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.

Top Headlines

Check out the latest November 2025 theme park news and highlights:

• Universal/Comcast Q3 parks update + Epic Universe impact — Early-November items recap how Epic Universe is shaping demand and revenue.
• Lightwater Valley up for sale (UK) — A major move for the Yorkshire park formerly home to The Ultimate.
• Family Kingdom’s Swamp Fox minor fire scare — Maintenance-related decking ignited; the park reports it’s OK.
• Dutch Wonderland to rebrand Cartoon Network Hotel — Hotel converting to Dutch Wonderland Inn ahead of Spring 2026.
• Malibu Jack’s opens new Colorado location — Indoor family fun park expands to Thornton, just north of Denver.

Photo Highlights

Read More

• Universal/Comcast Q3 results and Epic Universe impact — Screamscape (Nov 1)
• Lightwater Valley up for sale — Screamscape (Nov 1)
• Swamp Fox fire scare — Screamscape (Nov 1)
• Dutch Wonderland hotel rebrand — Screamscape (Nov 2)
• Malibu Jack’s Colorado opening — Screamscape (Nov 2)

Head on over to Screamscape to check it out!

Note: This roundup is for news discovery; always confirm operating dates, closures, and offers with the parks directly.

The post November 2025 Theme Park News & Highlights appeared first on ThrillZing.

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.

The post September 2025 Theme Park News appeared first on ThrillZing.