🐻 Bear with me ... again

Good morning, everyone!

It’s Landon here with another theme park newsletter coming your way. On this Friday morning, I have some sad news to report. This is paws-itively one of my favorite shows at Walt Disney World is ending – yes, I’m talking about the Country Bear Jamboree. I told you about the big changes coming to the show a couple of weeks ago ... and today is the final day of operation before the big refurbishment. Last year, Disney Imagineers said they are planning to change the show just a little bit, adding a couple of new songs and acts that pay tribute to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The show will reopen sometime this summer.

Let’s paws and reflect on this show for a couple minutes, shall we? 🐻🐻

I personally love this show at the Magic Kingdom. While some might consider it a place of hibernation, the classic charm and humor it brings is fantastic. I personally love Melvin, Buff and Max – the three animals just “kind of hanging up” there. Hopefully you don’t find those three unbearable – I also love Liver Lips McGrowl (mostly for his name) or another fan favorite, Big Al! I hope Big Al doesn’t lose his big song “Blood on the Saddle.” 🤣

I don’t think I could bear the thought of it gone.

If you’re at the Magic Kingdom today, FRIDAY – be sure and stop by Grizzly Hall and say hello! 👋

All right, let’s get to some of the other stories making headlines this week.

Walt Disney World

Besides the closure of the Country Bear Jamboree, there are a couple of other stories at Walt Disney World. One story involves another popular animal character, Hei Hei, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Moana.” Beginning next week, Walt Disney World annual passholders can pick up an all-new magnet inspired by the clumsy chicken. Disney said the magnets can be picked up at EPCOT’s Creations shop. While you’re out there, the park will also have a special food option you may want to pick up – a Hei Hei Leige Waffle. 🐔

This next story may have you jumping onboard Disney Cruise Line. 🚢 This week, the company unveiled the exclusive designs that Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be sporting on Disney Cruise Line’s newest private island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The island will debut to cruise line guests later this year! When guests step onto the bohemian island, Mickey and Minnie will have some of the brightest colors around! 🌴🌴 Disney also talked about the designer who helped bring these outfits to life – his story is neat.

Finally at Walt Disney World, I have an adorable story at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Just a few months after two babies were born, the park announced the addition of three cotton-top tamarins. 🐒 These are some of the smallest monkeys in the world, and Disney said mom and dad are taking care of the new babies. You can see them out and about the next time you’re in the park’s Discovery Island, near Starbucks.

Universal Orlando Resort

Heading over to Universal Orlando Resort now, the park will be jam-packed with people this weekend. As I mentioned to you in last week’s newsletter, the park is hosting its popular “Rock the Universe” Christian music event. 🎵✝️ This separately ticketed event gives people the chance to hear and see some famous Christian bands perform all while enjoying the park and its many attractions. This event is happening both Saturday and Sunday, so Universal Studios Florida will be closing early for this event.

After this weekend, Universal Orlando will be prepping for its next big event, Mardi Gras! That all begins next weekend. This week, Universal announced on Facebook that the Cursed Coconut Club, a nightclub at Universal CityWalk, will make its return for passholders to enjoy beginning Feb. 2 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.!

🎶 The club will have live music and exclusive-themed drinks.

SeaWorld Orlando

Finally, this week, we have some news coming out of SeaWorld Orlando. If you’re a parent with small children – head to the park this weekend for the “Just for Kids Weekend.” Not only can the kids see some awesome animal presentations, but the park’s Sesame Street Land is hosting a major birthday celebration! The themed land is turning 5 years old!! 🎂🥳

SeaWorld is rolling out an event packed with live music, a brand-new birthday parade and a VERY special meet-and-greet! Yes, I said special! How does a meet-and-greet with Mr. Snuffleupagus sound?! 🤩 I might even go for this! The birthday celebration runs through April. Next Monday, even more events will begin with Elmo’s Birthday celebration beginning!

On top of all the Sesame Street news, SeaWorld Orlando also shared an announcement this week about its Seven Seas Food Festival. 😋 Beginning Feb. 2, guests will have the chance to try several food and drink dishes from marketplaces around the park. This year, the festival will have four new marketplaces to check out. In addition to the food, the event will also have live concerts with some big names like Josh Turner, Ludacris, Newsboys and so many more!

Smaller thrills🎡

🎮 Super Nintendo World continues to power-up Universal’s theme parks

👨‍🏫 Applications are open for 2024 Disney College Program

🌊 Island H2O water park looking to fill 250 positions

Well, that will do it from me this week! I hope you all have a safe and fun weekend out there in the parks!

I will talk to you all again next week.

-Landon ✍️