My boss asked the team what music we’d all been listening to lately, it was an easy answer for me.
Hello, In the Loop listeners. It’s Haley, back with your weekly newsletter.
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Last week, I featured my story about the Country Bear Musical Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom. It’s never been the most popular attraction, but the next time you’re in Frontierland, don’t walk past Grizzly Hall without taking in a show.
When I talked to a Disney Imagineer, he raved about the music and the multi-talented Mac McAnally’s work. I can see why, as songs are still playing in my head.
On July 17 when the attraction reopened, Disney dropped the playlist on music streaming services. I’ve been listening to that as well as “Special Spice,” the new original song featured in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is what I recommended to my boss.
I’m all for hearing the songs in their proper form at the jamboree, but if you can’t wait, you can find an Apple Music and Spotify playlist link in this web story.
My favorite is “Kiss the Girl” by Big Sandy, which is Romeo McGrowl’s song.
Walt Disney World
Goodbye Genie+ 👋🏻
Next week, Disney World will once again be making changes to their paid service that grants guests quicker access to the front of the attraction line.
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.
Hotel guests have a greater advantage with the new system, as they can plan Lightning Lane passes up to seven days in advance for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can plan up to three days in advance.
Universal Orlando Resort
Halloween horrors are coming 👻
Thinking about how Halloween events start next month was a reality check on where we are in the year.
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 33 starts Aug. 30 and will run on select nights through Sunday, Nov. 3.
So far, the theme park has announced nine of the 10 haunted houses, two of the five scare zones, and a show.
So what will the last house be? Early teasers suggested there was going to be something evil underneath Universal Studios.
We’ll wait with anticipation. Until then, here’s a guide to help you prepare for the scares.
Casting call: Universal superfans 📱
Be a part of “The Fanny Pack.”
That’s the name of Universal Orlando’s new vlogger-style series, and they need Orlando-area superfans who are willing to talk about their favorite Universal experiences.
Universal is accepting virtual auditions through the end of the month. This web story lists talking points content creators should cover on camera. I don’t go to the theme parks without my trusty fanny pack, so I approve of this name.
Epic Universe
Multi-day option only... at first 🎫
Based on the hype surrounding Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park that’s currently under construction, it’s no surprise the resort is expecting huge crowds at first.
What will ticket sales be like when Epic Universe opens? A recent conversation between Universal Orlando and its sales partners might answer that question.
Fans will likely have to plan for a multi-day package.
Let’s be real though, Epic Universe will be Universal’s biggest park stateside and will have over 50 attractions, so a single-day ticket likely won’t do.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Fly like a phoenix! 🎢
We are in the era of family coasters!
Like SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was initially teasing that its new thrill ride, Phoenix Rising, would open in the spring.
It got pushed to summer and we now have an opening July date.
The park’s 10th roller coaster allows guests to ride on the wings of the legendary phoenix on North America’s tallest and longest inverted family coaster.
Kennedy Space Center
From “Apollo 13″ to “Armageddon,” the Kennedy Space Center has been featured many times in Hollywood films, and you can now add another movie to the list.
Our latest News 6 Insider contest is all about experiencing moments seen in “Fly Me to the Moon,” such as the Vehicle Assembly Building, AstroVan, and Rocket Garden. News 6 Insider Guide Crystal Moyer spoke to one NASA employee who ended up being one actor’s escort around the complex during filming.
When I started this newsletter, it felt like it was going to be light, but I proved myself wrong.
If you’re headed out to a Central Florida attraction, remember our PinIt! page. We have an “In the Loop” channel. I happen to think that Kennedy Space Center photos make great Pins.
As always, feel free to keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.
See you next week!