New Rides & Coaster Openings

Tormenta Rampaging Run Sets Six World Records at Six Flags Over Texas — Opening June 26

The countdown is officially on at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, where Tormenta Rampaging Run opens June 26. This B&M giga dive coaster stands 309 feet tall, reaches 87 mph, and stretches 4,199 feet of track — simultaneously claiming the titles of world’s tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster, plus three additional records, for six total. Themed to the Spanish tradition of the running of the bulls, Tormenta earns a brand-new classification: the first-ever “giga dive coaster,” combining a giga’s massive scale with the iconic beyond-vertical drop of a dive machine. It is arguably the most significant new coaster opening of 2026.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Continues to Win Over Guests

Disney’s rethemed indoor launch coaster at Hollywood Studios — now starring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem — opened Memorial Day weekend and has earned enthusiastic guest reviews well into June. Walt Disney Imagineering overhauled the entire experience with new ride vehicles, a fully redesigned pre-show, and a fresh Hollywood concert soundtrack featuring Electric Mayhem covers with guest artists. If you’re building a Walt Disney World trip around it, our complete Magic Kingdom height requirements guide covers every Walt Disney World ride-access tier so you can plan without surprises.

Alabama Adventure’s Rampage Wooden Coaster Reopens After Extended Closure

Fans of the Southeast’s classic woodens got big news when Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure welcomed back Rampage with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 19. The beloved wooden coaster, which originally debuted in 1998, had been sidelined for an extended period, making its return one of the most anticipated regional park moments of the summer. Park officials also teased a second major fan-favorite announcement tied to the same event — keeping anticipation high for what comes next at this underrated Alabama gem.

Fun-Plex Omaha Launches Mammoth, Nebraska’s Tallest Roller Coaster

Summer arrived large at Fun-Plex in Omaha, Nebraska, with the debut of Mammoth, the state’s newest and largest coaster at 70 feet tall. The park also unveiled a redesigned dry-side experience including the Fun-Plex Speedway go-kart attraction, plus a recurring Friday Night Rides event series that kicked off June 19. For a regional family park, this is a meaningful leap that puts Fun-Plex squarely on the Midwest coaster map.

Park News & Expansions

Carowinds Announces World-Record “Rip Roarin’ Falls” Log Flume for 2027

Carowinds made a massive 2027 announcement this week: Rip Roarin’ Falls, a WhiteWater-built super flume that will claim three world records simultaneously — tallest flume drop (100 feet), tallest reverse drop (42 feet), and tallest reverse camelback (32 feet). The 6.5-minute ride covers 2,240 feet of track and tops out at 50 mph, replacing the former Raging Rapids site that closed in 2019. A 35-inch height requirement keeps it accessible for families of all sizes, positioning Rip Roarin’ Falls to be a signature multi-generational draw for years to come.

Holiday World Teases “Project Flip Flop” — Largest Investment in Park History

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, sent the enthusiast community into a frenzy by announcing “Project Flip Flop,” a mystery 2027 attraction billed as the single largest investment in the park’s history. Located in “Boulder Canyon” on the site of the former Raging Rapids (closed 2023), the project has its own dedicated website and social channels — but zero details on ride type, height, or manufacturer. Speculation is running wide open across coaster forums, with water coasters and launched wooden rides among the top guesses.

Disney Springs Restricts Bus and Watercraft Access Starting June 28

Walt Disney World announced one of its largest Disney Springs policy changes in recent memory: starting June 28, guests boarding Disney Resort buses or the Sassagoula River Cruise at Disney Springs must provide proof of a confirmed resort stay or qualifying dining reservation at their destination hotel. The move ends the longtime casual use of Disney’s free transportation network by day-trippers and non-resort guests visiting the shopping district.

Disney Lakeshore Lodge Revealed as Full DVC Property with 876 Vacation Homes

A Florida state filing this week disclosed that Disney’s upcoming Lakeshore Lodge along Bay Lake at Walt Disney World will be structured entirely as a Disney Vacation Club timeshare property — comprising 876 vacation homes across 967 units. Non-Members will still be able to book cash night stays, consistent with other DVC resorts, but the filing also confirmed strict resale restrictions. The resort targets a summer 2027 opening and will join a Bay Lake waterfront that already includes Bay Lake Tower and The Grand Floridian Villas.

Six Flags Expands Flexible Membership to Six Additional Parks

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation rolled out its subscription-style Membership program to six more parks starting June 8: Carowinds, Dorney Park, Kings Dominion, Kings Island, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels now all offer multi-park cluster access for a monthly fee. The expansion brings more former Cedar Fair parks under the unified Six Flags guest-loyalty umbrella — a key step in merging the two companies’ pass structures after their 2024 combination. If Kings Island is on your list, our Kings Island height requirements guide has every ride tier mapped out for easy trip planning.

Six Flags Great America Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebration on June 20

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, launched its 50th Anniversary Celebration on June 20, with festivities running through August 9. Highlights include a custom drone show, a nightly “50 Years of Thrills” parade, a “Memories in Motion” stage show, and decade-themed entertainment tracing the park’s origins back to its 1976 opening. A Firehouse Ice Cream Parlor pop-up serving nostalgic flavors from the park’s inaugural year adds a sweet finishing touch to the milestone season.

Park Tech & Events

Universal Epic Universe Reveals “Celestial Goodnight” Nighttime Spectacular

Universal Orlando officially announced its first permanent nighttime show at Epic Universe: Universal Celestial Goodnight, debuting July 7. The production features nearly 600 synchronized light fixtures, more than 350 fountains, seven million LED lights, and a fireworks finale woven through storytelling from all five Epic Universe themed worlds. If you’re planning a trip for the debut, our complete Universal Orlando Resort height requirements guide covers every attraction across the full resort campus so you can plan the whole day.

Stranger Things Final Season Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 2026

Universal confirmed that Stranger Things — featuring content from Netflix’s final season of the beloved sci-fi thriller — will anchor Halloween Horror Nights at both Universal Orlando (select nights August 28–November 1) and Universal Studios Hollywood (starting select nights September 3). Guests will walk through the Wheeler House, Hawkins National Laboratory, and the Upside Down while confronting Demogorgons and Vecna. It marks the franchise’s fourth appearance at HHN, following runs in 2018, 2019, and 2023.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 Tickets Now on Sale

Disney California Adventure’s beloved after-hours Halloween party went back on sale this week: Inspire Key Holders got first access on June 16, followed by general Magic Key holder access June 17, and public on sale June 18. Oogie Boogie Bash runs select nights August 18 through October 31, 2026, and historically sells out weeks in advance. If a Disneyland Halloween visit is on your radar, tickets are available now through the Disneyland Resort website.

Dorney Park Debuts “Viva La Fiesta” Latin Festival Starting June 20

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Pennsylvania, added a new seasonal event to its 2026 lineup: Viva La Fiesta, a Latin-inspired cultural festival running Saturdays and Sundays from June 20 through July 26. Live Latin music, dance performances, themed cuisine, and festive décor fill the park on event weekends. The launch follows earlier 2026 seasonal programming like the Splash! Water Parade, signaling an expanded and more diverse entertainment calendar for Dorney under Six Flags management.

Sources

• Amusement Today — Alabama Adventure’s Rampage roller coaster reopens June 19, 2026
• Attractions Magazine — Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas: six world records
• Theme Park Insider — Carowinds announces world-record Rip Roarin’ Falls log flume for 2027
• WDWNT — Disney Springs bans bus and watercraft access for non-resort guests June 2026
• PR Newswire — Six Flags Flexible Membership expands to six additional parks

Featured image — Photo: Martin Lewison / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Tormenta Rampaging Run open at Six Flags Over Texas?

Tormenta Rampaging Run opens June 26, 2026, at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. The B&M giga dive coaster stands 309 feet tall, reaches 87 mph, and covers 4,199 feet of track — breaking six world records simultaneously, including world’s tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster.

What is the new nighttime show at Universal Epic Universe?

Universal Celestial Goodnight is Epic Universe’s first permanent nighttime spectacular, debuting July 7, 2026. It features nearly 600 synchronized light fixtures, more than 350 fountains, seven million LED lights, and a fireworks finale built around storytelling from all five of Epic Universe’s themed worlds.

What happened to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was rethemed from Aerosmith to The Muppets and reopened as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets on May 26, 2026. Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem now host guests on a high-speed Hollywood concert adventure, complete with redesigned vehicles, a new pre-show, and an updated Electric Mayhem soundtrack.

How can I buy Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 tickets?

Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 tickets went on general public sale June 18, 2026, through the Disneyland Resort website. The after-hours Halloween party at Disney California Adventure runs select nights August 18 through October 31, 2026, and typically sells out weeks ahead of each event date.

What is Holiday World’s “Project Flip Flop”?

Project Flip Flop is the codename for Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s mystery 2027 attraction in Santa Claus, Indiana — billed as the single largest investment in the park’s history. It will be built in “Boulder Canyon” on the former Raging Rapids site, but the park has not revealed the ride type, height, or manufacturer yet.

The post Tormenta Tops 309 Feet, Muppets Coaster Thrills, Rampage Returns, HHN Gets Stranger Things: 14 Must-Know Theme Park Stories (June 21, 2026) appeared first on ThrillZing.

New Rides & Coaster Openings

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Returns to Disneyland Just in Time for Toy Story 5

After a nearly two-month refurbishment, Disneyland’s beloved interactive shooter reopened on June 13, 2026—timed precisely ahead of the June 19 theatrical premiere of Toy Story 5. The blaster targeting systems and ride mechanics received a full overhaul, restoring the Space Ranger mission experience to peak condition. Disney’s deliberate timing of the reopening with a major IP release continues a playbook the company has used effectively across the resort.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind Gets Its Reopen Date at Disney California Adventure

Disney confirmed that Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind at Disney California Adventure will reopen June 19, 2026, ending a puzzling four-month closure that began in late February. No official explanation for the extended downtime was provided, though the spinner was observed completing test cycles as of June 12. The return of the Memory Mover spinner adds a key family draw as peak summer attendance builds across the resort.

Hersheypark’s Tidal Force Will Ride Its Last Wave on September 7

In one of the week’s most emotional announcements, Hersheypark revealed on June 11 that Tidal Force—a 100-foot water flume ride open since 1994—will permanently close after Labor Day weekend on September 7. The 32-year-old attraction remains one of the tallest water rides in the eastern United States, delivering a 50-plus-mph plunge on every cycle. No replacement plans have been announced, though park-watchers widely expect the Boardwalk zone to see a significant transformation following the closure.

Men in Black: Alien Attack Completes Refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida

Universal’s long-running interactive blaster dark ride wrapped its scheduled June 1–16 maintenance window and was cleared to welcome guests back to MIB headquarters before the week’s end. The closure covered standard effects upkeep and blaster system servicing. Fans tracking Universal’s broader portfolio should also check our weekly theme park roundup from June 7 for last week’s Epic Universe milestone coverage.

Quantum Accelerator Dual-Launch Straddle Coaster Ready for Six Flags New England Season

Six Flags New England positioned Quantum Accelerator—the park’s new dual-launch straddle coaster reaching 45 mph—as the centerpiece of its 2026 season opening. The ride marks the first straddle coaster in the New England market and is designed to appeal to both thrill enthusiasts and families taking their first step into launch coasters. If you want to understand the engineering behind launch systems versus classic lift hills, our roller coaster inversions guide covers the core mechanics in detail.

Park News & Expansions

Disney Discloses Seven New Themed Lands Under Simultaneous Construction

A comprehensive industry update on June 13 confirmed that Disney currently has seven major themed lands under active construction across its global parks—the largest simultaneous expansion portfolio the company has managed in the modern era. Key projects include Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom (targeting 2027, featuring Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions), Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios (targeting summer 2028 with an indoor suspended coaster), and a Spider-Man Land at Shanghai Disneyland slated for possible 2027 delivery. The aggressive development pace reflects Disney’s response to Universal’s successfully launched Epic Universe.

Six Flags Rolls Its Flexible Membership Program to Six Additional Parks

Beginning June 8, Six Flags extended its subscription-based membership to six additional parks including Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Dorney Park, Kings Island, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Schlitterbahn. Monthly plans bundle free parking, food and merchandise discounts, and tiered multi-park access, with the Prestige tier covering every Six Flags property nationwide. The expansion signals the industry’s accelerating shift from seasonal passes to flexible subscription models built to drive repeat visits year-round.

Kings Dominion Launches Its Own Subscription Membership with Regional Multi-Park Access

Kings Dominion & Soak City officially launched its subscription membership program on June 8, offering flexible monthly pricing and tiered access to partner parks across the mid-Atlantic and Southeast including Carowinds and Six Flags Great Adventure. The Gold tier targets regional families who visit multiple parks each season, while Prestige holders unlock full system-wide access across all Six Flags parks. Analysts see the coordinated rollout as one of the most significant loyalty strategy shifts in regional park history.

Dollywood Launches Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration with Patriotic Drone and Fireworks Show

Announced during the June 12 window, Dollywood kicked off its Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration on June 15 with a nod to America’s 250th anniversary. The headlining entertainment is Sweet Summer Nights, a synchronized drone and fireworks show featuring patriotic formations above the Smokies skyline. Splash Country water park opened its 26th season alongside the event, adding new Neon Nights after-hours programming to extend evening revenue opportunities for the park.

Shanghai Disneyland Unveils Full “With You, It’s Magic+” 10th Anniversary Celebration

Ahead of its official June 16 anniversary date, Shanghai Disneyland revealed the complete program for its decade celebration, titled “With You, It’s Magic+”—the “+” symbol representing 10 in Chinese numerology. New offerings include a castle stage show called The Heart of Magic, updated parade segments featuring Zootopia and Duffy & Friends characters, and extended nighttime entertainment programming. Anniversary merchandise and limited-edition food items will be available across the entire 2026 calendar year.

Park Tech & Events

Epic Universe Begins Fireworks Infrastructure Testing for Celestial Goodnight Spectacular

The week’s most-watched tech development came from Epic Universe, where audio and pyrotechnic system testing for an unannounced show—widely identified as “Universal Celestial Goodnight”—kicked off in earnest around June 12. Aerial observation documented fireworks mortar tubes staged at a permanent launch site near the Helios Grand Hotel, alongside newly installed spotlights and control systems integrated into the Constellation Fountain. Universal has made no official announcement, but the scope and permanence of the installation points strongly to a full debut before the end of 2026.

US Claims the Top Spot in TTW’s 2026 Global Amusement Park Destination Rankings

Travel and Tour World released its annual Top 50 Amusement Park Travel Destinations on June 13, naming the United States the world’s number-one amusement park destination for 2026. Canada, Mexico, France, and Japan rounded out the top five. The report highlighted how immersive storytelling, expanding themed universes, and multi-generational appeal have made amusement parks a primary driver of international travel decisions rather than a secondary add-on.

Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 Reveals Ticket Pricing, Dates, and New Haunted Mansion Entertainment

Disney California Adventure released the full ticket sale schedule and event details for Oogie Boogie Bash 2026, covering 33 after-hours nights from August 18 through October 31. Prices range from $139 to $199 depending on the night and advance purchase window. The headline new addition is “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake — A Haunted Mansion Street Party,” expanding the event’s IP entertainment roster ahead of what is expected to be one of the most-attended Halloween seasons in the resort’s history.

Multi-Park Membership Rollout Requires Major Ticketing Technology Integration Across Former Cedar Fair Parks

The backend work enabling Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Dorney Park, and other former Cedar Fair properties to honor Six Flags flexible membership credentials required significant gate technology and ticketing platform integration across parks that previously ran on entirely separate systems. The seamless cross-park validation now live as of June 8 represents one of the more technically ambitious post-merger IT milestones following Six Flags’ acquisition and consolidation of Cedar Fair-era properties. Industry observers expect the unified technology stack to support further loyalty features—including dynamic pricing and mobile-native queue systems—throughout 2026 and beyond.

Sources

• WDW News Today — Disneyland’s Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Reopening Date Revealed
• AllEars.net — An Iconic Theme Park Ride Is Permanently Closing After 32 Years
• MickeyVisit — Disney Has 7 New Theme Park Lands Currently Under Construction
• PR Newswire — Six Flags Introduces Flexible Membership Program at Six Additional Parks
• Amusement Today — Kings Dominion Introduces Flexible Membership, Unlocking Access to Carowinds, Six Flags Great Adventure and More

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters reopen at Disneyland in 2026?

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters reopened on June 13, 2026, after a nearly two-month refurbishment timed to coincide with the June 19 theatrical release of Toy Story 5. The overhaul covered blaster systems and ride mechanics throughout the attraction.

What is Tidal Force at Hersheypark and when is it closing permanently?

Tidal Force is a 100-foot water flume ride at Hersheypark that has operated since 1994, making it one of the tallest water rides in the eastern United States. Hersheypark announced on June 11, 2026, that the ride will permanently close on September 7, 2026, after 32 seasons of operation.

What is Universal’s Celestial Goodnight show at Epic Universe?

Universal Celestial Goodnight is a nighttime fireworks and light spectacular currently in development at Epic Universe in Orlando. As of June 2026, fireworks mortar infrastructure, spotlights, and control systems were being tested near the Helios Grand Hotel and Constellation Fountain, suggesting a debut before the end of 2026, though Universal has not made an official announcement.

How many new Disney theme park lands are currently under construction?

As of June 2026, Disney has seven new themed lands simultaneously under active construction across its global parks. Highlights include Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom (targeting 2027), Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios (targeting 2028), and Spider-Man Land at Shanghai Disneyland (possibly 2027), among four additional projects worldwide.

What is the Six Flags flexible membership program and which parks does it cover?

The Six Flags flexible membership is a subscription-based plan offering monthly payments, free parking, food and merchandise discounts, and tiered multi-park access. As of June 8, 2026, the program expanded to six additional parks—Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Dorney Park, Kings Island, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Schlitterbahn—with the Prestige tier granting access to every Six Flags property nationwide.

The post Buzz Lightyear Back, Tidal Force Closing, Disney Builds 7 Lands, Epic Universe Fireworks: 14 Must-Know Theme Park Stories (June 14, 2026) appeared first on ThrillZing.

New Rides & Coaster Openings

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Marks One Week Open at Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrated the first week of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, which opened May 26 and instantly became one of the most-discussed new attractions at Walt Disney World. The Electric Mayhem band leads guests through a chaotic Hollywood recording-studio-to-concert sprint at 60 mph, featuring an entirely revamped pre-show, a reimagined G-Force Records queue, and a new soundtrack of Electric Mayhem covers performed with guest artists. Virtual queue access remains in place, so early-morning ride reservations are still essential. If you want context on the launch mechanics powering this iconic coaster, our guide to 8 Powerful Roller Coaster Launch Systems Explained covers everything from LSM to hydraulic launches.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Welcomes First Riders at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-ever outdoor high-speed roller coaster welcomed early riders in late May, with a full public debut expected this summer. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift tops out at 72 mph via Intamin multi-launch technology, making it the fastest coaster in the entire Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio. The 4,100-foot track features 360-degree spinning ride vehicles styled as Dom Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger, Brian’s 1994 Toyota Supra, Han’s RX-7, and other franchise icons — all built with sound-reduction technology to limit neighborhood noise. Universal Studios Florida is already confirmed for its own version of the coaster in 2027.

Werewolf Gorge Announced as World’s Longest Family Launch Coaster

Six Flags Fiesta Texas unveiled Werewolf Gorge on June 1, claiming the record as the world’s longest family launch coaster at 4,120 feet of Vekoma-built track. Four launches propel riders to 45 mph through a haunted silver-mine quarry where a centuries-old werewolf curse lurks, delivering 32 floater airtime moments and a dramatic mid-course rollback. The 39-inch height requirement makes it the ideal gateway coaster for younger thrill-seekers, while the immersive Museum of Cryptids queue adds serious storytelling depth. Werewolf Gorge is set to debut as part of the park’s 35th anniversary season in 2027.

Tormenta Rampaging Run Enters Active Testing Phase at Six Flags Over Texas

The most anticipated coaster of 2026 is rolling — Tormenta Rampaging Run is now running mechanical test cycles at Six Flags Over Texas, confirming the 309-foot record-breaking giga dive coaster is functional. The world’s tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster reaches 87 mph and drops riders 285 feet at a beyond-vertical 95-degree angle, shattering six world records. Despite the test cycles, a late-summer opening (July–August) is now the most realistic timeline after enthusiast-event ride previews scheduled for May were quietly dropped from itineraries. For a deep dive into the braking systems that handle those extreme vertical drops, see our breakdown of magnetic vs. friction coaster brakes.

Bluey’s Wild World Gets Standby Queue Access at Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World upgraded Bluey’s Wild World at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on June 2, adding a standard standby queue and eliminating the earlier reservation-only return time system. Guests can now board the Wildlife Express Train at Harambe Station and walk up to the Conservation Station experience without pre-booking — a significant quality-of-life improvement for families arriving mid-day. The change reflects Disney’s ongoing refinement of its virtual-queue and reservation strategy as guest feedback pushes toward more flexible access.

Park News & Expansions

Epic Universe Marks One Year with Expansion Permits and New Character

Universal’s Epic Universe reached its first anniversary on May 22 having generated roughly $2 billion for Florida’s economy — and the celebration kicked off a week of significant news. A new character meet & greet, Captain Cacao, launched in Celestial Park, and limited-edition anniversary merchandise including a gold Power Up Band hit the shelves. More consequentially, construction permits have been filed tied to new buildings in the Dark Universe land and an expansion within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — the park’s first confirmed growth signals. Multi-day tickets were also updated this week to include all three Universal Orlando parks on every day of the pass.

Universal Kids Resort Texas Sets July 1 Opening

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas officially confirmed a July 1, 2026 public opening, with tickets and vacation packages now on sale. The park features seven themed lands — Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Minions vs. Minions, TrollsFest, Puss in Boots Del Mar, and Gabby’s Dollhouse — as well as a 300-room hotel directly at the entrance. It marks Universal Destinations & Experiences’ first regional park built entirely for families with young children.

Dollywood Quietly Drops Spring Opening for NightFlight Expedition

NightFlight Expedition — Dollywood’s largest single attraction investment at over $50 million — had its “Spring 2026” opening window quietly removed from the park’s official website this week, with the page now reading simply “2026.” The first-of-its-kind hybrid experience combines a family coaster, dark ride, and whitewater-raft sequence inside Wildwood Grove, and team members are now directing guests to return “later this season.” A summer or early fall debut now appears most likely based on current progress reports from the enthusiast community.

Carousel of Progress Confirmed for Major Refresh with Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic

Disney officially confirmed that the Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom will close July 6, 2026 for an extensive update, expected to reopen in 2027. The centerpiece addition is a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure in the show’s opening scene, inspired by the 1964 World’s Fair presentation. All four acts will shift to new time periods: a 1960s scene featuring the 1969 moon landing, a 1985 Halloween night, New Year’s Eve 1999, and a future scene set in an off-planet home. The update is among the most widely requested changes by long-tenured Disney fans.

Six Flags Great Adventure Debuts Shoreline Pier Boardwalk Expansion

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey is launching Shoreline Pier — a new waterfront boardwalk area featuring expanded retail, dining, and entertainment — along with a brand-new twice-daily parade for summer 2026. The development continues the broader investment program Six Flags committed to following the 2024 Cedar Fair merger, and additional seasonal wildlife encounter events are planned throughout the summer. Fans of the park’s coaster lineup may also want to revisit 6 Best Kings Island Coaster Experiences in Ohio for a cross-brand perspective on what the merged portfolio now offers.

Park Tech & Events

IAAPA Expo Asia Gathers Global Industry in Hong Kong

The attractions industry’s flagship international trade event, IAAPA Expo Asia, runs June 9–12 in Hong Kong, drawing ride manufacturers, theme park operators, and technology vendors from around the world. Announcements expected to emerge from the floor include new ride installations, immersive show-system partnerships, and sustainability commitments from manufacturers including Intamin, Mack Rides, Vekoma, and Zamperla. The event comes as global theme park attendance continues a multi-year rebound and capital investment in new attractions hits a high not seen since before 2020.

Six Flags Expands Flexible Membership to Six More Parks

Six Flags rolled out its Flexible Membership Program to six additional parks this month, enabling subscribers to access multiple properties under a single year-round membership. Kings Dominion joined the program independently, giving its members access to Carowinds, Six Flags Great Adventure, and partner parks under the same subscription tier. The move mirrors Universal’s multi-park ticketing update and Disney’s park-hopper model as regional operators compete aggressively for season-pass dollars heading into peak summer season.

Disney Cruise Line Launches Three Sweeping Fleetwide Policy Changes

Disney Cruise Line began a phased rollout of three significant new guest policies this week, starting June 3. Guests 21 and older may now bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne — or six 12-oz beers — aboard at embarkation, with a corkage fee reduced to $20. Selfie sticks and folding tripods under 18 inches are now permitted throughout the ship. Stateroom decorations are restricted to door-only placement. The policies completed their rollout across the full fleet by June 8.

LEGOLAND California Hosts Global Soccer Celebration in MINILAND USA

LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is running a special soccer takeover inside MINILAND USA this month, centering on a scale LEGO replica of SoFi Stadium decked out for the ongoing FIFA World Cup festivities hosted in the Los Angeles area. Interactive elements tie into the global LEGO soccer celebration, giving families an educational and hands-on complement to the larger event footprint in Southern California. LEGOLAND’s park model continues to attract guests seeking a lower-intensity alternative to the large-gate Universal and Disney properties nearby.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari Opens 70th Anniversary Season on June 10

New York’s largest water theme park, Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge, officially opens its 70th anniversary season on Wednesday, June 10. The park has been a Adirondacks vacation staple since 1956 and continues to draw families for its classic-park experience rooted in slides, wave pools, and themed attractions. The anniversary season is expected to feature special programming and retrospective events throughout the summer.

Sources

• Amusement Today — Six Flags Fiesta Texas Unleashes Werewolf Gorge, the World’s Longest Family Launch Roller Coaster
• AllEars.Net — Six Flags Announces NEW Record-Breaking Roller Coaster
• Carry On The Magic Vacations — Theme Park News, June 1, 2026
• Orlando Park Stop — Epic Universe One-Year Anniversary News: New Sky Lights, Captain Cacao, and Expansion Permits
• Inside the Magic — Dollywood Pulls Planned Opening From Official Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opened on May 26, 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. The ride features The Electric Mayhem band in an all-new Hollywood adventure and currently uses a virtual queue for guest access.

What is Werewolf Gorge and where is it located?

Werewolf Gorge is a record-setting family launch coaster announced on June 1, 2026 for Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. Built by Vekoma, it spans 4,120 feet — the longest family launch coaster ever built — with four launches reaching 45 mph, 32 floater airtime moments, and a werewolf-curse storyline set in a haunted silver mine. It opens in 2027 as part of the park’s 35th anniversary season.

Is Tormenta Rampaging Run open yet at Six Flags Over Texas?

No. As of early June 2026, Tormenta Rampaging Run is in active mechanical testing and does not have a confirmed public opening date. Current projections from the enthusiast community point to a late summer 2026 debut — likely July or August — after May preview events were removed from park schedules.

What is happening with Epic Universe’s first anniversary?

Universal’s Epic Universe marked its first anniversary on May 22, 2026, with the park having generated roughly $2 billion for Florida’s economy in year one. Anniversary week highlights included the debut of Captain Cacao as a new character meet & greet, limited-edition gold Power Up Bands, and construction permit filings pointing to expansion in the Dark Universe and Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas.

When does Universal Kids Resort in Texas open and what is inside?

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas officially opens on July 1, 2026. The park includes seven themed lands — Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Minions vs. Minions, TrollsFest, Puss in Boots Del Mar, and Gabby’s Dollhouse — plus a 300-room on-site hotel. Tickets and vacation packages are currently available for purchase.

The post Fast Furious Drift Opens, Tormenta Rampaging Run Tests, Epic Universe Turns One, Dollywood NightFlight Delayed: 15 Must-Know Theme Park Stories (June 7, 2026) appeared first on ThrillZing.

New Rides & Coaster Openings

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s beloved indoor thrill ride reopened May 26 with a full Muppets retheme, retiring the Aerosmith branding that had defined the attraction since 1999. The reimagined ride features Electric Mayhem performing a new soundtrack with contributions from Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Def Leppard, and Kelly Clarkson. Annual Passholders got soft-opening access May 21–23 before the full public debut on launch day. It’s the highest-profile theme park ride retheme of 2026, and the new soundtrack concept is unlike anything Disney has attempted on a coaster.

Soarin’ Across America Takes Flight at EPCOT

Timed to America’s 250th birthday, Soarin’ Across America debuted May 26 at EPCOT, replacing the Soarin’ Around the World film that had run since 2016. Guests now glide over U.S. landmarks in a new aerial film scored by composer Bruce Broughton, with an optional trivia layer called “Soarin’ Challenge Across America” developed with National Geographic. The same new film will also play at Disneyland. Annual Passholder previews began May 19, giving Disney fans an early look at one of the most ambitious overlay projects the park has executed in years.

Bluey’s Wild World Opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed Australia’s favorite animated family with Bluey’s Wild World, a new experience debuting May 26 at Conservation Station. The area includes interactive games, character meet-and-greets with Bluey and Bingo, and a live animal habitat called Jumping Junction featuring kangaroos and wallabies native to Australia. A virtual queue is in place given high anticipated demand throughout the summer. It’s one of the most family-friendly additions to any Disney park this season.

Efteling Reveals Ravenring — An Interactive Flying Attraction

Dutch theme park Efteling announced Ravenring on May 27, a Vekoma-built interactive aerial carousel set to open in winter 2026. The attraction places 36 riders in 18 winged raven-shaped vehicles in the park’s reimagined Raveleijn area, with onboard levers that allow guests to control their vehicle’s tilt during flight. The opening will coincide with a renovated Raveleijn stage show produced in partnership with Puy du Fou. Ravenring builds on Efteling’s strong 2026 momentum, which also included the opening of the Hooghmoed child-friendly drop tower earlier this spring.

Jessie’s Roundup Debuts Early at Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe

Disney opened Jessie’s Roundup at Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe on May 24, a day ahead of the official Cool KIDS’ SUMMER kickoff. The Toy Story–themed interactive show stars Jessie leading western-style games, dancing, crafts, and Toy Story 5 tie-in activities across two distinct daily show segments. Guests who participate earn a deputy star sticker, and the experience runs through September 8, 2026 — giving families the full summer to catch it.

Park News & Expansions

Universal Kids Resort Texas Sets July 1 Opening Date

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas announced a July 1, 2026 opening date on May 28, with tickets and annual passes going on sale the same day starting at $54.99 per day. The 20-acre family park outside Dallas features seven themed lands, 11 dining options, and a 300-room on-site hotel, marking Universal’s first dedicated family park outside its flagship resort markets. For fans of Universal’s signature ride experiences, our guide to top Universal Orlando attractions outlines what to expect from the brand’s immersive storytelling approach.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Reveals Werewolf Gorge — World’s Longest Family Launch Coaster

On May 30, Six Flags Fiesta Texas announced Werewolf Gorge, a Vekoma multi-launch coaster set to open during the park’s 35th anniversary season in 2027. The full announcement, made under a blue full moon at a special reveal event, is available on PR Newswire. At 4,120 feet with four launches, speeds up to 45 mph, and 32 floater airtime moments, it will be the world’s longest family launch coaster. Our in-depth explainer on roller coaster launch systems breaks down exactly how Vekoma’s multi-launch technology generates this kind of back-and-forth thrill.

Tormenta Rampaging Run Enters Testing at Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas’s record-breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run moved into testing phases in late May, with video of test runs circulating widely in the enthusiast community. The giga dive coaster stands 309 feet tall with a 285-foot beyond-vertical drop at a 95-degree angle — figures that will make it the world’s only giga dive coaster and break six world records at once, including highest Immelmann inversion at 218 feet. Themed around a bull-running festival in the fictional village Rancho de la Tormenta, the coaster was first highlighted in this blog’s May 17 weekly roundup and continues generating excitement with every test run.

Cedar Point Shores Opens New Crosscurrent Slides for 2026

Cedar Point Shores water park opened May 23 with two new water slides named Crosscurrent as part of the park’s 2026 season expansion. The main Cedar Point amusement park opened for its 157th season on May 9, debuting the “Rock This Way” live band show at Red Garter Saloon. The park’s Barrels & Bites culinary event will follow later in the summer. It’s a solid start to the season for one of North America’s most storied coaster destinations.

Events, Tech & Industry

Disney’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER: One of the Biggest Single Days in Recent History

Disney World’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER celebration officially kicked off May 26 with what theme park observers called one of the most chaotic and exhilarating single days at the resort in years. The simultaneous openings of Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Soarin’ Across America, Bluey’s Wild World, and GoofyCore at EPCOT drove massive crowds and spiked wait times across all four parks. The sheer coordination required to debut this many experiences on one day is a logistical feat even by Disney standards, and the public response validated the strategy.

GoofyCore DJ Dance Party Returns to EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall

EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall transformed for summer 2026 into GoofyCore, a Goofy-hosted DJ dance party with interactive games and seven daily show slots running from 10:30 a.m. through 5:15 p.m. The activation is part of Disney’s broader push to fill parks with live, character-driven entertainment that doesn’t require new construction — a cost-effective way to create high-energy moments between major attraction experiences. GoofyCore ran successfully at EPCOT in a prior summer and returns with an expanded schedule.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Reaches First-Riders Milestone

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster welcomed its first official riders in late May, a critical milestone on the path to summer 2026 public opening. The 4,100-foot outdoor coaster reaches 72 mph with rotating cars that simulate drifting through Hollywood landmarks — and it will be Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster, filling a long-standing gap in the west coast park’s ride portfolio. Enthusiast anticipation for this attraction has been building all spring.

Six Flags Great Adventure Unveils Shoreline Pier Boardwalk Reimagining

Six Flags Great Adventure announced Shoreline Pier, a reimagined boardwalk district bringing classic-style rides, expanded food and beverage offerings, and a refreshed seaside atmosphere to the New Jersey park. The new area blends nostalgic fair-style aesthetics with modern guest experience standards and is slated to open in late spring 2026. It’s part of Six Flags Entertainment Group’s ongoing park-by-park reinvestment strategy following the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair, and signals continued capital commitment to the Great Adventure property.

Sources

• Disney Parks Blog — Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets now open at Hollywood Studios
• AllEars.Net — One of the most chaotic days in recent Disney World history
• Blooloop — Efteling reveals Ravenring name and design
• PR Newswire — Six Flags Fiesta Texas unleashes Werewolf Gorge
• NBC DFW — Universal announces opening date for new Texas theme park

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Disney’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER and what opened on May 26, 2026?

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is Disney World’s 2026 summer celebration that launched May 26 with multiple simultaneous debuts: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Hollywood Studios, Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT, Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom, GoofyCore at EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall, and Jessie’s Roundup at Magic Kingdom.

What records will Six Flags Over Texas’s Tormenta Rampaging Run break?

Tormenta Rampaging Run will break at least six world records when it opens, including world’s tallest giga dive coaster at 309 feet, longest drop on a dive coaster at 285 feet, and highest Immelmann inversion at 218 feet. It is also the world’s only giga dive coaster.

When will Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas open and how much do tickets cost?

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas is set to open July 1, 2026. Tickets start at $54.99 per day, and annual passes went on sale May 28, 2026. The 20-acre park features seven themed lands and a 300-room on-site hotel.

What is Werewolf Gorge at Six Flags Fiesta Texas?

Werewolf Gorge is a Vekoma-built multi-launch coaster announced May 30, 2026, set to open during the park’s 35th anniversary season in 2027. At 4,120 feet with four launches, speeds up to 45 mph, and 32 floater airtime moments, it will become the world’s longest family launch roller coaster.

What is Efteling’s Ravenring attraction?

Ravenring is an interactive aerial carousel from Vekoma opening at Efteling in the Netherlands in winter 2026. It features 18 winged raven-shaped vehicles carrying 36 riders, with levers that let guests control their vehicle’s tilt angle during flight. It will open alongside a renovated Raveleijn stage show co-produced with Puy du Fou.

The post Muppets Coaster Opens, Soarin’ America Debuts, Werewolf Gorge Revealed, Universal Kids Texas: 13 Must-Know Theme Park Stories (May 31, 2026) appeared first on ThrillZing.

Theme Park and Coaster News

Final Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Previews Begin

Disney began final cast member and influencer previews of the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets this week ahead of the May 26 opening. Early reactions praise the new soundtrack and the Audio-Animatronic Scooter. Attractions Magazine has on-the-ground coverage. Pair the read with our guide to every type of roller coaster to understand the L.I.M.O. launch.

Six Flags Tormenta Rampaging Run POV Goes Viral

Six Flags’ POV drop landed Friday and went viral within hours. The world-record marketing push is now in full swing, and Six Flags announced capacity caps will lift earlier than planned due to demand.

SeaWorld Barracuda Strike Officially Opens

SeaWorld’s Barracuda Strike officially opened to the public this week after wider previews. Early throughput numbers are strong and family-friendly reviews are positive.

Cedar Point Top Thrill 2 Reliability Improves

Cedar Point announced measurable launch reliability improvements on Top Thrill 2 this week, with mean time between incidents up significantly compared to early-season performance.

Universal Epic Universe Wraps Soft Opens

Universal wrapped its second soft-open window for Epic Universe this week, with annual passholder reactions continuing to trend positive. Pair this with our traveling theme parks on a budget guide.

Carowinds Adds New Family Coaster Announcement

Carowinds added a surprise announcement this week of a new family coaster targeting a 2027 opening, signaling that the regional-park family-coaster trend is far from finished.

Stadiums, Festivals, and Concerts

Loudest Stadium Records Get A New Contender

A southern SEC venue claimed a new decibel record this week, continuing the loudest-stadium marketing momentum. Our roundup of the loudest stadiums in the world stays current.

Summer Concert Tour Adds Stadium Dates

Two more major artists added stadium tour dates this week, signaling continued 2026 stadium concert volume growth.

Festival Packing Search Continues To Spike

Festival packing search interest continues climbing — see our music festival packing list essentials guide.

Live Nation VIP Tier Expands

Live Nation expanded its new VIP tier with stadium lounge access to additional cities, marrying premium-suite economics with concert merchandise programs.

Travel and Tickets

Disney Memorial Day Reservations Tighten

Disney’s Memorial Day park-pass reservations tightened significantly this week, with Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios windows filling fastest as the Muppets coaster opening approaches.

Universal Express Pass Demand Peaks

Universal Express Pass demand peaked this week as families locked in summer plans tied to Epic Universe.

International Visitors Continue To Climb

International visits to US theme parks continued to climb this quarter, with UK and Brazilian markets leading the year-over-year gains.

Three-Park Credit-Run TikTok Trend Continues

Coaster enthusiast multi-park itineraries continued to dominate TikTok travel content. Blooloop ran a fresh feature.

Theme Park Annual Pass Renewal Push Begins

Major operators kicked off summer annual-pass renewal pushes this week with new payment-plan options aimed at multi-park ownership.

Sources

• Attractions Magazine
• Blooloop — Attractions Industry
• Coaster101
• Theme Park Insider
• Disney Food Blog — Park News

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest theme park news May 2026 story this week?

Six Flags’ POV drop for Tormenta Rampaging Run went viral within hours, prompting the park to announce that capacity caps will lift earlier than planned because of demand.

When does the Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster open?

May 26, 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney is in final cast member and influencer preview mode this week, with early reactions praising the new soundtrack and Audio-Animatronic Scooter.

Is Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 finally reliable?

Reliability is meaningfully improving. Cedar Point reported measurable launch reliability gains this week, with mean time between incidents up significantly compared to early-season performance.

When did SeaWorld’s Barracuda Strike open?

It opened to the public this week after wider previews. Early throughput numbers are strong and family-friendly reviews are positive.

How tight are Disney’s Memorial Day reservations?

Tight. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios windows are filling fastest, especially as the May 26 Muppets coaster opening approaches.

The post Weekly Thrill Update: 14 Ultimate Coaster, Concert & Stadium Stories (May 17, 2026) appeared first on ThrillZing.

Theme Park and Coaster News

Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Final Walkthrough Footage Drops

Disney shared final walkthrough footage of the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets, now confirmed for May 26 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new queue showcases the G-Force Records studio overhaul and Audio-Animatronic Scooter. The L.I.M.O. launch is unchanged but the soundtrack has been completely reworked. Attractions Magazine has the rundown. Pair the read with our guide to every type of roller coaster.

Six Flags’ Tormenta Rampaging Run Confirms POV Drop Date

Six Flags announced the long-awaited POV video drop for Tormenta Rampaging Run will land this Friday, kicking off the world-record marketing rollout in earnest. Park officials say capacity will be capped for the first three weeks.

SeaWorld Barracuda Strike Enters Wider Previews

Barracuda Strike opened to a wider preview crowd this week, with families reporting the family-friendly launch coaster is one of the smoothest debuts in SeaWorld’s history.

Cedar Point Begins Top Thrill 2 Reliability Push

Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 continues to be one of the more closely watched maintenance stories of the year; the park announced a reliability push aimed at improving launch consistency before peak summer.

Universal Epic Universe Adds Second Soft-Open Window

Universal added a second soft-open window for Epic Universe attractions this week, taking pressure off the main launch and creating more annual passholder previews.

Stadiums, Festivals, and Concerts

Loudest Stadium Records Heat Up With NFL Preseason

Stadium ops teams continued the now-annual loudest-stadium marketing push as NFL preseason approaches. Several venues are claiming new decibel records. Our roundup of the loudest stadiums in the world covers the contenders.

Summer Concert Tour Slate Expands Again

Three major artists added stadium tour dates this week, signaling that 2026 will outpace 2025 in stadium concert volume. Festival promoters are reportedly worried about ticket-buying fatigue.

Festival Season Packing Trends Shift

Festival season packing search interest jumped this week — our music festival packing list essentials guide has the full breakdown.

Live Nation Adds VIP Tier With Stadium Lounge Access

Live Nation rolled out a new VIP tier this week that includes stadium lounge access ahead of concerts, marrying premium-suite economics with concert merchandise programs.

Travel and Tickets

Theme Park Budget Planning Search Spikes for Summer

Search interest for theme park budgeting hit a 12-month high — see our traveling theme parks on a budget guide.

Disney Park Pass Reservations Open for Late Summer

Disney opened late-summer park-pass reservations this week, with Memorial Day to July 4 windows filling fastest. Annual passholders had a 48-hour window before general guests.

Universal Express Pass Pricing Adjusts for Summer Peak

Universal updated Express Pass pricing for summer peak, with the largest increases on Friday-Saturday windows tied to Epic Universe demand.

International Theme Park Visits Climb in Q1

Global theme park visit data showed Q1 2026 international visits up 7% year-over-year, with US parks attracting larger shares from UK and Brazilian markets.

Coaster Enthusiast Travel Itineraries Trend on TikTok

Coaster enthusiast multi-park itineraries continued to trend on TikTok, with three-park “credit run” weekends emerging as the dominant 2026 itinerary format. Blooloop ran a feature on the trend.

Sources

• Attractions Magazine
• Blooloop — Attractions Industry
• Coaster101
• Disney Food Blog — Park News
• Theme Park Insider

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest theme park news May 2026 story this week?

Disney dropped final walkthrough footage of the reimagined Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, now confirmed to open May 26 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a completely overhauled queue.

When does Six Flags’ Tormenta Rampaging Run open?

The POV video drops this Friday, kicking off the world-record marketing push. Capacity will be capped for the first three weeks once it opens.

Is Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 reliable yet?

Cedar Point announced a reliability push aimed at improving launch consistency before peak summer. Expect closer monitoring through Memorial Day weekend.

When does Disney’s late-summer park-pass reservation window open?

It opened this week. Memorial Day to July 4 dates are filling fastest. Annual passholders had a 48-hour priority window.

Are international theme park visits up this year?

Yes — Q1 2026 international visits to US parks are up 7% year-over-year, with strong gains from UK and Brazilian markets.

The post Weekly Thrill Update: 14 Top Coaster, Concert & Stadium Stories (May 10, 2026) appeared first on ThrillZing.

Theme Park and Coaster News

Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Confirmed for May 26

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will officially debut the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets on May 26, with the queue completely retooled around G-Force Records and a new Audio-Animatronic Scooter. The ride keeps the L.I.M.O. launch but swaps in collaborations with Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Def Leppard, and Kelly Clarkson. Attractions Magazine has the full reveal. Pair it with our guide to every type of roller coaster if you want to understand exactly what kind of beast the new L.I.M.O. is.

Six Flags’ Tormenta Rampaging Run Pushes Six World Records

Six Flags Over Texas continues its marketing rollout for Tormenta Rampaging Run, themed to the running of the bulls in Pamplona. The launched coaster is being positioned as a six-record breaker — and the real test starts as season pass holders ride this month.

SeaWorld San Antonio’s Barracuda Strike Begins Soft Openings

The 44 mph family suspended coaster Barracuda Strike began limited soft openings this week, slotting nicely between SeaWorld’s bigger thrill machines and its kids’ rides.

Big Thunder Mountain Reopens at Magic Kingdom

After its extended retrack and station refresh, Big Thunder Mountain officially returned to service. Wait times spiked into the 90-minute range opening day.

Alton Towers’ Bluey Coaster Construction Walls Drop

CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort revealed more of the world’s first Bluey-themed coaster as construction walls came down for testing. UK families can plan summer trips around the new launch.

Music and Festival News

Stagecoach 2026 Closes Its Biggest Weekend Ever

Stagecoach wrapped a record-setting weekend in Indio with sellout numbers and a surprise Carrie Underwood guest set. If you’re packing for a summer festival run, our music festival packing list essentials covers everything you’ll forget.

New Decibel Data on Country Festival Stages

Sound engineers shared updated decibel measurements from this year’s main stages, with peaks holding steady around 105-108 dB. Earplug uptake among festivalgoers is up 22% YoY.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour Adds U.S. Dates

The Cowboy Carter tour announced six additional U.S. stadium dates, with several cities seeing presale demand crash queuing systems within minutes.

Coachella’s Surprise Encore Numbers

Final attendance numbers for Coachella’s two-weekend run came in this week, showing a slight YoY uptick driven by international visitors.

Stadium, Travel and Attraction News

Universal’s Epic Universe Sees Record May Crowds

Epic Universe in Orlando posted record May daily attendance, pushing some lands into virtual queue-only mode by mid-morning.

MLB’s Loudest Stadium Crown Goes Home (Again)

The latest league sound study placed two AL West stadiums at the top of the loudest-crowd rankings. For the full historical picture, check our loudest stadiums in the world deep dive.

Family Travel Spend Holds Despite Headwinds

Travel industry surveys this week showed family theme park spending holding steady year-over-year, with budget strategies driving more multi-day passes. Our traveling theme parks on a budget guide has the same playbook many families now reach for.

Halloween Bookings Open Earlier Than Ever

Halloween Horror Nights and Halloween Haunt registrations opened weeks earlier than past years, with HHN pulling 30% of last year’s total bookings in the first 48 hours.

Coaster101’s Updated 2026 Coaster List

Coaster101 released its updated tracker of every new 2026 coaster opening, now sitting at 47 confirmed installations worldwide.

Sources

• Attractions Magazine — Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Reveal
• Attractions Magazine — All New 2026 Roller Coasters
• Coaster101 — 2026 Roller Coaster Tracker
• Blooloop — Best New Roller Coasters 2026
• Disney Food Blog — Disney’s 11 New 2026 Rides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest theme park news May 2026 story?

Disney’s reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets opens May 26 at Hollywood Studios, ending the long closure with a Muppet-led storyline, new Scooter Audio-Animatronic, and concert-style soundtrack featuring Jennifer Hudson, Def Leppard, and Kelly Clarkson.

When does Tormenta Rampaging Run actually open at Six Flags Over Texas?

Tormenta is officially open and now in regular rotation, with Six Flags positioning it as a six-record-breaking coaster. Crowds have been heavy through the first weeks.

What new coasters are debuting this spring beyond Disney?

SeaWorld San Antonio’s Barracuda Strike (a 44 mph family suspended coaster), Alton Towers’ Bluey-themed CBeebies Land coaster, and dozens more on Coaster101’s 47-strong 2026 tracker.

How loud are festival stages getting this year?

Peak readings around 105-108 dB on country and rock main stages. Earplug uptake is up 22% YoY among festivalgoers — a healthy trend given the long-term hearing risk.

When is the best time to book Halloween events at major parks?

This year, sooner than ever. Halloween Horror Nights pulled 30% of last year’s total bookings in its first 48 hours. If you want premium nights or add-ons, lock them in May.

The post Weekly Thrill Update: 14 Top Coaster, Concert & Stadium Stories (May 3, 2026) appeared first on ThrillZing.

We’ve grouped this theme park news April 2026 edition into three sections: roller coasters & park openings, concerts & festivals, and what’s coming next. Real dates, real numbers, real sources.

Roller Coasters & Park Openings

Big Thunder Mountain Reopens May 3 at Magic Kingdom

Disney finally announced on April 8 that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen May 3, 2026 at Magic Kingdom — wrapping up a refurbishment that began in January 2025 and stretched well past Disney’s original timeline. The “wildest ride in the wilderness” has been gone for over a year, leaving Frontierland short one of its anchor attractions through the entire 2025 fall and holiday season.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Reimagined With Muppets May 26

A reimagined version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster debuts May 26 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, swapping the Aerosmith theming for a Muppet-filled storyline and a refreshed music experience. The retheme is part of Disney’s broader IP-rotation strategy, leveraging Muppets across multiple parks following the property’s successful integration elsewhere.

Tormenta Rampaging Run Targets 6 World Records

Six Flags Over Texas is opening Tormenta Rampaging Run this spring, themed to the running of the bulls in Spain. Six Flags is positioning the coaster to break six world records when it opens — exact records still under wraps, but expect at least one each in height, speed, and inversion count. For coaster fans tracking the 2026 record class, our fastest roller coasters in the world 2026 guide breaks down where this fits in the leaderboard once specs are finalized.

Universal Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift In Testing

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood — the park’s first outdoor high-speed roller coaster — is currently undergoing testing ahead of a 2026 opening with a date still to be announced. It’s a major piece of Universal Hollywood’s broader expansion play, building on the park’s recent capacity additions.

Universal Kids Resort Coming to Frisco, Texas

Universal Kids Resort opens in Frisco, Texas in 2026 with lands themed around DreamWorks’ Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls, and Gabby’s Dollhouse, plus Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Illumination’s Minions. It’s a fundamentally different bet than Universal’s flagship resorts: a smaller-scale, family-first park targeting the under-12 demo specifically.

Legoland’s $90M Indoor Coaster Double-Header

Both Legoland Florida and Legoland California debut first-of-their-kind indoor roller coasters in 2026, with the two attractions combining to roughly $90 million in investment. Indoor coasters are a smart play for Legoland’s all-weather positioning and fit the brand’s family-first appeal.

Concerts & Festivals: Stagecoach Closes Out Indio’s April

Stagecoach 2026 Wraps Up This Weekend

Stagecoach Festival ran April 24-26 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, with headliners Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone. The 2026 roster also brought Teddy Swims, Little Big Town, Bailey Zimmerman, Counting Crows, Journey, Brooks & Dunn, Hootie & the Blowfish, plus Diplo, Pitbull, and Ludacris. Rock Cellar Magazine’s set-times rundown has the full schedule.

Stagecoach closes out Indio’s most-packed festival April since pre-pandemic — back-to-back weekends of Coachella followed directly by country music’s biggest annual gathering.

Coachella 2026 Recap: Sabrina, Justin & Karol G

Coachella 2026 ran April 10-19, two weekends at the same Empire Polo Club venue, with Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G headlining. The 2026 edition was notable for Karol G’s history-making Sunday-night set as the first solo female Latin artist to headline a Coachella weekend, and for the festival’s continued lean into pop and Latin programming over alt and indie rock.

Festival Survival Reading

If you’re prepping for a summer festival run after watching the Indio weekends, our music festival packing list essentials covers what actually goes in the bag.

What’s Coming In May

The May calendar is shaping up as one of the busiest theme park months of the year:

• May 3 — Big Thunder Mountain reopens at Magic Kingdom.
• May 26 — Reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster opens at Hollywood Studios with the Muppet retheme.
• Spring — Tormenta Rampaging Run opens at Six Flags Over Texas with 6 world records.
• 2026 (date TBA) — Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift opens at Universal Studios Hollywood.
• 2026 — Universal Kids Resort opens in Frisco, Texas.
• 2026 — Legoland Florida and California’s indoor coasters debut.

For a deeper unpack of why some new coasters get the world-record positioning and others don’t, our types of roller coasters explained post is a useful primer on the categories these new attractions are competing in.

What This Means for Your 2026 Plans

If you’re a Disney fan, May is the month — Big Thunder coming back AND the Muppet Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster debut land within four weeks of each other.

If you’re a coaster enthusiast, Texas is your trip. Tormenta’s six-record claim plus the Universal Kids Resort opening makes Frisco/Arlington a must-visit summer destination.

If you’re a festival-goer, Coachella + Stagecoach 2026 are wrapping up, and the bigger story is the Latin-pop programming pivot — expect more lineups skewing that direction across the U.S. summer festival circuit.

The theme park news April 2026 drumbeat is consistent with what we’ve seen all spring: aggressive 2026 capacity additions across the major operators, with new IP retheming as a key margin lever. The question for fans is just which park to hit first.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopen?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on May 3, 2026, after a refurbishment that began in January 2025. The reopening was confirmed on April 8 by Disney following a year-plus closure that saw the attraction miss the entire 2025 fall and holiday seasons.

What is Tormenta Rampaging Run?

Tormenta Rampaging Run is a new roller coaster opening at Six Flags Over Texas in spring 2026, themed to the running of the bulls in Spain. Six Flags has confirmed the coaster will break six world records when it opens, though specific record categories haven’t been disclosed publicly yet.

Who headlined Stagecoach 2026?

Stagecoach 2026, held April 24-26 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, was headlined by Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone. The festival also featured Teddy Swims, Little Big Town, Bailey Zimmerman, Counting Crows, Journey, Brooks & Dunn, Hootie & the Blowfish, plus Diplo, Pitbull, and Ludacris.

When is the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster reimagining opening?

The reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster debuts May 26, 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The retheme replaces the Aerosmith story with a Muppet-filled storyline and an updated music experience, part of Disney’s broader IP-rotation strategy across its parks.

What is Universal Kids Resort?

Universal Kids Resort is a new theme park opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas, designed specifically for the under-12 family audience. It features themed lands based on DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls, and Gabby’s Dollhouse, plus Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Illumination’s Minions. It’s Universal’s first family-first, smaller-scale park concept.

The post Stagecoach Weekend, Big Thunder’s May 3 Reopening & Tormenta’s 6 World-Record Push (April 2026) appeared first on ThrillZing.

Here is a story-by-story breakdown of the most significant theme park news from early November 2025, with the context you need to understand what each development means for parks, guests, and the broader industry.

Quick Answer

The top theme park stories of early November 2025 were Comcast reporting roughly 19% revenue growth for Universal parks in Q3 — driven by Epic Universe’s first full operating quarter — and Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire being listed for sale at £3 million. Supporting headlines included a contained maintenance fire at Family Kingdom’s Swamp Fox coaster in Myrtle Beach, the Cartoon Network Hotel announcing its rebrand to Dutch Wonderland Inn ahead of Spring 2026, and Malibu Jack’s opening its first Western U.S. location in Thornton, Colorado.

Epic Universe Powers a Record Q3 for Universal Parks

Universal Epic Universe officially opened on May 22, 2025 — the first major new theme park to debut in Orlando in roughly 25 years. By Q3 2025 (July through September), the resort had its first complete quarter of data to show Wall Street. Universal’s global theme park division reported revenue of approximately $2,717 million for the quarter, up from $2,289 million in the same period a year earlier, a gain of around 19%. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment climbed to roughly $958 million, compared with $847 million the prior year.

The five immersive worlds inside Epic Universe — Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe — give visitors a larger itinerary than was ever possible at Universal Orlando before. Critically, Comcast noted that attendance cannibalization at the existing Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure parks was lower than analysts had feared. Rather than splitting a fixed pool of guests, Epic Universe appears to be drawing new visitors and extending stays, which drives higher per-person spending across hotels, dining, and merchandise.

Comcast acknowledged that ride throughput at Epic Universe was still scaling toward full capacity and flagged further operational improvements in coming quarters. For the broader industry, the early results carry a clear message: an ambitious, well-executed new gate can grow the overall market rather than simply redistributing demand.

Lightwater Valley Listed for £3 Million

Brighton Pier Group placed Lightwater Valley on the market in October 2025 with an asking price of £3 million. The park, which opened in 1969, sits within 182 acres of mature parkland in North Stainley near Ripon, North Yorkshire, and draws around 230,000 visitors annually with a turnover of approximately £5 million per year. Freehold sales of fully operational regional theme parks are rare in the United Kingdom, making this a notable opportunity for leisure operators.

Enthusiasts know Lightwater Valley largely as the former home of The Ultimate, a steel-tracked wooden-supported coaster that was once recognized as the longest roller coaster in Europe before its eventual removal. The park today serves families with a mix of rides, nature trails, play areas, and woodlands — a combination that kept it commercially viable long after the headline coaster departed.

The sale completed in December 2025 when Mellors Group, an established UK fairground and leisure operator, acquired the park. Mellors refreshed Lightwater Valley’s branding for the 2026 season with a new logo echoing the park’s earlier visual identity, signaling a return-to-roots approach rather than a wholesale reinvention.

Fire Scare at Family Kingdom’s Swamp Fox Coaster

On October 29, 2025, a small fire broke out during off-season maintenance at Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The blaze involved decking near the Swamp Fox roller coaster and was contained quickly. No guests were on the property at the time, and Family Kingdom reported no lasting damage to the ride.

The Swamp Fox is not just any coaster — it is a treasured out-and-back wooden ride that has defined Family Kingdom’s oceanfront skyline for decades and is widely regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of classic wooden coaster design on the East Coast. Its distinctive silhouette is visible from the Grand Strand boardwalk, making it one of the most photographed coasters in South Carolina. Any report of fire near the structure understandably draws anxious attention from the enthusiast community, which is why the park’s swift reassurance that the Swamp Fox was intact came as welcome news.

Cartoon Network Hotel Rebrands as Dutch Wonderland Inn

The Cartoon Network Hotel in East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is getting a complete new identity. Palace Entertainment — owner of the neighboring Dutch Wonderland amusement park — announced that its licensing agreement with Cartoon Network would not be renewed. The hotel closed January 1, 2026 and is set to reopen as the Dutch Wonderland Inn in late March 2026 following renovations.

The rebranded property will feature 155 family-friendly rooms, including four suites, along with themed dining, an expanded arcade, a pool, and character experiences with Dutch Wonderland mascots Duke the Dragon and Princess Brooke. The rebrand brings the hotel fully under the Dutch Wonderland umbrella, replacing licensed cartoon IP with homegrown characters that already resonate with the park’s loyal regional fanbase in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

The Cartoon Network Hotel had been among a very small number of hotels worldwide to carry the brand and was a genuine draw for families since it opened. Its closure marks the end of a distinctive era for themed hotel accommodation in the region, but the Dutch Wonderland Inn is positioned to function as a proper on-property resort experience designed specifically around the park — a setup that should strengthen overnight packages and multi-day visits.

Malibu Jack’s Opens Its First Western U.S. Location in Thornton, Colorado

On November 3, 2025, Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Park opened at Thornton Towne Center at 10001 Grant St, Thornton, Colorado — just north of Denver. The venue occupies 115,000 square feet inside the former Cinebarre movie theater complex, converting what was once a cinema into a full-scale indoor family entertainment destination. It is the tenth Malibu Jack’s location overall and the brand’s first foothold in the Western United States.

The Thornton park’s attractions include multi-level go-karts, a roller coaster, bowling, miniature golf, laser tag, a motion theater, a drop tower, a kids’ play zone, and a large arcade. The park employs roughly 100 staff and plans to operate year-round — a compelling proposition for Denver-area families who face cold winters and cannot always access outdoor parks. The westward expansion signals that Malibu Jack’s is moving well beyond its traditional mid-Atlantic and Southeast base as it looks to become a national brand.

November 2025 Theme Park News FAQs

Did the Swamp Fox fire at Family Kingdom cause permanent damage to the coaster?

No. Family Kingdom confirmed that the small fire, which broke out during off-season maintenance on October 29, 2025 and involved decking near the ride, did not cause lasting damage to the Swamp Fox. The park reported the situation was under control and the coaster was unharmed.

When does the Dutch Wonderland Inn open, and what happened to the Cartoon Network Hotel?

The Cartoon Network Hotel closed on January 1, 2026 when its licensing agreement with Cartoon Network expired and was not renewed. Renovations began immediately, and the rebranded Dutch Wonderland Inn is scheduled to open in late March 2026, offering 155 rooms, themed dining, a pool, and character experiences with Dutch Wonderland’s own mascots.

How many worlds are in Universal Epic Universe, and when did it open?

Universal Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025 and features five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

Who bought Lightwater Valley after it was listed for sale in 2025?

Mellors Group, a UK-based fairground and leisure operator, purchased Lightwater Valley after Brighton Pier Group listed the North Yorkshire park for £3 million in October 2025. The sale completed in December 2025, and Mellors relaunched the park with a refreshed brand identity for the 2026 season.

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Major Highlights in the U.S.

Seattle Unlocks a Tomb Raider Escape Room

Adventure seekers in the Pacific Northwest will soon be able to step into Lara Croft’s world. A new Tomb Raider escape room is set to open in Seattle before the end of 2025, bringing puzzles, adventure, and cinematic theming to fans of the franchise.

Fun Spot America Announces Five New Rides for 2025

The Fun Spot America parks aren’t slowing down. Management has confirmed that five brand-new rides are planned across its three locations for 2025. While exact details remain under wraps, the expansion signals Fun Spot’s commitment to keeping its lineup fresh and competitive.

SeaWorld San Diego Enhancements:

• Journey to Atlantis Reimagined SeaWorld’s iconic Journey to Atlantis water coaster is undergoing a transformation. When it reopens in 2025, expect a refreshed storyline, dazzling water and lighting effects, and updated theming designed to immerse riders more than ever.
• Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience Also debuting in 2025 is a visually stunning new exhibit. Guests will encounter multiple jelly species inside massive tanks—including a striking 14-foot-tall cylinder—alongside interactive LED displays and touch-friendly educational zones. This mix of science and spectacle promises to be a standout addition to the park.

Worlds of Fun Evacuation Raises Safety Questions

Recently, Worlds of Fun experienced an emergency evacuation following reports of potential gunfire. While details remain scarce, the incident highlights the importance of crowd management and communication in today’s park environment.

Industry & Vegas Entertainment

New Marine Theme Park Set for 2027

Originally announced in 2023, a massive new marine-themed park is now targeting a 2027 grand opening. With projections of 3.5 million annual visitors, it could become a major player in the global attractions market.

Las Vegas Ups the Thrill Factor

The Strip is going vertical and visceral in equal measure:

• Two Giant Wheels are planned for opposite ends of Las Vegas Boulevard, aiming to redefine the city’s skyline.
• Goretorium Returns: Opening September 27, this year-round horror maze will immerse guests in The Delmont, a fictional haunted hotel/casino. Expect live actors, animatronics, themed bars, and shops—making it a must-see for thrill-seekers.

Final Thoughts

Themed entertainment is clearly leaning into storytelling and immersion more than ever. Classic attractions like Journey to Atlantis are being revitalized with modern effects, while escape rooms and horror mazes push the boundaries of interactive experiences. Meanwhile, safety concerns, like those raised at Worlds of Fun, remind us that operational readiness is just as important as guest thrills.

Whether it’s Seattle’s adventurous escape rooms, SeaWorld’s oceanic wonders, or Las Vegas’s horror-themed nightlife, one thing is certain: the attractions industry is evolving rapidly, and fans have a lot to look forward to.

Which of these announcements excites you most? The rebirth of Journey to Atlantis? The creepy thrills of Goretorium? Or Seattle’s dive into Tomb Raider territory? Let us know in the comments!

News items originally reported by Screamscape — visit their site for more details.

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