Let’s start off the newsletter scrolling with cute photos. I feel it’s needed.
Jambo, friends. It’s Haley here with your In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter, or “mews”letter. 🐯
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At 4 months old, Bakso the Sumatran tiger is breaking away from the backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and going on show.
I was delighted to start my workday with his debut. You could tell mom, Sohni, was excited about getting out in the habitat. Bakso, on the other hand, was a little bashful and kept behind a bush for a lengthy time.
With playful encouragement from mom, the cub gradually took more steps into the limelight.
My favorite moment was seeing Sohni run up to Bakso and charge away in an attempt to get him to chase her.
Talking with the his keepers, they told me about how strong their bond it, as Sohni is Bakso’s one and only playmate.
Guests can now visit Maharajah Jungle Trek to watch him continue to grow. The cub may not be in his habitat during all operating hours as his keepers are allowing him to choose when he wants to join his mom in the habitat.
Your best chance of catching them is probably in the morning.
Cool new office spaces 🌌
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser had a lot to offer during its short stint of operation. Unfortunately, the experience was too expensive.
Since its September 2023 closure, many have wondered how Disney would utilize the space-themed hotel. According to a Walt Disney World spokesperson, the building will be transformed into office spaces for Imagineering.
It was a groundbreaking idea, so maybe this means the next big idea will be born there.
The final Muppet Vision shows 🎬
The curtain is closing on MuppetVision 3D and the Grand Avenue area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the park prepares to build a Monsters, Inc. land.
Disney is giving guests some time to say their farewells to the longtime film attraction as well as Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and PizzeRizzo.
Click here to see the phased closing plans.
Legoland Florida
Don’t sleep on Legoland snacks🍦
It was a lovely visit to Peppa Pig Theme Park and Legoland Florida this past weekend.
Legoland kicked off its Ninjago Weekends, based on the popular Lego series.
From brick-building activities to an exciting scavenger hunt, there’s a lot to take part in. I was most excited about the food as I’ve become a BIG fan.
Fittingly, the Ninjago food lineup is inspired by Asian flavors. I was able to try the Mango Master Apple Fries (seen above) and the Warrior’s BBQ Bun.
Legoland layoffs 💼
Legoland Florida has a lot of big things happening in 2025, but it appears it’s also scaling back its workforce.
According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice sent out by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, layoffs will impact over 200 employees, mainly in entertainment.
As I mentioned, Legoland has a lot in store this year: New LEGO DUPLO, LEGO Friends, and LEGO NINJAGO-themed hotel rooms set to open this spring, a grand opening of SEA LIFE Florida set to open this spring, and an upgrade to its water park that will reopen in February.
Universal Orlando
Let the good times roll 📿
Mardi Gras season doesn’t officially start until March, but the good times will be rolling well before that at Universal Studios.
There’s plenty of festive fun and food plus a concert lineup that has a lot of people talking and rocking.
I plan on venturing out to the celebration this weekend and will provide feedback in my next newsletter.
Epic Universe
DK photo downloads 🤳
Universal Orlando revealed a little update on its highly-anticipated fourth theme park this week.
When Super Nintendo World opens, it will be home to some of the most sought-after character meet-and-greets with Mario, Luigi, Toad...and DONKEY KONG!
Yes, the big ape will be posing for photos at his treehouse. When Universal dropped photos this week along with the announcement, I thought it was a first look at Donkey Kong County at Epic Universe. Instead, they were photos from the newly-opened expansion at Universal Studios Japan.
We can still be excited though.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A rainforest realm🦜
From one new jungle to another.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced new details on Wild Oasis, a new addition currently under construction.
Catered to families, the rainforest-inspired realm will have new attractions, play areas, and animals in a lush, natural environment.
Busch Gardens has plans to open Wild Oasis this spring.
That was a good hodgepodge of theme park news this week.
Feel free to keep me in the loop on all things theme parks through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.
