Theme park news today centers on a stormy early shutdown at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, plus Aaron Donald’s surprise return from retirement to the Los Angeles Rams.
Also in today’s theme park news roundup: Disney California Adventure’s Oogie Boogie Bash sells out every October date, Tokyo DisneySea reveals its 25th-anniversary fall merchandise, Universal Monsters toys arrive at Sonic Drive-In, and KATSEYE shares an update on its tour lineup.
The TLDR
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: The Central Florida park closed early on August 27 due to severe thunderstorms and reopened normally the next day.
- Oogie Boogie Bash 2026: All October dates at Disney California Adventure’s Halloween party are sold out; a few September dates remain.
- Tokyo DisneySea Merchandise: A reversible ¥9,500 jacket headlines a 25th-anniversary fall collection going on sale October 1.
- Sonic Wacky Packs: Universal Monsters-themed toys, including a Dracula figure, are rolling out at Sonic Drive-In.
- Aaron Donald / Rams: Donald ends a two-season retirement for a one-year, $20 million deal with the Rams.
- KATSEYE: Member Sophia will sit out the European/UK Wildworld Tour leg while resting; the remaining four members continue the tour.
Theme Parks & Roller Coasters
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Closes Early Amid Severe Storms
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay shut down early last Thursday, August 27, after announcing over its loudspeaker and social media channels that it was closing due to inclement weather, according to Inside the Magic. The area saw strong thunderstorms with wind gusts reported around 40 mph. The park reopened normally the following day.
Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 Sells Out Every October Date
Disney California Adventure’s Oogie Boogie Bash has sold out all of its October 2026 dates, with October 22 and 27 being the last two to go, according to WDW News Today. Only a handful of September dates remain for the Halloween-themed hard-ticket event. Fans hoping to attend this fall will need to look at the remaining September nights.
Tokyo DisneySea Unveils 25th Anniversary Fall Merchandise
Tokyo Disney Resort has revealed a fall merchandise collection celebrating Tokyo DisneySea’s 25th anniversary, according to WDW News Today. The lineup includes a reversible ¥9,500 jacket with a white and “Jubilee Blue” design plus a Mickey Mouse patch, alongside smaller items like a bucket hat, ear headband, and scarf. The collection goes on sale October 1 at the Emporio shop.
Universal Monsters Toys Land in Sonic Wacky Packs
Sonic Drive-In is rolling out a set of seven Universal Monsters-themed Wacky Pack toys, including a Dracula figure, according to Attractions Magazine. The toys follow the end of Sonic’s previous Hot Wheels Fast Foodies promotion.
Stadiums & Arenas
Aaron Donald Ends Retirement, Returns to the Rams
Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year deal worth $20 million, according to Front Office Sports. Donald, who had sat out the past two seasons, agreed to terms through his agent, Todd France. It hasn’t been confirmed whether he’ll be ready for the Rams’ season opener. For a look at another storied football venue, see our profile of Harvard Stadium, the nation’s oldest college football venue.
Live Music & Venues
KATSEYE’s Sophia to Sit Out European and UK Tour Dates
KATSEYE has confirmed that member Sophia will not join the European and UK leg of the group’s Wildworld Tour, according to Billboard. The group said Sophia is focusing on her well-being after doctors advised extended rest, with her status to be reassessed in September. The remaining four members are set to open the European leg in Dublin on September 1. Fans curious how loud a stadium show can get can check out our Decibel Levels Guide.
Explore more: Green Lantern, Harvard Stadium, Decibel Levels Guide.
Theme Park News FAQs
Why did Busch Gardens Tampa Bay close early?
The park closed on August 27, 2026, due to severe thunderstorms and wind gusts reported around 40 mph. It reopened normally the following day.
Are any Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 dates still available?
In today’s theme park news, all October 2026 dates for Disney California Adventure’s Oogie Boogie Bash are confirmed sold out. Only a few September dates remain for purchase.
What kind of deal did Aaron Donald sign with the Rams?
Aaron Donald signed a one-year, $20 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Rams after sitting out the past two seasons in retirement. It’s not yet confirmed if he’ll play in the season opener.
Is KATSEYE’s Sophia leaving the group?
No. Sophia is sitting out the European and UK leg of the Wildworld Tour to focus on her well-being, with her status set to be reassessed in September. KATSEYE will perform as a four-member group for those dates.
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Photo: ClaudiaTampa39 at en.wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.