When the Hemisphere Dancer left its post at Universal CityWalk last summer, some fans were nervous it would be lost like Jimmy Buffett’s shaker of salt.
Hello, theme park buffs. It’s Haley.
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The Hemisphere Dancer is the centerpiece of the Margaritaville restaurant experience, so when I got invited to cover the christening ceremony for the return of Buffett’s refurbished seaplane, my expectations of it being the familiar laid-back subtropical party vibe were met.
What I didn’t expect was just how meaningful and memorable the conversation was with the late musician’s daughter, Savannah Buffett.
Buffett adores how much joy her dad’s music and style brings to fans around the world, and the plane is a beacon of fun at CityWalk.
Jimmy Buffett didn’t become a pilot until he was in his 40s, something that I learned from Savannah. She mentioned that she would like to take up flying one day.
You can watch clips from our interview in this web story, where she shares plenty of tales about her dad and his plane.
Legoland Florida
A star attraction 🧑🚀
For me, LEGO bricks are the quintessential STEM toy.
At Legoland, its newest coaster will be extra STEM-worthy.
The indoor attraction will be part of a whole new space-themed area that includes a retail shop and a DUPLO TOT Spot.
The attraction is still very much in the construction phase, but my favorite little-known fact so far is that the coaster will launch from the LEGOLAND SPACEPORT 885, named after the original LEGO Space Scooter set #885.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
An oasis of play 🌴
Animals, climbing and lots of exploring.
That sounds like an attraction that will please the whole family.
Wild Oasis is now open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The rainforest-themed area is home to a drop tower, animal habitats, a splash pad and play zones.
When putting this story together, I mostly watched footage of the capybara encounter.
Walt Disney World
New magic awaits 🚂
A kiss goodnight at the Magic Kingdom has not been the same since the Main Street Electrical Parade retired in 2016.
Alas, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” will fulfill our hopes and dreams.
During a virtual panel with the Disney Live Entertainment talent who worked on Starlight, I asked if they had a preferred spot to stand, particularly since this parade will be going in reverse and starting in Main Street U.S.A.
Obviously, being in the hub in front of the castle is a sweet spot, but a takeaway I had from the conversation is when show director Tara Anderson, said that while designing this parade, she had every guest in mind.
“Whether you had been sitting and waiting for it, or whether you just walked up on it, or whether you were even far away from it, you still got a great show," Anderson said.
I plan to attend the parade debut on Sunday, so expect next week’s newsletter to sparkle with Starlight.
For a rundown of the floats and information, click here.
Whether you’re experiencing the parks for the first time or 20th, be sure to post a photo on our PinIt! page.
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See you next week.