Theme Park Spot Talk: Week of 9/19/2025
New thrills ahead, sad news in the parks, and a trip to EPCOT
It’s been a fun week! I had the chance to spend a full day at EPCOT earlier this week and just posted my Trip Report last night. It was such a great day filled with attractions, snacks, and plenty of park-hopping magic. Be sure to scroll down and check that out! Meanwhile, the theme park world has been buzzing with announcements from Dollywood and SeaWorld Orlando, as well as some major updates from Universal and beyond. Sadly, there’s also a somber piece of news with the passing of a guest at Universal’s newest park. Let’s dive into everything happening this week.
Latest News
1
NightFlight Expedition Coming to Dollywood
Photo Courtesy of Dollywood
Dollywood is soaring into 2026 with the announcement of NightFlight Expedition, a brand-new attraction that promises to take guests on an immersive aerial journey. While details are still being revealed, Dollywood is known for blending breathtaking landscapes with equally impressive rides, and this one looks to continue that tradition. Fans are already speculating about whether it will lean more toward a coaster or a dark ride, but either way, it’s another exciting addition to Dollywood’s ever-growing lineup of attractions.
2
SeaQuest Coming to SeaWorld Orlando
Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando surprised fans this week with the reveal of SeaQuest, a brand-new attraction opening in 2026. While the park hasn’t given away too many details, there’s speculation that it could be the first-ever Vekoma Suspended Dark Ride, combining thrills with immersive storytelling. SeaWorld has been on a roll with major expansions in recent years, and if this attraction delivers on the hype, it could be a real game-changer for Orlando’s competitive theme park scene.
Read More: SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep
3
Sad News at Epic Universe – Guest Passes Away on Stardust Racers
Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Unfortunately, not all the news this week is cheerful. A park guest at Epic Universe tragically passed away after riding Stardust Racers. Reports indicate the guest became unresponsive following the ride, and while officials are investigating, it’s important to note that most health-related incidents in parks stem from pre-existing conditions rather than the ride itself. This is exactly why parks always post safety warnings at the entrance of every attraction, reminding guests to ride responsibly. Our thoughts go out to the family during this difficult time.
Read More: Tragedy Strikes at Epic Universe
4
Big Change Coming to Sesame Place San Diego
Photo Courtesy of Sesame Place San Diego
In a surprise move, Sesame Place San Diego announced it will transition into a seasonal theme park. This change came as a shock to both guests and employees, but the park has assured everyone that plans are in motion to balance guest experiences with operational needs. While it may mean fewer operating days, it also allows the park to pack more seasonal fun into each visit. This shift could ultimately make each event feel more special for families.
5
Expansion on the Horizon at Universal Orlando Resort
Photo Courtesy of Attraction Insights
Universal Orlando has plenty of excitement brewing beyond Epic Universe. The resort confirmed that major expansion plans are in the works for the near future. With Universal owning large stretches of developable land in Orlando, speculation ranges from additional hotels to possible new lands and attractions at the existing parks. Given how ambitious Epic Universe already is, it’s wild to think what else Universal could be cooking up—but one thing is certain: the Orlando theme park race is far from slowing down.
Upcoming Events
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Photo of the Week
Cobra’s Curse – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
This week’s spotlight is on Cobra’s Curse, one of Busch Gardens Tampa’s most unique coasters. Fun fact: Cobra’s Curse is one of only a handful of spinning coasters in the world that combines forward, backward, and free-spinning segments all in one ride. The iconic 80-foot-tall snake statue is also one of the most striking pieces of coaster theming anywhere.
On a personal note, I had such a blast riding this one. Facing down that giant cobra right after the lift hill is such a thrill, and the mix of spinning and non-spinning track sections keeps the ride fresh and fun from start to finish. If I had one wish, it’d be for even more live cobra exhibits in the queue line—it would have added that extra “wow” factor.
Video of the Week
[LIGHTS ON] The Dark Knight POVSix Flags Great Adventure
A rare lights-on look at The Dark Knight Coaster shows the ride in a totally different light (literally). Normally shrouded in Gotham-themed darkness and chaos, this indoor wild mouse coaster reveals all its twists, drops, and sharp turns in plain view. While it may not be as spooky without the theming, it gives fans a cool peek behind the curtain at how the track is laid out. I’ve also been on the clone at Six Flags Great America, and while it’s not the biggest thrill machine, it’s a fun and refreshing ride on a hot day.
A Day of Discovery at EPCOT
I just got back from a day at EPCOT, and wow—what a great time! From rides to walking through World Showcase to enjoying the details of Journey of Water, it was a packed but relaxed day all around. I’ve got a backlog of trip reports I’m working through, but this one felt so fresh that I had to get it out quickly. If you haven’t been to EPCOT lately, I highly recommend it—it’s truly a park that offers something for everyone. Check out the full trip report [here]!
CoasterMedia Update
There’s a lot happening behind the scenes right now—we’re still playing catch-up on our Halloween coverage, but we’re hoping to get fully updated by the end of the month. Also, after riding some incredible coasters over the years, I’ve decided it’s time to launch a new feature: Coaster Spotlights. The first one will cover Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which I just had the chance to ride recently. Look out for that in the coming weeks!
– 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.
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