Theme Park Insider

Tokyo DisneySea kicks off its 25th birthday celebration

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:15:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: The 25th anniversary Sparkling Jubilee is now officially underway at Tokyo DisneySea.

The Japanese theme park will not turn 25 until September 4, but it used the occasion of its elder sibling Tokyo Disneyland's 43rd birthday today to kick off its own anniversary celebration.

The park's Mediterranean Harbor will host the party's daily Sparkling Jubilee Celebration, a 15-minute show where Mickey and friends - in their Jubilee outfits - will sail into the harbor aboard a specially decorated barge.

Duffy, Minnie, Mickey, and ShellieMay in their Jubilee outfits. Photo courtesy Disney Parks

The celebration continues through March 31, 2027. In addition to the Harbor show, a new 25-minute character show, Dance the Globe!, has opened for the event. Playing at American Waterfront Park, the show features Mickey and Friends as well as other Disney characters, including Rapunzel from Tangled, Hiro from Big Hero 6, and the Mirabel from Encanto, in her DisneySea debut. After dark, the park is offering a new projection show on the Hotel MiraCosta, "Sparkling Jubilee Night."

Special merchandise and snacks, in Jubilee Blue, also will be available throughout the park.

While the anniversary details provide a nice distraction, the big attraction at DisneySea remains the new Fantasy Springs land, and especially its highly rated and highly sought Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey ride. Queuing at least 90 minutes before park opening is a must on most days if you want to experience this indoor boat ride, whose �2,000 [US$12.50] Disney Premier Access passes typically sell out within minutes of park opening. Without that pass, you could be looking at up to a four-hour wait for the ride.

Disney Premier Access and the Tokyo Disney Resort 40th Anniversary Priority Pass may be booked only via the official Tokyo Disney mobile app once you are scanned into the park. For more information, see our What to do at Tokyo DisneySea page.

For tickets to Tokyo DisneySea, please shop our partner's Tokyo Disney Resort tickets page.

The 'Hat' returns to Walt Disney World

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:27:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: The hat is back at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

From 2001 to 2015, a giant Mickey's sorcerer's hat stood in front of the Chinese Theater in Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. Okay, if you want to play the "well, ACTUALLY..." game, it was Yensid's hat that was - shall we say - "borrowed" by Mickey in the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" scene from the 1940 film, "Fantasia."

Disney is bringing a sorcerer's hat back to the park this summer, with the reimagining of the former Animation Courtyard. Renamed The Walt Disney Studios, the land will reopen to guests on May 26. The new hat will stand over the entrance of the new The Magic of Disney Animation exhibit, which will debut later this summer.

Photo courtesy Disney

The new hat is meant to evoke the design of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building at Disney's corporate headquarters in Burbank, California.

In front of the former Star Wars Launch Bay building will be a new character forecourt, much like the one at the entrance to the Chinese Theater. Except that this one will feature hand, foot and paw prints from some of Disney's most famous animated stars.

The newly refreshed land also will include the east coast premiere of the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! from Disney California Adventure, in the old Disney Jr. Play and Dance! space.

For assistance in planning a Walt Disney World vacation, please contact our travel agent for a free, no-obligation vacation quote.

New PAW Patrol land gets its opening date

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:03:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: The UK's first PAW Patrol-themed land now has its opening date.

World of PAW Patrol will open May 3 at Chessington World of Adventures, Merlin Entertainments announced. The 1.4 acre, �15 million (US$20.5 million) land will offer four new rides plus two themed playscapes. The previously announced rides are:

Chase�s Mountain Mission: A Zierer Force family roller coaster
Zuma�s Hovercraft Adventure: the UK's first Zierer Drifter ride
Skye�s Helicopter Heroes: A tower ride
Marshall�s Firetruck Rescue

The playgrounds, just announced, will be Rubble & Rocky's Play Zone and The Flounder Boat Play.

World of PAW Patrol welcomed its first guest, four-year-old Hallie Sawyer from Southampton, who was appointed World of PAW Patrol's PAWject Manager. Photo courtesy Merlin Entertainments

Merlin is offering a "Twice the Fun" deal that provides a free day of admission to Chessington, Legoland Windsor, Thorpe Park, or Alton Towers with the purchase of a one-day admission to Chessington, from �32 per person. Here is the link for that deal.

Can anyone fix Knott's Berry Farm?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:31:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: Years ago, we had a series on Theme Park Insider called "Fix This Theme Park." I invited readers like you to brainstorm ideas to improve some of our favorite parks around the country and the world.

Today, I would like to revive that series with a conversation about a park that seems to elicit a lot of "like," but not much love. Knott's Berry Farm is the most-visited theme park in the United States without a single entry in Theme Park Insider's Top 50 attractions or Top 40 roller coasters worldwide.

I agree with that judgment, by the way. As much as I love a few of the attractions at Knott's, it's tough for me to argue that any of them should crack our Top 50.

That said, a park does not need to have a top-rated attraction to provide great value for people in its community and region. Knott's placement at number 10 in the United States for attendance - topping all theme parks not from Disney or Universal - shows that many people in Southern California and beyond find plenty to like at Knott's.

But I can't help but be tempted the park's potential to be more than it is today. So what could be done to improve Knott's Berry Farm?

My first solution would be for Six Flags to sell the park to Herschend. Knott's would be the perfect west coast companion to Silver Dollar City and Dollywood - two parks that offer the same old-time country/western vibe as Knott's. Under Herschend management, there would be no temptation to transform Knott's into a Magic Mountain-style iron park. Herschend could nourish Knott's Ghost Town roots while embracing the potential of Camp Snoopy to develop a family-and-budget-friendly theme park that even more Southern Californians could love.

But Knott's balance sheet relies on the success of its annual Halloween event, Knott's Scary Farm. Knott's created the after-hours theme park Halloween event, and Scary Farm has grown into a California tradition that helps pour millions of dollars into the park's bottom line.

So what's the problem here? Herschend would want no part of an age-restricted event, especially one with a horror theme. That's not the family-friendly environment that Herschend has committed to provide with its attractions. There is no way that Herschend is operating Knott's with Scary Farm and there is no way that Herschend would want any part of ending such a beloved local institution. Herschend had an opportunity to enter the California market with its purchase of Palace Entertainment. But it chose to sell Castle Park to Lucky Strike, instead. So my dream of Knott's becoming siblings with Silver Dollar City is nothing more than fantasy.

That means that we are sticking with Six Flags ownership here. What could Six Flags do to help breath some fresh creative life into its most unique property?

My first call, if Six Flags put me in charge of Knott's, would be to Sally Dark Rides. In 2023, Sally designed the perfect California-themed Knott's attraction. But they did it for Monterey's Cannery Row. Treasure Hunt: The Ride hits all the thematic notes that I am looking for in a Knott's attraction. California's history is filled with stories that could inspire a similar experience at Knott's.

I would not, however, consider this a replacement for Knott's current shooter ride, Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair. I rather would give Sally the old Mystery Lodge space, which would provide a better location within the park for an old-time-California-themed interactive ride that won't break Six Flags' budget.

I miss Mystery Lodge, but maintaining the dated tech of that Pepper's Ghost-style theater experience has proven too much for the park. Yet the park could use an attraction that honors the west coast's indigenous history the way that Mystery Lodge did.

Knott's best ride at the moment - in my opinion - is the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Bud Hurlbut's 1968 log flume ride remains an industry classic. But to rank among the world's best attractions today, it needs a more compelling story. Perhaps this is where a creative genius might find a place to tell a fresh story that honors and celebrates indigenous history?

A for entertainment, the park's recently renovated Bird Cage Theater is a gem that local theme parks fans ought to give all their love. Yet I also would love to see Knott's bring back regular saloon shows to Ghost Town, as well. The park's big house, the Walter Knott Theater, is also an underutilized asset.

All of these changes might be done for less than the cost of a major new roller coaster. I think that, done right, they would deliver a better return on investment than a big new coaster would, too. That might provide Knott's with the budget to take on a more substantial overhaul of the park.

Phase two of my grand plan for Knott's would see the park removing its Silver Bullet coaster and shipping it to another Six Flags park. Knott's is not and should not be an iron park, and Silver Bullet destroyed the vibe of the park's entrance. I would love to see everything inside the Stagecoach track become an expanded Camp Snoopy, with a Splash Battle ride and other all-ages, family attractions that appeal to visitors older than just early- to mid-elementary school as well. But, again, that's for some future moment, when the park has more money to spend.

Let's keep dreaming. What would you like to see Six Flags do with Knott's to help this theme park achieve its thematic potential?

Disney reveals name for new 'Up' theme park ride

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:40:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: Disneyland Paris celebrated its 34th birthday today by announcing two new experiences at its renamed Disney Adventure World park.

We knew that Disney would be installing an "Up"-themed waveswinger ride on Adventure Way, across from the new Rapunzel spinner ride. Now we know that ride's name. Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will open next year at Disney Adventure World.

I don't know that a "wilderness" title fits with the Belle �poque look of Adventure Way, but hey... the ride should offer some nice views of the park's recent expansion.

Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings. Concept image courtesy Disney

Also today, Disneyland Paris confirmed that its new Disney Princess Cavalcade will run on Adventure Way from July 24. The production is a mini-parade with units celebrating Moana and Raya.

Paris' Disney Princess Cavalcade. Image courtesy Disney

The procession will include show stops where Moana will teach moves inspired by traditional Pacific Islands dance, while Raya will demonstrate moves inspired by martial arts.

The park also said today that the "Alice and the Queen of Hearts:�Back to Wonderland" show will return to Disney Adventure World in spring 2027.

For tickets to the park, please shop our partner's Disneyland Paris tickets page.

Rope drop: Who's ready for an Opening Nightmare?

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:26:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: As the "rope drop" starts a day at theme parks, the Sunday "Rope Drop" post kicks off the week here at Theme Park Insider. Here is what lies ahead for fans at the parks this week.

Happy birthday this week to Disneyland Paris, which turns 34 today, and to Tokyo Disneyland, which celebrates its 43rd anniversary on Wednesday. You can follow those links for our visitors guides to those theme parks.

Next weekend brings another flood of runners and their families to the Walt Disney World Resort. It's the RunDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend from April 16�20, because something had to take the place of the spring break crowds. As always on runDisney weekends at the resort, pack your patience because the parks will be filled from rope drop on.

On Friday this week, Kings Island opens for its 2026 season. The park is debuting its new Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare interactive dark ride from Sally that day, too. Look for a couple of longtime Theme Park Insiders to be there and bring us their report. I can't wait to read it!

On Saturday, Kennywood reopens for the season, and in California, the new Superman Experience: Defenders Unite interactive play attraction opens at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. I'm planning to be there for that one and will post a trip report.

Finally, one week from today, it's Dapper Day at Disneyland, on April 19. Get our your finest suits and dresses and get ready to enjoy the fashion show with other Disney fans.

Refurbishment schedule

January 5 - November 19: Jurassic Park River Adventure closed at Islands of Adventure.
February 17: Jungle Cruise closed at Disneyland. No reopening date yet.
February 22: Impressions de France and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along closed at EPCOT. No reopening date yet.
February 23: Conservation Station and the Wildlife Express Train closed at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Reopens as Bluey�s Wild World at Conservation Station on May 26.
February 27: Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind closed at Disney California Adventure. No reopening date yet.
February 27 - May 14: Pteranodon Flyers closed at Universal Islands of Adventure.
March 30: Disneyland Monorail and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin closed at Disneyland. No reopening dates yet.
April 6: Toy Story Midway Mania! closed at Disney California Adventure. No reopening date yet.
April 13: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters closes at Disneyland. No reopening date yet.
April 21 - April 23: Yoshi's Adventure closes at Epic Universe.
April 27: Silly Symphony Swings closes at Disney California Adventure. No reopening date yet.
May 3: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.
May 3: Mine-Cart Madness closes for the day at Epic Universe.
May 4: Pirates of the Caribbean closes at Disneyland. No reopening date yet.
May 14: Soarin' Around the World closes at EPCOT. Soarin' Across America opens May 26.
May 26 - June 9: Me Ship, The Olive closes at Islands of Adventure.
June 1 - 16: Men in Black Alien Attack closes at Universal Studios Florida.

Planning a trip?

For great prices and assistance on planning your next theme park vacation, please shop our international and U.S. attraction ticket partners. Or contact our travel agent for a free, no-obligation vacation quote.

Remember that whenever you buy tickets or book vacations through our partners, a small portion of that goes to support Theme Park Insider. So you can support independent reporting while getting a great deal at the same time.

Finally, for our weekly update of travel and theme park news, please sign up for Theme Park Insider's weekend newsletter.

Walk Time: Disney plusses its parade

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:37:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: In theme parks and entertainment, "walk time" is the name for the final paid minutes of your shift, when you gather your stuff and start heading home. At Theme Park Insider, "Walk Time" is our weekend look back at the past seven days in theme park news.

In this week's "shake my head" moment, two parents are facing misdemeanor charges after their toddler child entered a restricted area and ended up with its hand in a wolf's mouth at ZooAmerica in Hersheypark.

The parents are facing the charges because they allegedly were looking at their phones while the incident happens. Bystanders pulled away the child, who suffered a minor hand injury.

Thinking about this one brought to mind a quote from "Ted Lasso": "I hope that either all of us - or none of us - are judged by the actions of our weakest moments, but rather by the strength we show when, and if, we're ever given a second chance."

May others' failures provide not an excuse to judge but inspiration for each of us to do better. To that end, watch your kids. As an Internet publisher and parent whose websites and children now are all in their 20s, let me say this: The Internet always will be there. Your kids' youth will not.

Changes in the parks

Walt Disney World has been plussing the Disney Starlight nighttime parade that debuted last summer at the Magic Kingdom. Peter Pan and Wendy now fly above their float in the parade, as you can see in this video from Disney.

Fans also are reporting that some ground performers in the parade now have new lighting effects on their costumes. Walt Disney World this week also announced a lower height limit on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which will reopen on May 3.

Also getting plussed this year will be SeaWorld Orlando's new flying theater ride. Expedition Odyssey (a name destined for the Superfluous Redundancy Hall of Fame) is getting a new ride film this summer. Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice will add volcanoes to the mix of arctic habitats featured in the original film: SeaWorld looks to change new ride after less than a year.

Also changing this summer will be the Vekoma SLC at Canada's Wonderland. Six Flags appears to be sending north the next generation trains from Professor Screamore's Skywinder at the now-closed Six Flags America. At Canada's Wonderland, this summer the former Flight Deck (originally Top Gun) will get its third name - The DareDeviler. The park will celebrate the refreshed coaster with a new branded beer for the summer, too: Flight Deck gets a new name at Canada's Wonderland.

Universal Orlando announced this week that it will be swapping its BK Whopper Bar for a Five Guys this summer. Goodbye, reasonably priced fast food burgers. But are any theme park burgers worth buying? We are talking about that: Universal Orlando to change its CityWalk burger restaurant.

The patent find this week also comes from Universal, which is proposing what one reader called an AR system without the phone or headset: Universal looks to blend reality and fantasy in new show system.

Six Flags completed the sale of six of its U.S. theme parks to EPR Properties this week. That inspired me to put together a one-pager on Who owns America's regional amusement parks?

Other readers and I continue to share our strategies for visiting top theme parks around the country. Here are the parks we are discussing now, if you would like to pick up some tips and share your advice, too:

Finally, I offer our congratulations and best wishes to Peter van Roden, who this week announced his retirement as Executive Vice President, Global Themed Entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery. Peter has held that job for the past 10 years, during which he oversaw a great run for Warner Bros.-themed attractions, including the opening of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and the expansion of Warner Bros. Studio Tour attractions around the world.

As always, thank you for reading. If you would like to get out there and support Theme Park Insider at the same time, please contact our travel agent for a free, no-obligation vacation quote or shop our international and U.S. attraction ticket partners.

New this week, the "Buy a Day, Get a Second Day Free" offer returns at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Orlando to change its CityWalk burger restaurant

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:50:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: Five Guys will replace Burger King on Universal Orlando's CityWalk, the resort announced today.

The Burger King Whopper Bar restaurant will close April 21 to make way for Five Guys, which will open later this summer, Universal said.

Sure, it's switching one hamburger restaurant for another, but there's more to this change. First up, I have to admit that I don't like Five Guys and its overpriced, overcooked burgers. And stuffing the bag with fries is no consolation when the fries are as limp and sad as Five Guys'.

That said, I am no fan of Burger King and its thinner char disks, either. At least at both places, you can customize your burger with a variety of toppings. But if I am going to a burger joint, shouldn't I be able expect a decent burger, regardless of what you might choose to put on it?

So what is the loss here? Price. Burger King was relatively affordable compared with other locations on CityWalk, and especially compared with Five Guys, which might have the most expensive burgers in the fast casual dining segment. Burger King gave value-conscious Universal Orlando visitors another food option without having to leave the resort. That's gone, as of this month.

All this said, I suspect that for the majority of Universal Orlando visitors, Five Guys will be an upgrade in quality compared with Burger King, so the change will be welcomed by many.

Which raises the question - is there any good theme park burger out there? I would love to hear from you what you think is the best quality burger for the price on any theme park property.