If it feels like the theme park world just slammed the accelerator, you’re not wrong. Mardi Gras festivities are officially rolling through Central Florida, Disney is preparing for a major leadership transition, Six Flags is giving passholders more freedom, and Fast & Furious is lining up at the starting line for summer. It’s one of those weeks where everything feels alive, loud, and moving fast—and honestly, that’s the best kind of week.
Let’s break it all down.
Photo Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company
Big news out of Disney this week as Josh D’Amaro has been named the company’s next CEO, officially stepping into the role in March. For theme park fans, this announcement hits differently—in a good way. D’Amaro isn’t just a corporate name; he’s someone who truly understands the parks from the ground up.
From overseeing massive projects like Galaxy’s Edge and EPCOT’s transformation to navigating the parks through some of their most challenging years, D’Amaro has built a reputation for listening to guests and Cast Members alike. His leadership style feels grounded in experience rather than spreadsheets, and that gives fans real hope that the parks will continue to balance innovation with heart. The next chapter of Disney leadership is officially underway, and it’s one a lot of us are genuinely excited to see unfold.
Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Mardi Gras season is officially here, and Central Florida is fully leaning into the celebration. Universal Orlando Resort has kicked things off with its signature parade, global food booths, and live concerts that transform the park into a nightly party. It’s colorful, energetic, and one of the most fun seasonal events Universal offers.
Not to be outdone, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is also rolling out its own Mardi Gras celebration, blending New Orleans flair with live entertainment and Cajun-inspired flavors. Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando is joining the fun by celebrating Mardi Gras as part of its Seven Seas Food Festival, adding themed menu items and festive vibes into an already strong event lineup. No matter which park you choose, this is absolutely the time to get out, grab some beads, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Learn More: Busch Gardens Tampa | Universal Orlando Resort
Photo Courtesy of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags quietly dropped a big win for passholders this week by expanding Gold Pass access to include additional regional parks. This move adds serious value for guests who love traveling between locations—or who simply want more flexibility without upgrading to the highest tier.
For longtime Six Flags fans, this feels like a step in the right direction. Regional access encourages park hopping, makes spontaneous trips more appealing, and rewards loyalty in a tangible way. If you’ve been on the fence about a pass this season, this update might be the nudge that gets you in the gate.
Photo Courtesy of Chessington World of Adventures
World of PAW Patrol is officially coming to Chessington World of Adventures, and for families with young kids, this is huge. The land promises immersive theming, kid-friendly rides, and interactive experiences that bring Adventure Bay to life in a way that feels playful, colorful, and welcoming.
Chessington has always been strong when it comes to family-focused offerings, and PAW Patrol fits perfectly into that identity. This isn’t just a meet-and-greet expansion—it’s a fully realized world designed to make younger guests feel like the heroes of their own adventure. Honestly, it’s one of those additions that feels like a dream come true for little explorers.
Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is officially gearing up to race into Universal Studios Hollywood in summer 2026, and momentum is building fast. This high-speed coaster is shaping up to be a major thrill addition, blending intense launches with sweeping turns that weave directly into the park’s layout.
What makes this project especially exciting is how it integrates with the Hollywood Hills, creating a dynamic skyline presence that feels uniquely Universal Hollywood. It’s bold, loud, and unapologetically fast—exactly what fans of the franchise and thrill seekers alike are craving. Summer 2026 can’t come soon enough.
Elijaheverettphotography captured an absolutely stunning shot of VelociCoaster hitting its outerbank turn near Hogsmeade’s Three Broomsticks, and it perfectly showcases just how aggressive and graceful this coaster really is.
VelociCoaster reaches speeds of up to 70 mph, features four inversions, and launches riders twice during its run. The outerbank turn itself is one of the ride’s signature moments, designed to simulate a near-miss escape as raptors chase the train. Opened in 2021, the coaster combines intense thrills with deep storytelling, making it one of the most immersive roller coasters ever built. It’s fast, forceful, and still feels just as wild today as it did on opening day.
Jacob the Carpetbagger recently checked out Netflix House in Philadelphia, and honestly—it looks way better than expected. The experience leans heavily into immersion, even though he only explored one themed world: Wednesday: Eve of the Outcast.
He also played the Top 9 Mini Golf experience, where each hole highlights a different Netflix series. One of the coolest features? You don’t even have to track your score—the system does it for you. It’s polished, creative, and feels like a smart evolution of branded entertainment spaces. Be sure to check out his video and give it a like.
Discover a hidden holiday gem at EPCOT as Living with the Land receives its festive transformation. From shimmering lights to peaceful greenhouse scenes, this video is your invitation to unwind, relax, and enjoy the tranquil spirit of the season.
Work and life definitely happened this week. With the Super Bowl around the corner and working retail, things have been full chaos mode as we prepare for one of the busiest weeks of the year. The good news? I’m off for two days after tomorrow—by miracle.
Those days will be spent finishing photo sorting and wrapping up the Hollywood Studios trip report. It’s coming very soon, and I promise—it’s going to be a good one.
While finishing up Hollywood Studios, I’m also preparing the next trip report from the Central Florida Zoo. It ended up being a really nice getaway just days after the Disney trip—a calm break right in the middle of tourist madness. More on that soon.
I’ll be honest—I’m not much of a football person. But when Super Bowl season arrives, I always look forward to the ASL performances during the National Anthem and halftime. This year features a new lineup of performers, many of whom I’m not familiar with yet.
After the Super Bowl, I’ll be sharing my reaction and thoughts on how the performances landed. Representation and accessibility matter, and this continues to be one of the highlights of the event for me every year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom is scheduled for a brief refurbishment later this month. Disney has not shared details about the work, but the short notice and single-day closure suggest unplanned maintenance requiring immediate attention.
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.
EPCOT’s Impressions de France will close for refurbishment starting February 22. A reopening date has not yet been announced, and the attraction is currently listed as closed through at least early April. The beloved film in the France Pavilion presently operates during only two limited windows each day. Full details can be found in the first comment.
Conservation Station and the Wildlife Express Train at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will temporarily close beginning February 23, 2026, as the area transforms into a new interactive experience featuring Bluey and Bingo. Affection Section will also close during this time to make way for the new offering, which is expected to debut in Summer 2026.
Conservation Station and the Wildlife Express Train at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will temporarily close beginning February 23, 2026, as the area transforms into a new interactive experience featuring Bluey and Bingo. Affection Section will also close during this time to make way for the new offering, which is expected to debut in Summer 2026.
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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
I want to apologize for the errors in the previous edition of Theme Park Spot Talk. The subtitle didn’t fully match the theme, and the Photo of the Week was mislabeled. I normally catch these before publishing, but this one slipped through as I reused the template. Everything has since been corrected—thank you for sticking with me.
The new section of CoasterMedia will officially be revealed on Friday the 13th, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s something I’ve been working on behind the scenes, and I truly believe it’ll become a go-to hub for tracking upcoming attractions and park progress.
On top of that, keep an eye out for CoasterMedia Pulse: February Edition, coming soon. And while you’re at it—get out there and enjoy Mardi Gras at a park near you. Grab some beads, catch a parade, and soak up the energy. This season is meant to be experienced.
– 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.
