Disney dropped a mountain of theme park news at D23 2026, and we're digging through the biggest announcements, surprises, and updates from around the world.

At Walt Disney World, we finally learned what the two attractions inside Villains Land will be, got new details and names for the Cars attractions coming to Magic Kingdom, and learned that Spaceship Earth is getting a major update. But perhaps the biggest EPCOT surprise of all: Dreamfinder is coming back with Figment!

And somehow, after all these years, Disney says they're finally going to bring the Expedition Everest Yeti back to life.

We also discuss the major reimagining of Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, new details about Indiana Jones and Encanto at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the rollout of Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios, Disneyland's massive Tomorrowland overhaul, the upcoming Coco attraction, Avengers Campus, Disneyland Paris' new Lion King attraction, and much more.

So which D23 announcement has us the most excited — and which projects still leave us with way more questions than answers?

Join us for our complete D23 2026 Disney Parks recap!

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Halloween season is taking over the theme park industry — and apparently everybody wants some of Universal's IP money.

On Episode 275 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon look at the growing battle over licensed Halloween properties as Six Flags, United Parks and Universal roll out some big-name horror franchises.

Six Flags is bringing Jason Voorhees to select parks with JASON: Blood Reign, while Cedar Point and Kings Dominion are opening a portal to Blizzard's Diablo franchise.

United Parks is making one of its biggest moves yet into licensed Halloween IP, bringing I Know What You Did Last Summer to SeaWorld parks and Anaconda to Busch Gardens Tampa and Williamsburg. We go through the latest Howl-O-Scream houses and scare zones, along with some interesting comments from United Parks management about why IP could become increasingly important to the event.

Over at Universal, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness is coming to Halloween Horror Nights — and now Ozzy is getting his own themed HHN bar as well. We also discuss the latest HHN updates, Universal Orlando's 2026 holiday plans and Universal Nights tickets going on sale.

Then we compare the latest quarterly results from Six Flags, United Parks and Disney Experiences. Disney had the strongest quarter of the three, while United Parks continues to see guests spend more money inside its parks even as attendance struggles.

Disney is also using an internal J.A.R.V.I.S. AI system with Imagineers, and we look at what has already been revealed at D23 ahead of the big Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase.

Before the news, it's time for The Queue!

Tom talks about a recent SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica visit where he and Elena:

• Picked up their free Pass Member basting brushes.
• Hit Waterway Grill Bar's happy hour for a $5 beer and $9 cocktail.
• Tried the Jalapeño Cheese Warm Pretzel and Bougee Bratwurst at Red, White & BBQ — spending just 20 cents on each after using SeaWorld Bucks.
• Discovered Aquatica's Happy Hour promotion has ended.
• Ordered “single” scoops of ice cream that somehow turned into three scoops each…and then became free when the register went down.
• Used Beach Bucks and Pass Member discounts to grab kids meals and beers at Waterstone Grill for final out-of-pocket totals of just $2.67 and $2.71.

Tom also talks about getting to Busch Gardens Tampa for Kumba's final weekend, arriving for 8 a.m. early entry and getting three final rides on the legendary coaster.

And naturally, since every theme park company is licensing an IP for Halloween now, Tom has an announcement of his own:

The IP-licensed Pitch Perfect condo Halloween event is apparently coming soon.

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Tom and Jon finally get around to The Queue segment that didn’t fit into Episode 273 and apparently theme park leftovers can still make a full meal.

We begin at SeaWorld Orlando, where Tom discusses visiting on the final day of the park’s free-beer promotion and his experience with the locker system near Mako.

Next, we head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Tom talks about unusually long security lines stretching beyond the tram area, his first look at the new Edge of Africa: Lion & Hyena Ridge, weather interfering with plans to ride Kumba and another round of free beer.

There was also food involved, because naturally there was. Tom, Elena and Jon tried the 16-inch Family-Size Meat Lovers Pizza from Taproom Pizza for $33.99.

Finally, Tom and Jon briefly discuss Six Flags Great Adventure’s newly announced Bakunawa. Coming in 2027, the massive spinning launch coaster is being promoted as a six-record-breaking attraction featuring a 382-foot climb, speeds of up to 100 mph and an upside-down launch.

🎢 IN THIS EPISODE

• SeaWorld Orlando’s final free-beer day

• The Mako locker experience

• Massive security lines at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• Edge of Africa: Lion & Hyena Ridge

• Weather interfering with one last Kumba ride

• Busch Gardens’ free-beer promotion

• Taproom Pizza’s Family-Size Meat Lovers Pizza

• Six Flags Great Adventure’s Bakunawa announcement

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In Episode 273 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon break down the newly released HHN 35 multi-night passes, the elimination of multi-night Express products, and Universal Orlando’s dramatically revamped Stay & Scream process plus much more.

No rumor report this week—only confirmed news from official announcements, financial filings and dependable reporting.

• SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream 2026

• Area 64: MOTHERSHIP

• SeaWorld Orlando’s Nekrosis scare zone

• The Rewind interactive bar

• Busch Gardens Tampa’s “The Doctor Is Back” teaser

• Comcast’s quarterly theme park results

• Possible implications for Epic Universe annual passes

• Comcast’s proposed separation from NBCUniversal

• Back to Hogwarts at Universal Orlando

• Back to Hogwarts at Universal Studios Hollywood

• Downtown Clowntown

• Art the Clown and Killer Klowns from Outer Space

• Fortnitemares

• Evil Dead Burn

• Ozzy house all but officially announced

• HHN 35 multi-night passes

• Rush of Fear and Frequent Fear pricing

• Elimination of multi-night Express passes

• New Stay & Scream wristband process

• Haunted houses beginning at 2 p.m.

• The Untrainable Dragon temporary closure

• Jimmy Fallon attraction evacuation

• The Magic of Disney Animation opening September 14

• Drawn to Wonderland

• Off the Page! character experiences

• Olaf Draws!

• Once Upon a Studio Theater

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party food

• Parisian Breakfast at Chefs de France

• Ale & Compass removes its breakfast buffet enhancement

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Kumba's days are officially numbered.

In Episode 272 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon discuss the latest theme park news and announcements from the first half of July 2026.

Busch Gardens Tampa has confirmed that Kumba will permanently close following its final day of operation on August 2. We look back at the legendary B&M coaster, discuss its impact on Busch Gardens Tampa, and talk about what could eventually replace it.

We also dive into the latest Halloween announcements from both Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. Halloween Horror Nights continues its 2026 rollout with the Hellraiser haunted house, Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir, and new scare zones including Sideshow of Decay. SeaWorld Orlando has also started revealing what's waiting for guests at Howl-O-Scream 2026.

Plus, we discuss Universal Nights at Epic Universe, the return of UOAP Nights, and Holiday World's newly announced record-breaking water coaster.

Then it's time for the Rumor Report, including speculation about a possible major Space Mountain refurbishment at Magic Kingdom and the last two remaining houses yet to be announced at HHN.

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🎙️ In This Episode:

• Kumba closing at Busch Gardens Tampa

• What could eventually replace Kumba?

• SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream 2026 announcements

• Halloween Horror Nights 35 reveals

• Hellraiser comes to HHN

• Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir

• New HHN scare zones

• Universal Nights at Epic Universe

• UOAP Nights return

• Holiday World's new record-breaking water coaster

• Space Mountain refurbishment rumors

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In this episode of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom and Jon are talking all about water park All-Day Dining at Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island.

At Aquatica Orlando, Tom and Jon both used the All-Day Dining plan on the same day. The plan cost $44.99 per person and allowed them to get an entrée, side or dessert, and fountain drink every 90 minutes during park hours. They compare each meal stop side-by-side, including Waterstone Grill, Kookaburra Kitchen, Papa’s Pizza, Walkabout Pizza, Mango Market, and more.

Tom’s estimated Aquatica food and drink total came to about $175.36, saving around $130.37 compared to the $44.99 plan price. Jon’s estimated Aquatica total came to about $165.15, saving around $120.16. Combined, they estimate they received about $340.51 worth of food and drinks for $89.98 in dining plans, saving about $250.53.

Then the discussion moves to Adventure Island, where Tom and Jon visited on separate days. Jon tried meals from Surfside Café, Mango Joe’s, and Colossal Pizza, with a total menu value of $166.96 and savings of $116.97. Tom’s Adventure Island visit included Surfside Café, Mango Joe’s, Colossal Pizza, and Captain Pete’s, with an estimated menu value of around $168 and savings of around $118.

Along the way, they discuss food quality, value, menu confusion, portion sizes, best and worst picks, and which water park had the better All-Day Dining plan overall.

So, is water park All-Day Dining actually worth it? Financially, yes. Emotionally? That depends how you feel about eating theme park food every 90 minutes like you’re training for the Buffet Olympics.

Thanks for watching and listening. So until the next podcast, vlog, or livestream, keep making memories.

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In Episode 270 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon for a packed theme park news episode covering major stories from Disney, Universal, United Parks, Six Flags, and more.

The big breaking story this week is Fun Spot America Atlanta announcing it will permanently close after its final operating day on August 2, 2026. Tom and Jon discuss what that could mean for ArieForce One, the Rocky Mountain Construction coaster that quickly became the park’s signature attraction.

They also cover Six Flags Over Texas delaying Tormenta Rampaging Run, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay naming Jon Vigue as its new park president, Universal Epic Universe adding Universal Celestial Goodnight, Universal Orlando’s July 4th entertainment plans, and the latest Halloween Horror Nights 35 house announcements, including Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!, MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals, Cybergoria, and INVASION: Alien Abduction.

On the Disney side, the episode covers the Disneyland Tiana’s Bayou Adventure guest incident, Walt Disney World’s July 4th fireworks offerings, Disney’s 2026 holiday announcements, the permanent retirement of the Grand Floridian gingerbread house, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates, Disney Jollywood Nights extending into January, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, Oogie Boogie Bash replacing Frightfully Fun Parade with Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake, the Eat to the Beat concert lineup, Disney BoardWalk updates, Disney Lakeshore Lodge details, and Level99 opening at Disney Springs.

Plus, Tom and Jon check in on recent Vacationeers YouTube videos, Jon’s Disney food stops, SeaWorld Orlando’s Electric Ocean entertainment, and what’s coming in Episode 271.

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In this episode of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom welcomes back Dave from the Adventures by D and Dave’s Dugout Grill YouTube channels.

Dave discusses his first-ever visit to Six Flags Over Texas, sharing his initial thoughts on the park, what the overall day was like, and the rides he was able and not able to experience during his visit. From first impressions to ride reactions, Dave gives us a first-timer’s perspective on the original Six Flags park. 

Was Six Flags Over Texas better than expected? Did the park make a strong first impression? And most importantly, would Dave go back?

Grab a seat, lower your restraint, and enjoy Episode 269 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast.

So until the next blog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.

This week, we break away from our normal format because Tom was not prepared — but it’s his birthday month, so cut him some slack.

Tom and Jon “kick” things off with a look at the FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience at LEGOLAND Florida, then head over to Universal Orlando Resort where FIFA has taken over CityWalk and the Universal Mega Movie Parade has returned for the summer.

Tom also shares details from his day-of-recording visit to SeaWorld Orlando with Elena and some of her family, including the usual mix of plans, surprises, and theme park reality setting in.

Then Jon gives us his review of his dining experience at Biergarten Restaurant in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion before we wrap things up with something new: May theme park stats tracked by Tom’s soon-to-be-released ThrillLedger app.

It’s FIFA, food, family, stats, and a host who definitely had a plan… until he didn’t.

In this episode:

• Why Episode 268 breaks from the usual format
• LEGOLAND Florida’s FIFA® World Cup 2026 Experience
• Universal CityWalk’s FIFA World Cup Watch Party
• The return of Universal Mega Movie Parade
• Tom’s SeaWorld Orlando visit with Elena and family
• Jon’s Biergarten Restaurant dining experience at EPCOT
• May theme park stats from Tom and Jon
• A preview of how ThrillLedger tracks park visits, attractions, and more

So until the next podcast, vlog or livestream, keep making memories.

In Episode 267 of the Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast, Tom is joined by Jon to talk through a busy week of theme park updates, food reviews, and in-park testing.

We start with some “old breaking news,” including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure no longer being included with Universal Express beginning July 1, plus the news that Bad Bunny will voice a pizza character named Pizza with Sunglasses in Toy Story 5.

Then we head into Universal Orlando Resort’s opening weekend of Summer at Universal. We discuss the overall event atmosphere, the noticeable lack of a parade, and some of the featured summer food offerings. We also review a newer menu item that is not tied to the summer event but absolutely got our attention: the S’mores Cookie at Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure.

Food discussed in this episode:

S’mores Cookie at Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure — $6.29

We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat Platter at Richter’s Burger Co. in Universal Studios Florida — $22.99

Irene’s Creamsicle Cheesecake Calzone at Minion Cafe in Universal Studios Florida — $11.99

Finally, we talk about our Magic Kingdom visit on Wednesday, May 13, when the park closed early at 5:30 PM for a private event. Early close days are often rumored to have lighter crowds, so we rope-dropped the park to see if attraction wait times were actually lower.

Magic Kingdom ride timing discussed:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — delayed

Haunted Mansion — Posted 13 minutes / Actual 2 minutes

Jungle Cruise — Posted 5 minutes / Actual 1 minute

Pirates of the Caribbean — Posted 5 minutes / Actual 1 minute

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — Posted 5 minutes / Actual 1 minute

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — Posted 25 minutes / Actual 24 minutes

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — Posted 25 minutes

Space Mountain — Posted 5 minutes / Actual 13 minutes

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