Welcome back to another edition of Theme Park Spot Talk. We’re already settling into the rhythm of 2026, and it didn’t take long for the theme park world to start making noise. Dates are dropping, long-rumored projects are becoming clearer, and parks are laying out their plans for the months ahead. Even though this time of year is usually considered a quieter stretch, there’s no shortage of updates worth talking about. From major event announcements to behind-the-scenes changes and a few things you’ll want to plan around, let’s jump in and see what’s happening around the parks this week.
Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
It’s never too early to start planning spooky season, and Universal has officially given fans something to circle on their calendars. Halloween Horror Nights 2026 dates are now confirmed for both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. That early announcement alone tells us just how massive this event continues to be on both coasts.
For longtime fans, this helps lock in travel plans well in advance, especially for those who like to hit opening weekend or squeeze in multiple visits. While we don’t have house announcements yet, the countdown has officially begun, and speculation season is already warming up.
Photo Courtesy of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags made waves this week by confirming it will not pursue full ownership of its original park, Six Flags Over Texas. While that might sound surprising at first, this move appears to be more about strategy than sentiment.
By stepping back from full ownership, Six Flags is freeing up resources to focus on broader growth, reinvestment, and long-term financial stability across its portfolio. It’s a reminder that even legacy parks play a role in a much bigger corporate picture, especially as the industry continues to evolve post-merger and post-pandemic.
Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort has officially set the stage for Mardi Gras 2026, and it’s shaping up to be another colorful, high-energy celebration. From parade floats and live music to international food booths, Mardi Gras continues to be one of the resort’s most popular seasonal events.
What makes this festival stand out is how it blends day-to-night fun with minimal upcharge, making it a fan favorite for locals and vacationers alike. With dates locked in, now is the perfect time to start planning a spring trip around beads, bites, and big-time entertainment.
Photo Courtesy of Anakeesta
Anakeesta continues its steady expansion in Gatlinburg with the upcoming Crystal Express Gondola, offering guests a smoother, more scenic ride to the summit. This new gondola system isn’t just about transportation, it’s about elevating the entire guest experience.
With enclosed cabins, improved capacity, and sweeping mountain views, Crystal Express aims to reduce wait times while making the journey itself part of the attraction. It’s another example of how destination attractions are investing heavily in infrastructure to support growing crowds.
Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Universal is entering 2026 with momentum on both coasts. From new shows and seasonal overlays to ongoing construction projects, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort both have packed slates this year.
Orlando continues to buzz with Epic Universe development and attraction updates across the existing parks, while Hollywood is refining its lineup with new experiences and refreshed offerings. It’s shaping up to be a year where Universal focuses on both expansion and enhancement.
Thanks to @photoparks on Instagram for sharing an incredible close-up shot of Batman Gotham City Escape during the cold winter season. This Intamin multi-launch coaster reaches speeds up to 65 mph, features multiple inversions, and uses powerful LSM launches to simulate a high-speed chase through Gotham. Opened in 2023, it’s one of Europe’s most intense superhero-themed coasters, combining sharp transitions, near-miss elements, and a massive top hat-style launch sequence.
With the loss of Adam the Woo still heavy on the community, Jacob the Carpetbagger begins a new chapter to start the year. In this vlog, he heads to Miami, Florida, reflecting, healing, and slowly stepping back into adventure mode. It’s a heartfelt and honest start to the year, showing how travel and storytelling can help move forward while honoring a close friend.
ICYMI, the latest Magic Kingdom trip report is live. It was a packed but fun-filled day, with a great mix of classic attractions, atmosphere, and seasonal energy. If Tron Lightcycle Run’s Ares overlay is on your list, now is the time to go, as it wraps up on January 19th. This is your last chance to experience it before the grid resets.
The Upcoming Events section is back to help highlight festivals, special events, and limited-time offerings at parks near you. From seasonal celebrations to exclusive nights, this section is designed to keep you in the loop.
At this time, we are focusing on tracking refurbishments and closures for Central Florida parks only. As we continue to build a better system behind the scenes, we plan to expand coverage to additional destinations. Thank you for your patience as this section continues to grow and improve.
If there’s an event you think should be added, feel free to reach out and let me know.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom is currently undergoing refurbishment. While Disney hasn’t announced a firm reopening date yet, this type of closure typically focuses on track work, ride system inspections, and structural maintenance, especially for an outdoor coaster that sees constant exposure to the elements. These refurbishments are essential to keeping the ride running smoothly and safely, even if it means putting the “wildest ride in the wilderness” on pause for a bit.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom is currently closed for refurbishment. Interactive attractions like this require frequent updates to ride vehicles, blasters, sensors, and targets, all of which can lose accuracy over time. This downtime gives Disney the opportunity to recalibrate gameplay elements and refresh show scenes so the experience feels responsive and fun when it returns.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is presently closed for a full-park refurbishment. Seasonal closures are standard for Disney water parks and allow teams to perform deep maintenance on slides, pools, pumps, and filtration systems that simply can’t be addressed during daily operation. This closure also helps prepare the park for a smoother reopening ahead of peak warm-weather seasons.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida has been closed since January 12, 2025, with reopening planned sometime in Winter 2026. This long-term refurbishment indicates a significant overhaul, likely including interior redesigns, kitchen upgrades, and overall modernization of the dining space. While its absence has been noticeable for regular visitors, the extended timeline hints at a refreshed experience rather than a simple facelift.
Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will enter a lengthy refurbishment beginning January 5, 2026, and is scheduled to reopen on November 19, 2026. This extended closure points to more than routine maintenance, likely involving major ride system work, show scene upgrades, and long-term infrastructure improvements. With its complex animatronics, water systems, and iconic finale, this downtime suggests Universal is investing heavily in keeping the attraction reliable and impressive for years to come.
The Walt Disney World Railroad’s Frontierland Station is currently closed as part of a multi-layered refurbishment tied to several major projects in the area. One of the primary reasons is the ongoing refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which directly impacts railroad operations in Frontierland. In addition, the closure allows Disney to support large-scale construction and infrastructure work for upcoming expansions, including Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park, the new Cars-themed land. With so much development happening behind the scenes, keeping the station closed helps ensure guest safety while giving crews the space they need to move forward on these significant additions to Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will temporarily close in its entirety from January 12 through January 15, 2026. This short, full-park closure is likely scheduled for quick operational checks and transitional maintenance as Disney prepares the water park for a longer refurbishment period later in the year. These brief shutdowns are often used to address immediate maintenance needs that can’t be handled overnight.
Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida is scheduled for a brief refurbishment from January 15 through January 21, 2026. This short closure suggests routine coaster and show maintenance, including system inspections and effects fine-tuning. These quick touch-ups are common for high-intensity attractions and help ensure the ride continues delivering its signature thrills without unexpected downtime later in the year.
January 19, 2026 marks the final day to experience the TRON: Ares overlay on TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom. This closure is tied specifically to the removal of the limited-time overlay, allowing Disney to dismantle special lighting, audio, and show programming elements before returning the attraction to its standard operating mode. Overlay transitions require downtime to safely reset ride systems and visuals without impacting daily operations.
The Hogwarts Express will be temporarily unavailable at Universal’s Islands of Adventure from February 9 through February 23, 2026. Because the train serves as a transportation link between the two theme parks, this short closure is likely focused on track inspections, vehicle servicing, and station maintenance. Guests with Park-to-Park tickets will still be able to walk between parks, but the immersive train journey itself will be off the rails for about two weeks.
Frozen Ever After at EPCOT is scheduled to begin refurbishment on January 26, 2026. This update will replace the current rear-projected facial animation with a newer, more realistic face system, bringing the attraction in line with Disney’s latest animatronic technology. These enhancements are designed to improve character realism and emotional expression, creating a more immersive experience within the popular Norway Pavilion attraction.
DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will permanently close on February 2, 2026. This marks the end of one of the park’s opening-day attractions, as Disney prepares the area for future redevelopment. Permanent closures like this typically signal major long-term changes, clearing space for new experiences that better align with the park’s evolving storytelling and theming direction.
Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also permanently close on February 2, 2026. The closure aligns with the shutdown of nearby attractions and supports broader redevelopment plans for the area. Removing dining locations ahead of major construction helps streamline guest flow and allows Disney to reimagine the space as part of a larger transformation.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will then close again from February 15 through May 26, 2026, for a more extended full-park refurbishment. This longer closure allows Disney to perform deep maintenance across the park, including slide resurfacing, pool and wave system servicing, filtration upgrades, and safety inspections. Seasonal water park closures like this help ensure a smoother guest experience once Florida’s warmer weather returns.
The Upcoming Events section is back to help highlight festivals, special events, and limited-time offerings at parks near you. From seasonal celebrations to exclusive nights, this section is designed to keep you in the loop.
For now, our Upcoming Events coverage is focused on Central Florida theme parks. As we refine this section and add more tools to keep it updated, we’ll begin expanding to include more parks and destinations. Thank you for your patience as we continue building this out.
If there’s an event you think should be added, feel free to reach out and let me know.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Real Music Series returns from January 5 through February 20, continuing its tradition as the park’s longest-running concert series. Featuring a mix of classic rock, soul, pop, and R&B performers, the series offers guests a relaxed way to enjoy live music throughout their park visit. Whether you’re stopping to listen between rides or planning your day around a favorite artist, it’s a great added value for all guests.
The magic hits the pavement as Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend returns, bringing runners from all over the world together for an unforgettable few days of early mornings, big finishes, and character-filled miles. Whether you’re tackling the full marathon, cheering on friends and family, or just soaking in the electric atmosphere around the resorts, this event adds a unique energy to property that you can feel all weekend long. Expect road closures, packed buses, and a lot of celebratory vibes, especially around the finish areas.
If you’ve ever been curious about what happens behind the scenes at SeaWorld Orlando, Inside Look is your chance to see it up close. This special event pulls back the curtain on animal care, rescue efforts, and daily operations, giving guests a deeper appreciation for what it takes to run a world-class zoological park. From learning how the rescue team works to seeing areas of animal habitats that are usually off-limits, it’s a fascinating experience for all ages. Inside Look takes place January 10–11 and January 17–18, with experience locations open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and it’s included with park admission.
EPCOT shifts into creative mode as the International Festival of the Arts kicks off, blending visual art, live performances, and some of the most colorful food offerings of the year. This festival is a favorite for guests who enjoy taking things at a slower pace, browsing artist booths, watching sidewalk chalk come to life, and sampling small plates that look almost too good to eat. It’s a great time to visit EPCOT if you love creativity around every corner. Placeholder: Insert festival artwork or food booth image here.
LEGOLAND Florida is going full ninja as LEGO NINJAGO Weekends return to celebrate 15 years of LEGO NINJAGO. Families can step into the action-packed world of their favorite ninjas with live shows, themed activities, and immersive experiences designed just for young warriors and longtime fans alike. This event runs on select dates—January 17, 18, 24, and 31, plus February 7, 14, and 15—and is included with general admission, Annual Passes, and select vacation packages, making it an easy win for LEGO-loving families.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay brings the spirit of the Big Easy to Central Florida with a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration filled with live music, colorful entertainment, and festive parades. Guests can enjoy Mardi Gras-style performances, grab beads after each parade, and feast on classic Cajun-inspired dishes that add bold flavor to the experience. It’s a lively, laid-back way to enjoy the park with a touch of New Orleans flair.
Universal Studios Florida turns up the volume with Rock the Universe, a high-energy weekend that mixes live Christian music performances with late-night access to popular attractions. Fans can expect a lively concert atmosphere, extended park hours, and a crowd that’s there to sing, ride, and celebrate all night long. Even if you’re not attending the concerts, this event can impact wait times and park flow, making it something to keep on your radar when planning a visit. Placeholder: Add concert stage or nighttime park photo here.
SeaWorld Orlando shifts into full family-fun mode with Just for Kids Weekend, a celebration designed especially for younger guests. Families can enjoy the Birthday Breakfast Bash, the Sesame Street Party Parade, DJ dance parties, crafts, and plenty of photo ops with beloved characters. A special highlight this year is a visit from Mr. Snuffleupagus, who will be available for meet-and-greets in Sesame Street Land. It’s a joyful, high-energy weekend made for creating unforgettable family memories.
Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends return to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with pirate-themed fun every Saturday and Sunday from January 24 through February 8. Kids can join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and friends for storytime, interactive dance parties, arts and crafts, and themed scavenger hunts in Sesame Street Safari of Fun. With plenty of hands-on activities included with park admission, this event is perfect for families looking for smiles and nonstop playtime.
It’s time to celebrate Elmo’s Birthday in Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando with a party full of music, crafts, and festive fun. Guests can enjoy the Sesame Street Party Parade, DJ Dance Party, birthday card craft station, and special photo opportunities as Elmo celebrates his big day on February 3. Adding to the excitement, Mr. Snuffleupagus will also be visiting for meet-and-greets and photos, making this a must-do for Sesame Street fans.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival kicks off January 30 and runs through May 17, serving up a global culinary adventure with more than 200 inspired dishes from around the world. New this year, rotating menus will introduce limited-time offerings throughout the festival, giving guests even more reasons to return. Pair incredible food with live concerts—headliners every Saturday and select performances on Fridays and Sundays—plus seasonal celebrations like Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo. It’s a fan-favorite event that blends flavor, fun, and thrills all in one visit.
SeaWorld Orlando continues its commitment to accessibility with ASL Saturdays, held on the first Saturday of each month. These days offer American Sign Language interpretation services for guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, ensuring shows and experiences are more inclusive and accessible. Partnering with American Sign Language Services, SeaWorld is creating welcoming park days where everyone can fully enjoy the magic.
Universal Studios Florida turns up the volume with Rock the Universe, a high-energy weekend that mixes live Christian music performances with late-night access to popular attractions. Fans can expect a lively concert atmosphere, extended park hours, and a crowd that’s there to sing, ride, and celebrate all night long. Even if you’re not attending the concerts, this event can impact wait times and park flow, making it something to keep on your radar when planning a visit. Placeholder: Add concert stage or nighttime park photo here.
Let the good times roll as Mardi Gras festivities arrive at SeaWorld Orlando as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival. Guests can enjoy limited-time Mardi Gras-inspired food and cocktails, lively entertainment, and live music that brings a festive New Orleans-style atmosphere to the park. It’s a flavorful and fun way to celebrate the season while still enjoying SeaWorld’s signature attractions.
As we move deeper into 2026, thank you for continuing to make Theme Park Spot Talk part of your weekly routine. The goal remains the same: share timely updates, celebrate the creativity of the industry, and keep the conversation going with fellow theme park fans. More refinements are coming to the site, along with expanded coverage and deeper features as the year unfolds. Until next week, enjoy the parks, plan ahead, and take in the magic wherever your next adventure leads.
– CoasterMedia Team
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