Fireworks and ice 🎆 🧊

There’s nothing strange about planning for Halloween or Christmas in almost July.

Hi, theme park news followers. It’s the voice of In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops, Haley Coomes.

We are coming up on the Fourth of July, which inevitably makes the theme parks a popular place. I wrote a web story on Independence Day festivities at the big-name attractions. It kind of flows like a newsletter.

For so many of us, a Fourth of July celebration is not complete without fireworks, and while nobody does fireworks quite like Disney, the show that Legoland Florida puts on has me intrigued. With 3D glasses, onlookers can watch fireworks pop into LEGO bricks.

Celebrating America at the parks is a fun time. For my round-up, click here.

Now let’s park hop to more attractions news.

Universal Orlando

I ain’t afraid of no chill 👻🚫

It’s been a summer full of nostalgia at Universal Studios, as the theme park has been celebrating 80s movie classics.

One of those films had Halloween Horror Nights fans speculating if a certain supernatural comedy franchise would be making another appearance in haunted house form.

To quote Dr. Peter Venkmen, “Yes, it’s true.”

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” will no doubt be one of the most-hyped houses this year. The fourth installment of the movie franchise takes place in New York where the ghostbusting veterans and newcomers are trying to prevent the next Ice Age.

You can find more details on the “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” haunted house by clicking here. Don’t forget, Halloween Horror Nights is starting even earlier this year.

ICON Park

A long-awaited return 🔵

Remember when Blue Man Group had a residency at Universal Orlando?

They pulled out in 2021, but they’re coming back to Orlando and setting up shop at ICON Park.

If you’re familiar with a Blue Man Group show, you know they can’t have just any stage. The entertainment destination is building a 500-seat theatre “specifically designed to accommodate Blue Man Group’s multi-sensory performance.”

Paws up Monsters! 📸

If you’ve never been to Madame Tussauds wax museum, you’re missing out. Consider it a family outing this summer.

It is amazing how striking some of these wax figures are to the actual celebrity.

A Lady Gaga wax figure has made its debut at Madame Tussauds Orlando. It’s not the first wax figure inspired by the multi-talented artist, but this new one has a special nod to her fans.

Walt Disney World

Lots more Lightning Lanes 🎫

When Walt Disney World rolled out Genie+ it took some time to get used to.

In fact, it’s safe to say we are STILL getting used to it, but pretty soon, we won’t be referring to it as Genie+.

The paid service grants guests quicker access to the front of the attraction line, and starting next month, guests will have two options: “Lightning Lane Multi-Pass” and “Lightning Lane Single Passes.”

The big change is that guests can plan Lightning Lane passes days in advance.

Halfway to Christmas. Even less time to celebrate at Disney World 🎄

For many, a vacation at Walt Disney World around Christmastime is worth counting down for. So it’s no wonder that Disney has released details on its Christmas park events.

We’ve got Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and making its return for a second year is Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Those special ticketed events will happen on select nights. And guess what? Tickets will go on sale very soon.

Food-focused thrills

It’s been a big buildup for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s grand opening at Magic Kingdom.

It’s not just the log flumes that are dropping in today.

Shrimp gumbo, beignets, peach cobbler, and more Crescent City-worthy cuisine are on Magic Kingdom menus. Not to mention, Tiana merch is on sale at the Critter Co-Op.

Legoland Florida

Ice bricks

Winning the Stanley Cup is great and all, especially when it’s the first time in franchise history, but becoming immortalized by LEGO is a whole other victory.

Legoland Florida is celebrating the Florida Panthers with a new replica of their recent NHL playoff championship moment. Let’s just say Panther fans will really appreciate what’s included.

If you head out to the parks for the Fourth of July, don’t forget to post those photos to our PinIt! page.

I can just hear the “ooohs and ahhhs” thinking about firework photography now.

As always, feel free to keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.

I’ll catch you next week!