Five years later
As we note the anniversary of the start of the Covid lockdowns, let's look ahead to what is coming next in the travel industry.
Today is the fifth anniversary of the day that everything changed. On March 12, 2020, Disney announced that it would close its theme parks in the United States, due to the spreading Covid-19 virus. It was the start of the lockdowns that shuttered the U.S. travel industry, as we navigated a pandemic that changed countless lives and businesses. Now, five years later, the industry is moving forward with new parks and attractions, but the industry's recovery has not kept all parks from feeling the pressure of a changed marketplace.
For a glimpse at the state of the industry today, let's recap the week's news.
What are fans expecting from Universal's Epic Universe? We have our first trip report from Universal Epic Universe. And that raises the question - what are fans expecting from Universal Orlando's new theme park?
Six Flags closes more roller coasters for 2025: Kingda Ka is not the only roller coaster that Six Flags has removed from or closed at its theme parks for the 2025 season.
Former Disneyland President set for Six Flags board: The company has nominated Michael Colglazier for one of four seats on the Six Flags board. If elected by shareholders, Colglazier would serve a three-year term.
First look at SeaWorld's new jellyfish exhibit: The 'jewels of the sea' have a new home in San Diego. If you ever have wanted to spend time gazing at nature's lava lamp, here is that opportunity.
Disney Parks characters are coming to the big screen: Lots of news from Disney at SXSW in Austin this week, including details on a new mission for the Millennium Falcon ride, the Fantastic Four in Tomorrowland at Disneyland, and Robert Downey Jr. calling WDI's HQ, "the Area 51 of fun."
Disneyland unwraps more surprises for its 70th birthday: Another original Disney Parks character will be making her United States debut as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration. That's just one of the announcements that the Disneyland Resort made in advance of the start of its big birthday party, which kicks off May 16.
Get a taste of the Force at Disneyland's Star Wars festival: Who's ready for Star Wars-themed fried cheese? Or milk tea? Disneyland has released the menus for this year's Season of the Force event. How about a Death Star popcorn bucket?
Disney World shows off the 'Coco' float for its new parade: We now have our fifth concept art image for the floats in Walt Disney World's new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade.
Efteling Grand Hotel sets its opening date: Efteling has announced that its new hotel will open to guests on August 1. Located next to the theme park's front gate, the new Efteling Grand Hotel offers 140 rooms and suites across seven floors, with many rooms overlooking the park's Fairytale Forest.
Seven Legoland parks to offer new way to celebrate play: Legoland is preparing to celebrate the United Nations' International Day of Play in June, with a new series of weekend festivals staring in May.
The London Eye celebrates its silver anniversary: Owned by Merlin Entertainments - the company behind Legoland and many European theme parks - the London Eye officially opened to the public on March 9, 2000. Intended to be a temporary attraction for the Millennium celebration, The London Eye inspired a global trend in Ferris wheel attractions.
Support Theme Park Insider and save
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