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  • SeaWorld’s Bands, Brew & BBQ returns with new additions this summer

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando announced on Tuesday that its popular Bands, Brew & BBQ event will return this summer, with some new offerings in store.

    What You Need To Know

    • SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ event will return this summer

    • The eight-weekend event is scheduled to start on July 6 and run through Aug. 24

    • It will feature new food, unique entertainment and an extensive concert lineup


    Featuring new food, unique entertainment and an extensive concert lineup, the eight-weekend event is scheduled to start on July 6 and run through Aug. 24.

    “Guests are invited to indulge in a unique blend of live music, mouth-watering BBQ and refreshing brews, while strolling between award-winning attractions and incredible animal presentations, making it the perfect summer outing for families and friends alike,” stated SeaWorld Orlando.

    Here is this year’s concert lineup, which take place in the park’s air-conditioned Nautilus Theater:

    • July 12: Journey Tribute
    • July 13: Joe Nichols
    • July 19: Toby Keith Tribute
    • July 20: Blue Oyster Cult
    • July 26: Jason Aldean Tribute
    • July 27: DOKKEN
    • Aug 2: Bon Jovi Tribute
    • Aug 3: Avery Anna
    • Aug 9: Luke Bryan Tribute
    • Aug 10: LoCash
    • Aug 16: Fleetwood Mac Tribute
    • Aug 17: Fuel & LIT
    • Aug 23: American Stones Tribute
    • Aug 24: Lee Greenwood

    Reserved seating is available for purchase on SeaWorld Orlando’s website.

    Over 130 different craft beers, cocktails and food can be found at this year’s Bands, Brew & BBQ. Regional BBQ styles range from Kansas City to Carolina, Texas to Memphis and SeaWorld’s own BBQ.

    New this year, guests can try the BBQ Sundae — a concoction of pulled BBQ pork, mashed potatoes, BBQ pit beans, cole slaw, cherry tomato and onion straws. Other new menu items include the Smoked Chicken Taco, Southern Smoked Turkey Collard Greens and Corn Rib.

    Guests can also expect to find new drink options this year, which include the Frozen Sangria, Royal Rush, Kansas City Smash, Orange Mojito and Pub Grub Old Fashioned.

    A range of craft beers from local and regional brews will be available throughout the festival as well, according to SeaWorld Orlando, featuring:

    • Florida Avenue’s Big Boy Blue Blueberry & Mango Ale
    • Brew Bus’ You’re My Boy, Blue! All-Natural Blueberry Wheat Ale
    • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co’s Guavacation Berliner Weisse
    • 3 Daughters Brewing’s Key Lime Cider

    A Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival Tasting Lanyard will be available for purchase, which includes a 5-punch lanyard for $45 and a 10-punch lanyard for $65. SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members can purchase a 12-punch lanyard for the price of 10, stated SeaWorld Orlando officials.

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    Anna Wronka

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  • Disney World announces The Muppets coming to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — The Muppets will be coming to Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios in 2026.

    Disney will feature The Muppets at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in the Sunset Boulevard area of the park.

    The company made the announcement on its X social media platform on Saturday, featuring Kermit the Frog. This comes as the Muppet*Vision 3D show closes for the last time on the same day.

    The attraction is currently home to the music of rock band Aerosmith, but officials said that fans can still enjoy their sounds through the remainder of 2025.

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • SeaWorld to begin new drone show as part of its ‘Summer Spectacular’ event

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando unveiled a new element to its nighttime entertainment lineup on Thursday.

    As part of its Summer Spectacular event, the park will debut a drone show integrated with its “Ignite Fireworks Spectacular” show. Officials said the drone show is a “first of its kind” for SeaWorld.

    The aerial display will take place above SeaWorld’s central lake, featuring hundreds of synchronized drones that create waves, glowing sea creatures and light formations.

    Guests will get the opportunity to witness the drone show starting June 7.

    SeaWorld officials also announced new additions coming to the park, including the recently-opened “Expedition Odyssey,” an immersive multi-sensory Arctic flying theater experience, and “HydroSurge,” a circus show at the Nautilus Theater. Both of these attractions are located in air-conditioned venues, offering an escape from the summer heat.

    For a full schedule of events, visit SeaWorld Orlando’s website.

     

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • Video game, TV series ‘Fallout’ joins Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights lineup

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal officials revealed more attractions coming to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights on Thursday.

    Fans of the popular video game franchise and TV series “Fallout” will be able to immerse themselves in a post-apocalyptic world at Universal’s annual Halloween event.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fans of the popular video game franchise and TV series “Fallout” will be able to immerse themselves in the post-apocalyptic world at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

    • Officials made the reveal on their Halloween Horror Nights social media platform on X

    • Guests can purchase Halloween Horror Nights tickets on Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood’s websites


    Officials made the reveal on their Halloween Horror Nights social media platform on X. Officials said that guests can expect “no sheltering from this horror.”

    The haunted house is based on the award-winning video game franchise from Bethesda Game Studios. It made its debut as a TV series on Prime Video in 2024.

    The cinematic series is set in the year 2296, 200 years after a nuclear war destroyed civilization. All that is left is an eradicated and highly violent area known as “The Wasteland” crawling with mutated animals and creatures, while citizens take refuge underground in luxury fallout shelters called Vaults.

    The journey begins for guests beneath the surface in Vault 33, where they will have to fend off raiders alongside Lucy MacLean. They will also get to visit iconic locations like the Super Duper Mart, escape to the wasteland of Filly and confront The Ghoul, a formidable bounty hunter. Guests can also expect an encounter with Maximus with the Brotherhood of Steel and see T-60 power armor.

    More details about Halloween Horror Nights 2025 are coming soon, officials said. Guests can purchase tickets on Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood’s websites.

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal gave horror fans a peek of what they can expect at this year’s Halloween Horror nights on Sunday.

    The popular survival horror video game, “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” will be joining the lineup of scares coming to Universal’s annual Halloween event.

    What You Need To Know

    • The popular survival horror video game, “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” will be joining the lineup of scares coming to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights this year
    • Universal officials made the announcement via its Halloween Horror Nights account on the social media platform, X, over the weekend

    • More details about the attraction will be coming soon, officials said


    Universal officials made the announcement via its Halloween Horror Nights account on the social media platform, X, over the weekend, stating that Five Nights at Freddy’s “is coming in a whole new way” to the Halloween event in both Orlando and Hollywood locations.

    The video game, which made its debut in the summer of 2014, has expanded into a horror franchise featuring several video game sequels, spinoffs, a book series and more. It was made into a movie in 2023, with a sequel set to hit theaters in December 2025.

    More details about the attraction will be coming soon, officials said.

    Halloween Horror Nights will run from Aug. 29 — Nov. 2.

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • FDisney reveals details on new ‘Cars’-themed Piston Peak National Park

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World officials on Tuesday shared details of its new “Cars”-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom, called Piston Peak National Park.

    What You Need To Know

    • Walt Disney World officials on Tuesday shared details of its new “Cars”-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom, called Piston Peak National Park

    • The land, located in the Liberty Square and Frontierland areas, will feature a visitor’s lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more

    • As work gets underway, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close on July 7


    The land, located in the Liberty Square and Frontierland areas, will be part of the “largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom,” officials said.

    Guests will be able to explore a visitor’s lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more. Despite its fictional roots, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountains, the history and the sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.   

    Disney Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to “create structures that harmonize with the natural environment,” officials said.    

    Disney officials also said trees will provide a natural barrier between Piston Peak and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Mountains will be nestled along a waterway and geysers from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the new trail system.

    As work gets underway, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close on July 7.

    Disney officials also announced Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen next year, along with the debut of Disney Starlight on July 20 and The Beak and Barrel opening later this year.

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    DeJanae Phillips

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  • Universal Orlando to permanently close Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in August

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort will officially close its rip-roaring and rockin’ rollercoaster this summer.

    Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will permanently close on Aug. 18 to make way for a new experience, according to Universal’s website.

    The longtime attraction with a musical twist allows riders to pick a song to listen to while soaring toward the sky at a 90-degree angle and topping out at 65 mph.

    The theme park said they will release more details later on the new experience that will replace the “adrenaline pumping and music thumping,” attraction. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • What to know about Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s new theme park

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida residents and visitors will be flocking to Orlando beginning Thursday for Universal Orlando’s highly-anticipated grand opening of its fourth park, Epic Universe.

    💫 MORE EPIC UNIVERSE COVERAGE:

    The park will feature five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.

    If you’re one of the many thrill-seekers about to experience Universal’s latest installment, here’s what to know before heading out.

    • Plan ahead
      There are bound to be large crowds with the park’s opening, as well as long wait times for rides and attractions. Map out everything you want to experience first before heading out, and take advantage of Universal’s Express Pass option.
    • Hydrate!
      The park is opening just before the summer break season gets underway for Florida. Be sure to drink water so that heat exhaustion and dehydration don’t ruin your day.
    • Wear comfortable clothing
      Epic Universe is built on 750 acres of land, so be prepared to do a lot of walking!
    • Establish meeting places
      Cell phone service may be limited due to the number of people at the park, or if you and your group split up on wanting to do different activities, it’s important to have a place where you can all meet back up at afterward.
    • Be courteous
      Many people are looking forward to experience Epic Universe for the first time. Be respectful to other attendees, as well as the Universal Orlando Team Members, to ensure a good time for all. 
       

    Staying Cool at the Park

    Here are a list of items that will help you beat the heat! Spectrum News did not receive any compensation for the mentioning of these items below. We put together the list to give visitors ideas on what they might want to bring to the park during the hot summer months.

     

    “Beyond this gate, find gardens green

    And epic worlds to fill your dreams…”


     

     

    The Five Worlds

    Celestial Park 🌌✨☄️

    Adventurers will begin their journey at Celestial Park. At the entrance of the gate stands The Chronos, a device that is keeping the portals to the other four worlds open. Directly across from the entrance stands Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a resort that’s inside of Epic Universe. It has a dedicated entrance into the park itself and can be seen throughout all areas of Celestial Park. With an interstellar theme and orchestral music heard throughout the area, guests will be able to enjoy a serene environment before they explore the worlds. For those looking to dive into some excitement beforehand, Stardust Racers is a dual-track roller coaster that emulates the movement of a comet zooming through the cosmos. For more of a relaxed atmosphere, guests can ride on Constellation Carousel, or cool off from the Florida heat in Astronomica, an interactive water play area.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Celestial Park

    Highlights of Celestial Park at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Constellation Carousel, Stardust Racers and Pizza Moon. (Spectrum News)

    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 🍄⭐🎮

    Another world of Epic Universe includes a widely-known video game franchise. Super Nintendo World is filled with vibrant colors and loads of nostalgia. If you’re a fan of the Super Mario World series, you’ll be able to spot notable landmarks from the games, such as Princess Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle. Guests will be able to roam around the Mushroom Kingdom, interacting with the yellow “?” Blocks while listening to the iconic game audio tracks playing in the background, almost as if they were in a video game themselves.

    Fans of the Mario Kart racing games team up with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to face off against Team Bowser in “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” With the help of special goggles, guests can collect coins and launch shells as they navigate through different landscapes. Guests can compete either individually or as a team member, interacting with their favorite Super Mario characters on the ride. If you’re looking for a more leisurely ride, you can hop on the back of Yoshi and search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom aboard “Yoshi’s Adventure.”

    Super Nintendo World also brings the world of Donkey Kong to life with a lush, jungle theme and its own interactive experiences. Guests will be able to join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a quest to protect the golden banana on “Mine Cart Madness.” Riders will board a coaster designed like a mine cart and zip through the track at high speeds with motifs from the video game.

    And staying true to its theme, Super Nintendo World offers opportunities for guests to play interactive games in the form of Power-Up bands, which are available for purchase at various retail spots in Universal Studios Hollywood as well as inside Super Nintendo World at the 1-UP Factory store. Wear a Power-Up band featuring your favorite Super Ninendo character while playing games and collecting digital keys to defeat Bowser Jr. to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom for Princess Peach. And just like in your favorite video games, you can also use your Power-Up band to collect digital coins.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Super Nintendo World

    Highlights of Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Princess Peach’s Castle, themed merchandise and Mine Cart Madness. (Spectrum News)

    Dark Universe 🌕🦇🧛

    Discover a world of myth and mystery as classic Universal Monsters such as Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, and the Werewolf come to life in Dark Universe. With gothic designs throughout the area, guests can venture into the village of Darkmoor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s monstrous experiments roam freely. In “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment,” guests can venture into Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues her family’s experiments. The ride gets you up close to iconic monsters in the form of animatronics, like The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula, and more.  As she attempts to control the power of these monsters, Dracula breaks free, enraged and seeking vengeance.

    If you survive the manor, you can learn about the origin of The Wolf Man on “Curse of the Werewolf.” Guests will enter the wagon camp of The Guild of Mystics, where they will be greeted by the guild’s all-knowing seer. She warns that you carry the mark of the werewolf, and after boarding a wagon, the ride then takes guests on a high-speed adventure through a forested track as you try escaping other werewolves lurking around. 

    If you feel that the rides might be too intense for small children, kids can still get in on the monstrous fun with the “Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.” Guests will have the opportunity to transform into their favorite Universal Monster with the help of special effects artists. You can also opt for temporary tattoos instead of full makeup. You can book a makeup appointment on Universal Orlando’s website. Prices start at $45 for the “Experiment” ticket, which features face makeup, and $169 for the “Transformation” ticket, which includes face makeup and matching accessories.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Dark Universe

    Highlights of Dark Universe at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and The Manor Storehouse. (Spectrum News)

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic 🧙‍♂️🦉🪄

    This world brings the third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas featured in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The world at Epic Universe brings themes from the “Fantastic Beasts” films and the British Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” series through a shopping district called Place Cachée in 1920s Paris.

    Guests will be able to use the Métro-Floo to travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the featured attraction, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.” You can explore the departments within the ministry while the trial of Dolores Umbridge is about to get underway. The trial doesn’t go exactly as planned, however, as Umbridge plots to escape before being brought to justice. Guests will team up with the series’ beloved main characters — Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger — to stop Umbridge aboard an omnidirectional lift while also avoiding Death Eaters and other evil creatures.

    And don’t forget to get your wands ready! Like Universal Orlando’s wizarding worlds in its other theme parks, this world features numerous new interactive wand experiences throughout the area, where guests can cast spells in various locations and witness the magic come to life. You can also use your wands to interact with fantastic beasts and enchanted objects. Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique offers wands available for purchase, designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor.

    After an action-packed wizardly adventure, guests can unwind and enjoy a live stage show at Le Cirque Arcanus, a circus featured in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Ringmaster Skender steals Newt Scamander’s suitcase — which contains fantastic beasts from around the globe — in an attempt to restore the circus to its former glory. It’s up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue the creatures from Skender in a mix of live performances, puppetry and special effects.

    Tip: Le Cirque Arcanus contains a preshow, which is standing room in a circus tent. This can tend to get hot and crowded, especially during the summer months.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic

    Highlights of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Le Cirque Arcanus, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique and K. Rammelle. (Spectrum News)

    How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk 🐲🪓🗡️

    Explore a world filled with Vikings and dragons alike from the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie series. The Isle of Berk features iconic characters such as Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and more. The world features many family-friendly rides, such as Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. Guests can experience what it’s like to fly on a dragon with the help of a winged contraption created by Hiccup. The ride reaches speeds of up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet through the air as you soar alongside Hiccup and Toothless.

    There are also opportunities to hang out with Hiccup and Toothless during a meet-and-greet at the Haddock Paddock. Visitors can pet and interact with Toothless, and see him respond in a friendly manner.

    Park goers can also expect to see other Vikings and dragons roaming around Berk.

    At Fyre Drill, guests can join in on some playful competition with Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut on an interactive boat ride. Families can use water cannons aboard their boat to shoot at flame-like targets — and other boats.

    Guests can also do mid-air acrobatics and barrel rolls on Dragon Racer’s Rally. The ride elevates guests in the air up to 67 feet with the help of Viking-crafted, dragon-riding trainers to practice the abilities of a champion dragon racer.

    And Berk isn’t short of live entertainment — The Untrainable Dragon is a heart-warming, family-friendly show that features characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid as they solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon. It’s filled with numerous musical performances, elaborate sets and larger-than-life dragons – including the fan-favorite Toothless who soars over the audience, spanning nearly 27 feet.

    Little Vikings can hone their skills in an interactive play area called Viking Training Camp. The area includes an agility course, musical drums and chimes, an interactive sheep launcher game and multiple towers to climb and explore.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk

    Highlights of How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include a meet-and-greet with Hiccup and Toothless, as well as rides such as Dragon Racer’s Rally. (Spectrum News)

    New Epic Universe Hotels 🏨🛎️🌴

    Universal Orlando opened three new hotels adjacent to its Epic Universe park — Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort.

    Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the “crown jewel” of Universal’s hotels, is the newest hotel to open. The 500-room hotel overlooks Epic Universe, and has a Mediterranean-inspired feel. It offers rooms with views of the theme park, as well as a dedicated entrance to the park for ticket holders — which is just steps away.

    The new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, located at Epic Universe in Orlando, Fla. (Spectrum News)


    READ MORE:     New Universal Helios Grand Hotel welcomes its first guests

    Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort offer space-themed rooms and proximity to Epic Universe as well, at an affordable price point. Both hotels feature a variety of cosmic-themed dining options and numerous amenities.

    _______________

     

    You can plan your vacation, purchase Express Passes, shop for merchandise and get additional information on Universal Orlando’s website.

    Whether you’re attending the park’s grand opening or going on a later date, Epic Universe features interactive experiences that are bound to immerse guests into their own epic adventures.

     

    “You wonder next which path to chart

    The answer lies within your heart.”

     

    Meet the Insiders

    DeJanae Phillips

    DeJanae Phillips is a Digital Producer with Spectrum Bay News 9. A born and raised Tampa native, she joined the company in 2022 and covers Florida attractions. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

    Anna Wronka

    Anna Wronka is a Digital Producer with Spectrum Bay News 9. She joined the company in 2022, and currently focuses on coverage of Florida attractions. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

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    DeJanae Phillips, Anna Wronka

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  • What to know about Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s new theme park

    [ad_1]

    ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida residents and visitors will be flocking to Orlando beginning Thursday for Universal Orlando’s highly-anticipated grand opening of its fourth park, Epic Universe.

    💫 MORE EPIC UNIVERSE COVERAGE:

    The park will feature five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.

    If you’re one of the many thrill-seekers about to experience Universal’s latest installment, here’s what to know before heading out.

    • Plan ahead
      There are bound to be large crowds with the park’s opening, as well as long wait times for rides and attractions. Map out everything you want to experience first before heading out, and take advantage of Universal’s Express Pass option.
    • Hydrate!
      The park is opening just before the summer break season gets underway for Florida. Be sure to drink water so that heat exhaustion and dehydration don’t ruin your day.
    • Wear comfortable clothing
      Epic Universe is built on 750 acres of land, so be prepared to do a lot of walking!
    • Establish meeting places
      Cell phone service may be limited due to the number of people at the park, or if you and your group split up on wanting to do different activities, it’s important to have a place where you can all meet back up at afterward.
    • Be courteous
      Many people are looking forward to experience Epic Universe for the first time. Be respectful to other attendees, as well as the Universal Orlando Team Members, to ensure a good time for all. 
       

    Staying Cool at the Park

    Here are a list of items that will help you beat the heat! Spectrum News did not receive any compensation for the mentioning of these items below. We put together the list to give visitors ideas on what they might want to bring to the park during the hot summer months.

     

    “Beyond this gate, find gardens green

    And epic worlds to fill your dreams…”


     

     

    The Five Worlds

    Celestial Park 🌌✨☄️

    Adventurers will begin their journey at Celestial Park. At the entrance of the gate stands The Chronos, a device that is keeping the portals to the other four worlds open. Directly across from the entrance stands Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a resort that’s inside of Epic Universe. It has a dedicated entrance into the park itself and can be seen throughout all areas of Celestial Park. With an interstellar theme and orchestral music heard throughout the area, guests will be able to enjoy a serene environment before they explore the worlds. For those looking to dive into some excitement beforehand, Stardust Racers is a dual-track roller coaster that emulates the movement of a comet zooming through the cosmos. For more of a relaxed atmosphere, guests can ride on Constellation Carousel, or cool off from the Florida heat in Astronomica, an interactive water play area.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Celestial Park

    Highlights of Celestial Park at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Constellation Carousel, Stardust Racers and Pizza Moon. (Spectrum News)

    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 🍄⭐🎮

    Another world of Epic Universe includes a widely-known video game franchise. Super Nintendo World is filled with vibrant colors and loads of nostalgia. If you’re a fan of the Super Mario World series, you’ll be able to spot notable landmarks from the games, such as Princess Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle. Guests will be able to roam around the Mushroom Kingdom, interacting with the yellow “?” Blocks while listening to the iconic game audio tracks playing in the background, almost as if they were in a video game themselves.

    Fans of the Mario Kart racing games team up with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to face off against Team Bowser in “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” With the help of special goggles, guests can collect coins and launch shells as they navigate through different landscapes. Guests can compete either individually or as a team member, interacting with their favorite Super Mario characters on the ride. If you’re looking for a more leisurely ride, you can hop on the back of Yoshi and search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom aboard “Yoshi’s Adventure.”

    Super Nintendo World also brings the world of Donkey Kong to life with a lush, jungle theme and its own interactive experiences. Guests will be able to join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a quest to protect the golden banana on “Mine Cart Madness.” Riders will board a coaster designed like a mine cart and zip through the track at high speeds with motifs from the video game.

    And staying true to its theme, Super Nintendo World offers opportunities for guests to play interactive games in the form of Power-Up bands, which are available for purchase at various retail spots in Universal Studios Hollywood as well as inside Super Nintendo World at the 1-UP Factory store. Wear a Power-Up band featuring your favorite Super Ninendo character while playing games and collecting digital keys to defeat Bowser Jr. to recover the stolen Golden Mushroom for Princess Peach. And just like in your favorite video games, you can also use your Power-Up band to collect digital coins.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Super Nintendo World

    Highlights of Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Princess Peach’s Castle, themed merchandise and Mine Cart Madness. (Spectrum News)

    Dark Universe 🌕🦇🧛

    Discover a world of myth and mystery as classic Universal Monsters such as Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, and the Werewolf come to life in Dark Universe. With gothic designs throughout the area, guests can venture into the village of Darkmoor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s monstrous experiments roam freely. In “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment,” guests can venture into Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues her family’s experiments. The ride gets you up close to iconic monsters in the form of animatronics, like The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula, and more.  As she attempts to control the power of these monsters, Dracula breaks free, enraged and seeking vengeance.

    If you survive the manor, you can learn about the origin of The Wolf Man on “Curse of the Werewolf.” Guests will enter the wagon camp of The Guild of Mystics, where they will be greeted by the guild’s all-knowing seer. She warns that you carry the mark of the werewolf, and after boarding a wagon, the ride then takes guests on a high-speed adventure through a forested track as you try escaping other werewolves lurking around. 

    If you feel that the rides might be too intense for small children, kids can still get in on the monstrous fun with the “Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.” Guests will have the opportunity to transform into their favorite Universal Monster with the help of special effects artists. You can also opt for temporary tattoos instead of full makeup. You can book a makeup appointment on Universal Orlando’s website. Prices start at $45 for the “Experiment” ticket, which features face makeup, and $169 for the “Transformation” ticket, which includes face makeup and matching accessories.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Dark Universe

    Highlights of Dark Universe at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and The Manor Storehouse. (Spectrum News)

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic 🧙‍♂️🦉🪄

    This world brings the third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas featured in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The world at Epic Universe brings themes from the “Fantastic Beasts” films and the British Ministry of Magic from the “Harry Potter” series through a shopping district called Place Cachée in 1920s Paris.

    Guests will be able to use the Métro-Floo to travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the featured attraction, “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.” You can explore the departments within the ministry while the trial of Dolores Umbridge is about to get underway. The trial doesn’t go exactly as planned, however, as Umbridge plots to escape before being brought to justice. Guests will team up with the series’ beloved main characters — Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger — to stop Umbridge aboard an omnidirectional lift while also avoiding Death Eaters and other evil creatures.

    And don’t forget to get your wands ready! Like Universal Orlando’s wizarding worlds in its other theme parks, this world features numerous new interactive wand experiences throughout the area, where guests can cast spells in various locations and witness the magic come to life. You can also use your wands to interact with fantastic beasts and enchanted objects. Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique offers wands available for purchase, designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor.

    After an action-packed wizardly adventure, guests can unwind and enjoy a live stage show at Le Cirque Arcanus, a circus featured in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Ringmaster Skender steals Newt Scamander’s suitcase — which contains fantastic beasts from around the globe — in an attempt to restore the circus to its former glory. It’s up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue the creatures from Skender in a mix of live performances, puppetry and special effects.

    Tip: Le Cirque Arcanus contains a preshow, which is standing room in a circus tent. This can tend to get hot and crowded, especially during the summer months.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic

    Highlights of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include Le Cirque Arcanus, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique and K. Rammelle. (Spectrum News)

    How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk 🐲🪓🗡️

    Explore a world filled with Vikings and dragons alike from the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie series. The Isle of Berk features iconic characters such as Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and more. The world features many family-friendly rides, such as Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. Guests can experience what it’s like to fly on a dragon with the help of a winged contraption created by Hiccup. The ride reaches speeds of up to 45 mph and heights of 50 feet through the air as you soar alongside Hiccup and Toothless.

    There are also opportunities to hang out with Hiccup and Toothless during a meet-and-greet at the Haddock Paddock. Visitors can pet and interact with Toothless, and see him respond in a friendly manner.

    Park goers can also expect to see other Vikings and dragons roaming around Berk.

    At Fyre Drill, guests can join in on some playful competition with Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut on an interactive boat ride. Families can use water cannons aboard their boat to shoot at flame-like targets — and other boats.

    Guests can also do mid-air acrobatics and barrel rolls on Dragon Racer’s Rally. The ride elevates guests in the air up to 67 feet with the help of Viking-crafted, dragon-riding trainers to practice the abilities of a champion dragon racer.

    And Berk isn’t short of live entertainment — The Untrainable Dragon is a heart-warming, family-friendly show that features characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber and Astrid as they solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon. It’s filled with numerous musical performances, elaborate sets and larger-than-life dragons – including the fan-favorite Toothless who soars over the audience, spanning nearly 27 feet.

    Little Vikings can hone their skills in an interactive play area called Viking Training Camp. The area includes an agility course, musical drums and chimes, an interactive sheep launcher game and multiple towers to climb and explore.

    READ MORE: Everything you need to know about How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk

    Highlights of How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park include a meet-and-greet with Hiccup and Toothless, as well as rides such as Dragon Racer’s Rally. (Spectrum News)

    New Epic Universe Hotels 🏨🛎️🌴

    Universal Orlando opened three new hotels adjacent to its Epic Universe park — Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort.

    Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the “crown jewel” of Universal’s hotels, is the newest hotel to open. The 500-room hotel overlooks Epic Universe, and has a Mediterranean-inspired feel. It offers rooms with views of the theme park, as well as a dedicated entrance to the park for ticket holders — which is just steps away.

    The new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, located at Epic Universe in Orlando, Fla. (Spectrum News)


    READ MORE:     New Universal Helios Grand Hotel welcomes its first guests

    Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Stella Nova Resort offer space-themed rooms and proximity to Epic Universe as well, at an affordable price point. Both hotels feature a variety of cosmic-themed dining options and numerous amenities.

    _______________

     

    You can plan your vacation, purchase Express Passes, shop for merchandise and get additional information on Universal Orlando’s website.

    Whether you’re attending the park’s grand opening or going on a later date, Epic Universe features interactive experiences that are bound to immerse guests into their own epic adventures.

     

    “You wonder next which path to chart

    The answer lies within your heart.”

     

    Meet the Insiders

    DeJanae Phillips

    DeJanae Phillips is a Digital Producer with Spectrum Bay News 9. A born and raised Tampa native, she joined the company in 2022 and covers Florida attractions. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

    Anna Wronka

    Anna Wronka is a Digital Producer with Spectrum Bay News 9. She joined the company in 2022, and currently focuses on coverage of Florida attractions. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

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    DeJanae Phillips, Anna Wronka

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  • Long lines, fun, and Florida heat: Universal’s new Epic Universe finally opens

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    ORLANDO — For the first time in 25 years, another major theme park has opened in Orlando.

    And with it, are long lines in the Florida heat.


    Fans showed up before dawn to enter the new attraction. But only 30 minutes after the official opening, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry climbed to a whopping 5-hour wait.

    Later in the afternoon, wait times dropped, with Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at about 3 and a half hours.

    Here are some of the wait times as of around 4 p.m. on Thursday:

     

    Other rides saw wait times of 30 minutes or more.

    Guests got a major head start, getting through the entrance at 6:30 a.m.

    Some of the first guests sprinted straight to the attraction they’ve been thinking about for years.

    Others meandered by the Chonos portal for a family picture.


    Spectrum News noticed a few families who are already die-hard Dark universe fans, even dressing the part.

    “To have a land that is dedicated to that genre honors Halloween Horror nights, but in a family-friendly way, but still captures the edge of horror nights, I’d say was a unique achievement,” said fan Alexander Yates.

    Bethany Brown of Spring Hill said: “We are definitely heading straight to Dark Universe once we get in there! And then take it all in and meander around Celestial Park and just take in the atmosphere. Because, again, we’ve been waiting for so long.”

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  • Disney World releases dates for EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Get your appetites ready: Walt Disney World officials announced its International Food Wine & Festival dates at EPCOT. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Walt Disney World officials announced EPCOT’s 2025 International Food Wine & Festival dates on Monday

    • The event will run for 90 days in 2025, from Aug. 28 – Nov. 22

    • Foodies can expect over 35 global marketplaces around the park to indulge in new and returning favorite dishes and popular activities


    The event will run for 90 days in 2025, from Aug. 28 – Nov. 22, officials said Monday.

    Foodies can expect over 35 global marketplaces around the park to indulge in new and returning favorite dishes. Guests can also participate in special activities such as “Emile’s Fromage Montage” and “Remy’s Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt.”

    The Eat to the Beat Concert Series will return at the America Gardens in the American Adventure Pavilion with a lineup of fan favorite musical artists and new local sounds. Admission is included with EPCOT park entry and dining packages are offered for those seeking guaranteed seating.

    Guests can also enjoy seasonal themed displays and featured ingredients on display on the “Living with the Land” boat ride. It features an inside look at innovative agricultural techniques and sustainable food practices.

    Get more details on the menu, concert series and additional activities on Disney World’s website.

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  • Disney World announces dates for ‘Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party’

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World’s spooky shindig is returning to Magic Kingdom this fall. The park released select dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Walt Disney World released select dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

    • The event will run Aug. 15 – Oct. 31. The party is only on specific weekend or weekday nights

    • Ticket prices vary per date and will be available for purchase starting on May 15 for guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels. Tickets will be available starting on May 22 for all other guests, officials said


    Halloween decor, eerie music, and popular Disney characters parading throughout Magic Kingdom transform the park into a delicate fright fest during the separate ticketed event. Guests can expect themed food, exclusive entertainment and merchandise, photo opportunities and character meet-and-greets, officials said.

    Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates will run Aug. 15 – Oct. 31. The party is only on specific weekend or weekday nights.

    2025 Party Dates:

    • Aug. 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
    • Sept. 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30
    • Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31

    Ticket prices vary per date and will be available for purchase starting on May 15 for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green. Tickets will be available starting on May 22 for all other guests, officials said. Event discounts are also available for annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. Guests can visit Disney World’s website or call 407-934-7639 for more information.

    The Halloween gathering wouldn’t be a party if it didn’t include trick-or-treating throughout the park. Disney Cast Members will be giving out favorites like M&Ms, Snickers and Starburst. Each guest will receive complimentary treat bags for candy collection, including adults. Guests with food allergies can grab a teal bag from a Cast Member and collect teal tokens to redeem a fill of allergy-free candy at allergy-friendly centers. 

    Trick-or-treaters do not have to be in costume to collect candy, but they are encouraged to dress up. Officials said guests should follow the park’s official costume guidelines before attending.

    Get more details on the event by visiting the Disney Parks blog.

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  • SeaWorld Orlando officially opens Expedition Odyssey

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey has officially opened to the public.

    Expedition Odyssey combines an inside ride with real-world footage to take visitors on a tour of the Arctic’s glaciers and tundra, and the Arctic Ocean that has an immersive feel.

    All the video on the ride was shot in remote Arctic locations and takes visitors close to the Arctic’s wildlife, including polar bears, orcas and beluga whales. 

    When that ride is complete, visitors get off into a new habitat at Expedition Odyssey that includes Arctic animals such as beluga whales and walruses..

    The ride is designed to be family friendly to give children a chance to learn about the Arctic, so the height requirement is only 39 inches.

    Admission is included with the purchase of a SeaWorld ticket. 

    For visitors who want to get even closer to the animals, upgrades for an additional add-on experience can be purchased.

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  • Disney World reveals new details for Pirates of the Caribbean tavern

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    LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Disney World unveiled new details on Tuesday for The Beak and Barrel, its new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, which is set to open later this year at Magic Kingdom Park.

    What You Need To Know

    • Disney World unveiled new details for The Beak and Barrel, its new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern

    • The pub is set to open later this year at Magic Kingdom Park

    • Disney said that The Beak and Barrel’s opening date and menu offerings will be revealed soon


    The new pub, which will be found at Adventureland, is “established by the legendary pirate rumrunner, Captain Meridian ‘Merry’ Goldwyn, and her talkative first mate, Rummy,” according to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog, and will welcome guests of all ages.

    At The Beak and Barrel, guests can dine in “The Mess,” which is the tavern’s biggest space, once the mess hall for Spanish soldiers. This area features long tables with abundant seating and plenty of pirate-themed decor, such as a hanging anchor covered in candles. A large bar can also be found, made from salvaged parts of a cursed shipwreck.

    “Guests may also spot the Enchanted Rum Bottle, which was gifted to Merry by the enchantress Tia Dalma and seemingly serves as the source of the tavern’s specialty brews, or Rummy hobbling along the bar’s ledge, greeting the patrons and keeping a close eye on the crew while Merry is away,” stated Disney.

    Artist rendering of “The Mess” at Disney World’s new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, The Beak and Barrel, set to open late 2025 at Magic Kingdom Park. (Courtesy: Disney)

    Another area of the tavern, “Captains’ Quarters,” is adorned with fine art and drapery, which has been tattered over time by pirates. Five small ships in glass bottles are mounted above the fireplace, “rumored to represent pirates from every corner of the world banding together to defeat tyranny” — park officials say they are known to come to life and battle one another.

    Artist rendering of “Captains’ Quarters” at Disney World’s new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, The Beak and Barrel, set to open late 2025 at Magic Kingdom Park. (Courtesy: Disney)

    The Beak and Barrel will be the first of two new lounges opening at Disney World this year, with the other being the Spaceship Earth-inspired GEO-82 lounge at Epcot.

    Disney said that The Beak and Barrel’s opening date and menu offerings will be revealed soon.

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  • Busch Gardens, SeaWorld launch Howl-O-Scream ticket deals

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    FLORIDA — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando announced on Monday new Howl-O-Scream limited-time ticket offers, as part of the Mayhem sale.

    What You Need To Know

    • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando announced on Monday new Howl-O-Scream limited-time ticket offers

    • Guest can purchase tickets to the popular Halloween-themed event for $39.99 each when buying two or more tickets

    • The offer runs from May 5 through May 11

    • View information about purchasing tickets at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando


    From May 5 through May 11, Guest of both parks can purchase tickets to the popular Halloween-themed event for $39.99 each when buying two or more tickets. The tickets can be used for any Howl-O-Scream event night with no blackout dates, park officials stated.

    Howl-O-Scream is known for its themed haunted houses, scare zones, shows and more.

    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officials said that park goers can expect “an all-new invasion of horror” this year, which will run select nights from Sept. 5 through Nov. 2. SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Scream event will take place select nights from Sept. 5 through Nov. 1.

    View information about purchasing tickets during the limited-time Mayhem sale at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando.

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  • 5 things to know SeaWorld’s newest attraction: Expedition Odyssey

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Theme park enthusiasts will soon be able to board a brand-new ride at SeaWorld Orlando.

    Expedition Odyssey is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, May 9. Here are five things to know:

    1. Expedition Odyssey is an indoor ride and is touted as an adventure that blurs the line between simulation and reality.
    2. Guests will soar through glaciers, tundra, and the frosty depths of the Arctic Ocean. Expect to bump up to all kinds of wildlife, from polar bears and orcas to beluga whales.
    3. All the video on the ride was shot in remote Arctic locations — exclusively for this ride. “Whoever thought you could take all of this custom filming equipment and mix it with cutting edge technology, and create something that we truly say doesn’t just show you the Arctic, but takes you to the Arctic,” said Conner Carr, SeaWorld Orlando Rides & Engineering Corporate VP.
    4. It’s a family-friendly thrill, meaning kiddos at least 39 inches tall can get on it.
    5. The adventure isn’t over, even after you get off the ride. Guests will experience face-to-face encounters featuring real Arctic animals inside the new habitat at Expedition Odyssey. If you want to get even closer, there’s a behind-the-scenes experience that lets people stand poolside with some of the marine mammals, learning firsthand about their behaviors and conservation.

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    Allison Walker

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  • SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium’s mermaid meet-and-greets, dive shows to return in May

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium will be bringing back several of its interactive events in May, including the return of its “Meet a Mermaid” experience, officials announced Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium will be bringing back several of its interactive events in May officials announced Monday

    • Guests can watch “real-life” mermaids and enjoy meet-and-greets in a series of underwater shows on select dates from May 2 to 26, including Memorial Day

    • Guests can also discover how creatures like manatees, dolphins and sharks have inspired mermaid legends with the aquarium’s series of interactive education stations called “Tails of the Ocean”

    • Get more information on SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium’s website


    Guests can watch “real-life” mermaids as they swim alongside sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and other sea creatures in a series of underwater shows on select dates from May 2 to 26, including Memorial Day.

    The aquarium is also featuring meet-and-greets and a new educational adventure designed to teach families about marine life and conservation, officials said.

    Guests can also discover how creatures like manatees, dolphins and sharks have inspired mermaid legends with the aquarium’s series of interactive education stations called “Tails of the Ocean.” Officials said the initiative combines storytelling with science to spark curiosity about marine life and conservation. Families can earn collectible stickers at each stop and redeem them for mermaid treasure in the aquarium’s retail store.

    “Our mermaid dive shows and meet-and-greets are a beloved tradition, and this year we’re making a splash by adding a meaningful educational element,” said Michelle Daniels, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium’s Head of Marketing, in a statement. “It’s a chance for families to connect with the wonders of the sea, have fun, and maybe even walk away with a new appreciation for the ocean and the animals who call it home.”

    Mermaid performances will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Atlantic Ocean habitat inside the attraction. Dry-land mermaid meet-and-greets will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

    Tickets start at $29.99. Get more information on SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium’s website.

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  • Disney World unveils perk to allow kids to eat free at resorts

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World is implementing a new perk that will allow kids to eat free at its resorts.

    Guests staying at any Disney Resorts Collection hotels will receive a free dining plan for their kids ages 3 to 9 when purchasing a dining plan as part of their package for the other members of their party, officials said.

    Guests can also combine the kids’ free dining plan with other select special offers.

    The offer will be available throughout all of 2026.

    Reservations to book resorts for most 2026 Disney World vacations are currently open.

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  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes a new president, new world and meerkats

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is undergoing a $37 million upgrade that will bring new life to the 66-year-old theme park.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jeff Davis is the new president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, arriving in February from SeaWorld San Antonio

    • A $37 million investment at the 66-year-old theme park helped create a new world, new costumes and a new habitat

    • New world Wild Oasis is set to open in spring as a kid-centric immersive rain forest experience

    • A new colony of 20 meerkats will get a new and expanded habitat near Africa


    The funds helped create a new world called Wild Oasis, set to open this spring. The kid-centric immersive rain forest experience will replace Jungala.

    For guests who frequent the park, you will also notice new costumes matching the tropical birds who will live in the new world.

    Near the edge of Africa, a new and expanded meerkat habitat is under construction for a colony of 20 animals that are currently quarantining in the park.

    Adult guests are also getting a new bar at the entrance of the park.

    This comes all in part, thanks to Busch Gardens’ new president, Jeff Davis.

    Davis arrived from Sea World San Antonio in February, eager to do his part to ensure the park runs for another 66 years.

    “There’s, you know, park presidents before me. Park presidents are gonna come after me,” said Davis. “It’s just my time to help the park grow and be successful, and it’s an honor to be part of that.”

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  • Disney World offers hotel discounts to Disney+ subscribers

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Disney World has announced special rates for Disney+ subscribers staying at some of its Disney Resorts Collection hotels.

    Guests with the streaming service can enjoy rates starting from $99 per night on rooms. The offer is valid on two-night stays or longer on most nights from June 29 to July 31, officials said.

    Here are some of the rates offered at the participating hotels:

    • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort (Standard Room) – $99
    • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (Woods View) – $169
    • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Cars Family Suite) – $229
    • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (Deluxe Studio) – $249
    • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savanna View) – $339

    Those who do not have a subscription to Disney+ can sign up to receive the offer. Officials advise guests to use the same email address they use managing their plans at Walt Disney World Resort for their Disney+ subscription to keep vacation plans under a single account.

    Get more details on Disney World’s website. 

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