This year has not been a summer full of major attraction openings. While there have been some reopenings and re-envisionings here and there, theme park fans have mainly been forced to dream about projects that are still in the works.
A multifaceted addition called the Magic of Disney Animation attraction is slated for mid-September at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but right now we’re left wondering what’s going on behind the scenes. Although most projects have been announced, mysteries remain.
Today we’re going to round up the biggies, not all the spots with plywood panels in the front. The situation changes daily, but here are the recent developments:
drift and drive
What and where: Fast and Furious – Hollywood Drift, a futuristic roller coaster at Universal Studios, Florida
What was there: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which closed last August and has since been demolished.
View: This is the most prominent building in the city and can be seen from many different angles. Anyone passing by outside the park will notice the movement of the spikes jutting out into Universal CityWalk. (That’s a maximum of 170 feet. For comparison, SeaWorld Orlando’s Icebreaker spikes are listed at 93 feet.)
A loading station can be seen near the front of the library at the back of the park, and a rail has recently been installed near the music plaza stage. It’s not as dramatic as the Rockit loop, but it’s definitely worth a look.
A similar but different ride (somehow with the same name) is going into soft opening mode at Universal Studios Hollywood, and an in-car video of the spinning car may pique the interest of people in Orlando.
Universal puts brakes on Fast and Furious ride sooner than expected
More: The park has a lot of action on the streets for Halloween Horror Nights starting August 28th. Another notable update is happening behind the scenes at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, as it undergoes a long-term update scheduled to end in late 2026 (translation: HHN and beyond).
mysterious country
What and where: Demolition site, adventure island
What was there: Lost Continent, once home to opening day attractions such as Poseidon’s Wrath and the “Eighth Voyage of Sinbad” show.
What’s going on: Universal confirmed last September that something new would be in there, but nothing new has been announced. Conflicting rumors have been flying around since then, but we’re not running a rumor mill here, so we’ll wait for something new to come out. Meanwhile, bits and pieces of old land are being removed from the scenario, from the magic spring to the big old foot in front of Poseidon’s building.
Other: The walls around Jurassic Park River Adventure remain and have been undergoing routine maintenance and renovations since January. It is scheduled to reopen in November.
Outside the park, construction has begun on Cat 10, an entertainment venue led by country music star Luke Combs. Located on the waterfront at Universal CityWalk.
deep dish
What and where: SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, SeaWorld Orlando
What was there: An attraction is located in a space that is not normally open to the public.
What’s new: The attraction was announced in November as an “indoor suspended dark ride” by Vekoma Rides, simulating deep-sea exploration with immersive audio and dynamic lighting in each vehicle. We saw this vehicle announced at last year’s IAAPA Expo, but we haven’t heard much about it since then.
It is a large building that is difficult to see from inside the park. This is said to be behind the new Expedition Odyssey, with SEAQuest signs posted on marine blue walls along the little-used path leading to Bayside Stadium. Those who are attentive can spot a large blue box-like structure from the south end of SeaWorld’s parking lot.
Other: SeaWorld’s latest addition is the revised Expedition Odyssey Fire and Ice. This is a flying theater attraction located in a former arctic wild space.
At Frontierland Battlefront
What and Where: Frontierland Expansion/Villains Land, Magic Kingdom
What was there: The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the legendary Beyond Big Thunder area.
What’s new: Magic Kingdom’s major expansion includes two “Cars”-inspired rides. Also, the construction wall is fluid around it. Visitors can view the work from the bridge over the droplets of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The site is large and there is a lot of heavy machinery installed.
What else is new: Elsewhere in the park, visitors can ride the re-railed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
monster smash
Where and what to do: At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the futuristic land based on Monsters, Inc.
What was there: Several Muppets-based attractions, including MuppetVision 4-D and the PizzeRizzo restaurant.
What it looks like: Construction work can be seen behind the wall, but most of the work visible from Grand Street is just scaffolding, workers, and a crane or two. Mike and Sulley are painted on the wall. Graphics that appear to appeal to pedestrians traveling to and from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Giant chopsticks have been spotted on part of the facade of the planned Harryhausen restaurant. The former MuppetVision space will become the Globe Theater. Further into the land is the indoor door-themed thrill ride, Disney’s first suspended roller coaster.
Other new features: Muppet Mania continues with a re-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
tropical serenade
What and Where: Tropical America, the future land of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
What was there: DinoLand in the U.S. closed in phases, ending in February.
What: This is a complete reimagining of the area, including the construction of Encanto, a ride-through attraction based on Casa Madrigal, and the addition of a carousel of animal characters. Additionally, the Dinosaur ride has been renovated to resemble a Mayan temple and features “Indiana Jones”-style attractions. Completion is targeted for 2027.
Other new features: A jumping junction has opened at Conservation Station where you can have real-life encounters with kangaroos and wallabies.
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