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.
Merry Christmas today to everyone, with a special thank you to all theme park cast members, team members and hosts working today.
December 25, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Merry Christmas today to everyone, with a special thank you to all theme park cast members, team members and hosts working today.
Why is Disney's "Zootopia 2" the biggest U.S.-produced movie of 2025, worldwide? China, mostly. When the Zootopia land opened in Shanghai Disneyland two years ago, we talked about what makes this franchise so popular in China. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202312...
How Disney Imagineers brought Zootopia to life in Shanghai
Modern theme park design is rooted in narrative, and Shanghai Disneyland's new Zootopia land is no exception, moving forward after the events of the original film to further develop the world of Nick ...
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December 23, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Why is Disney's "Zootopia 2" the biggest U.S.-produced movie of 2025, worldwide? China, mostly. When the Zootopia land opened in Shanghai Disneyland two years ago, we talked about what makes this franchise so popular in China. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202312...
The Hollywood studio game of musical chairs continues. This time, Charlie Brown and Snoopy have found a new place to sit. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202512...
Sony gains control of 'Peanuts' franchise
The Hollywood studio game of musical chairs continues. This time, Charlie Brown and Snoopy have found a new place to sit.
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December 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
The Hollywood studio game of musical chairs continues. This time, Charlie Brown and Snoopy have found a new place to sit. www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202512...
Six Flags Magic Mountain will transform its current Bugs Bunny Land into Looney Tunes Land by next summer. But will the loss of a couple of kiddie coasters cost the park its overall coaster crown?
Six Flags looks to transform Magic Mountain's kiddie land
The California theme park announced this morning that it will transform its current Bugs Bunny Land into Looney Tunes Land by next summer. But will the loss of a couple of kiddie coasters cost the par...
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December 16, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Six Flags Magic Mountain will transform its current Bugs Bunny Land into Looney Tunes Land by next summer. But will the loss of a couple of kiddie coasters cost the park its overall coaster crown?
The family of the person who died after riding Universal Orlando's Stardust Racers roller coaster has 'reached an amicable resolution' with Universal.
Family reaches resolution with Universal over coaster death
The family of the person who died after riding Universal Orlando's Stardust Racers roller coaster has 'reached an amicable resolution' with Universal.
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December 13, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The family of the person who died after riding Universal Orlando's Stardust Racers roller coaster has 'reached an amicable resolution' with Universal.
Netflix is buying Warner Bros., which might be selling DC and Looney Tunes theme park rights in Florida to Universal. Or to United Parks. Or, heck, maybe even Disney. In the end, the real winners here are... the contract lawyers. As always. Read the story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202512...
Netflix beats Universal for Warner Bros. prize - for now
Netflix has agreed to buy Warner Bros.' studio and HBO in a gajillion dollar (okay $82 billion) deal. That ends hopes that rival Comcast - the owner of NBCUniversal - would get WB, giving Universal mo...
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December 6, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Netflix is buying Warner Bros., which might be selling DC and Looney Tunes theme park rights in Florida to Universal. Or to United Parks. Or, heck, maybe even Disney. In the end, the real winners here are... the contract lawyers. As always. Read the story at www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202512...
Legoland owner Merlin Entertainments has announced a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to create a Harry Potter-themed land at Legoland Deutschland, in Germany.
Harry Potter is coming to Legoland in Germany
Legoland owner Merlin Entertainments has announced a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to create a Harry Potter-themed land at Legoland Deutschland, in Germany.
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December 1, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Legoland owner Merlin Entertainments has announced a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to create a Harry Potter-themed land at Legoland Deutschland, in Germany.
A Warner Bros. sale could trigger a cascade of events that would affect pretty much every major player in the global theme park industry, including Disney.
What would a Warner Bros. sale mean for theme park fans?
A Warner Bros. sale could trigger a cascade of events that would affect pretty much every major player in the global theme park industry, including Disney. So how would it all work?
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November 21, 2025 at 10:17 PM
A Warner Bros. sale could trigger a cascade of events that would affect pretty much every major player in the global theme park industry, including Disney.
More swing dancing at the Royal Theatre and the Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace? Plus a 'Woody’s Round Up'-inspired line dance at The Golden Horseshoe? Yes, please.
Here are the dates for 2026's Disneyland After Dark events
Disneyland is throwing another party to celebrate its 70th birthday. The resort today announced the dates for its 2026 'Disneyland After Dark' events, including a new one celebrating '70 Years of Favo...
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November 20, 2025 at 5:33 PM
More swing dancing at the Royal Theatre and the Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace? Plus a 'Woody’s Round Up'-inspired line dance at The Golden Horseshoe? Yes, please.
This looks fun - a new trackless ride system with a high-speed launch and ability to drift, spin, tilt, drop, and rise.
Intamin reveals new multi-dimensional dark ride system
We now know all the details about that new ride system that Intamin teased last month. The Dutch roller coaster manufacturer today unveiled its new dark ride system - Multi Dimension Mover.
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November 17, 2025 at 11:46 PM
This looks fun - a new trackless ride system with a high-speed launch and ability to drift, spin, tilt, drop, and rise.
If you want to understand what Disney is doing with its cruise line, you have to start in the Jungle. We talked with Joe Schott - the former Walt Disney World Jungle Cruise skipper who now heads Disney Signature Experiences.
Joe Schott's Disney journey from the Jungle to the Caribbean
If you want to understand what Disney is doing with its cruise line, you have to start in the Jungle. Let's talk with Joe Schott - the former Walt Disney World Jungle Cruise skipper who now heads Disn...
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November 17, 2025 at 6:26 PM
If you want to understand what Disney is doing with its cruise line, you have to start in the Jungle. We talked with Joe Schott - the former Walt Disney World Jungle Cruise skipper who now heads Disney Signature Experiences.
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.
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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.'
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.'
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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...
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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.