Theme park news today is led by a notable endorsement: veteran ride designer John Wardley, known for creating Nemesis at Alton Towers, told the BBC that Universal’s upcoming UK resort could be a “wake-up call” for Britain’s theme park industry — a sign of how much attention the 2031 Bedfordshire project is already drawing from industry veterans.
This theme park news roundup also covers Halloween updates from Hong Kong Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, construction progress on Carowinds’ new SuperFlume ride, a hotel sale from Imagicaaworld, and Dubai Parks and Resorts’ season reopening, plus Kylian Mbappé’s new sponsorship deal with On, the Tampa Bay Rays’ new ballpark partnership, and live music headlines including Shakira’s Madrid residency kickoff and Charlie Puth’s canceled Australia/New Zealand tour.
The TLDR
- Theme Parks & Roller Coasters: Universal’s Bedfordshire resort gets a ‘wake-up call’ endorsement from designer John Wardley, while Dubai Parks, Hong Kong Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Carowinds all post Halloween and construction updates.
- Stadiums & Arenas: Kylian Mbappé leaves Nike for On as the brand launches a new football division, with Thierry Henry joining as director of football.
- Live Music & Venues: Shakira kicks off a 12-show Madrid residency and the Tampa Bay Rays lock in Legends Global for their new ballpark, while Charlie Puth scraps his Australia/New Zealand tour.
Theme Parks & Roller Coasters
Universal’s UK Resort Called a Potential ‘Wake-Up Call’
Attractions designer John Wardley, whose credits include Nemesis at Alton Towers, told the BBC that Universal’s planned Bedfordshire resort could be a “wake-up call” for the UK theme park industry, according to Blooloop. Wardley said existing parks could benefit if they respond positively to the new competition. The Universal United Kingdom Resort is planned to include a theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a retail and dining complex, with an opening targeted for 2031.
Imagicaaworld Sells Hotel to Fund Park Growth
India’s Imagicaaworld Entertainment said its board approved selling its 287-key Novotel Imagicaa hotel in Khopoli to Juniper Hotels for about ₹248 crore, according to Amusement Today. The company said the sale frees up capital to reinvest in its parks business, which it describes as more profitable than its hotel operations. The deal still requires definitive agreements plus regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Hong Kong Disneyland Debuts New Halloween Stage Show
Hong Kong Disneyland’s 2026 Disney Halloween Time began September 18 and runs through November 1, headlined by a new stage show called Mickey’s Happy Halloween Adventure at the Castle of Magical Dreams, per WDW News Today. The show follows Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy through a pumpkin-patch adventure built around a new original song, “Halloween is Here,” and includes a costume parade for young guests. Fans comparing Disney’s fall offerings can also check out Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure.
Dubai Parks and Resorts Sets October Reopening Date
Dubai Parks and Resorts announced it will reopen to guests on October 7, 2026, restarting its season across MOTIONGATE Dubai, Real Madrid World, LEGOLAND Dubai Resort, and The World of Riverland, per Amusement Today. The reopening lines up with the region’s October school break, and new additions this season include bowling and Lamborghini racing simulators at The World of Riverland.
New Soup and Sandwich Station Opens at Coronado Springs
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort added a Soup and Sandwich Station inside its El Mercado quick-service restaurant, replacing what had been a pizza station, according to WDW News Today. The station, open from 11:30 a.m., serves three grilled cheese sandwiches paired with rotating soups, priced between $18 and $19.50, and pizza remains available nearby at the resort’s Fire Oven Station.
Knott’s Berry Farm Haunt Kills Off a Public-Domain Mickey Mouse
Knott’s Berry Farm’s 2026 Halloween lineup includes a new haunted house, Inked, in which the 1928 “Steamboat Willie” version of Mickey Mouse is found dead inside a giant mousetrap, according to Inside the Magic. The park can use that specific version of the character because the original “Steamboat Willie” film entered the public domain in 2024. The maze centers on a fictional 1930s cartoonist whose ink drawings come to life and target guests, similar in spirit to Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland.
Carowinds’ New SuperFlume Ride Takes Shape
Construction on Carowinds’ new water ride, Rip Roarin’ Falls, is moving quickly, with track, lift hills, and drop sections largely in place, according to Coaster101. The SuperFlume attraction is set to feature the world’s tallest reverse camelback drop at 43 feet and a rotating turntable mechanism for its final descent. It’s scheduled to open in spring 2027, replacing the former Rip Roarin’ Rapids.
Sacoa Cashless Tech Powers New Colombia Family Center
A new Playland family entertainment center has opened at the Portal del Prado shopping center in Barranquilla, Colombia, running on Sacoa’s cashless technology, according to Park World. The venue is equipped with 80 Sacoa Spark RFID readers, five point-of-sale stations, and two redemption kiosks across attractions including bumper cars and kiddie rides.
Stadiums & Arenas
Kylian Mbappé Leaves Nike as On Launches Soccer Division
Swiss sportswear brand On announced it has signed Kylian Mbappé as it launches a new football division, ending the French star’s nearly two-decade sponsorship with Nike, according to Front Office Sports. Thierry Henry joins On as director of football as part of the new division, which marks the brand’s first major push into team sports.
Live Music & Venues
VenuesNow Conference Announces Panels on Women, AI, and Venue Design
Organizers of the VenuesNow Conference (VNC), set for September 29–30 at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, announced three panels covering serving women at live events, integrating AI into venue operations, and the expanding role of venue design and architecture, according to Pollstar. The conference marks VNC’s return to Seattle for the first time since 2021.
Tampa Bay Rays Partner with Legends Global on New Ballpark
The Tampa Bay Rays announced a long-term partnership with Legends Global, which will act as owner’s representative and lead sponsorship, premium seating, and suite sales for the team’s new stadium, according to Pollstar. The 31,000-seat ballpark is planned on about 120 acres near Tampa’s Westshore District and is set to open in 2029.
Charlie Puth Cancels Australia and New Zealand Arena Dates
Charlie Puth has canceled his upcoming Australian and New Zealand arena dates, scrapping a six-show run that was set to open at Auckland’s Spark Arena in November, according to Billboard. Ticket holders are being emailed with automatic refunds, and no reason for the cancellation has been given. The shows were part of the tour supporting Puth’s album Whatever’s Clever!
Shakira Opens 12-Show Madrid Residency
Shakira opened her 12-show Madrid residency on September 18 at the custom-built Shakira Stadium venue in the city’s Macondo Park, according to Billboard. It’s her first return to Spanish stages in years, with remaining dates running through October 11. The residency ties into “Es Latina,” a broader cultural program around the venue featuring art, film, and food alongside the concerts.
Explore more: Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure, Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland.
Theme Park News FAQs
When will Universal’s new UK theme park resort open?
The Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedfordshire is planned to open in 2031. It will include a theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.
When does Dubai Parks and Resorts reopen for the season?
Dubai Parks and Resorts reopens to guests on October 7, 2026, covering MOTIONGATE Dubai, Real Madrid World, LEGOLAND Dubai Resort, and The World of Riverland.
Why did Charlie Puth cancel his Australia and New Zealand tour?
Charlie Puth canceled his six-date Australia and New Zealand arena run, which was set to begin in Auckland in November. No official reason has been announced, and ticket holders are receiving automatic refunds.
How many shows is Shakira playing in her Madrid residency?
Shakira’s Madrid residency is a 12-show run at the custom-built Shakira Stadium venue, which began September 18 and continues through October 11, 2026.
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