Here are today’s 6 verified theme park & live event stories, covering Theme Parks & Roller Coasters and Stadiums & Arenas.
Every item below links to its original source.
The TLDR
- Theme Parks & Roller Coasters: Universal Studios Hollywood Limits New Coaster’s Morning Hours
- Stadiums & Arenas: WNBA’s Opening Playoff Round Sets Viewership Record
Theme Parks & Roller Coasters
Universal Studios Hollywood Limits New Coaster’s Morning Hours
Universal Studios Hollywood will keep its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster from operating between 8 and 9 a.m. through the end of 2026, according to The Orange County Register. The restriction follows noise complaints from residents near the park, and Universal says it is adding sound barriers while maintaining the ride already meets sound standards stricter than local regulations. The high-speed outdoor coaster, which spins riders through 360-degree rotations, opened at the park earlier in 2026, joining a wave of new coaster debuts this year that also includes Hersheypark’s Trailblazer mine train.
Disneyland Adds Winter-Themed Ear Headbands
Disneyland Resort rolled out three new $38.99 ear headband styles for the winter season at the World of Disney shop in Downtown Disney, per WDW News Today. The lineup includes a champagne gold sequin headband, a burgundy glitter version, and a white sherpa-fabric style with a corduroy bow. The sherpa and burgundy glitter styles are also available at Walt Disney World.
Adventureland’s Charity Arm to Give $15,000 at Halloween Event
Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation will sponsor the Long Island park’s Pumpkin Park event for the first time, distributing $15,000 among 15 local nonprofits at $1,000 each, according to Amusement Today. The event, included with park admission, runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, alongside the Turbulence Coaster, Music Express, Ferris Wheel, and trick-or-treating along Sweet Street.
Disney Moves Santa Meet-and-Greet to New Animal Kingdom Spot
Walt Disney World is relocating its Animal Kingdom Santa meet-and-greet to a new area called Santa’s Holiday Grove, near Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond!, reports Inside the Magic. The move follows the permanent closure of Restaurantosaurus, Santa’s previous DinoLand U.S.A. location, earlier this year. The new holiday trail is planned to include light snow effects and festive food and drink during the park’s November 13-January 6 holiday season.
Disney World Reveals New Jollywood Nights Lounge and Merchandise
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut a retro-styled Checkin’ It Twice Lounge in Animation Courtyard for this year’s Jollywood Nights after-hours event, complete with a live DJ, according to Attractions Magazine. New holiday merchandise includes Santa-hat-wearing Gertie the Dinosaur items and a Duffy-themed pin, ears, and mug. Jollywood Nights runs select nights from November 7 through January 5.
Stadiums & Arenas
WNBA’s Opening Playoff Round Sets Viewership Record
The WNBA’s first playoff round, which wrapped up last week, averaged 1.3 million viewers across ESPN, Prime Video, and USA Network — the most-watched opening round in league history, per Front Office Sports. The deciding Game 3 between the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever on October 1 drew 2.3 million viewers, the second-highest first-round audience ever behind a 2024 Fever-Connecticut Sun game. Viewership was up 37% over 2025’s first round.
Explore more: Trailblazer at Hersheypark, Canvas Stadium.
Get More from Theme Park News
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Theme Park News, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.