Nostalgia is really having a moment at Universal Orlando Resort.
Greetings, it’s Haley. Voice of In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops.
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The Universal Legacy Store at CityWalk is serving up retro merchandise and photo ops celebrating classics like “E.T.”, “Jaws”, and “Back to the Future”.
Some surprise sections made me smile, like the “Happy Gilmore” and “The Birds” merch.
The nostalgia doesn’t stop there at the Legacy Store.
Starting later this month, the resort is rolling out Spielberg exhibits, parade floats, character meet-and-greets, outdoor film screenings, and more.
SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Saluting heroes 🫡
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are rolling out the red, white, and blue this May — offering free one-day park admission to U.S. military veterans and up to three guests in honor of Military Appreciation Month.
Whether you’re a veteran or active-duty, these parks have been saying “thank you for your service” in the best way possible for more than 25 years.
Legoland Florida
My LEGO space 👾
I’ve enjoyed enlightening people on Legoland Florida’s new indoor space coaster, and now, it appears my reaction is out of this world.
To celebrate National Space Day on Friday, Legoland Florida loaded my real ride footage into a custom LEGO spacecraft and blasted it more than 100,000 feet above Earth via high-altitude balloon.
“The reactions from families riding Galacticoaster have been absolutely stellar,” said Julie Estrada, Director of Communications North America, Merlin Entertainments. “So, we thought, in honor of National Space Day, why not send those reactions beyond the earth and into the stratosphere? Few people can boast they’ve taken a coaster ride beyond the earth’s atmosphere.”
You can watch that fun clip and read my original report on Galacticoaster by clicking here.
McBrick ticket 🎟️
Legoland Florida Resort is looking to make summer family vacations more affordable.
McDonald’s and Coca-Cola have teamed up with Legoland Florida to bring families a buy-one-get-one ticket deal that’s almost as sweet as Granny’s Apple Fries.
Check the back of your receipt after any qualifying purchase, because a free child hopper ticket is waiting.
International Drive
Big blue debut 🎨
After months of build-up, Blue Man Group’s big return to Orlando is here.
In case you missed it, I recently spoke with a Blue Man Group team captain about the trio’s new custom-built entertainment space.
At last check, tickets were still available for kick-off weekend shows.
Walt Disney World
Earliest boos ever 👻
The first reactions as to when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts have become a favorite thing.
This year, the first Friday in August will have the first party. One of the new additions that caught my eye are more characters will be surprising guests along the trick-or-treat trails.
Interacting with Disney characters while you’re dressed up in character is the highlight of the event.
The mountain is calling ⛰️
You can expect a full reaction wrap on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in next week’s newsletter, but the ride deserves an early spotlight.
This week, a Walt Disney Imagineer previewed what guests can expect when the attraction reopens on Sunday. The Imagineer teased details that longtime fans will want to keep their eyes open for.
That was a wealth of content to kick off May.
As always, keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on X or Instagram.
- Haley