Park Journey - Industry News

Universal Orlando Resort Prepares for Exciting New Experiences at Universal CityWalk - The Epicenter of Awesome

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:28:13 GMT

Universal Orlando Resort is continuing its unprecedented momentum with the upcoming debut of several new experiences at Universal CityWalk – the destination’s entertainment complex featuring delicious dining, shopping and non-stop excitement from day to night.

New experiences on the way include:

Universal Legacy Store: The beloved Universal Legacy Store is set to return in late April with exclusive retro merchandise and photo opportunities inspired by iconic Universal Studios Florida attractions and films from Universal Pictures including E.T., Jaws, Back to the Future and Universal Monsters. The Universal Legacy Store will take the place of the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center, which will close effective April 13 to make way for the new experience.
Five Guys: Popular fast casual burger joint, Five Guys, is bringing its fresh, made-to-order burgers and fries to Universal CityWalk later this summer. This new addition will take over the existing Burger King Whopper Bar location, which will close effective April 21.
Luke Combs’ Category 10: Country music star Luke Combs and Opry Entertainment Group are set to bring the popular entertainment venue to a brand-new waterfront location where guests can enjoy live music, food and spirits, and more in 2027.

Stay tuned - additional details about these projects and more will be revealed in the months ahead. For information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

Canada's Wonderland Opens May 3 and Debuts 'The Daredeviler' This Summer

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:12:48 GMT

Flight Deck Roller Coaster Reborn as ‘The DareDeviler’ with New Trains Offering Elevated Thrills and Enhanced Comfort

VAUGHAN, ON (April 7, 2026) –– Canada’s Wonderland, the country’s premier amusement park, today unveiled what’s new for the 2026 season, launching May 3. Highlights include the transformation of Flight Deck into The DareDeviler, along with a full slate of events and entertainment – featuring the return of Brew & BBQ in June, and three new live shows spanning cirque, acrobatics and musical performance. The park’s flagship candy shop has also undergone renovation to offer an expanded and elevated confectionery experience with a new assortment of handcrafted treats.

A NEW SEASON OF SIGNATURE THRILLS

After its record‑breaking debut last year, AlpenFury continues to lead Canada’s Wonderland’s unmatched coaster collection in 2026. The attraction is Canada’s longest, tallest and fastest launch coaster and holds the world record for the most inversions on a launch coaster, with nine. Building on that momentum, the park is also unveiling a bold reimagining of a longtime favourite.

Originally introduced as Top Gun in 1995, the inverted roller coaster formerly known as Flight Deck will debut early summer as The DareDeviler, re‑themed to align with the original vision of the Grande World Expo area. Guests can relive the daring spirit of early aviation as they soar, dive, and twist through the legacy of a legendary stunt plane built to thrill the world.

Enhanced by targeted track refinements and new trains, the ride delivers a smoother, more immersive experience, featuring improved seating and open, vest‑style restraints for greater comfort and visibility.

“We’re excited to breathe new life into one of our classic roller coasters,” said Heather Hill, park manager. “With The DareDeviler, we’re elevating the thrill experience with a smoother, more comfortable ride—while AlpenFury continues to deliver the record‑breaking excitement that thrilled guests last season and will again in 2026.”

In addition, guests will have the chance to enjoy The DareDeviler IPA, a refreshingly bold, craft‑inspired beer with bright citrus aromas, presented in partnership with Something in the Water Brewing Co. Inspired by the popular beer styles of the Grande World Expo era, the brew delivers a refreshing, easy‑drinking option tailored for sunny days and high‑energy park adventures.

BREW & BBQ RETURNS TO SUMMER EVENTS LINEUP

The 2026 season at Canada’s Wonderland will also feature four seasons of events. The lineup includes:

Season Passholder Preview (May 1) – Season Passholders will get exclusive first access to the park and their favourite rides before it opens to the public on May 3.
Fireworks (May 17, July 1, Sept. 6) – Thousands of colourful fireworks will light the park skyline at 10 p.m., choreographed to a lively soundtrack.
Splash Works Opening (May 23) – Guests will enjoy 18 slides, cliff jumping, water playgrounds, the Lazy River, wave pool and more.
Brew & BBQ – RETURNING (June 6-7, 13-14, 20-21) – Brew & BBQ will return to Canada’s Wonderland with bold flavours and summer vibes and serve up favourites like sesame‑glazed smoked pork ribs, wood‑fired chicken legs and smoked beef brisket flatbreads. Guests will be able to pair their bites with more than 50 craft beers, ciders and seltzers from local breweries, enjoy live music and street entertainment, and sample a little of everything with tasting cards and drink tokens available for purchase.
Celebration Canada (July 1-5) – Guests will be invited to join Canada’s birthday celebration, featuring live music, authentic Canadian food, street performers and more.
KidZfest (July 22-Aug. 2) – KidZfest at Canada’s Wonderland is a can’t‑miss celebration made just for kids! Little guests will be invited to meet favourite characters, dance along at high‑energy dance parties, enjoy music, live shows and all their favourite rides.
Oktoberfest (Select dates Sept. 11-20) – Oktoberfest brings the flavours and festive spirit of Germany to the park. Guests can look forward to enjoying classic favourites like bratwurst and pretzels, seasonal dishes, craft beers and live entertainment for a fun‑filled celebration the whole family can enjoy.
Tricks & Treats (Select dates Sept. 26-Nov. 1) – This family-friendly Halloween event will return with trick-or-treating, mazes, costume parades, live shows with The PEANUTS™ Gang, interactive games, rides and more!
Halloween Haunt (Select nights Sept. 25-Nov.1) – The theme park will transform into a scream park filled with intense thrills, including The Conjuring: Beyond Fear immersive attraction. Guests will navigate terrifying scare zones and haunted mazes, encounter hundreds of monsters, experience thrilling night rides and enjoy incredible live shows.
WinterFest (Select dates, Starting Nov. 21) – WinterFest will invite guests to celebrate the season with millions of sparkling lights, festive family activities, live entertainment, seasonal food and beverages, and select attractions—creating cozy holiday moments all winter long.

See the full event lineup online.

EXCITING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES

In addition to these events, Canada’s Wonderland also will feature world-class live entertainment through the summer, including the return of the Victoria Falls High Divers and performances with Snoopy and the PEANUTS™ gang.

NEW shows this year include:

Retrospect (International Showplace) – Guests will rewind, recharge, and rock out as singers and dancers ignite International Showplace with a high‑intensity, interactive production packed with nonstop current and throwback party anthems that invite everyone to sing along and unleash their inner dancer.
The King’s Banquet (Canterbury Theatre) – A grand royal feast will erupt into chaos when a shadowy sorcerer poisons the King, sending a band of loyal heroes on a time‑bending quest filled with towering cirque feats, fire juggling, sword swallowing, and breathtaking acrobatics to rewrite fate itself.
Watchtower (Arthur’s Baye) - In the mythical Arthur’s Baye, a band of overly confident merrymen and women will attempt outrageous feats of bravery, unleashing a hilariously chaotic stunt‑dive spectacle packed with soaring trampoline aerials, jaw‑dropping high dives, nerve‑testing slackline stunts, and nonstop slapstick rivalries.

For more info, including showtimes visit the website.

NEW FOOD, DRINKS AND CANDY SHOP GLOW-UP

The season serves up an exciting mix of new food and drink experiences across the park, with highlights including:

Choco Crispy Bites Funnel Cake – A decadent creation, layered with fluffy marshmallow cream, crunchy chocolate clusters, creamy vanilla soft‑serve ice cream, chocolate chips, and finished with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.
Donair Kabobs – Coming to the menu at Lazy Bear Lodge! Inspired by the iconic Halifax Donair, savour crispy, smoked spiced beef skewers finished with the park’s signature sweet, garlicky, tangy white sauce, served with a choice of side for a bold, comforting bite.
“Wonder Rush” Coca-Cola® Freestyle Beverage – Inspired by the extreme vertical launch of AlpenFury out of Wonder Mountain, guests will taste the rush of fruit flavours in Wonder Rush, a cold, refreshing beverage blending Sprite® Vanilla, Fanta® Pineapple and Minute Maid® Lemonade. The drink will be available at any of the park’s nine Refresh Centres, including a new location opening early summer in KidZville.

The former Sweet Shoppe on International Street has been reimagined as The Sweet Spot, an elevated confectionery experience featuring custom white cabinetry, embossed ceilings, and a larger, refreshed space. The transformed store will offer an expanded assortment of handcrafted treats, including Tanghulu – fresh fruit skewers coated in a glossy, hardened sugar syrup – for a visually striking and indulgent sweet stop.

PARK POLICY UPDATE

At Canada’s Wonderland, we’re committed to providing a safe, enjoyable environment for all our guests. This season, the park is implementing a chaperone policy beginning May 1. As of 4 p.m. daily, all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to be admitted or to remain in the park. One chaperone may accompany no more than 10 guests aged 15 or younger per day. For full policy details visit the park’s Code of Conduct online.

SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE NOW

Guests can get unlimited access to the park, Splash Works and summer events through Labour Day with a Silver Pass, now available for only $89*. Season Passes include in-park discounts on food and merchandise, bring-a-friend ticket discounts, early ride time on select dates and more.

Guests who purchase a Gold Pass will receive access to all four seasons, including Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. New for 2026, Gold Passholders will also get unlimited access to regional Six Flags parks including Cedar Point and Darien Lake.

For more information on Season Passes, tickets, events or entertainment, visit canadaswonderland.com.

*Online only. Plus processing fee up to $9.99 & applicable taxes.

About Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland, located in Vaughan, Ontario, is a 300-acre theme park with more than 200 attractions including 18 roller coasters, and is the home to Splash Works, a 20-acre water park. Canada’s Wonderland is owned and operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 21 amusement parks, 14 water parks and nine resort properties across 13 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Company also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom debuts pair of three-month-old white Bengal tiger cubs

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:17:03 GMT

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom debuted a pair of three-month-old white Bengal tiger cubs, joining the diverse animal ambassadors currently in the park’s care. This was the first debut of tiger cubs in over twelve years for the Northern California park.

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Universal Fan Fest Nights Debuts Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:15:07 GMT

Universal Fan Fest Nights Debuts Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff,
an All-New Experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood,
Select Nights from Thursday, April 23 Through Saturday, May 16

Visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to Purchase Tickets;
All Experiences and Activations Included Every Event Night

Universal City, California, April 2, 2026 – This all-original Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff, at Universal Studios Hollywood dares witches, wizards and Muggles to venture into the Forbidden Forest in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on a journey to rescue this esteemed magical creature.

Tickets are now available for purchase to attend Universal Fan Fest Nights, which runs for a limited 12-nights only: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 14-16, 2026.

This exciting experience invites Universal Fan Fest Nights guests to step into an adventure that will take place within an all-new outdoor environment created exclusively for this limited time event.

With guidance from a Hogwarts Magical Creatures professor, guests will embark on an exciting walk-through adventure within the Forbidden Forest where they will encounter an array of magical creatures and familiar beasts, from pixies to owls and spiders as well as the infamous Monster Book of Monsters, as they forge ahead on a daring nighttime mission. A series of obstacles will interrupt their journey, challenging them to summon their bravery and spellbinding skills in order to rescue the Hippogriff.

Universal Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours, separately ticketed event that celebrates the exhilarating world of fandom through immersive and interactive in-world experiences created by the theme park’s renowned and highly creative entertainment team in collaboration with esteemed industry experts. Featuring a spectrum of inspirational categories, Universal Fan Fest Nights will welcome guests to embrace a variety of eclectic worlds that celebrate and elevate fandom favorites alongside live entertainment, character interactions, cosplay, photo opportunities, curated food, beverages and merchandise.

Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature an array of exciting experiences and activations that will be included every event night for guests to enjoy.

Universal Fan Fest Nights will also feature these in-world experiences:

Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot. This all-new, immersive walk-through adventure is designed to give guests the sensation of literally stepping into a Scooby-Doo episode. Guests will travel to the destination via Studio Tour tram where they have an exclusive experience to walk along a movie studio backlot alongside Scooby-Doo himself and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy. The exciting escapade will challenge them to solve a mystery involving the most legendary Universal Monsters in cinematic history, including Frankenstein, Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein and Wolfman, as they navigate portions of Universal’s world-famous outdoor film sets, from the cobblestone streets of Little Europe to the iconic Court of Miracles, the original filming location for such historic Universal horror films as Frankenstein and The Wolf Man.
ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show. ONE PIECE returns to Universal Fan Fest Nights, but this time as a live show extravaganza at the WaterWorld show venue. Inspired by the success of the Universal Studios Japan production, ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show will invite guests to a whirlwind performance featuring a cast of ONE PIECE fan-favorite characters. With action, comedy and chaos taking center stage, guests will be transported to the very heart of the world of ONE PIECE – enveloped in friendship, freedom and mayhem.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe. This exciting Japanese language CG anime short film, which originally debuted as part of Universal Studios Japan’s popular Cool Japan, will gather guests within DreamWorks Theatre to watch a subtitled version featuring heroine Super Sailor Moon as she battles an unforeseen enemy with sinister motives to acquire the Legendary Silver Crystal from Moon Palace’s enchanting ball. With her unwavering spirit, accompanied by audience support, Super Sailor Moon will prove good indeed prevails over evil as she outwits her rival and restores tranquility to the Moon Palace.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep. This fan-favorite immersive experience returns due to popular demand, along with some enhancements. Inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D), this epic walk-through experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.

This engaging experience features the legendary beholder Xanathar, uniquely created by the masterful puppeteer, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Colorful Yoshi Celebration. This year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights introduces a vibrant, multi-colored Yoshi celebration in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This all-new adventure will welcome guests to explore the land, where they will have a chance to meet new, colorful Yoshis who can be found throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.

Tickets are on sale now with a variety of ticket offerings available. Click here to purchase tickets and for full Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.

General Admission: General Admission ticket to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
Universal Express: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
Universal Express Unlimited: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including unlimited express access (per day) to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
After 2PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day evening General Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express: Daytime admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day evening admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day, plus one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction during the event.
2-Night General Admission: 2-Night General Admission access to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
Ultimate Fandom Pass: General Admission pass to enjoy for up to all event nights of Universal Fan Fest Nights (based on your selected first visit date during purchase). No blockout dates on return visits. All visits must be completed by May 16, 2026. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 6pm (subject to change), to select Universal Fan Fest Nights in-world experiences prior to event opening. A Universal Fan Fest Nights admission ticket for the same date must be purchased separately.
Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour: Enjoy VIP treatment of the event, including a shared, expertly guided walking tour of the in-world experiences, rides and attractions, as well as a gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room and complimentary valet parking.
Pass Member Special Pricing: Pass Members can take advantage of special online Pass Member pricing on General Admission tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights when visiting on select event nights.

Adding to the adventure, guests can also experience select theme park attractions open during the event, including “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™,” “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride—3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™”.

For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.

Universal Horror Unleashed Las Vegas Brings Feaster Grievings To Life In an All-New Original Story

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:02:05 GMT

UNIVERSAL HORROR UNLEASHED BRINGS “FEASTER GRIEVINGS” TO LIFE IN AN ALL-NEW, ORIGINAL STORY AT THE YEAR-ROUND HORROR EXPERIENCE

Guests Can Take Part in a Rotten Egg Hunt, Meet the Infamous Feaster Bunny, Indulge
in Themed Food and Beverage and More

LAS VEGAS (March 31, 2026) – Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas is bringing “Feaster Grievings” to life in an all-new, original experience inspired by Feaster Bunny and a cursed film that was never completed. Guests can step inside the grisly production from April 1 through May 2, 2026, and become part of the story at the ultimate horror spectacle.

“Feaster Grievings” tells the tale of an unfinished horror film that has resurfaced, leaving its sinister protagonist, Feaster Bunny, eager to complete what he started. As guests enter Universal Horror Unleashed, they’ll receive a call sheet and become a part of the production, beginning their journey on a rotten egg hunt. As they embark on their twisted search, they’ll come face-to-face with eerie characters like Grace, the young, spoiled girl who torments her tortured bunny, demanding he find every rotten egg. Guests who take part in the search will win a special prize – from discounts to free merchandise and more.

After the hunt, guests can make their way to Boiler Bar and enter Feaster Bunny’s film workshop, where they’ll be welcomed by the maniacal actor for a photo op and become extras in his masterpiece. They’ll then continue to Hedge Maze Madness in Jack’s Alley – the final scene of “Feaster Grievings.” With cameras rolling, they must enter the maze and search the twisting hedges for the coveted golden egg, protected by Feaster Bunny’s obsessed followers.

During their visit, guests will also have the chance to dine on all-new, limited-time themed food and beverage items, including Pickled Eggs, Bloody Egg Cake Pops, Beet Poached Truffled Deviled Eggs, Duck Confit, The Feaster-tini, The Blood Bunny Mocktail and more.

Guests can experience “Feaster Grievings” as part of General Admission to Universal Horror Unleashed. From now through April 30, save up to $50 on select tickets – starting at just $39 for Nevada residents and $49 for non-residents. To purchase tickets and take advantage of this limited-time savings, click here (subject to availability). For the latest information, visit UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com or follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

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About Universal Horror Unleashed
Universal Horror Unleashed is the first-ever, year-round horror entertainment experience created by the masters of horror at Universal Destinations & Experiences. Located at the AREA15 District in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed presents a nightmarish spectacle featuring live entertainment with four themed immersive areas set in an abandoned production warehouse, plus four terrifying film-quality haunted mazes: “Universal Monsters,” “Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” and “Scarecrow: The Reaping.” The horror extends to the food and beverage offerings, with themed bars and food locations serving craft cocktails and themed bites in select areas, and a retail location with unique collectible merchandise and more. To learn more about Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, visit UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com.