Jeff 
Theme Park Spot Talk: Week of 4/11/25
Universal’s Big U.K. Plans, Epic Universe Previews, Holiday World Height Drop, and More!
First off, big apologies for the delay on this week’s Spot Talk—normally I aim to drop these posts bright and early by 7:30 AM, but this week was packed to the brim. Between the kids’ spring stuff and a few last-minute schedule changes (perks of being a parent, LOL), this one’s coming in a bit later than usual. But better late than never—especially with the lineup of theme park news we’ve got to talk about!
Latest News
1
Universal Studios Is Heading to the U.K.
Universal Destinations & Experiences confirmed plans for a brand-new theme park in the United Kingdom! Set to open in Bedfordshire by 2031, this will be Universal’s first major resort in Europe. The park is expected to include attractions based on beloved franchises like James Bond and Paddington Bear. This is a huge move for Universal as they continue expanding into new global markets, and we’ll be keeping a close eye as more details emerge.
2
Epic Universe Gears Up for May Debut
Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe continues to generate major buzz as Team Member previews are in full swing. Media and influencers have also started sharing sneak peeks—and let me tell you, the visuals coming out are next-level. From Dark Universe’s eerie theming to Super Nintendo World’s interactive charm, we’re finally starting to see the scope of what’s coming. The park officially opens May 22, but the hype is already sky high.
Source: Universal’s Epic Universe
3
Holiday World Lowers Height Requirement for Thunderbird + New Resort Tease?
Holiday World just made a family-friendly move by lowering the minimum height requirement on their Thunderbird wing coaster from 52 inches to 48 inches. More kids can now experience this B&M thrill! But that’s not all—they also recently acquired Santa’s Cottages Resort, just down the road. Could this be a sign of a larger expansion or new attraction in 2027? Holiday World might be cooking up something festive…
4
Carowinds Expands Camp Snoopy with Two New Rides for Summer 2025
Carowinds is bringing even more family fun in 2025 with the addition of two new Camp Snoopy attractions: Snoopy’s Racing Railway and Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast. These are major additions for younger thrill-seekers and families looking for lighter adventures. It’s great to see Cedar Fair continuing to invest in well-rounded experiences.
Read More: New Ways to Play in Summer 2025 at Carowinds
5
Wild Oasis Coming to Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa just revealed more about its upcoming themed area: Wild Oasis, set to debut this summer. We got our first official look at the lush, nature-inspired land that will feature interactive animal experiences, family rides, and a vibrant aesthetic. Looks like this will be a perfect spot to chill—and thrill—in the Florida heat.
Other Headlines
Video of the Week
Cedar Point’s Coaster Maintenance Minute
Cedar Point shared a super cool behind-the-scenes video showing how they get their iconic coasters prepped for the season. Always fascinating to see the off-season hustle! Only three more Saturdays until opening day. Time to get hyped.
Photo of the Week
Thanks to @DisneyFoodBlog for this close-up look at the Curse of the Werewolf attraction in Epic’s Dark Universe. The details are incredible—classic monster vibes, twisted theming, and atmospheric set design. The ride might be short, but it looks totally worth the chills.
CoasterMedia Update
Summer’s almost here, and I’m doing my best to keep that momentum rolling here on CoasterMedia. For something fun this week, I joined the trend of turning yourself into an action figure! I used ChatGPT to help generate mine—and wow, the result came out way cooler than I expected.
This is just a little fun to break up the news cycle!
That’s it for this week’s Theme Park Spot Talk! Thanks for sticking around, even when life gets chaotic. Whether you’re planning your next park trip or just soaking in the updates, I’m glad you’re here. Let me know what park story caught your eye this week—until next time, stay coaster crazy!
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That’s it for this week’s Theme Park Spot Talk. What story are you most excited about? Let us know.
