Theme Park Spot Talk: Week of 10/3/2025
Halloween vibes, coaster rumors, and festive overlays take center stage this week!
Halloween is in full effect as we officially step into October! Have you decorated your house yet? I’ve got mine almost done—just two more touches before it’s ready to share. While things are a little quiet, there’s still plenty happening across the parks, from rumors and closures to overlays and exciting announcements on the horizon. Let’s dive in!
Latest News
1
Holiday Overlay at Universal Horror Unleashed
Photo Courtesy of Universal Horror Unleashed
Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas is already a year-round haunt, but for the holidays they’re getting festive in the creepiest way possible. This season, guests will see “Krampus & Kin” make a return along with sinister twists on holiday cheer scattered through the venue. Think creepy elves, cursed gifts, and maybe even Santa in a much darker form. It’s a fresh spin for those who love combining the merry with the macabre.
2
Lagoon (Utah) Announcing Something Soon!
Photo Courtesy of CoasterDash (Instagram)
Lagoon in Utah has been teasing something on the horizon for 2026. They’ve been dropping hints and the local fan community is buzzing. Could this be another major coaster to join Cannibal and Primordial? Or maybe a new family-friendly addition? Whatever it is, Lagoon is keeping fans on their toes, and speculation season is in full swing.
3
Universal Fan Fest Nights Return in 2026 with a Spooky Twist
Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood
Mark your calendars—Universal Fan Fest Nights are coming back in 2026! These after-hours events are loaded with exclusive experiences, themed entertainment, and surprise pop-ups. The big reveal so far is a Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters mash-up that takes over the backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s the kind of event that blends nostalgia with frights, and fans are already buzzing about how immersive this one’s going to be.
4
Six Flags Clears the Air on Park Closure Rumors
Photo Courtesy of Six Flags America
There’s been a lot of chatter online about more Six Flags parks closing in the near future. To clear things up: only two parks are confirmed to close, and that’s not happening until 2027. In fact, several parks—like Six Flags St. Louis—are already confirming they’ll be staying open and preparing for strong seasons ahead. It’s easy to get swept up in the rumor mill, but as of now, Six Flags is keeping most of its parks running with big plans still on the table.
5
Disneyland Paris’ Lion King Ride Roars to Life
Photo Courtesy of Disneyland Paris
Over in Europe, Disneyland Paris is hard at work on their brand-new Lion King attraction. The ride is shaping up to be a water flume adventure, much like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but with an African jungle twist. Recent construction updates even show drop tests underway! Guests will soon be able to float through Pride Rock-inspired landscapes, with Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa along for the ride. Hakuna Matata indeed!
Upcoming Events
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Photo of the Week
Velocity at Flamingo Land
Velocity is a Vekoma Motorbike Launch Coaster located at Flamingo Land in the UK. Riders straddle the trains like motorcycles before being launched at 0–60 mph in just 2.8 seconds! With speeds hitting 54 mph and a 67-foot tall structure, Velocity is all about sharp twists, turns, and airtime pops. It remains one of the most unique rides in the UK lineup.
📸: autoridecount – Give them a follow on Instagram!
Video of the Week
Official POV
Tormenta Rampaging Run @ Six Flags Over Texas
This Gerstlauer launch coaster is a sleeper hit. Anubis launches riders from 0 to 55 mph in just over 2 seconds, climbing straight up before flipping into an intense heartline roll at the top. It’s compact, punchy, and filled with airtime moments that keep fans coming back. That sneaky launch never fails to surprise riders!
Remembering Dr. Jane Goodall
This week we take a moment to honor Dr. Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees inspired generations. Beyond her scientific contributions, Jane was deeply connected with Disney through conservation initiatives, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Jane Goodall Institute partnership. Her legacy lives on in every conservation message Disney shares.
Credit Roll: September Edition
The 3rd Edition of Credit Roll is here! This week I shared my review of the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake (7/10 if you’re keeping score), along with a handful of series recaps I got caught up on. More is on the way soon, so keep an eye out for fresh reviews and breakdowns.
Read More: Link will be live by 10PM EST.
Disney Ambience (ICYMI)
Medieval Magic at Disney’s Beak & Barrel
ICYMI—last week Crea8yourmagic released their latest Disney Ambience video featuring The Beak and Barrel, the brand-new interactive pirate-themed restaurant at Magic Kingdom. Inspired by classic Pirates of the Caribbean concept art and Caribbean taverns, it’s as much a story-driven experience as it is a place to grab food. If you missed it, definitely give it a watch!
CoasterMedia Update
Halloween season is officially here, and we’re still working hard to get the Halloween Guide fully updated. It’s a lot of events to cover, but it’s coming together! No other major updates this week—just a reminder to stay safe and have fun as you hit the haunted houses, mazes, and scare zones this season.
– 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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