Theme park news today is led by Shanghai Disneyland, where Imagineers have begun testing the track for the upcoming Spider-Man roller coaster, and by Disney’s BoardWalk, which is opening its new Hurly-Burly jazz club.
Also in today’s roundup: Futuroscope details its new sci-fi hotel, Sphere adds new effects to its Wizard of Oz experience, UltraTag Lasergames expands to the UK, a new Sense and Sensibility popcorn bucket arrives at theaters, the 2027 Tournament of Roses Royal Court visits Disneyland Resort, Attraktion! plans a second Querion park in Poland, and this theme park news roundup rounds out with stadium and live music updates.
The TLDR
- Theme Parks & Roller Coasters: Shanghai Disneyland Begins Testing Spider-Man Coaster Track
- Stadiums & Arenas: Presidents Cup Delivers Viewership Boost for NBC
- Live Music & Venues: Chris Granger Opens VenuesNow Conference With Focus on Human Connection
Theme Parks & Roller Coasters
Shanghai Disneyland Begins Testing Spider-Man Coaster Track
Imagineers have begun push-pull testing on the Spider-Man-themed roller coaster under construction at Shanghai Disneyland, moving the train along the completed track at roughly one centimeter per second to check clearances. Screamscape reports the update came from Shanghai Disney Resort’s own social media. Disney has not confirmed an opening date for the attraction.
Futuroscope Details New Sci-Fi Hotel
French theme park Futuroscope shared new details on its fourth on-site hotel, a sci-fi-themed property currently under construction and set to open in 2028. Per blooloop, the 240-room, four-star hotel will include a restaurant, bar, spa, a business center for up to 350 people, a 200-seat amphitheatre, six breakout rooms, and a new pedestrian bridge linking to the park’s Aquascope water park.
Sphere Adds Winged Monkeys and New Effects to Wizard of Oz
Sphere in Las Vegas has added new effects to its AI-powered “The Wizard of Oz” experience, including animatronic Winged Monkeys, scented apples falling from the ceiling, pyrotechnic fireworks, and a glitter effect tied to Glinda. blooloop reports the immersive film experience, which debuted last year, already uses more than 1,800 AI-generated elements alongside haptic seats and scent effects.
UltraTag Lasergames Expands to the UK
Dutch laser tag manufacturer UltraTag Lasergames is entering the United Kingdom market, with installations planned for Liverpool, Kirkby, and Romford this October, according to Amusement Today. The expansion follows the company signing its 100th client, a milestone announced at IAAPA Expo Europe in London, and will make the UK its ninth country of operation.
“Sense and Sensibility” Popcorn Bucket Coming to Theaters
A new “Sense and Sensibility” popcorn bucket shaped like a stack of antique books, with a lid modeled after the Jane Austen novel, is set to arrive at select Regal theaters starting October 14, per Attractions Magazine. Fandango is also offering the tin bundled with a movie ticket code for $44.99. The design has drawn attention from collectors who don’t typically pick up movie theater popcorn buckets.
2027 Rose Court Visits Disneyland Resort
The newly named 2027 Tournament of Roses Royal Court, seven high school students chosen for academic achievement, community service, and leadership, made their traditional visit to Disneyland Resort, posing with Mickey and Minnie in Halloween-themed attire, according to WDWNT. Members of the Royal Court each receive a $7,500 scholarship and will take part in the 2027 Rose Parade.
Hurly-Burly Jazz Club Opens at Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney’s BoardWalk is opening Hurly-Burly, a new dining and entertainment venue in the former Jellyrolls space, on October 1. Ahead of the opening, the club added a large exterior sign reading “Eat, Drink, and Be Maritime!” in teal and gold, per WDWNT. Attractions Magazine reports the venue runs family-friendly games like Disney Music Bingo from 4-9 p.m., then shifts to a 21-and-up live music format afterward with acts rotating nightly; it’s walk-up only, with no reservations accepted.
Attraktion! to Build Second Querion Park in Poland
Attraktion! announced it will design and supply a second Querion Hypermedia Entertainment Park, this one in Kolobrzeg, Poland, opening in summer 2027, according to Park World. The seaside venue will mirror the attraction lineup of the first Querion park in Piechowice, including FlyXD and other 4D/5D theater experiences. The news followed the first Querion location winning Best Family Entertainment Center at the 2026 Park World Excellence Awards.
Stadiums & Arenas
Presidents Cup Delivers Viewership Boost for NBC
NBC drew about 2 million viewers for the final round of the Presidents Cup, which wrapped Sunday, per Front Office Sports. That’s a notable jump from the 1.37 million average NBC drew for the event in 2024.
Live Music & Venues
Chris Granger Opens VenuesNow Conference With Focus on Human Connection
Oak View Group CEO Chris Granger opened the 2026 VenuesNow Conference in Seattle by urging venue executives to prioritize human connection over AI tools, according to Pollstar. Granger, who said he uses AI daily to track industry news, argued that technology can improve efficiency but can’t replicate the feeling of belonging that live venues provide.
Backstreet Boys’ Düsseldorf Residency Tops 450,000 Tickets
The Backstreet Boys’ ten-night “Into the Millennium – Homecoming: Live in Germany” residency at Düsseldorf’s Merkur Spiel-Arena has sold 450,000 tickets across its run, which continues through October 7, according to IQ Magazine. Promoter Live Nation is billing the shows as a homecoming, noting Germany was the country that gave the group its first platinum record three decades ago.
Theme Park News FAQs
When does Hurly-Burly open at Disney’s BoardWalk?
Hurly-Burly, the new dining and live entertainment venue replacing Jellyrolls, opens October 1 at Disney’s BoardWalk. It offers family-friendly games until 9 p.m. and 21-and-up live music afterward.
Where can I get the Sense and Sensibility popcorn bucket?
The book-shaped popcorn bucket arrives at select Regal theaters starting October 14, bundled with a large popcorn. Fandango also sells it online for $44.99 with a movie ticket code.
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Photo: Cabe6403 at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.