Theme Park Spot Talk: Week of 8/22/2025
From Halloween reveals to coaster farewells and epic new parks, this week has it all!
It’s that time of year again—Halloween announcements are flying in faster than ever, and theme parks are keeping fans on their toes. Kings Island is teasing spooky surprises, Universal Orlando is already dismantling an icon, and Volcano Bay is bringing the party after dark. Plus, a brand-new park is breaking ground in Beijing. Let’s catch up on everything happening this week!
Latest News
1
Scary Farm Reveal
Photo Courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Scary Farm is ready to send shivers down your spine. This year’s Nightmares Revealed has been officially announced, promising a mix of returning haunted favorites and new spine-chilling mazes. The creativity that goes into this park’s annual transformation never fails to impress, from intricate sets to incredibly detailed characters. Fans can expect more immersive scare zones, elaborate lighting, and some surprises that haven’t been seen in years.
Scary Farm is always a playground for horror enthusiasts, and this year looks to continue that tradition. Whether it’s fans revisiting classic mazes or venturing into new, never-before-seen horrors, the park is clearly making this year one to remember.
2
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Already Coming Down at Universal Orlando
Photo Courtesy of @bioreconstruct on X
It’s hard to believe, but Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is already being dismantled. After 15 years of thrill-inducing drops and personalized soundtracks, the iconic coaster is being taken apart section by section. Fans have been lining up for one last ride, capturing final photos, and sharing their memories online.
Demolition crews are working quickly but carefully, especially on the back half of the track, to preserve safety while taking the ride down. It’s a bittersweet moment for coaster enthusiasts, as Rockit has been a centerpiece of Universal Orlando’s skyline and a unique music-on-rails experience for years.
3
Kings Island Drops a Spooky Teaser: Is Phantom Theater About to Return?
Photo Courtesy of Kings Island
Kings Island has been keeping fans guessing with a cryptic teaser that hints at something spooky arriving this fall. Many suspect that Phantom Theater, a fan-favorite haunted experience, could be returning. The teaser shows shadowy figures and flickering lights inside Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, leaving a lot of room for speculation.
If Phantom Theater does return, it could bring a new layer of immersion to the park’s Halloween offerings. Fans are already theorizing online about which characters might appear, what kind of scares to expect, and how this will tie into the rest of the Halloween season at Kings Island. Excitement is building, and it’s clear the park wants to make this year’s fall event unforgettable.
4
Volcano Bay Nights is Back This Fall with Scooby-Doo and After-Dark Fun
Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Universal’s Volcano Bay is turning up the fun this fall with the return of Volcano Bay Nights. Guests can enjoy the park after dark with themed entertainment, music, and appearances by Scooby-Doo and the gang. The after-dark events add a whole new vibe, making the water park feel magical once the sun sets.
This year, Volcano Bay Nights promises interactive games, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive food and drink options. It’s a great way to combine the thrills of slides and attractions with unique seasonal entertainment that can’t be experienced during regular park hours.
5
Beijing Haichang Ocean Park Breaks Ground Next to Universal
Photo Courtesy of Legacy Entertainment
China is getting another massive theme park! Beijing Haichang Ocean Park has officially broken ground next to Universal Studios Beijing. Plans include a 5,000-seat live performance theater, interactive animal exhibits, and attractions designed to blend education with entertainment.
The new park is set to be a landmark addition to the Beijing area, promising both locals and tourists a world-class experience. With its location next to Universal, it’s clear the area is becoming a major destination for theme park enthusiasts, and we can’t wait to see how it develops over the coming years.
Upcoming Events
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Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
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Destination D23 Kicks Off Next Weekend
Disney fans, mark your calendars—Destination D23 is happening next weekend from Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31. The event will bring together Disney archivists, historians, Imagineers, cast members, filmmakers, Disney Legends, and more for two days packed with programming that spans the entire Disney universe. Expect panels that celebrate the classic attractions, entertainment, and experiences that define Disney theme parks and cruise ships. Fans will also get a sneak peek at upcoming projects from The Walt Disney Studios and hear directly from the creators and storytellers shaping Disney’s future.
One of the highlights this year will be a journey around the world with the Walt Disney Archives, showcasing Disney’s global impact through fascinating stories and rarely seen connections. A special 80th anniversary celebration of The Three Caballeros promises a festive spotlight on one of Disney’s most iconic adventures south of the border. On top of that, the “Disney You Didn’t Know” panel will dive into unexpected discoveries, hidden history, and little-known facts that will make fans see the Disney universe in a whole new way. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney historian or just love the magic, Destination D23 looks to be an unmissable weekend.
Photo of the Week
Maverick – Cedar Point
Thanks to _ryanp86 for this incredible shot! Fun facts about Maverick: it’s a launched steel coaster with multiple inversions, tight turns, and wild twists that make it one of Cedar Point’s most thrilling rides. Personal fun fact: Maverick was my 75th coaster, and during BooBuzz ERT, I rode it for five laps straight without getting off. Truly unforgettable!
Video of the Week
Every Icon in Halloween Horror Nights History
For over 30 years, Universal Studios has been assembling legendary characters for Halloween Horror Nights. This video is a nostalgic trip through decades of creepiest cohorts, from cult classics to modern-day icons. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to see how HHN has evolved into the ultimate fright-fest.
CoasterMedia Update
Happy Friday! We’ve made some updates to the website, including a refreshed homepage to make it easier to navigate and find the latest information. Halloween officially kicks off next week, so be sure to check out Halloween Central for ongoing updates. We’ll continue posting as new announcements come in, so stay tuned—there’s a lot of spooky fun ahead!
– 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.
