Jeff 
Theme Park Spot Talk: Week of 3/21/25
Major Milestones and Big Reveals: This Week in Theme Parks
It’s been another exciting week in the theme park world, with major announcements and big moves across the industry. From milestone celebrations to new attractions and even some corporate shakeups, here are the top five theme park updates you need to know!
Latest News
1
Dollywood Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Happy 40th, Dollywood! The park is pulling out all the stops to celebrate this incredible milestone. Dolly Parton herself kicked off the festivities with a special performance, and guests can expect a season full of commemorative merch, exclusive entertainment, and even some nostalgic throwbacks to the park’s early days. Rumor has it that special food offerings and limited-time events will pop up throughout the year—so if you’re a Dollywood fan, this is the year to visit!
2
Spaceship Earth Lounge Coming to EPCOT
Big news for EPCOT fans—Disney has revealed plans for GEO-82, an all-new Spaceship Earth Lounge coming soon! Named after the year EPCOT opened (1982), the lounge will offer guests a sleek, futuristic space to relax and recharge while soaking in panoramic views of Spaceship Earth’s inner workings. While no opening date has been announced yet, early concept art shows a modern, minimalist vibe with glowing accents and interactive displays. It sounds like the perfect spot to unwind between trips around the world!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
3
Universal Orlando Reveals Epic Universe Photo
Universal Orlando just gave us the biggest look yet at Epic Universe, and it’s looking even more impressive than the early concept art. The newly released photo shows the park’s massive layout, including clear views of Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic. The image highlights intricate theming, towering ride structures, and stunning attention to detail. If you thought the renderings were impressive, the real thing is shaping up to be next-level.
4
SeaWorld Orlando Reveals More About Expedition Odyssey
SeaWorld Orlando is making waves with more details about its new attraction, Expedition Odyssey, opening this spring. Billed as a high-speed, water-based adventure, the ride will take guests on a journey through uncharted waters, facing ancient sea creatures and unexpected twists along the way. SeaWorld revealed that the ride will feature launch sections, animatronic encounters, and a unique splashdown finale. If you love thrills mixed with a touch of marine mystery, this one’s going to be a hit!
Source: SeaWorld Orlando
5
Herschend Acquires Parques Reunidos U.S. Attractions – What About Phantom Fall Fest?
In a major business move, Herschend Family Entertainment (the company behind Dollywood and Silver Dollar City) has officially acquired Parques Reunidos’ U.S. properties, including Kennywood in Pennsylvania. While this could mean some positive operational changes, there’s one big question mark: Halloween events. Herschend typically doesn’t go big for Halloween, and Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest is a staple event for the park. So far, Kennywood’s website says it’s still happening this fall—but only time will tell if it stays the same under new ownership.
Source: Pittsburgh’s Action News 4
Video of the Week
Kings Dominion's Rapterra - Official POV
“Rapterra is the perfect centerpiece for our 50th anniversary celebration and promises to bring a captivating and exhilarating set of thrills to a brand-new generation of guests,” said Bridgette Bywater, vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion. “Cutting-edge attractions, family-friendly thrills and developing rich, immersive experiences are what has made Kings Dominion the premier Virginia destination for 50 years. We carry on that tradition with the introduction of Rapterra.” – Kings Dominion
Photo of the Week
Kings Island is giving The Beast a major upgrade as part of a massive renovation project. By the time the work is finished, over 20% of the legendary wooden coaster’s track will be replaced. The project focuses on the section just before the second hill, through the brake shed, and the mid-course tunnel, including the track immediately before and after it. These updates aim to enhance the ride’s smoothness and overall experience while preserving the iconic thrills that have made The Beast a fan favorite for decades.
CoasterMedia Update
My kids had spring break, so I took the week off to spend some time with them. One of the theme park-related things we did was Monorail Hopping at Walt Disney World! We checked out two different resorts and managed to ride on all three Monorail lines. We even got to ride on four different trains out of the twelve currently in operation. It was a fun and relaxing way to explore the resort without setting foot in the parks. Trip Report coming soon!
Get the inside scoop on your favorite attractions and theme parks around the world, from new rides and special events to helpful tips and hidden tricks.
That’s a wrap for this week’s biggest theme park updates! Which one are you most excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
