Edition: Week of July 24, 2025
By Happily Ever After Hours Team
Hey there—first off, our apologies for missing last week’s post. Summer magic (and summer meltdowns) got the best of us. We’re back this week, brighter, breezier, and ready to serve up :
🌟 Happily Ever After Hours | Weekly Theme Park Roundup
Edition: Week of July 24, 2025
Hey friends! First off — we want to offer a quick apology for missing last week’s roundup. Between the Florida heat, content planning, and a few surprise churros, we got a little sidetracked. But we’re back and better than ever with everything that’s been happening in the world of Disney and Universal over the past two weeks.
Let’s dive in and get caught up on the magic!
🦕 Big Changes Coming to Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is finally getting the TLC it deserves — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting transformations we’ve seen in years.
Here’s what’s in the works:
- Dino-Rama is set to be replaced with a brand-new Encanto dark ride.
- A whimsical carousel will take over the former Boneyard play area.
- The Dinosaur attraction will be reimagined as an Indiana Jones-themed experience — giving it new life while leveraging proven technology from Disneyland.
This is all part of Disney’s commitment to investing $8 billion into their parks over the next 10 years, and it looks like Animal Kingdom is finally stepping into the spotlight.
🏞️ Disneyland May Be Getting a Third Park
Thanks to zoning changes pushed through by the DisneylandForward project, Disney now has the green light to expand further west of the current resort. While no official plans have been confirmed, speculation is swirling about the addition of a third gate in Anaheim.
Possible concepts include:
- A fully realized Zootopia land
- Coco-themed experiences
- Avatar expansion beyond Pandora
- A new Avengers Campus evolution
Nothing is confirmed (yet), but the groundwork is officially laid. And that alone is pretty magical.
🎉 Destination D23 Schedule Released — Without a Parks Panel?
The full schedule for Destination D23 at Coronado Springs has been released… but fans noticed something odd: there’s no major Disney Parks panel listed. Traditionally, this is where fans get first looks at upcoming attractions and changes, so the omission has raised eyebrows.
That said, we wouldn’t be surprised if some surprise reveals are tucked into other panels or keynotes. Disney loves a good twist.
🌟 “Starlight Parade” Still Shining
Over at Magic Kingdom, the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade continues to dazzle guests night after night. Launched on July 20, this is the park’s first brand-new nighttime parade in nearly a decade — and it shows.
With dazzling floats, synchronized LED costuming, and a new original soundtrack, it’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. If you haven’t seen it yet, make it a priority!
🔥 The Heat Is Real in Central Florida
If you’re visiting this week, prepare for record heat. A heat advisory is currently in effect across Central Florida, with “feels-like” temperatures climbing above 108°F.
Pro tip: pack cooling towels, neck fans, and sunscreen — and take a break indoors during the midday peak. Your future self will thank you.
🎢 Epic Universe Expansions Already in Motion
Even though Epic Universe only just opened in May, Universal has already confirmed that additional expansions are coming. Their leadership teased “plenty of room to grow,” and site plans show available land around Celestial Park that’s ripe for new attractions.
Could this be the beginning of a new mini-land? Or a second wave of IP reveals? We’ll be keeping a close watch.
🏎️ Mario Kart Is Winning the Popularity Race
Since opening, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge has become the most consistently visited ride across Epic Universe, even edging out the massive Battle at the Ministry Harry Potter coaster in wait times.
Gamers, racers, and Yoshi fans rejoice — your moment has arrived.
🎃 Halloween Horror Nights 2025: Start Planning
As we inch closer to spooky season, Halloween Horror Nights 2025 is starting to take shape. Six houses have already been announced for Orlando, including:
- Jason Un1v3rse
- Fallout
- El Artista: A Spanish Haunting
- Hatchet & Chains
- Dolls
- Grave of Flesh
Universal Hollywood’s Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America is also generating serious buzz.
Meanwhile, Universal Studios Florida will start closing early for HHN on August 28 — at 5 PM on event nights and 7 PM on non-HHN nights. Make sure to plan your daytime visits accordingly!
⚠️ A Six-Month Universal Shutdown?
Big shakeups could be on the horizon — word is that one of Universal Orlando’s parks will shut down for six months, with major changes and announcements coming soon. Speculation points to Volcano Bay or sections of Universal Studios being reimagined, but the truth is still under wraps.
Stay tuned, because this one could be a game-changer.
🎉 Bonus News: Snoopy Fiesta at Universal Japan
Not to be outdone, Universal Studios Japan launched its Super Snoopy Fiesta, running through the end of the year. Expect new Snoopy-themed shows, treats, and decor — perfect for fans of the world’s most famous beagle.
🗂️ Quick Look: This Week’s Highlights
| Location | News |
|---|---|
| Animal Kingdom | Encanto dark ride, carousel, and Indy re-theme coming soon |
| Disneyland (Anaheim) | Zoning approved for possible third park |
| Magic Kingdom | Starlight Parade in full swing |
| EPCOT & D23 | D23 panels announced — no Parks panel listed |
| Universal Orlando | Early park closures begin Aug 28 for HHN |
| Epic Universe | Expansion planning confirmed; Mario Kart dominates |
| Universal Orlando Resort | 6-month park closure coming soon |
| Universal Japan | Snoopy Fiesta now live through Dec 2025 |
| Florida Weather | Heat advisory continues with triple-digit temps |
💫 Final Thoughts
We missed you all last week, but it’s safe to say we’ve returned with some seriously exciting updates. From new attractions to surprise closures, the parks are anything but quiet this summer.
Whether you’re booking your next trip or just daydreaming from your desk, we’ll be right here every week bringing you the magic — no heat exhaustion necessary.
Until next time… keep dreaming, keep planning, and stay happily ever after.
Happily Ever After Hours 
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