Hello there! We have quite a bit of theme park news to catch up on this week, and there will be even more news to cover in the coming days. Let’s just say that if you’re ready to skip summer and dive straight into the torrent of holidays that take place in the fourth quarter, you’ll be in for a treat from Disney World (stay tuned!). For now, let’s review the latest theme park news stories from Disney and Universal, including some big changes coming to Disney World’s transportation system and Universal opening a brand new regional theme park.
Disney World reveals updates to complimentary resort transportation
The way you get around Walt Disney World could soon change. As of June 28, major adjustments to Disney World’s complimentary transportation system will go into effect. These changes apply to outbound buses and boats from Disney Springs to other areas of the resort.
As of June 28, to take a Disney World bus or boat from Disney Springs to another resort hotel, you must have either a confirmed overnight reservation for that day or a confirmed dining or recreation reservation (for example, a fireworks cruise that departs from a resort).
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can ride any resort bus at any time. Non-resort guests can board a bus within two (2) hours of a confirmed dining or recreation reservation. Note that these changes only apply to outbound Disney Springs transportation systems. No other transportation methods are seeing any changes at this time.
READ MORE: THE BEST DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS FOR FAMILIES
Universal Kids Resort hosts previews ahead of July 1 opening
There’s a new theme park in Frisco, Texas, starting on July 1. Universal Kids Resort invites kids and their families to enjoy a day filled with age-appropriate rides, splash zones, character meet-and-greets, shows, and more. The park was built with kids ages three to eight years old in mind, but guests of all ages are welcome.
Ahead of its July 1 opening, Universal Kids Resort is hosting a series of previews for media, employees, and locals in the Dallas and Frisco area. Also opening July 1 is Universal Kids Resort Hotel which provides easy access to the park, just steps from its entrance.
READ MORE: WHAT SURPRISED ME THE MOST ABOUT UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE
New dining and shopping coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
There has been a lot of activity happening over at Disney’s BoardWalk, and soon, there will be new shopping and dining to enjoy!
We had to bid adieu to Jellyrolls, but we now know what will take its place. Hurly-Burly will offer day and night entertainment offerings for guests of all ages. During the day, it will be a family-friendly space offering activities like trivia and games. At night, it transforms into a 21-and-over venue for live music, cocktails, and light bites.
Basin on the BoardWalk will also join the lineup of shopping opportunities at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. The new Basin retail location will sell “a curated collection of handcrafted products made with quality ingredients, including natural soaps, botanical bath salts, bath bombs, body butters, lip salves, shampoo and conditioner bars, and more.”
READ MORE: SHOULD YOU ATTEND DISNEY WORLD’S AFTER HOURS EVENT THIS SUMMER?
Disney World reveals concept art of pool area at Lakeshore Lodge
A brand-new resort hotel, Disney Lakeshore Lodge, will open in summer 2027 as the newest Disney Vacation Club property. Ahead of its opening, we are learning more about what this nature-inspired resort will offer.
Disney recently revealed a first look at the concept art for the outdoor pool and recreation area which will be called The Wetlands. In the concept art, we can see features like a lazy Daydream River, a splash and slide area for little ones called Otter Springs, and nearby Heron Shores will encourage hands-on exploration and climbing features.
The Wetlands will also be home to a zero-entry pool called Lakeside Lagoon. In the evening, Perspective Pond will be a perfect spot to enjoy a leisure pool and whirlpool spa that offers fireworks views of Magic Kingdom.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge pays homage to nature and the Disney films that celebrate the great outdoors, including Pocahontas, Brother Bear, and Bambi.
READ MORE: A NEW TROPICAL AMERICAS LAND OPENS AT ANIMAL KINGDOM IN 2027
Shanghai Disneyland announces name of its third hotel
This month, Shanghai Disneyland celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Much like Walt Disney World, Shanghai Disneyland is in the middle of an exciting expansion, one that will bring a brand-new resort to the property. During an anniversary event, we learned more about this new hotel, which will be called Enchanted Star Hotel.
Enchanted Star Hotel will be the third themed hotel to open at Shanghai Disneyland, following Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel. The resort, which was previously announced in 2023, will open this winter.
This resort will include new indoor and outdoor recreation, dining, shopping, and entertainment. It will feature 400 rooms and a design that pays homage to Shanghai’s early 20th-century architecture and Art Nouveau design.
READ MORE: TIMELINE OF MAJOR CHANGES COMING TO THE DISNEY PARKS
Rapid-fire news!
- Disney World has announced this year’s lineup for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Series. The lineup includes several first-time headliners, including Lauren Alaina, Fitz and The Tantrums, and Grace Potter. Seating for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series is included with park admission and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For guaranteed seating, you can book an Eat to the Beat Dining Package that includes a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant.
- Level 99, an interactive indoor adventure park, officially opens at Disney Springs on June 29. Tickets are on sale now. Level 99 will also be home to a new dining location: a two-story bar filled with bites and sips to keep you fueled while you play.
- Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are now on sale at Disneyland Resort. The fan-favorite after hours event returns to Disney California Adventure on select evenings from August 18 through October 31.
READ MORE: WHAT’S COMING TO DISNEYLAND RESORT THIS HALLOWEEN SEASON
Theme Park News: Transportation Changes Coming to Disney World, Universal’s New Theme Park Opening in Texas was originally published on The World of Spark.
