Universal has a hit with Fan Fest Nights
We have an opening night review, along with a big news drop from Tokyo Disney this week.
Universal brings fans' dreams to life with Fan Fest Nights: Universal Studios Hollywood's new Fan Fest Nights has plenty to offer, including a site-specific, interactive theater restaging of "Back to the Future" called “Destination Hill Valley.” Here is my report from the new after-hours event's opening night, including walk-through videos for the Star Trek and Dungeons & Dragons experiences.
Can Fan Fest Nights become a long-term winner for Universal? After the first weekend of Universal Fan Fest Nights, let's look ahead to how Universal might grow this event into an annual winner for the company and its fans, like Halloween Horror Nights.
Universal Orlando opens Epic Universe previews to all: Anyone may buy Epic Universe preview tickets now. The preview for Universal Orlando's new theme park, which continues through May 19, is now open to the general public.
Discussion: VelociCoaster vs. Stardust Racers
Universal Orlando to end virtual queues at Volcano Bay: In a note posted to the park's website this morning, Universal Orlando announced that its TapuTapu wearable and Virtual Line no longer will be available at Volcano Bay, starting October 1.
Universal to add Villain-Con Minion Blast in Japan: Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that it will add a Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction to its Minion Park land this summer. The interactive walk-through attraction first opened at Orlando's Universal Studios Florida in 2023.
Attendance, revenue dip at Universal: Fires in California and fans awaiting a new park in Orlando kept numbers down for the first three months of the year.
Disney news
Tokyo Disney owner looks to add second Disney Cruise ship: Lots of news from Tokyo Disney this week - a second Disney cruise ship coming to Japan, plus teases for land revamps of Tokyo Disneyland's Adventureland and Tokyo DisneySea's Port Discovery.
Discussion: Anyone wanna play 'guess the attraction' on new TDR concept art?
Disney strikes up the band this year in Paris: Inspired by France's national Fête de la Musique on June 21, Disneyland Paris' Disney Music Festival continues daily through September 7 this spring and summer.
Disney reveals menu, opening date for new EPCOT lounge: Walt Disney World announced that GEO-82 will open June 4, with reservations opening for the Spaceship Earth lounge starting May 6.
More news
SeaWorld pushes back Expedition Odyssey debut: Expedition Odyssey now will open officially to park guests on May 9 instead of May 1, which was the flying theater ride's originally announced opening date. SeaWorld instead will begin its annual passholder previews for the attraction on May 1.
Driving School returns to Legoland California next month: We now have an official date for the California reopening of one of Legoland's most iconic attractions.
Efteling continues its hotel improvements: The park's original Efteling Hotel has completed a multi-year renovation and reopened with a new name, Efteling Wonder Hotel.
'Now You See Me' finds a new home in the UAE: Fans might see a 'Now You See Me' roller coaster at the Motiongate Dubai movie studio theme park. But if they wanted to see a 'Now You See Me' movie in production, they needed to head down the road to Abu Dhabi's Yas Island theme park resort.
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