'Nobody goes there; it's too crowded'
Let's start with a trip report from the most popular theme park you've probably never visited. Then, it's on to the week's Universal and Disney news.
We start this week with one of the world's most-visited theme parks. Yet despite its size, the park gets almost no attention in Western theme park communities.
East meets wet at the world’s biggest IP-free theme park: Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is the only theme park in the world playing in the same league as the big boys, and rarely receives any kind of media attention in the theme park community – so what is this place’s deal? Justin Olsvik brings us a detailed trip report, along with advice for visiting this popular Chinese theme park.
Universal previews
Universal shares the secrets of its new Fan Fest Nights: Earlier this month, Universal Studios Hollywood invited me and other reporters to tour two of the walk-through experiences at Universal Fan Fest Nights: Star Trek Red Alert and Dungeons & Dragons Secrets of Waterdeep. Here is what I saw. Who's ready for some spoilers?
Is Universal's timing 'Epic'-ly bad? Universal Orlando is opening its new theme park in less than one month now. But is this turning out to be a terrible time for opening a new, multi-billion-dollar theme park?
Rating the attractions at Universal Epic Universe: With public previews now underway at Universal Orlando, here is our initial ranking of the rides and shows at the new Epic Universe theme park.
More new attractions
Opening date set for Expedition Odyssey: SeaWorld Orlando's new flying theater ride now has its official opening date - May 1.
Efteling plans new family free-fall ride for 2026: Efteling has announced a new family attraction for 2026 - a drop ride companion to its Baron 1898 roller coaster.
Over at Disney
Walt Disney World previews new musical mayhem for summer: Okay, it's just the rules around here. A theme park puts out a behind-the-scenes video of an orchestra at work, and we're gonna watch it. Walt Disney World is sharing a 'first listen' from its upcoming Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After musical at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Hong Kong Disneyland prepares its Most Magical Party of All: Hong Kong Disneyland kicks off its 20th anniversary celebration in just over two months, and the park is sharing new photos from The Most Magical Party of All event, which starts June 28.
Disney looks to 'engineer' an upgrade for Millennium Falcon ride: At the Star Wars Celebration event in Japan, Disney Experiences announced more upcoming changes to its Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run ride.
Disney celebrates cruise industry comeback with an Adventure: Talk about a comeback. A ship that seemed destined to be the biggest ever to hit the scrapyard today instead sailed out of its construction hall. Meet the triumphant Disney Adventure.
Disney deals
More Disney news
On the Discussion Forum
Enthusiasm Levels for a Brand New Theme Park?
One last visit to Universal before Epic Universe opens
Coming up this week
This weekend we will have coverage of the opening night for Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as for the media preview of Expedition Odyssey at SeaWorld Orlando.
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Robert Niles