The vacation season is rapidly approaching, and the latest updates from the theme park world are brimming with exciting events as May heats up. Universal Studios Hollywood is gearing up for its thrilling Mega Movie Summer, featuring beloved characters from Wicked available for meet and greets during the popular Fan Fest Nights. Meanwhile, in Orlando, the highly anticipated Epic Universe is set to welcome guests this month, with select preview days already accessible to the public.

Disneyland is also preparing to launch its grand 70th anniversary celebrations next week at the Disneyland Resort. Over at Walt Disney World, guests can look forward to thrilling new villain-themed experiences and immersive sea adventures, including fresh shows and the exciting addition of a pirate’s shack. Additionally, new themed destinations are emerging, with DC Comics expanding into family-friendly experiences at Gaylord Hotels, while Meow Wolf Dallas has been awarded the title of “Best Location-Based Experience” by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

Stay tuned for more insights into this week’s captivating theme park news!

Experience the Excitement of Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood

Join the celebration of iconic blockbusters during Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood, where nostalgia meets excitement. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s classic Jaws, and fans can relive the thrills with the return of the famous hanging Jaws shark photo opportunity. Guests will also have the chance to meet legendary characters like Quint and Brody. Additionally, the beloved Back to the Future DeLorean will be on display, complete with meet and greet opportunities for fans of this Amblin classic.

Not only will you meet iconic figures like Doc and Marty, but the time-traveling dog Einstein will also make an appearance! New character interactions will also feature Wicked’s Elphaba and Glinda, a new baby dinosaur coinciding with Jurassic World Rebirth, and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. Mark your calendars for Mega Movie Summer, running from Friday, June 13 through Sunday, August 10.

Savor Unique Film-Inspired Foods During Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios

During Mega Movie Summer, a delightful selection of themed film foods will be available throughout the park, adding a culinary twist to the movie magic. Here’s a sneak peek of the exciting menu items that have been announced so far and their locations:

• Hollywood & Dine – This dining venue, located just inside the main entrance of the theme park, will be transformed into the “Amity Island Cafe.” Here, guests can indulge in a menu inspired by the Great White shark. Highlights include the Lobster Roll, Vegan Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Fish and Chicken Basket, Shark Bait Burger, Shark Fin Funnel Cake, Amity Island Parfait, and the Amity Beach Lifesaver Donut. Beverage options will feature the Shark Bite cocktail and Amity Open Water, a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
• Jurassic Cafe – Located on the lower lot, this café will introduce a variety of exciting prehistoric-themed delicacies.
• Isla Nubar – Guests can look forward to new cocktails, including Jurassic Water Rebirth and Spicy Jurassic Pearadise.
• Mel’s Diner – This nostalgic diner perfectly captures the essence of Back to the Future, offering menu items such as the Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, Time Machine Pastrami Melt, Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie, Outatime Cookie, Time Traveler’s Milk Shake, Flux Capacitor Mocktail, and Wake Up Juice Cocktail.

Connect with the Characters of One Piece and More at Universal Fan Fest Nights

There are only a few weeks remaining to enjoy the interactive and fandom-focused excitement at Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Don’t miss your chance to meet the beloved Straw Hats from One Piece, the enchanting witches from Wicked, and delve into the time-traveling adventure of Back to the Future. Secure your tickets here.

Dive into the Thrills of Epic Universe at Universal Studios Resorts in Orlando, Florida

Experience the exhilarating POV of Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a family coaster inspired by the beloved film How to Train Your Dragon, set in Epic Universe’s enchanting Isle of Berk. Tickets for select preview dates are still available for those eager to be among the first to explore this new world.

Discover the Enchantment of Meow Wolf “The Real Unreal” in Grapevine, Texas

Meow Wolf’s outpost in Grapevine, Texas, has been celebrated as “the best location-based experience” by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. This prestigious recognition comes amidst fierce competition from major studio-driven parks and highlights the unique, immersive, and whimsical chaos that defines the Meow Wolf brand. For further information, visit here.

Embark on a DC Comics Adventure at Gaylord Hotels Nationwide

This Memorial Day weekend will mark the exciting launch of Gaylord Resorts nationwide into the realm of participatory entertainment in collaboration with DC Comics. This official partnership with Warner Bros. will introduce immersive experiences for guests staying at selected vacation resorts. A special walk-through exhibit awaits at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, featuring an interactive journey through “multiple DC worlds” and showcasing over 40 iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains, all illuminated by 1,000 glowing lanterns crafted by master artisans from Zigong, China.

Additional exciting activations at participating Gaylord hotels during DC Summer include:

• DC Super Hero’s Mission Checklist: Begin your adventure at check-in by receiving a Super Hero badge along with a checklist of challenges to complete throughout the resort. Guests can celebrate their heroic achievements with a Super Hero Certificate at checkout.
• Revenge of the Riddler Scavenger Hunt: Collaborate with the Justice League to solve the Riddler’s tricky puzzles hidden throughout the resort.
• DC Super Hero Craft Zone: Unleash your creativity and embrace your inner superhero at this engaging arts and crafts station, where every hero can help shape their own origin story.
• Hall of Justice Character Dining: Fuel your superhero powers at the Justice League’s dining hall, where beloved characters like Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman join guests for a one-of-a-kind dining experience filled with delicious eats and invaluable lessons in courage and truth.
• Character Dining with the Joker and Harley Quinn: Venture into the thrilling world of Gotham City, where excitement and danger are always around the corner. While enjoying a delicious meal fit for heroes, guests will face the choice of either helping Batman bring the Super-Villains to justice or joining Harley Quinn and the Joker in their mischievous escapades.
• DC Super Secret Menu: Use a secret codeword to access a special menu featuring Super Hero-inspired cocktails, hearty appetizers, and legendary desserts—because saving the world can work up quite an appetite.
• DC Super Hero Academy Live Show: Listen to legendary tales straight from the comic books! This interactive experience invites guests to jump into the action, test their heroic instincts, and craft a personal adventure, with potential surprise appearances from beloved heroes.
• DC Super Hero Sightings: A member of the Justice League is on a mission to foil the Riddler’s latest nefarious plot and needs your assistance. Snap a photo, lend a hand, and become part of the heroics.
• DC Super Hero Splash: Immerse yourself in an unforgettable poolside celebration filled with superhero games, exciting DC trivia, thrilling waterslides, and the beats spun by a DJ. This is the ultimate splash bash for heroes of all ages.
• DC Movie Night Poolside: Enjoy a front-row seat at the pool for a viewing of DC Super Heroes on the big screen. Featuring themed snacks and an enthusiastic crowd, this outdoor movie night creates a personal Super Hero escape that places everyone in the middle of the action.
• DC Fun by the Pool: Relax alongside the water while enjoying fun facts, hero spotlights, specialty Super Hero-inspired cocktails, and refreshing Icee drinks like Amazonian Freeze and Metropolis Chill to soak in the fun.
• Battle for Justice Light Show: Witness an electrifying spectacle as DC’s mightiest Super Heroes clash with Super-Villains in a mesmerizing light show that unfolds across the night sky, complete with stunning visuals and a thrilling musical score that will keep everyone captivated until the breathtaking finale.
• DC Super Hero Supply Pack: Kick off your adventure with a themed welcome pack featuring iconic DC Super Heroes. Inside you’ll find a cape, an autograph book, a projector pen, stickers, and a bag to start your heroic journey.

Don’t miss out—book your adventure here.

Join the Celebrations for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary

The Jonas Brothers are set to debut a brand new single in honor of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, and this official album will serve as the soundtrack for the park’s milestone celebrations. Guests will be able to experience their new song “Celebrate Happy” during an exciting new character cavalcade, which will feature fresh renditions of beloved Disney classics alongside original tracks starting May 16 at the Disneyland Resort. For further details, visit here.

Explore New Disney Villain and Mermaid Experiences at Walt Disney World

Two exhilarating new shows aimed at cooling off guests during the hot summer in Orlando will premiere on May 27. The revamped The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and the thrilling Villains: Unfairly Ever After will be showcased at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Anticipate the Arrival of the Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge at Walt Disney World

At the Beak and Barrel, we hope there’s an endless supply of rum for the Disney adults! More concept art has been revealed for the upcoming lounge in the Magic Kingdom, and it looks delightfully themed. We eagerly await the level of interaction that will be added to this in-park watering hole, which is set to open at the end of summer. For more information, visit here.

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