Theme Park News - October 13-19, 2026

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure Closure for Upgrades November 2025

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will take a brief break from November 10-13, 2025, to get some exciting upgrades! When it returns, guests can look forward to sharper, enhanced digital visuals and crystal-clear 2D imagery. Plus, in the coming months, Remy fans will notice brand-new props and lighting magic bringing even more charm to the queue and the ride itself. Stay tuned for a tastier, more magical adventure! 

Exciting News: Soarin’ to Launch a New Journey Celebrating America in Summer 2026

Get ready for a fresh take on the fan favorite Soarin’ attraction! Coming to both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in Summer 2026, “Soarin’ Across America” will offer guests an exhilarating new aerial adventure showcasing the diverse splendor of the United States. 

This updated experience will take visitors on a breathtaking tour from coast to coast, featuring the country’s stunning natural wonders and iconic urban skylines. The ride will retain the signature elements that make Soarin’ so memorable—the soaring sensation, captivating visuals, enchanting soundtrack, and immersive scents that bring each scene to life. 

Walt Disney Imagineering is busy crafting footage of more than a dozen spectacular American destinations for this fresh journey. Whether you board at Disney California Adventure or EPCOT, you’ll be swept up in a celebration of the nation’s heart and heritage as it approaches its 250th anniversary. 

Soarin’ Across America promises to blend awe inspiring sights with patriotic charm, delivering a truly unique experience for guests eager to explore the country’s treasures from a new vantage point. Stay tuned for more information as we learn it. 

Universal Kids Resort set to open in Texas in 2026

Universal Destinations & Experiences has revealed exciting new details about Universal Kids Resort, set to open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. This family focused resort is specially designed for young children and promises a unique experience with seven themed lands featuring beloved characters and brands. 

The resort’s themed lands include:  

• DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp: where families can meet Shrek and Fiona and enjoy interactive water play areas. 

• DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar: featuring carnival games and character encounters with Puss in Boots and friends. 

• Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club: a water-based play area centered around the antics of the Minions. 

• Jurassic World Adventure Camp: offering thrilling encounters with baby dinosaurs and a play area inspired by prehistoric creatures. 

• DreamWorks’ Trolls Fest: a lively music and party zone with meet and greet and interactive play areas. 

• Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom: featuring character meetups and play zones for aquatic fun. 

• Isle of Curiosity: a whimsical entry area where kids can meet Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse and enjoy exploratory play. 

Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, stated that the resort is designed to bring families together through play and storytelling, capturing the imagination and spirit of childhood. The creative team approached the park’s design with a child’s perspective in mind, emphasizing free spirited play and creativity. 

The resort will also include multiple sensory gardens to provide calming spaces for families to relax and connect amidst the excitement. Following a day of adventure, guests can unwind at the onsite 300-room Universal Kids Resort Hotel, designed with vibrant, family friendly themes and serving as the gateway to the park. 

Universal Kids Resort promises to be a joyful destination celebrating the magic of childhood, offering an array of interactive experiences that will captivate kids and families alike.  

Universal Orlando Unveils New Experiences for Wicked: For Good

Universal Orlando Resort is inviting guests to step into the captivating world of the highly anticipated Universal Pictures film, Wicked: For Good, with exciting new experiences launching October 31. Situated inside Universal Studios Florida, the immersive retail location, Wicked: The Experience, has been updated to offer visitors a deeper journey into the magical realm of Oz. 

The refreshed store features new elements such as film props, photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise, and surprises inspired by the sequel to the blockbuster hit Wicked. Visitors can explore immersive spaces modeled after iconic locations including Shiz University and the Emerald City, now enhanced with dazzling scenic design and exclusive displays showcasing costumes and props from the new film. 

Whether guests identify as “perfectly pink” or “positively emerald,” they can shop for an exclusive collection of merchandise inspired by Wicked: For Good. This new collection celebrates the Land of Oz and beloved characters from the epic conclusion, with products ranging from home goods and plush toys to bag charms, accessories, and apparel. 

In addition, guests can indulge in a variety of themed treats throughout Universal Orlando, including the Yellow Road Shake featuring Dulce de Leche ice cream and the Wizards Elixir Shake with Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, available at Schwab’s Pharmacy ice cream shop, among other offerings.