A new era in theme park rivalry 😈🧟

Universal Epic Universe opens in less than a month, and it will no doubt shift theme park dynamics in Central Florida.

Hello friends, it’s Haley, here with your weekly dose of theme park news.

I vividly remember hearing about the Disney vs. Universal rivalry as a newly appointed Universal Team member years ago. Those who led the training session showed appreciation and said something along the lines of “We know people visit us because they’re here for Disney, and vice versa,” but everyone in the room knew very well that Disney has always had the upper hand when it comes to attendance.

Now, Universal Orlando wants to be families’ first choice and a weeklong stay destination.

While considered a sibling-like rivalry, it has become more heated with the addition of Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park.

So what’s the key driver in this theme park war currently? That would be IP.

Epic Universe is a grand showcase of intellectual property, and Disney is absolutely in the mindset now that IP delivers, with attractions in the works themed to “Cars,” “Monsters Inc.” and Disney Villains.

Speaking of Disney Villains, I am loving the specific showdown of the misunderstood.

As Universal Classic Monsters get their moment in the Florida sun at Epic Universe, Disney isn’t staying mum about its Villains plans with the opening of “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” in May, an attraction that can easily be seen as a starter course before Villains Land opens in the years to come.

Disney and Universal’s theme park war was in our news headlines this week. Click here to watch our story and vote in our poll on which park you prefer.

As for other Epic news, Universal extended previews for select guests in May. Click here for ticket information.

Gaylord Palms

Super-duper summer 🦸

Move over, Marvel. DC is coming to town.

Superheroes are taking up temporary residency at Gaylord Palms Resort. DC Summer will feature a variety of activities, including live shows and character dining experiences.

There is an impressive lineup with events happening practically all summer.

LEGOLAND Florida

Play and pose with Peely 🎮

New details have dropped on LEGOLAND Florida’s first LEGO Festival that kicks off soon, and we now know LEGO Fortnite will be taking up space.

Iconic characters such as Peely will be in the Gaming Zone. For a full lineup, click here.

SeaWorld Orlando

Touring the Seven Seas 🍴

The I-4 Food Tour series explores Central Florida’s restaurant scene, including our theme parks.

We ventured to SeaWorld Orlando to check out some of the dishes at the Seven Seas Food Festival.

Matt Austin tried what is easily my go-to item, the foot-long pretzel on a stick at the German Market.

There is still some time to enjoy both the food and music at the festival.

SeaWorld honors 🫡

During Military Appreciation Month, SeaWorld Orlando is offering free one-day admission to U.S. military veterans and up to three guests.

With the addition of Expedition Odyssey and Bands, Brew & BBQ likely returning this summer, it’s a good time to plan a visit.

Click here, for registration and ticket validity details.

Great Wolf Lodge

It’s gonna gonna gonna gonna... 📅

This time of year, it’s impossible to avoid “It’s Gonna Be May” memes or coworkers purposely mispronouncing the titular lyric from *NSYNC’s 2000 pop hit, “It’s Gonna Be Me.”

Great Wolf Lodge is capitalizing on the fun by partnering with Joey Fatone and Lance Bass for a “It’s Gonna Be May” promo.

I tip my cap to Great Wolf Lodge’s PR team. I had such a Millennial smile browsing through these photos.

If you’ve been to Epic Universe or are planning to go soon, I would love to hear your thoughts or see your Pins! We have an In The Loop channel.

Connect with me by email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.

See you next week!