Theme Park News - April 28-May 4, 2025

Epic Universe Preview Tickets Now Available to All Guests

Universal Orlando Resort is now allowing all guests to purchase 1-day preview tickets for Epic Universe before the park’s official opening. Starting April 29th, tickets can be purchased to visit Epic Universe and preview the new theme park through May 19. Tickets start at $144 during the preview period. 

Please keep in mind that visiting Epic Universe with a preview ticket means you will be at the park during technical rehearsals, also known as a Soft Opening. While all major components are installed and operational, some adjustments, changes, and updates may occur before the grand opening on May 22, 2025.  

Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70 Years with Special Culinary Offerings

The Disneyland Resort is celebrating 70 magical years with an impressive culinary lineup that honors its rich history while offering exciting new tastes. Featuring over 70 special menu items, the resort’s culinary teams have crafted a collection that includes brand-new treats like the 70th Celebration Churro and the House filled Celebration Beignet, alongside nostalgic favorites with a contemporary twist, such as the Mickey Hat Cookie inspired by the iconic Mickey Mouse Club ears from 1955. 

Guests can also enhance their celebration experience by booking special dining events. Highlights include the World of Color Happiness! Dessert Party and Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade Dessert Party in Disney California Adventure Park. At Disneyland Park, the Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn offers a delightful lunch and reserved viewing for the dazzling “Paint the Night” parade. 

The menus across both parks and resort hotels feature a diverse array of options. Here’s a sampling: 

At Disneyland Park, new offerings range from the BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Pizza Slice at Alien Pizza Planet to refreshing specialty drinks like Blueberry Cocktail at Blue Bayou Restaurant. Bengal Barbecue serves up grilled Tahitian Ribs, while the churro carts offer the uniquely flavored 70th Celebration Churro rolled in ube sugar and topped with blue raspberry icing drizzle. For fans of desserts, there’s the Celebration Matterhorn Macaroon at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and the 70th Celebration Cake at Plaza Inn, available for limited dates. 

In Disney California Adventure Park, treats include the Banana Split Churro near Goofy’s Sky School and the Chili Cheese Corn Dog at Corn Dog Castle. The Karl Strauss Brewing Company 70th Anniversary IPA was specially brewed for the occasion and is available across select locations in both parks and resorts. 

For those wanting to take a piece of the celebration home, the resort offers a variety of commemorative buckets, sippers, tumblers, and other memorabilia available in both parks and select hotel locations. 

The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa have also joined the festivities with themed cocktails and specialty offerings, such as the Honey Gintini at GCH Craftsman Bar and the Little Lagoon nonalcoholic drink at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. 

Additionally, the Downtown Disney District offers unique treats like the Joyful Blueberry Cobbler Beignet at Beignets Expressed and the indulgent Cotton Candy Crazy shake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. 

To complement the celebration, guests can now purchase Joffrey’s Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Blend coffee, a dark roast made from 100% Arabica beans with chocolatey notes and a sweet finish, available starting May 16. 

With such a spectacular array of culinary delights and special experiences, the Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration is truly a feast for the senses. For the latest updates on new items and events, guests are encouraged to check official channels regularly and prepare to “celebrate happy” with every bite and sip. 

Cool Kid Summer Events at Walt Disney World Resort

This summer promises to be a season full of dance, play, and pure fun at Walt Disney World Resort, as Cool Kid Summer kicks off from May 27 through September 1. Whether you're a kid or simply young at heart, this vibrant event offers DJ fueled dance parties, surprise character drop ins, immersive activities, and endless summer vibes for the whole family. 

Cool Kid Summer Highlights Across the Parks 

EPCOT – Goofy Core at CommuniCore Hall   

Step into a world of goofiness as CommuniCore Hall becomes Goofy’s ultimate playground. Join Goofy for DJ led dance parties and whimsical twists on classic games like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks. Note that starting May 12, CommuniCore Hall will close temporarily for this transformation, but adjacent areas will stay open, so you won’t miss a beat while exploring the Flower & Garden Festival delights. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Embrace the Wild Side   

Get hands-on with pollinator themed crafts at Rafiki’s Planet Watch and earn a brand-new Wilderness Explorers Badge, celebrating your spirit of adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for some incredible wildlife, including tigers and okapi. Wind down your day with a lively interactive singalong on Discovery Island celebrating the park’s amazing animals through original music and storytelling. 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Action at Animation Courtyard   

Fuel creative energy with games, crafts, magicians, jump rope performers, and surprise character appearances. Young guests can dance and groove at an indoor DJ party featuring Mickey Mouse and Disney Junior friends. Plus, don’t miss the debut of two exciting stage shows: “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” which spotlights your favorite baddies, and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” with stunning performances of the classic tale. 

Magic Kingdom Park – Big Top Bash and Galactic Fun   

Dance your heart out under the Big Top with Pluto and a DJ ringmaster, surrounded by stilt walkers and jugglers. Over in Tomorrowland, party with Stitch at the high energy Galactic Blast, and enjoy an out of this world craft inspired by the upcoming Disney Pixar film “Elio.” Later in the summer, look forward to “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” featuring characters from “Encanto,” “Frozen,” “Coco,” and more. 

Extra Perks for Resort Guests   

Guests staying at Disney Resort Collection hotels can dive into free admission to one of the water parks on their check-in day—choose between Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, both open starting May 21. Plus, enjoy early theme park entry 30 minutes before regular opening hours and scheduled character visits at select resorts like Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Wilderness Lodge. 

Save Big This Summer   

Make the most of amazing deals such as 50% off kids’ tickets (ages 3-9) for visits starting May 27 through September 20, 2025, and 3day, 3park tickets starting at just $89 per day for EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Hotel savings of up to 30% are available for longer stays from August through October, along with special rates for Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, and Disney+ subscribers. 

With this treasure trove of entertainment, surprises, and savings, Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World Resort is your ultimate family getaway this season. Keep an eye out for more updates as the countdown to the most magical summer begins! 

Ready to plan your Cool Kid Summer adventure? Reach out to your favorite Carry on the Magic agent!