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From the port to parks, I covered a lot of ground this week.
I wanted to kick things off with one particular “highlight.”
Hi there, In the Loop subscribers. It’s Haley.
On a typical summer day at Aquatica Orlando, the lively sounds of water splashing and excited shouts echo around the pools and slides.
But as we enter its slow season, Aquatica has made use of the landscape by lighting it up.
Illuminate isn’t just a nod to the holidays; it’s a night-out escape for families and adults.
There are five distinct realms of light, sound and interactive experiences. There were some surprising moments, like the sugar rush of smells at Candy Cascade Falls and the fact that my almost 2-year-old wasn’t afraid of Kiwi Santa.
Maybe since he was on holiday, he was less intimidating?
Walt Disney World
A tough act to follow 🌳
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, every day is “Zoogether Day.”
That is the setting for Zootopia: Better Zoogether, the new 4D show that’s taken over the Tree of Life Theater.
Keeping in mind the “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” framework and the promotional tie-in for the upcoming “Zootopia 2,” I found it difficult to fully appreciate the attraction for what it truly was. The little ones will love it, though.
I do love the Tree of Life Theater, and that’s pretty much unchanged, including its showtime effects. I also got a kick out of Flash Slothmore mounted above the Lightning Lane queue.
The highlight of the preview day was getting to hear Ginnifer Goodwin and Nate Torrence, who voice Judy Hopps and Benjamin Clawhauser, gush about being part of the “Zootopia” franchise and this attraction.
Disney Cruise Line
Destiny’s Florida debut 🚢
The Disney Destiny docked for a short while at Port Canaveral this week on its way to its homeport in Fort Lauderdale, and I was there for the ship’s grand welcome to Florida.
It’s impossible not to smile when you hear a Disney Cruise Line ship’s horn melodies, and “Go the Distance” might be the best one yet.
Learn about the hero-and-villain themed ship, explore its sailings and listen to some of the melodies by clicking here.
By the way, Disney Cruise Line continues to accelerate its ship production, playing a significant role in the cruise industry’s resurgence.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Roar and cackle 🦁
Opening in spring 2026, the Lion & Hyena Ridge will offer guests an immersive experience with expansive views and engaging educational moments, highlighting Busch Gardens’ dedication to conservation and animal care.
The habitat expansion is the park’s most significant in over a decade.
Gatorland
Christmas with gators 🐊
You better watch out, Gator Claus is coming to town!
Gatorland announced the lineup for its Christmas event happening three weekends in December.
It’s always a good time at the Alligator Capital of the World, and the Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down promises a truly Floridian holiday experience.
Santa setting up shop 🎅
This Christmas season at ICON Park, families can enjoy festive decorations, share wish lists with Santa and take advantage of new perks like complimentary carousel rides.
The season is further brightened by the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree later this month.
The photo above was snapped on the first day Magic Kingdom ushered in the holiday season!
Be sure to post your photos on our PinIt! page. There’s an “In The Loop” channel.
As always, keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on X or Instagram.
- Haley