Universal Parks & Resorts announces a one-of-a-kind theme park, unlike any other in the world, specifically designed to inspire fun for families with young children.
The new park concept, set in a lush green landscape and featuring immersive themed lands, celebrates Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor, and innovation. It brings to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow even the youngest theme park goers.
Universal Parks & Resorts selected the city of Frisco, in North Texas, as the area for this new concept, given the city’s growing population and ability to attract businesses to the area. The proposed location for the new concept is ideally situated east of the Dallas North Tollway and north of Panther Creek Parkway.
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the city of Frisco and Mayor Cheney as we work to bring this innovative, new concept to life designed specifically for a younger generation of Universal fans,” said Page Thompson, President of New Ventures, Universal Parks & Resorts. “We think North Texas is the perfect place to launch this unique park for families given its growing popularity within this part of the country.”
The proposed park will be designed to be more intimate and engaging for younger audiences and will be sized for a regional audience.
It will be full of family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, character meet and greets, unique merchandise, and fun food and beverage venues.
Although smaller, it will still carry the same quality as Universal’s other larger resort destinations.
“Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and has been recognized as a great place to plant professional roots and raise a family,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. “This new Universal concept will continue to enhance our tax base, expand employment opportunities and bring even more fun to Frisco benefiting our residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Part of 97 acres of land recently purchased by the company, the proposed park also has plans for an adjacent themed hotel and room for expansion.
The entire area is intended to have a completely different look, feel, and scale than Universal’s existing parks and will appeal to a new audience for the brand.
More details about the project will be revealed over time.
I am really excited to share that the grand opening for the World’s First Peppa Pig Theme Park has been announced for February 24, 2022, and it is going to be something to whistle about!
The all-new park will feature six rides, six themed playscapes, a water play area, and even more oinktastic experiences, just steps away from LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Families with excited “little piggies” can start planning their preschooler’s unforgettable day of adventure!
Families can now purchase Single-day discounted tickets for only $30.99 by purchasing online. Single-day tickets will be $34.99 if purchased on the date of arrival.
Admission to Peppa Pig Theme Park can also be bundled with admission to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park as a Two-Park, Two-Day Ticket, starting at $134.99 when purchased online in advance. The full walk-up gate price, if purchased the day of the visit will be $149.99.
Rendering: Peppa Pig Theme Park
ANNUAL PASSES
A limited number of Peppa Pig Theme Park Annual Passes are available for $74.99 plus tax.
This Annual Pass includes free parking and discounts on additional admission tickets for a year starting on February 24.
Inclusive Annual Passes that will also grant admission to LEGOLAND Theme Park, LEGOLAND Water Park, and other regional Merlin Entertainments attractions will be available later this year.
Rendering: Peppa Pig Theme Park
VACATION PACKAGES
Families can now start creating their preschooler’s best vacation ever by booking their spring getaways to be among the first to step into and experience Peppa Pig’s playful world.
Special offers, including an All-Inclusive and an early booking incentive that gives families a third night free when they book two nights, are now on sale for travel dates starting February 24, 2022.
Vacations packages include a stay at LEGOLAND Hotel, LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel, or LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, all locations are located just steps away from Peppa Pig Theme Park and include Peppa Pig Theme Park, LEGOLAND Theme Park, and LEGOLAND Water Park tickets, complimentary parking, complimentary breakfast and more. Every room features separate parent and kid sleeping areas—complete with bunk beds for the little ones—and loads of kid-friendly amenities including a separate entertainment center, bathroom with built-in potty training seat, handheld showerheads, and more.
Rendering: Peppa Pig Theme Park
Every corner of the charming new park is crafted with preschoolers in mind, from their first roller coaster rides with their parents and free fair games for the whole family, to an all-terrain course where they will pedal tricycles through a sensory-rich trail and a colorful splash pad that celebrates “muddy puddles” jumping fun!
Through every experience, families will snort, giggle, and create their family’s first theme park memories together with Peppa and her friends.
Fans and parents of future “little piggies” can be among the first to hear the details for the food, shopping, and other fun surprises by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
The Halloween fun continues in and around Orlando as you are On the Go in the Parks from October 9-11, 2020.
New This Weekend:
Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins(weekends October 10 – November 1): A family-friendly event where Oktoberfest collides with Halloween fun featuring spooky areas like the “Graveyard of the Darned,” a live polka band with German beer and food available for purchase; costumed character meet and greets; a trick-or-treat trail; a spooky train ride scavenger hunt, and more. Family-friendly costumes for adults and kids are encouraged.
On the Go in the Parks: October 9-11, 2020
While there are a ton of new things happening every week in the City Beautiful, we can’t forget about the continuing Halloween and Fall Fun at the theme parks!
For the month of October Halloween is HUUUUUUGE at Fun Spot
America!
Both the Orlando and Kissimmee locations will be offering free
Trick or Treating for little ones from 4-7 pm on Saturdays, a menu of Frightul
Bites, and your chance to help John, Jr. in an all-new Escape Room experience
exclusive to the Fun Spot America Orlando Location.
Brick or Treat continues this weekend at the LEGOLAND Florida
Resort!
This October experience the spooky, kooky fun of one of the only
kid-friendly Halloween Events in Central Florida that includes
neighborhood-style Trick or Treating, seasonal shows, LEGO activities, and
exclusive creepy-cool LEGO characters.
Brick or Treat, the ultimate kids Halloween celebration, is all included
with regular admission to the park.
If you are missing Halloween Horror Nights, you are absolutely
going to want to visit the Universal Orlando Resort to experience their
Halloween offerings that are included with your theme park admission!
There are two heart-pounding haunted houses at Universal Studios
Florida—Revenge of the Tooth Fairy and Universal Monsters: The Bride of
Frankenstein Lives—for guests to experience.
Universal Studios Florida has some spooky for all with a sweet
payoff with their Scarecrow Stalk.
And don’t forget there is Trick or Treating at Islands of
Adventure for little ones under 12.
And don’t forget that for the first time, everyone can come to
the park in their costumes!!!
Howl-O-Scream has returned to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for its 21st year
every Friday through Sunday through November 1, 2020 with physically distant
frights and ghoulish delights.
The event features 10 Scare Zones and an outdoor venue for the
popular Fiends show.
SeaWorld Orlando is chocked full of Halloween and Fall
goodness!!!
SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is back with all-new
safety procedures. The trick-or-treat trail is stocked with candy and
adventure. Kids can enjoy not-so-spooky fun with their Sesame Street friends
and join them for a special Halloween breakfast! The park is alive with amazing
animals and thrilling coasters. It’s a tricky year for Halloween. Treat your
family to fall at SeaWorld.
SeaWorld Spooktacular is on Saturdays and Sundays, through
November 1, and is included in park admission.
It’s the perfect season for a spooky movie under the stars at
SeaWorld, and Flicks and Frights is a drive-in nostalgic experience
that starts with enjoying locally sourced food trucks and ends with watching a
classic Halloween feature from the comfort and safety of your car.
This Saturday’s Family-friendly Halloween film is Beetlejuice,
and the movie begins at 7:45 p.m.
Flicks and Frights parking is $40 per vehicle to
experience movie viewing for all seated passengers and Pass Members can save
20% .
And finally, SeaWorld Orlando is serving up an incredible party
for craft beer lovers. SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival features more than 100
crafts brews and more than 20 food items expertly paired to match your
preferred brew.
The Festival takes place Fridays (3 pm to park close), Saturdays
(11:30 am to park close), and Sundays (11:30 am to park close) through November
1, 2020.
Walt Disney World
If you are looking for some Halloween fun, you will definitely
want to check out the character cavalcade, special treats, and merchandise at
the Magic Kingdom.
Looking for a fun foodie adventure around the world? the A Taste
of Food and Wine Festival is happening at Epcot.
Then over at Disney Springs, you can find special Fall Treats around every corner!
You can find more information about events around Orlando, theme
park news, and insider tips by subscribing to our YouTube
Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram!
The Walt Disney World Park Pass system is now open for Annual Passholders to make reservations, and on June 28th the system will open for all theme park ticket holders.
Fun to Experience as You’re On the Go in the Parks
The park has several guest requirements in place, and the biggest one is that you must have a reservation to visit the park.
The Disney owned locations are now open!!! This includes Goofy’s Candy Company, Disney’s Days of Christmas, and the small kiddie rides…which ironically are the only Disney attractions operating in North America…crazy!!!!
Masks are now required at this Fun Spot Orlando location
Fun Spot Kissimmee
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Noon – 10pm
Please note that local ordinance requires face masks be worn at our Kissimmee location. We recommend you bring your own.
Island H2O
Sunset Walk
Saturday thru Monday: 10am – 5pm
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
SeaWorld announced today a phased reopening (with capacity limitations) of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove on June 11, 2020.
The reopening of the parks will include enhanced health and safety protocols for cleaning and sanitizing, physical distancing, face-covering requirements, and temperature screening.
A new online reservation system will also help manage capacity so that guests can enjoy a safe and fun experience while maintaining physical distancing. The phased reopening plan was approved by the State of Florida.
“We thank Governor DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Demings, Orlando Mayor Dyer, and the members of the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force for their support of tourism in Central Florida as we prepare to reopen our Orlando parks to the public on June 11,” said Marc Swanson, interim CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “Over the past two months, we have worked with state and local health officials, third party medical and epidemiology experts, and attraction industry leaders to enhance our strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. We are committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and animals in our care, and will continue to follow the guidance of health officials as conditions evolve.”
SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove have launched new safety websites with detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when the parks reopen, including key operational changes.
Specific information by park can be found by visiting the following websites:
“We couldn’t be more excited to reopen our three Orlando parks – SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove,” said Kyle Miller, president of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Discovery Cove. “We know our guests are anxious to return, and we’re working hard to provide a safe environment so they can enjoy many more memorable experiences with us and their friends and family.”
To help manage the capacity to maintain physical distancing within the parks, all parks will require advance online reservations.
Guests will be asked to visit the reservation pages of park websites where reservations will be required to guarantee entry given anticipated demand.
Reservations for SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove will be available starting at 10:00AM ET on June 8, 2020.
For more information on the online reservation process, please visit:
We are really excited for SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove to once again welcome guests!!!
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Want to find out more information on the other parks?
Check out our other posts on the other theme park reopening announcements!
In keeping safety top of mind, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be closed beginning September 3 at 3 p.m. and will reopen following the storm when it is safe to do so.
Guests with current and upcoming reservations at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have been contacted to relocate them to other resorts on property and to help them plan for anticipated weather impacts.
SPECIAL EVENT CANCELLATIONS AND UPDATES
Disney After Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been canceled on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
Guests with pre-purchased event tickets for this date are able to exchange their tickets for one of the following options:
Tickets to attend another Disney After Hours event in 2019.
Tickets to a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event in 2019.
A 1-Day Flexible Date Ticket with Park Hopper Option, which can be used any day prior to December 31, 2020.
Receive a full refund for event tickets.
To redeem these other options, guests should call (407) 939-7818 by December 15, 2019 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM, or email us at Ticket.Inquiries@DisneyWorld.com. Please have your tickets available so we may process your request for you as quickly as possible.
DINING AND OTHER EXPERIENCE RESERVATIONS
On September 3rd, theme park dining reservations will be honored up to one hour prior to park closing.
Resort dining reservations will be honored until 5:30 p.m.
Effective immediately, WDW will not be enforcing cancellation policies for dining and other experiences, so there’s no need to cancel existing reservations through Tuesday, September 3rd.
Pre-paid dining and other experiences outside of the modified operating hours for September 3 will be automatically canceled and refunded.
For more information, please review frequently asked questions regarding the Walt Disney World hurricane policy.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida: 9AM – 9PM
Universal’s Islands of Adventure: 9AM – 9PM
Universal’s Volcano Bay: CLOSED
Official Park Statement:
We continue to closely monitoring the weather. At this time, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s CityWalk will open as scheduled on Tuesday, September 3, however, Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park will be closed.
We have a comprehensive weather preparedness plan in place for the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals as we continue to closely monitor the forecast for Hurricane Dorian.
Guests are encouraged to follow our social media channels and to check our website for the latest park updates.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The safety of our employees and guests is our number one priority. Out of an abundance of caution LEGOLAND Florida theme park and water park will be closed on Tuesday, September 3. We expect to re-open on Wednesday, September 4 pending the track of Hurricane Dorian. LEGOLAND Hotel will remain open.
Dollywood is making their largest capital investment in their 32-year history with the Wildwood Grove expansion set to open in 2019. The total cost for the expansion is $37 million, meeting The Dollywood Company’s 2013 commitment of $300 million in investments over a 10 year period four years ahead of schedule.
Dolly Parton was joined by park officials to talk about this new land that will feature 11 themed experiences, comprised of six new ride attractions, live entertainment, various indoor and outdoor play areas, a new restaurant, nighttime experiences, and the lands icon – the 55 ft. tall Wildwood Tree.
Wildwood Grove is inspired by Dolly’s experiences as a child playing in the forests of the Smoky Mountains.
“I’ve told you before about how I’d let my imagination roam free when I’d be out exploring in the hills around our home in the Smoky Mountains,” Parton said. “I’d pretend that the frogs and butterflies were my friends. I’d imagine about what it’d be like to fly with a dragonfly or to follow a bear family through the woods. Now all these things are coming true for our guests to experience in Wildwood Grove; it may be my new favorite part of Dollywood!
“This area is going to give families a place to explore, play and imagine together—but more importantly—it’s a place where they can spend more time together,” she explained. “I believe everyone has a song in their heart that needs to be set free. Wildwood Grove will be a place where families can learn together about what their heart song truly is.”
The new Wildwood Grove will provide an adventurous journey for guests to explore, imagine and play together as a family which begins as soon as guests enter the area, located near the Mystery Mine roller coaster, through the massive hollow trunk of a fallen tree.
As soon as guests enter the area their eyes are drawn to the Wildwood Tree—a tree unlike any other— that serves as the centerpiece of the area. It grows from a cluster of natural rock and boulders, and offers a natural platform for performances throughout the day and night. The green, leafy canopy is adorned with thousands of butterflies that dance playfully in the breeze.
Six new ride attractions will also call Wildwood Grove home that are designed for families to enjoy together.
Rendering – Dollywood
The Dragonflier— This thrilling suspended roller coaster lets guests soar with a dragonfly as it dips and darts along the gushing geysers and lush landscape of Wildwood Grove.
Rendering – Dollywood
Black Bear Trail— Riders hop on the back of these friendly bears for a spirited trek through their natural habitat. Families will enjoy meandering through the woods of this unique Smoky Mountain experience.
Rendering – Dollywood
Sycamore Swing— Guests aboard this thrilling “leaf boat” swing back and forth just like a leaf falling from a giant sycamore tree.
Rendering – Dollywood
Treetop Tower— This family tower gives guests a sky-high view of Wildwood Grove as they soar nearly 40 feet in the air. Riders, seated inside giant acorns, spin around the top of a tall oak tree before gently drifting back to the grove floor.
Rendering – Dollywood
The Mad Mockingbird— Tennessee’s state bird—the mockingbird—gives visitors a lift as it flies in a high speed circle around a tall tree. Riders control their ride experience by moving a sail as the birds rush above the ground.
Rendering – Dollywood
Frogs and Fireflies—These friendly frogs hop up and down as they chase each other around the lily pad trying to catch the flickering fireflies fluttering from the tall reeds and grasses. Adventurous guests can hop aboard for this riveting race.
Rendering – Dollywood
Play options abound inside Wildwood Grove. Hidden Hollow, a 4,000 sq. ft. indoor play space, provides a climate-controlled area for families looking to recharge before their next big adventure. With climbing structures, slides and multiple games, play time here is full of exploration. Another refreshing stop for play is at Wildwood Creek where numerous pop jets, splashing pools and more await. There, guests also can discover their musical side thanks to the various “instruments” available to play.
Rendering – Dollywood
For the first time at Dollywood, several new friends await guests to the area. In the tradition of the Wildwood butterflies before them, Flit and Flutter—Wildwood Grove’s butterfly ambassadors of beauty and grace—dutifully watch over the Wildwood Tree. While each has their own distinct personality, both Flit and Flutter enjoy interacting with visitors to Wildwood Grove. Guests also can meet Benjamin Bear, a playful friend who loves to explore the grove with new visitors.
Wildwood Grove’s featured dining establishment, named Till & Harvest, offers another great option from Dollywood’s award-winning foods team. Visitors can order from a selection of Southwest fresh favorites, including burritos, salads and more, all with a Southern twist. In addition to traditional entrees and a topping bar with assorted salsas, guests can add items like pulled pork and fresh coleslaw to their selections. A walk-up window provides sweet treats like churros and ice cream.
As with most areas of Dollywood, Wildwood Grove takes advantage of the natural beauty of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Nearly $1 million has been planned for landscaping the area, with more than 400 trees and 1,000 shrubs helping transform this space into a lush and relaxing spot hidden within the foothills of the Smokies.
Rendering – Dollywood
What makes Wildwood Grove so special is that as the sun sinks in the sky, the area will glow warmly as lanterns and lights glimmer like cheerful fireflies. Once darkness falls, the area sparkles as the Wildwood Tree comes to life each evening in a unique nighttime show that features the butterflies glowing in a kaleidoscope of spectacular color under the canopy of fireworks.
The new expansion is an exciting addition to Dollywood, and I am excited to bring you more information as it becomes available so make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
