What. A. Week. Yesterday marked the official grand opening of Epic Universe, and we’re still riding that high! As excitement continues to build around Universal’s newest park, the rest of the theme park world hasn’t slowed down either. From major collaborations to exciting ride updates across the globe, here are this week’s top 5 stories you don’t want to miss!
Photo Courtesy of Disney & Formula 1
A surprise reveal this week: Disney is teaming up with Formula 1 to launch a Mickey & Friends-themed collaboration in 2026. Could this be the beginning of a new racing game, a high-speed ride, or even something bigger? We’re eager to learn more — announcements are expected later this year or early 2026.
Get ready for Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks—a 3-part docuseries coming to Peacock on July 24! 🎬✨ Go behind the scenes of your favorite rides and get an inside look at Epic Universe, that just opened at Universal Orlando.
Photo Courtesy of Worlds of Fun
Worlds of Fun is upgrading Zambezi Zinger’s iconic spiral lift hill with a full enclosure! The revamped structure adds an immersive twist to the 7-story climb and could improve both ride performance and operations. A thrilling ride just got even better — and more mysterious!
Six Flags Qiddiya City, the much-hyped park being built in Saudi Arabia, was front and center at the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit. A 17-minute Attractions Industry Talk vlog gives us our first deep dive into what’s coming — including Falcon’s Flight and the entire city’s “philosophy of play.” It’s the first Six Flags park built from scratch outside the U.S., and it’s shaping up to be a mega project worth watching.
Clint Novak dropped a side-by-side POV comparing the original Big Bad Wolf to its successor, The Wolf’s Revenge at Busch Gardens Williamsburg — and the nostalgia is real. The swooping turns, the rush through the village, and those signature drops… it’s like seeing a legend reborn with modern flair!
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To mark the grand opening of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort live-streamed the celebration — and it’s a must-watch. From opening speeches to glimpses of the new lands, relive the excitement of Day 1!
Shout-out to @futureworldphotography on Instagram for capturing stunning night shots of Epic Universe. The lighting, the architecture, the vibes — chef’s kiss.
Just posted a new feature — our first field trip to LEGOLAND Florida! It was absolutely BRICKtastic 🧱 and a great day out with my daughter. I’ll definitely be bringing the whole crew back soon. Don’t miss the recap!
Thanks again for tuning in to our 12th edition of Theme Park Spot Talk. With Epic Universe now officially open and summer just kicking off, things are only going to get bigger and better from here.
Catch you next week! 🎡
– CoasterMedia Team
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 it for this week’s Theme Park Spot Talk. What story are you most excited about? Let us know.
Jeff 