What really happened at Destination D23?
Plenty to digest from a big week of theme park news, with updates from Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Dollywood, and more.
Another big week for theme park news. Let’s start with everything Disney has been announcing over the past week, then move on to this year’s edition of some top theme park Halloween events. Then we will take a side trip to the court house to see what’s happening on the legal beat this week.
Disney Parks reveals
Walt Disney World reveals big changes for Animal Kingdom: We've got all the news from Saturday’s Destination D23 Disney Parks reveal event, including new attractions at Walt Disney World, changes on Star Tours, and new adventures on the Disney Cruise Line.
What really happened this weekend at Disney's Destination D23? Let's take a deeper dive into the Disney Parks announcements from last weekend to reveal an overlooked factor that is driving what's happening at Disney right now.
More from Destination D23:
Plus other new stuff from Disney Parks:
Disneyland Paris shows off new character-themed hotel suites
Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates birthday with 'Frozen' update
Pick the most promising new feature aboard the Disney Treasure
Halloween season
Universal has another winner in Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights: Another week, another coast, and another Halloween Horror Nights. This time, we were in Hollywood for the opening night of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. And just like in Orlando last week, one house stood out above the rest. [With plenty of video!]
Howl-O-Scream returns at Busch Gardens Williamsburg: The Virginia park continues to put on one of the best Halloween events you will find at a regional theme park. We’ve got a full review of this year’s event, including walk-through POVs of all the houses.
Also: Halloween's return kicks off a season of changes at Disneyland
The legal beat
San Diego sues SeaWorld over unpaid rent claim: The City of San Diego has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld, seeking more than $12 million in what the city claims is rent owed by the Mission Bay theme park.
Disneyland settles Magic Key lawsuit: According to the proposed settlement for the case, Disneyland will pay a total of $9.5 million to plaintiffs and their attorneys.
Why Disney switched Bobs, picking Iger over Chapek: This one’s not a court case, but if you are looking for an in-depth report on why Disney brought back Bob Iger to replace Bob Chapek as CEO, CNBC’s Alex Sherman has that for you with a post well worth any curious Disney fan's time to read.
More news
Tiana's Palace restaurant opens at Disneyland: Disneyland has rethemed its former French Market restaurant to 'The Princess and the Frog' by redecorating the building and debuting an all-new menu. Let's check it out and review the food.
Disneyland expands alcohol sales to more restaurants: Yesterday, Disneyland expanded alcohol sales to three more table service restaurants in the park. Let's see what's now on the menu - and for how much.
Dollywood sets timeline for Lightning Rod changes: Dollywood’s top-rated coaster will trade its troubled launch for a high-speed lift chain over the winter.
Penguins put the finishing touch on SeaWorld Yas Island: The penguins have moved in and found a home in the Antarctica realm at SeaWorld Yas Island, completing the final section of the new indoor theme park.
Round-up: Win a stay in Disney's castle, plus other news
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Before your next trip, see our reader rankings and advice on visiting top theme parks around the world in our visitors guides And read the reviews and watch on-ride videos from our archive of 2023’s new attractions.
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