventure with new Orlando water slide: Aquatica Orlando has opened its newest water slide, Tassie's Underwater Twist. Check out the on-ride POV video.
Get ready for 'Potato Smash' at Kennywood this year: Kennywood has announced the winner in its contest to name the park's bumper cars ride.
Disneyland adds to its Pixar Fest line-up: A new food festival, parties, and a parade will highlight the return of Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort, starting next month.
Universal expands offerings for Butterbeer celebration: Florean Fortescue is going Hollywood, as Universal celebrates Butterbeer Season at its U.S. theme parks.
New attraction spotlight - Donkey Kong Country: Want a sneak peek at an attraction that's coming to Universal Epic Universe in Orlando in 2025? Just book a flight to Japan for later this year.
...and closures
Japan's Fuji-Q Highland announces end of Do-Dodonpa: Fuji-Q Highland has announced that its iconic roller coaster, Do-Dodonpa, will not reopen.
Disneyland announces temporary closure of one of its lands: Disneyland will retheme two of the merchandise locations in Critter Country after it closes the land in May to prepare for the opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
More news
California's Pacific Park gets a new owner: SC Holdings has acquired Santa Monica Amusements LLC, the operator of the free-admission amusement park on the city-owned pier in Southern California.
Five Disney World rides not worth the wait, and three that are: If you would like to save some valuable time in the parks to help you maximize the value of your visit, here are some suggestions.
Also this week:
On the discussion forum
Coming later this week, I will be covering the opening of Dino Valley at Legoland California. Plus we've got a couple of pieces of new attraction news coming Wednesday and next Tuesday mornings. Keep reading themeparkinsider.com for the latest!
Finally, to help support Theme Park Insider while saving money on discounted theme park tickets, please visit our international and U.S. attraction ticket partners. Thank you for taking advantage of the great deals that they offer!
Best wishes for a great week, and thanks again for reading,
Robert Niles