Insider's Update: Setting sail from Pirate Island.. and a new freebie at Universal Orlando

July 26, 2014, 10:18 AM · It looks like the popular Pirates attraction in Orlando is closing...

At SeaWorld. (How's that for a cheesy, broadcast-style lead-in?)

Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island

SeaWorld announced this week that Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island will close August 10. SeaWorld Orlando says that a new Clyde and Seamore show is on the way to replace Pirate Island, which has run for 15 years. In case you are wondering, SeaWorld San Diego's seal and sea lion show is "Sea Lions Live!," spoofing a variety of TV shows. No word yet on when the new Orlando show will debut.

On the subject of attraction closures, a reminder that Six Flags Magic Mountain's Colossus closes on August 16. If you can make it to the park tonight, there's an extended ride time "goodbye party" for the coaster from 11pm to 3am. Tickets are available online.

Disney's gearing up for the 45th anniversary of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion with a new line of Mansion merchandise that will be available at all Disneyland and Walt Disney World. And Disney's also introducing some higher-end "Art of the Haunted Mansion" collectibles for sale and display at the Disneyana Gallery on Main Street at Disneyland, starting August 16.

Tickets go on sale this week for the various hard-ticket special events at this year's Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, including the Party for the Senses, Disney’s Dessert Discovery, and Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining, as well as this year's new events, such as the Dining Through the Decades - A Tribute to Walt Disney. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, July 31 at 7am Eastern, though Disney Visa credit card holders get a two-day head start, with reservations available to them on Tuesday, July 29. Call 407-939-3378 for tickets. You can find the complete line-up of this year's Food and Wine Festival events and food stands, including those events included with Epcot park admission, on Disney's website.

Foodies can enjoy a free appetizer or dessert at the Emeril's restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort — Emeril's Orlando in CityWalk or Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort — simply by ordering an entree and showing your Universal Orlando theme park ticket for the day. The offer is good through Dec. 30 and is good for one appetizer or dessert per table.

One more discount this week: Knott's Berry Farm is now selling a new single-day "Ride & Slide" for unlimited back-and-forth admission to Knott's and the neighboring Soak City water park on the same day. They are available on knotts.com for $60 through September 14. If you just want a theme park ticket, they're available for $40 online if you buy at least three days in advance. The walk-up one-day theme park ticket is $65.

Got a theme park news tip? Email us at themeparkinsider@gmail.com. Have a great weekend, and remember to rate and review any rides, shows, restaurants or hotels you visit!

Replies (1)

July 26, 2014 at 11:11 AM · I've seen rumors about this on Screamscape for quite some time. Last year, the rumor was that the show would be rethemed to Mars. More recently, I'd heard it would be a "back to School" theme. I'll check out the new show, whatever it becomes....but boy was the old one a snoozefest.

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