There's a Wicked future for Universal
In other theme park news, Disney sets its 2025 plans, and F1 visits its biggest theme park destination of the year.
How should Universal bring 'Wicked' to its theme parks? Universal's adaptation of the hit Broadway musical also is hitting at movie theaters. "Wicked" enjoyed the third-biggest opening of the year and appears to have the strong word-of-mouth and critical reviews to remain a strong draw at the box office throughout the holiday season. So let's talk about the inevitable "Wicked" rides and shows that Universal will bring to its theme parks.
First POV video of Universal's Mine Cart Madness appears: The first real, on-ride POV video of Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness has dropped. It's not official, and - frankly - it's tough to watch. That's too bad, because Universal could have made a better first impression with this highly anticipated attraction.
Disney World offers deals as it prepares for 2025 changes: Walt Disney World is offering deals for 2025 visits, as it tells us more about what will be opening - and closing - next year.
Here's more about two new shows coming to Walt Disney World: We have the full names now for two new shows coming to Walt Disney World next year - the villains show at the Studios and the parade coming to the Magic Kingdom.
Disneyland announces its latest SoCal ticket discount: Disneyland is offering another ticket deal for local residents. And we have a way for Southern California residents to get that deal at an even lower price than Disney is offering.
Disney looks to more ships to serve more fans in more markets: Last week, Disney invited me to talk one-on-one with Thomas Mazloum, the leader of the Disney Cruise Line. Mazloum talked about the three new ships coming in the next 12 months and shared some potential good news for Disneyland fans who have been waiting for more Disney Cruise options out of Southern California.
Disney to celebrate reopening of Notre Dame in Paris: Five years after a devastating fire, the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is about to reopen to the public. The restoration of Notre Dame is cause for national celebration in France, and the Disneyland Paris Resort is joining that celebration.
It's 'theme park week' for Formula 1 fans: It's the final week of the year for the Formula 1 season. And that means it's time for F1 to return the biggest theme park resort it visits all year - Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Here is our guide to three parks at the resort.
CEO O'Neil departs Merlin for the golf course: Scott O'Neil is leaving Merlin Entertainments reportedly to become the next CEO and commissioner of LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed world golf tour.
10 things you never should do at a theme park: It's time for a refresher course in common sense. Recent news stories have detailed some less-than-ideal behavior by visitors to theme parks around the world, from Disney all the way to small, local amusement parks. So, for the record, here are 10 things you never should do when visiting a theme park.
Busch Gardens faces multi-million-dollar verdict in injury case: A jury in Florida has ordered United Parks to pay more than $5 million to the family of a 12-year-old who was injured during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Rest Peacefully, Harris Rosen: Join us on the discussion board as readers honor one of the visionary leaders of the Orlando tourism business.
Thank you, as always, for supporting independent media such as Theme Park Insider. Your recommendations to others always are appreciated.
Best wishes for the week ahead,
Robert Niles
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