New scares, coasters, and deals
It's another full week of theme park news, as another hurricane takes aim at Florida and the Gulf Coast.
It's hurricane season in Florida, and another one is tracking for landfall in the (otherwise) Sunshine State. Helene seems to aiming to the west of the Central Florida theme park communities, but a tropical storm warning is in effect, triggering weather guarantees for guests who might want to reschedule. If any major parks close, we will have that news on ThemeParkInsider.com. In the meantime, you can track the storm and get updates on the National Hurricane Center's website.
Moving on to the week's theme park news:
The scares keep adding up at Knott's Scary Farm: The 51st edition of the theme park industry's original after-hours Halloween event opened last week at Knott's Berry Farm. The new Eight Fingers Nine maze leads the line-up, offering an impressive mix of placemaking and storytelling that is Knott's at its best. We have full walk-through videos and reviews for both of this year's new mazes.
Coming and going
Cedar Point hopes to lure coaster fans with Siren's Curse: Cedar Point will open North America's tallest, longest and fastest tilt coaster next year.
Get ready to 'soar' over the Arctic in Orlando in 2025: SeaWorld Orlando announced that it will open a new Arctic-themed flying theater attraction in spring 2025.
Wild Oasis and the Future of Busch Gardens
Legoland plans farewell for its Driving School: This is the final week for the current Driving School at Legoland California, and the park is giving the attraction a 'victory lap' with a prize giveaway.
Fans can leave their mark on Sea Life in Florida: The Legoland Florida Resort is inviting guests to sign the final steel beam that will be placed in the building for its new Sea Life aquarium.
What is the name of Walt Disney World's new ice show? 'Glisten!' will play exclusively during the after-hours Disney Jollywood Nights holiday party at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Disney shakes up the menu at Magic Kingdom's Pecos Bill: The tacos and fajitas are off the menu now at Walt Disney World's Pecos Bill restaurant.
Disney Treasure floats to open water for the first time
Deal of the week
Here's how to eat for free at Universal Orlando Resort: Does Universal Orlando have a free dining plan deal for hotel guests like Walt Disney World has offered? Not exactly - but Universal does have a dining deal that might be better for many families. It's definitely a lot more straight-forward. Here is the deal and how to get it.
In the spotlight
European Road Trip, Part 9 - Final thoughts: While Europa-Park has a strong collection of headline attractions, now led by Voltron, what makes it one of the best theme parks in the world are its supporting attractions and exceptional theming.
You don't need to go to Disney for dark rides: Here are 10 notable dark rides from theme parks around the world not owned by Disney or Universal Studios.
IAAPA sets Expo expansion in Abu Dhabi: IAAPA opened its 2024 IAAPA Expo Europe yesterday in The Netherlands, at Amsterdam's RAI Convention Center. The big news from the opening was the announcement of a new IAAPA Expo Middle East, which will debut in 2026.
Legal news
Sesame Street wins legal battle against SeaWorld: A federal judge has ordered SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, now operating as United Parks and Resorts, to pay Sesame Workshop $11.4 million in unpaid license fees and interest.
Shanghai Disneyland looks to new ticket policy to stop illegal acts: Shanghai Disneyland has announced a new 'Real Name Ticketing Policy' as it looks to stop 'illegal commercial activities' at the theme park.
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