Halloween Horror Nights reveals it’s bringing back a Halloween house on both coasts. Universal Studios kicks off a dino-mite summer with the VelociCoaster turning one. Pack your bags to check out a really cool Jumanji ride that just opened in Italy. And in case you missed it, Disney Parks revealed new faces coming to Galaxy’s Edge at Star Wars Celebration.
Here’s your weekly guide to the latest news about amusement parks, immersive experiences, themed food, and more!
A New Oldie
Halloween Horror Nights kicks off September 2 at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort and September 8 at Universal Studios Hollywood—and it’ll bring with it excitement for slasher fans, following that first reveal of a Universal Monsters-themed attraction. Yes, Michael Myers and an updated maze themed around John Carpenter’s Halloween are set to return after the popular 2015 version. While it’s a bit underwhelming that Universal is betting on bankable titles to start these much-anticipated announcements with, fans remain eager for new houses to be added to the yearly Halloween haunt events. On Twitter, Halloween Horror Nights creative director John Murdy was asked why the Halloween house is based on the 1978 film, not Blumhouse’s current Halloween sequel trilogy; he explained “we can’t do that property” but added “hopefully in the future it will become available to us.”
3 / 12
The Real Star of the Announcement
The Real Star of the Announcement
No, really we want to know who they are. They’re now our HNN unofficial dog mascot because they’re not only a scene stealer but a heart stealer.
Jurassic June
Look at this T-Rex donut from Voodoo Donuts at Citywalk. Hopefully it tastes better than the movie.
5 / 12
Super Nintendo World Opening in 2023
Super Nintendo World Opening in 2023
Universal Studios Hollywood has shared a first look at the Mario Kart ride coming to the park in early 2023. Read more about it here.
6 / 12
Ride Catwoman’s Whip at Six Flags
Ride Catwoman’s Whip at Six Flags
More like another carnival ride sponsored by DC as opposed to an actual themed attraction. We are in dire need of other Warner Bros. IP getting amazing themed lands in the U.S and don’t understand why Six Flags keeps giving us hunks of metal with recognizable character names just slapped on them.
7 / 12
Jumanji Now Has a Ride (But It’s in Italy)
Jumanji Now Has a Ride (But It’s in Italy)
If you happen to be traveling through Italy this summer and want a theme park detour, be sure to check out the Gardaland Resort, which just opened an official Jumanji dark ride. From the preview above, we loved the nods to the film like being transported to the jungle world of the game. The giant spiders falling from the sky? Not so much.
8 / 12
You Can Now “Experience” Stranger Things
You Can Now “Experience” Stranger Things
Interactive attraction “Stranger Things: The Experience” has launched in major cities like New York, London, and San Francisco. Check out our recap of what you can find in the Upside Down here.
9 / 12
New Characters Coming to Galaxy’s Edge
New Characters Coming to Galaxy’s Edge
Obi-Wan Kenobi star Moses Ingram visited Galaxy’s Edge, which gives us hope we’ll get to see a Reva character walking around soon. At the recent Star Wars Celebration, it was announced that more characters from the Lucasfilm stories would be appearing around Galaxy’s Edge—including Boba Fett with Fennec Shand, who debuted that very weekend, and the promise that they’d be joined later this year by Grogu and the Mandalorian.
10 / 12
Avengers Campus Celebrates One Year With a Spidey Fail
Avengers Campus Celebrates One Year With a Spidey Fail
Another first year anniversary has recently been celebrated over at Disney’s California Adventure. Avengers Campus celebrated the milestone with the addition of Kamala Khan from Ms. Marvel to coincide with the new Disney+ show. And in surprising news, the Spider-Man animatronic experienced quite the technical difficulty.
11 / 12
D23 Expo Announces Panel Slate
D23 Expo Announces Panel Slate
We’ve been waiting for this one. D23 Expo, which takes place September 9-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, has revealed its slate of major panels (all times PT).
Friday, September 9
At 3: 30 p.m., guests will be treated to new details, first looks, sneak peeks, surprises, and announcements regarding upcoming theatrical and Disney+ titles from Disney Live Action, Pixar Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Studio heads, filmmakers, and cast members will come together onstage with the inside scoop on some of these studios’ most exciting titles.
Saturday, September 10
Filmmakers, celebrity talent, and surprise guests will join representatives from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, among others, onstage in Hall D23 at 10 a.m. to showcase theatrical and Disney+ titles. Going behind the scenes of these studios’ highly anticipated films, specials, and series, attendees will see exclusive footage and be among the first to learn what else is in the works.
Sunday, September 11
At 10: 30 a.m., join Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro for a look at Disney’s boundless future. With announcements and updates on the magic happening around the world in parks, on the high seas, at home, and beyond, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the big dreams of Disney Imagineers. Every Disney fan will want to be a part of this special presentation full of exciting news and surprises.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel and Star Wars releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
