I wish I could deliver this newsletter via owl like in the wizarding world. Or better yet, make it have a dramatic inbox delivery like it just traveled via Floo powder.
Hi, subscribers! It’s the voice of In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops, Haley Coomes.
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From the Florida shores to cruises, to “epic” updates, we’ve got a good mix of theme park stories.
Epic Universe
Alohomora! ⚡
The hype surrounding Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park leaped to another level this week following the official unveiling of The Wizarding World of Harry Poter - Ministry of Magic.
Unlike Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort which are based in wizarding Great Britain, most of Ministry of Magic pulls inspiration from the Fantastic Beasts films, the prequel to the Harry Potter films.
For the first time ever within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will travel across countries to 1990s London using the Métro-Floo. After stepping into emerald Floo flames, guests will access the land’s main attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Guests will reunite here with one of the most notorious characters in the wizarding universe, disgraced Dolores Umbridge.
While we are still roughly a year away from Epic Universe’s opening, it’s safe to say that Ministry of Magic will have that familiar wow factor from a Universal Harry Potter experience.
Epic eats 🥩
While we are looking forward to all the thrills and shows, we also have to give proper attention to what will be the Epic Universe dining options.
From a dining hall built on vampire lore, to a quick bite at Toadstool Cafe, we’ve listed out all the restaurants world-by-world.
Right now, I’m most hyped for Das Stakehaus and Mead Hall.
Wild Florida
A wild welcome 🐊
While only one out of 10 eggs hatch in this way, a baby albino alligator is an automatic 10/10.
Wild Florida welcomed a new addition recently to its Gator Park and I learned something new about the gator breeding that they do.
Walt Disney World and beyond
Year-round conservation 🐢
Summer is the peak time for sea turtle nesting season and for the past 17 years, Disney has hosted Tour de Turtles.
On the shoreline of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, guests and members of the public joined Disney Conservation and the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) to watch the release of two sea turtles, which follow the migration patterns of sea turtles across Florida and beyond from their nesting beaches to their feeding and foraging grounds.
I interviewed two members of the Disney conversation team shortly before Tour de Turtles which is inspiring as it is educational.
Loggerhead, green, leatherback — sea turtles are iconic species in Florida.
Disney Cruise Line
Destiny awaits 🚢
Are you team Disney heroes or villains?
I love both, although I do find myself listening to Disney villain songs more.
Heroes and villains are the theme of the Disney Destiny. I recently chatted with a Disney Imagineer about what makes this ship special.
The Disney Destiny won’t set sail until 2025, but after seeing these new art concepts, the cruise daydreaming can begin.
Now that our first looks are complete for the five worlds that make up Epic Universe, here is where my hype list stands:
1. Dark Universe: Not only am I giddy about Classic Universal Monsters, but I am ecstatic over the news that composer Danny Elfman will be doing an original score.
2. How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk: Still holding strong with this one. I love this franchise, and I can’t wait to meet Hiccup and Toothless.
3. Super Nintendo World: I ranked this lower on my previous list, but Donkey Kong County got me with Mine-Cart Madness and the fact that we’ll be jumping the track like in the classic game.
4. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic: There will no doubt be a Wizarding World wow factor. Until then, I will get my Harry Potter fix at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
5. Celestial Park: Even though this is the heart of Epic Universe and has an original theme, my hype has fallen a bit since we got our first introduction. I will probably make a beeline to Stardust Racers though.
I love seeing Epic Universe hype lists. You can also vote in our Epic Universe poll on which land excites you the most.
As always, feel free to keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.