Tag Archives: Theme Parks

theDIBB > Theme Parks

Universal United Kingdom – Confirmed

The first Universal Theme Park in Europe has now been confirmed to be built in the UK.

Rumours (see here) of a UK Universal theme park, sparked by Universal’s December 2023 land purchase near Bedford, have been confirmed; the resort will be built on a 500 acre plot of land which was the former site Kempston Hardwick brickworks.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the multibillion-pound investment by the company would “see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage”.

theDIBB > Theme Parks

Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks Opening This Summer

Disney will have both of its water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon open together this year.

From 21st May to 7th September both Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will be open. This will mark the first time since 2019 that both Walt Disney World Resort water parks will be open at the same time, meaning Walt Disney World guests can have wintery fun and tropical thrills this summer. And guests staying at a Walt Disney World hotel this summer can enjoy either water park on the day of their arrival.   

theDIBB > Theme Parks

Two New Stage Shows Debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Two new stage shows will premiere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will bring beloved stories, dazzling effects, and immersive entertainment for guests of all ages

“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”
Deep in the shadows of Sunset Boulevard, inside Sunset Showcase, the all-new stage show “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” invites guests into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror.

In this immersive production, the Magic Mirror has summoned guests to help determine which Disney Villain has been treated most unfairly. Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent take the stage with show-stopping musical numbers, making their plea with humor, charm, and a touch of mischievous magic. As the story unfolds, dozens of infamous villains fight for their moment in the spotlight, leading to a delightfully wicked finale where the audience gets to make the final decision and answer the question, “Who’s been treated the unfairest of them all?”

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”
Over in Animation Courtyard, a magical journey awaits with “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” Inspired by the beloved Disney animated classic, this reimagined theatrical production brings Ariel’s story to life like never before.

With breathtaking set pieces, colorful costumes, and masterful puppetry, the show’s visual style captures Ariel’s dream of a life beyond the sea. State-of-the-art effects and innovative stagecraft blend physical sets, actors, puppetry, and digital enhancements to create a truly immersive undersea experience. Guests will also be able to sing along with classic songs including “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl.”

theDIBB > Theme Parks

Universal Announces Opening Date for Universal Epic Universe

Universal has announced the official opening date for its latest theme park – Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort, Florida. Select multi-day tickets and packages will go on sale October 22. Bookings for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, will also be made available.

“Universal Epic Universe offers different worlds for everyone. Step through amazing portals transporting you to the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park. Five immersive worlds. One amazing theme park.”

theDIBB > Theme Parks

Disney’s NEW Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass

Disney is renaming and changing its Genie+ service to Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass starting 24th July 2024. Disney’s Lightning Lanes allow guests to bypass the standby queue and join a separate queue (for a shorter wait time) for select attraction and entertainment experiences. Guests can purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass which can be used for multiple rides and attractions or they can purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass which can only be used for a single ride or attraction. Guests can purchase either or both types of pass. 

Lightning Lane Multi Pass 

When you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you may make up to 3 Lightning Lane selections in a theme park, in advance of your visit. You’ll also be able to choose available times as you make your selections.

On the day of your visit, once you use a selection, check the My Disney Experience app for availability to make an additional selection.

Lightning Lane Single Pass 

Lightning Lane Single Pass will work much like it does today, where you can secure a time to ride one of our most highly demanded attractions, but you’ll now be able to make your purchase and plan in advance.  

How to Plan Ahead

Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel and other select hotels will be able to plan Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance, for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can plan up to 3 days in advance.

These advance purchase windows will let guests secure some of their must-do rides and experiences after they’ve had some time to decide what dining reservations they want to book and any other plans they may need to consider.

Guests may purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a Lightning Lane Single Pass or both. The app will also be updated to make it quicker and easier to purchase and plan, with fewer steps and a new option to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass in one transaction.

Lightning Lane passes will blend features from the previously offered Genie+ and FastPass+ services, giving guests the choice to plan ahead and removing the hassle of planning during their vacation.

Price

Prices are shown within the My Disney Experience APP. The cost for lightning lanes vary by date and theme park and are subject to limited availability. 

How to Purchase

  • In the My Disney Experience APP home screen select Lightning Lane Passes
  • Select a Theme Park and a Date
  • Choose Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass or both
  • For Lightning Lane Multi Pass you can select up to 3 experiences with arrival time window in advance
  • For Lightning Lane Single Pass you can select an arrival time window in advance
  • Confirm and Complete Payment steps
  • On the confirmation page you can select “Plan Another Day” or “View My Day” to see your selections

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