As I was writing up most of the stories in this newsletter, I felt like I should have been wearing a pumpkin head mask and occasionally swapping in a Santa hat.
Greetings, subscribers, it is your papergirl of theme park news delivering, Haley.
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Do you prefer Christmas or Halloween at Central Florida attractions? Both answers are correct and the good news is you can start planning your visits.
I’ve got In the Loop updates on anticipated holiday events.
Walt Disney World
Learning the Lightning Lane system ⚡
When Disney parks make any sort of changes to a system that involves planning, guests will inevitably have questions. It’s also evident that Disney guests will pay to secure quicker access to attractions.
We knew changes were coming to Genie+ and now that Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass have launched, we have a clearer understanding of what each option covers.
Basically, if you want to experience a popular attraction, like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll need to look into the single pass. If you’re fine cherry-picking a few rides where you won’t have to wait long, the multi-pass is for you.
As for virtual queues (like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind), they are separate from Lightning Lane Single Passes at Walt Disney World and don’t affect your ability to purchase a Lightning Lane selection.
One other important thing to remember, people can buy the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a Lightning Lane Single Pass or both.
For a more in-depth breakdown, click here.
“Poof” they’re gone 🎃
I’m not sure when it happened, but not long after I posted the story on the Mickey Mouse pumpkin wreath becoming available to buy online this week, they sold out.
During Christmastime, it’s common practice to take a photo of a Christmas tree at Disney World. During the fall season, I always take a photo of a Mickey pumpkin wreath at the Magic Kingdom.
As you can probably tell, these wreaths are inspired by what you see at the park.
According to the Disney online store, it’s unclear when the wreaths will be back in stock.
SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens
Screaming for sales 👻
Howl-O-Scream has been a Halloween tradition at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and recently it came over to SeaWorld Orlando.
The event returns the first weekend in September and both parks have launched a ticket sale. They also released information on haunted houses.
Universal Orlando
Girls’ night out with the monsters! 🦇
Alas, we have our full lineup of Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses for this year, and Universal saved the ladies for last.
The all-original “Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines” is headlined by an all-female assemblage of classic Universal Monsters. Some of the leads are daughters of legends from the Universal horror collection. There are two sides battling it out, and you can expect to see The Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula’s Daughter, and She-Wolf of London.
The storyline resembles an upcoming attraction at Epic Universe. There’s a gender-flipped Frankenstein that will bring a fresh storyline to Dark Universe’s Monsters Unchained.
Epic Universe
Building a universe ✨
Speaking of Epic Universe, News 6′s chopper spun over Universal’s fourth theme park to get a visual update on the progress.
While there’s still no official opening date yet, the five worlds and the outskirts are coming along. If you have a particular one you’re looking forward to the most, be sure to vote in our poll we have going in this web story.
Once we get an official first look at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, I plan on revisiting my Epic Universe hype list to see if it needs reranking and you can expect that web poll to appear in future stories.
Gaylord Palms Resort
He’s an icy Elf 🧊
The Grinch, Charlie Brown, and Ralphie from “A Christmas Story” are just some characters from beloved holiday films that have been featured in a frozen wonderland at Gaylord Palms Resort.
This year, Buddy the Elf will be carved into ice.
“Elf” is this year’s theme for “ICE!” The famously frigid nine-degree environment will make the North Pole feel real. With “Elf” being such a cherished holiday flick, I have no doubt Gaylord Palms will do a great job.
It can’t just be “ICE!”, there’s a lengthy holiday lineup to look forward to.
So yes, it feels like Christmas and Halloween in July after going through that wrap of theme park news.
We’ll see what August brings next week.
As always, feel free to keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.