Theme Park Insider
@themeparkinsider.com
Former #WaltDisneyWorld cast member and award-winning journalist Robert Niles covers the world’s top themed entertainment destinations, including #Disneyland, #UniversalStudios and more.
Six Flags' new record-setting theme park in Saudi Arabia has announced its opening date. As promised, the park will open this year... but just barely. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Six Flags Qiddiya City sets its opening date
Six Flags' new record-setting theme park in Saudi Arabia has announced its opening date. As promised, the park will open this year... but just barely.
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Six Flags' new record-setting theme park in Saudi Arabia has announced its opening date. As promised, the park will open this year... but just barely. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Want to see inside Disney Destiny's engine room? Here is your chance. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Take an Insider's tour of Disney Destiny's engine room
On my Disney Destiny media cruise this week, I spent about 30 minutes underwater... and never got wet. Disney invited me and a small group of other reporters to visit a part of the ship that guests ne...
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Want to see inside Disney Destiny's engine room? Here is your chance. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
I have updated Theme Park Insider's overview of the new Disney Destiny from Disney Cruise Line, including links to our reviews and videos of new features on this third Wish-class ship.
Everything you need to know about Disney’s new cruise ship
We are on board Disney Destiny for the ship’s media preview cruise this week. Here is everything you need to know if you are considering a vacation on the Destiny or any other Disney cruise ship.
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:11 PM
I have updated Theme Park Insider's overview of the new Disney Destiny from Disney Cruise Line, including links to our reviews and videos of new features on this third Wish-class ship.
It's hard to believe that Disney has never done The Lion King on its cruise line. But now it delivers a new type of Lion King dining experience on its newest ship, Disney Destiny. Review at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
The Lion King finally finds a home on Disney Cruise Line
Somehow, in nearly 30 years of operation, Disney Cruise Line has managed to avoid featuring one of Disney’s most popular and enduring franchises – The Lion King. That oversight ends this month, with t...
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:51 PM
It's hard to believe that Disney has never done The Lion King on its cruise line. But now it delivers a new type of Lion King dining experience on its newest ship, Disney Destiny. Review at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Remembering Jay Stein - the man who was to Universal's theme parks what Walt was to Disney's.
Universal theme park pioneer passes away
The man whom many credit as one of the original creative forces behind Universal's theme parks has passed away. Jay Stein helped transform what is now Universal's theme park segment from a single stud...
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Remembering Jay Stein - the man who was to Universal's theme parks what Walt was to Disney's.
Six Flags today reported lower revenue on slightly higher attendance last quarter. But the company may be looking to sell some of its underperforming parks if they don't start earning more. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Six Flags looking at selling parks as revenue dips
Attendance rose slightly at the Six Flags theme parks last quarter, but more bodies in the parks did not lead to more income for the company. As the company continues to manage nearly $5 billion in de...
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Six Flags today reported lower revenue on slightly higher attendance last quarter. But the company may be looking to sell some of its underperforming parks if they don't start earning more. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Disneyland's Storybook Land Canal Boats will return for the start of the resort's holiday celebrations this month. And the ride will include a new tribute to the animated film 'Tangled.'
A classic Disneyland attraction gets its reopening date
Disneyland's Storybook Land Canal Boats will return for the start of the resort's holiday celebrations this month. And the ride will include a new tribute to the animated film 'Tangled.'
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Disneyland's Storybook Land Canal Boats will return for the start of the resort's holiday celebrations this month. And the ride will include a new tribute to the animated film 'Tangled.'
Attendance and revenue dipped at the United Parks chain (SeaWorld/Busch Gardens) during late summer, but the company is buying back its stock and looking to sell some of its real estate.
Attendance dips at United Parks
United Parks & Resorts reported that attendance at its theme parks dropped 3.4%, to 6.8 million guests, during the three-month period ending September 30.
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Attendance and revenue dipped at the United Parks chain (SeaWorld/Busch Gardens) during late summer, but the company is buying back its stock and looking to sell some of its real estate.
There will be a new stop on the Walt Disney World monorail resort bar tour, starting next week.
New Walt Disney World hotel bar to open next week
The new Perch at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will open on Monday, November 10. With a design to evoke the hotel's iconic birdcage, The Perch will serve wine, beer and cocktails.
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:50 PM
There will be a new stop on the Walt Disney World monorail resort bar tour, starting next week.
California's governor is sharing an inside look at one of the leading creators of animatronic figures for theme parks worldwide, including Disneyland and Universal Studios: www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Look inside the shop that creates beloved theme park characters
The State of California is honoring a company that creates beloved characters for the theme park business.
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:13 AM
California's governor is sharing an inside look at one of the leading creators of animatronic figures for theme parks worldwide, including Disneyland and Universal Studios: www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
After 51 years, several names, and several owners, it's last call for Maryland's Six Flags America theme park. Read our final tribute at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Six Flags America closes after 51 years
Sunday was the final day of operation for Six Flags America, in Woodmore, Maryland. Six Flags is closing the park after 51 years of operation under several names and owners.
www.themeparkinsider.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:58 PM
After 51 years, several names, and several owners, it's last call for Maryland's Six Flags America theme park. Read our final tribute at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511...
Walt Disney World is sharing a first look at its new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show that opens November 7 at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
First look at Walt Disney World's new Zootopia show
Walt Disney World is sharing a first look today at its new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show. The 4D attraction premieres November 7 in the Tree of Life Theater at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Follow the ju...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Walt Disney World is sharing a first look at its new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show that opens November 7 at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Deadpool is coming back to Disney California Adventure starting next month for another, limited-time run of "The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special."
Deadpool is coming back to Disneyland
The Disneyland Resort announced today that Deadpool will return to Disney California Adventure next month for another round of 'The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special.'
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Deadpool is coming back to Disney California Adventure starting next month for another, limited-time run of "The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special."
Dollywood is adding a Halloween party in 2026. But it won't be a haunt. Like Disney, Dollywood is looking to appeal to families with an all-ages event called Harvey's Boo Bash.
Dollywood plans new after-hours Halloween party
Unlike most other theme parks that offer hard-ticket Halloween parties, Dollywood will not offer a haunt-based event. Like Disney, Dollywood is looking to appeal to families with an all-ages event cal...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Dollywood is adding a Halloween party in 2026. But it won't be a haunt. Like Disney, Dollywood is looking to appeal to families with an all-ages event called Harvey's Boo Bash.
Disney invited us to tour its new Cotino residential development, including the real-life, Incredibles-themed Parr House in its residents-only Artisan Club. Story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
First live look inside Disney's new Cotino community
Disney fans don’t need wait until the next decade and travel to Abu Dhabi to experience what Imagineers can do with a desert environment.
They just need to be able to afford some expensive California...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Disney invited us to tour its new Cotino residential development, including the real-life, Incredibles-themed Parr House in its residents-only Artisan Club. Story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom and Disneyland continued to lead the theme park industry in attendance last year. But Universal's theme parks in the U.S. struggled in 2024. Let's look at what happened. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Disney continues to lead attendance in 2024, as Universal slips
Disney's castle parks in the United States continued to lead the theme park industry in attendance last year. But Universal's theme parks in the U.S. struggled in 2024, as fans awaited new experiences...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom and Disneyland continued to lead the theme park industry in attendance last year. But Universal's theme parks in the U.S. struggled in 2024. Let's look at what happened. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
If you wanted to spend the money for an after-hours holiday party at Walt Disney World, should you choose Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom or Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios?
Which Walt Disney World holiday party is the best?
If you wanted to spend the money for an after-hours holiday party at Walt Disney World, should you choose Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom or Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney's Ho...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:25 PM
If you wanted to spend the money for an after-hours holiday party at Walt Disney World, should you choose Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom or Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios?
Another group of activist investors has bought up nearly 10% of Six Flags. But this group includes a wildly popular celebrity from Ohio - Travis Kelce.
Investors line up celebrity partner to circle Six Flags
JANA Partners announced today that it has acquired approximately 9% of Six Flags Entertainment Company, in conjunction with its management and celebrity partners. And that celebrity is a big name - NF...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Another group of activist investors has bought up nearly 10% of Six Flags. But this group includes a wildly popular celebrity from Ohio - Travis Kelce.
WinterFest is moving across the Bay in Northern California this year, from California's Great America to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
WinterFest gets a new home in the Bay Area
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, in Vallejo, California, will host its first-ever WinterFest event this holiday season. WinterFest will be included with regular park admission and run on select dates star...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 18, 2025 at 5:22 PM
WinterFest is moving across the Bay in Northern California this year, from California's Great America to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Walt Disney World guests won't need 3D glasses on Remy's Ratatouille Adventure anymore after the ride closes for a short refurbishment next month. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Walt Disney World to remove 3D on Ratatouille ride
Disney World guests won't need 3D glasses on Remy's Ratatouille Adventure anymore after the ride closes for a short refurbishment next month.
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 17, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Walt Disney World guests won't need 3D glasses on Remy's Ratatouille Adventure anymore after the ride closes for a short refurbishment next month. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Universal's new fastest roller coaster has started testing! Check out the details on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood: www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
October 16, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Universal's new fastest roller coaster has started testing! Check out the details on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood: www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants will join characters from DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, and Jurassic World in Universal's new theme park, opening in Texas next year. Full story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Universal reveals the lands for its new Kids Resort
Nickelodeon's biggest star will join characters from DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, and Jurassic World in Universal's new theme park, opening in Texas next year.
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants will join characters from DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, and Jurassic World in Universal's new theme park, opening in Texas next year. Full story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202510...
Which opens first: Disney Abu Dhabi, Universal in Great Britain, or either Mattel Adventure Park? Now taking imaginary bets.
Mattel theme park in Kansas facing 2031 deadline to open
Originally announced last year for an opening next year, the Mattel Adventure Park in suburban Kansas City now may be looking at an opening sometime in 2030 to 2031.
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Which opens first: Disney Abu Dhabi, Universal in Great Britain, or either Mattel Adventure Park? Now taking imaginary bets.
Six Flags Qiddiya City is now expected to open sometime in the first half of 2026, as Chairman Selim Bassoul announced that he will follow CEO Richard Zimmerman in leaving his role at the end of 2025.
Six Flags Qiddiya City opening set as chairman steps down
Six Flags Qiddiya City is now expected to open sometime in the first half of 2026, as Chairman Selim Bassoul announced that he will follow CEO Richard Zimmerman in leaving his role at the end of the y...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Six Flags Qiddiya City is now expected to open sometime in the first half of 2026, as Chairman Selim Bassoul announced that he will follow CEO Richard Zimmerman in leaving his role at the end of 2025.
Disney's next theme park will be getting a rail connection to Abu Dhabi's international airport. A map of the planned tram line also for the first time suggested the actual site of the new Disney park on Yas Island.
New details revealed about Disney Abu Dhabi
Disney's next theme park will be getting a direct rail connection to Abu Dhabi's international airport. A map of the planned tram line for the first time suggested the actual site of the new Disney pa...
www.themeparkinsider.com
October 3, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Disney's next theme park will be getting a rail connection to Abu Dhabi's international airport. A map of the planned tram line also for the first time suggested the actual site of the new Disney park on Yas Island.