It's Epic Universe week
Robert is in Orlando for the official opening of Universal Epic Universe. And we have more attraction reviews from around the country for you, too.
Universal Orlando is hosting a major international press event for its new Epic Universe theme park this week. I will be reviewing each of the five lands in the new park, starting with its entry plaza and hub, Celestial Park.
Stay tuned to the website later today and tomorrow for my coverage of the final two lands - Dark Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic. And then I will follow that with our new Epic Universe FAQ and updated Visitors Guide.
Exploring Universal Epic Universe - Celestial Park: Universal Creative designers have crafted an elaborate backstory for Celestial Park and the "Celestians" who built it. I do not know that an Epic Universe visitor needs to know that story - or if Universal has plans to tell it to visitors directly. But from its design, it should be self-evident to all when stepping to Celestial Park that you have entered a unique space. [Includes my interview with Executive Creative Director Steve Tatham.]
Exploring Universal Epic Universe - How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk: Not a "How to Train Your Dragon" fan yet? Come meet the dragons and Vikings who inhabit this Universal Epic Universe land, and you might become one.
Exploring Universal Epic Universe - Super Nintendo World: Super Nintendo World is the one land in Universal Epic Universe that is not unique to the park. The land debuted at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, with a smaller version opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. But that has not dampened enthusiasm for this Orlando installation.
It's an Epic week for theme park fans: With Epic's official opening this week, fans and people in the industry will begin to get answers to some of the questions many of us have been asking about Universal Epic Universe.
Disneyland's 70th
A fan favorite parade returns for Disneyland's birthday party: We continue our coverage of The Disneyland Resort's 70th Celebration with reviews and full show videos of the returns of Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys (with a dream, no-obstructions, front-row view of the castle), as well as the new Tapestry of Happiness projection show.
More ride reviews
Busch Gardens puts a fresh twist on nostalgia with new coaster: In 2025, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new roller coaster that takes the name of one of the park's classic attractions. Let's ride Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
Also in the news
Disney breaks ground for new Spider-Man coaster and land: Shanghai Disneyland has started construction on its new Spider-Man roller coaster and theme park land.
Record-setting swing ride set for debut this month: Hersheypark announced today that its record-setting S&S Worldwide Screamin' Swing, Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, will debut on Saturday, May 24.
Efteling welcomes its new princess: Efteling is opening a new Grand Hotel later this summer. But last week the park unveiled a new bedroom at the park. It's just that this one can be a tad bit uncomfortable... if you are a princess.
SeaWorld's S.E.A. Collective is coming to San Diego: Many Disney theme park fans have known about Disney's S.E.A. - the Society of Explorers and Adventurers that debuted with Tokyo DisneySea in 2001. But SeaWorld has its own S.E.A. group, too.
A leading maker of motion-base rides has a new owner: Here is some mergers & acquisitions news involving two of the companies that make theme park attractions. Orlando-based Falcon's Beyond has acquired Oceaneering Entertainment Systems from Oceaneering International Inc.
Theme park fans: Do you have a passport?
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Robert Niles