Theme Park Spot Talk: Week of 8/29/2025
Halloween is here, Disney surprises await, and theme parks worldwide are rolling out exciting updates!
Do you smell that fog? Halloween Horror Nights Orlando opens tonight, and I hear the Terrifier house is a little wet—better prepare yourself! Theme parks are buzzing with activity this week, and Disney Parks delivered some unexpected announcements last Friday that we’ll be covering right here. Plus, Destination D23 kicks off today with exclusive panels, archives, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t see anywhere else. By next Friday, we’ll have a special Destination D23 roundup on our site covering every reveal. Let’s get into this week’s updates!
Latest News
1
Phantom Theater Returns to Kings Island
Photo Courtesy of Kings Island
Fans of spooky thrills, rejoice! Phantom Theater is coming back to Kings Island, but this time it’s entering an all-new chapter. Rumor has it the new experience will expand the storyline and incorporate more interactive elements than ever before, giving guests a fresh perspective on one of the park’s most beloved haunted attractions.
With the return of Phantom Theater, Kings Island is clearly aiming to raise the bar for Halloween fun this year. Expect new scares, updated sets, and surprises around every corner. Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-timer, it looks like this version of Phantom Theater will be unforgettable.
2
Big Upgrade for Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Disney’s classic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is getting a significant upgrade! The refurbishment includes enhanced track work, updated audio effects, and new lighting that promises to make the ride feel even more immersive. Fans of this Wild West adventure will be thrilled to see improvements that respect the ride’s history while modernizing the experience.
This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh—Disney Imagineers are taking care to enhance the pacing, theming, and storytelling throughout the coaster. It’s the perfect way to ensure that both first-time riders and longtime fans continue to enjoy the thrills of this iconic attraction.
3
Halloween Horror Nights Lore Released
Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando has released four brand-new stories to get fans pumped for HHN 2025! Each tale dives into the twisted worlds and characters guests will encounter, setting the stage for what promises to be a spooky season full of scares.
The lore not only enriches the haunted houses and scare zones, but also adds depth to the entire HHN experience. From haunted backstories to chilling new twists on familiar icons, these stories make planning your night at HHN almost as exciting as the scares themselves.
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
Tokyo DisneySea’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
Photo Courtesy of Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea is gearing up for a huge milestone: its 25th anniversary! The park plans to celebrate with special shows, commemorative merchandise, and unique seasonal events that pay tribute to its history and popularity among Disney fans worldwide.
Expect elaborate decorations, anniversary-themed attractions, and even some nostalgic surprises that highlight the park’s most iconic moments. DisneySea fans, this is going to be a celebration you won’t want to miss!
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
Zootopia: Better Zoogether Opening Date Announced
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Disney has confirmed the opening date for Zootopia: Better Zoogether at Animal Kingdom this fall! Guests will be able to meet Judy, Nick, and other characters while exploring immersive environments inspired by the beloved animated film.
This new addition promises a mix of interactive experiences, themed entertainment, and fun surprises for all ages. Zootopia fans can finally start counting down the days to experience this colorful and engaging land firsthand.
Upcoming Events
Coming Soon!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
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
The Ride To Happiness – Plopsaland Belgium
Thanks to photoparks for sharing this incredible shot! Fun facts: The Ride To Happiness is a multi-launch roller coaster with spinning ride vehicles, over-the-top theming, and even synchronized music for each launch. It’s one of the park’s most exhilarating attractions and a must-ride for coaster enthusiasts.
Video of the Week
First Look Inside Five Nights at Freddy’s – HHN Hollywood 2025
Theme Park Obsession gives fans an exclusive sneak peek of the all-new Five Nights at Freddy’s haunted house. From the haunting corridors of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza to the animatronics lurking at every corner, this house delivers everything fans love about the franchise, along with some of the most impressive set design ever seen at HHN. A behind-the-scenes tour like this is a must-watch for any horror or Five Nights fan.
CoasterMedia Update
Roll Credit: August Edition is coming up next Friday! I’ve been enjoying some binge-watching lately and can’t wait to share updates on series, films, and trailers. Other than that, you’ll notice small updates on the homepage and a few sections of the site—slow changes, but improvements nonetheless. As always, I’m open to feedback and suggestions. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
– 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.
