2025 has had a wild start. Some peculiar happenings and it’s only January.
Hello theme park news connoisseurs, it’s Haley.
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Florida’s weather has certainly been peculiar lately. After what they saw in the Panhandle and North Florida, I had a few out-of-state people reach out asking if snow reached Central Florida.
I checked with the Pinpoint Weather team. The farthest south that flurries were spotted in Florida was at the Ocala International Airport, and it was more like a wintery mix.
So no, Elsa did not unleash her frozen magic as it did not snow at Disney World. If you’ve seen images online of a snowy Main Street U.S.A., they are fake.
False weather-related photos at Disney were also a thing when Milton hit Florida.
I can say that in all the years I’ve lived in Central Florida, I cannot remember using the car seat warmer as much as I have this week. I took a screenshot of the Pinpoint Weather app showing conditions at Magic Kingdom on Wednesday afternoon. Take a look at that “feels like” temperature.
I bet the line to Main Street Bakery to get a warm beverage was racking up a long wait time this week.
Walt Disney World
New artwork alert 🚨
Disney sure has been doing a lot of sharing about upcoming attractions. Specifically, what’s coming this summer.
Over the weekend, Disney Parks shared rendering images of two big additions coming to Walt Disney World.
In Hollywood Studios, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will be a fresh take on Disney Villain stories that we know and love. I think of this show as a starter course before what will be the main dish of a Disney Villains land down the road.
The other addition will be something that has been long missed — a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom. I’m already excited about the float lineup, especially now that I’m hearing a float will be dedicated to one of the most important artists in Disney history.
Centenarian’s salute 🫡
The Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat is always a special moment to cherish whether you’re the spectator or the veteran being honored.
Disney shared photos of a recent ceremony that honored a World War II veteran. Retired U.S. Army Col. William “Bill” Connelly probably got a lot of “thank-you” for his service and also “happy birthday” messages.
Legoland Florida
Let’s Ninja-GO! 🥷
Legoland Florida is “kicking” off 2025 with the return of its Ninjago Weekends.
Between all the fun activities and food, Legoland has a lengthy lineup.
The first Ninjago Weekend starts this weekend and runs for a limited time. It’s included with general admission and select annual passes.
We talked to a Legoland rep about what all you can expect at Ninjago Weekends on Breakfast with Bridgett.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Why you should get to these Sesame Street celebrations 🔠
Tampa loves its pirate lore so what better theme is there for Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends?
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s celebration includes an array of activities and an all-new show starring Elmo!
Sesame Street celebrations are happening at SeaWorld Orlando, too.
SeaWorld Orlando
Food and a fun run🏃♂️
SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival begins later this month with concerts, cuisine, and a 5K.
Registration is now open for the Seven Seas Food Festival 5K Fun Run in April. Participants will race through the festival course, including iconic attractions such as Sesame Street Land and Orca Stadium.
For competitive runners, there are some decent prizes up for grabs.
Universal Orlando
Let’s get rockin’ 🤘
Universal Orlando is going to be a rockin’ place over the next couple of months.
This weekend, Rock the Universe returns. Florida’s biggest Christian music festival even includes a Sunday morning service to wrap up the inspiring weekend.
The following weekend, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval kicks off with an impressive lineup of concerts.
That’s a wrap for this week.
We have an Insider attraction contest going on right now. If you live in Central Florida, you can win two tickets to the Under the Stars after-hours event at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Be sure to share your cold weather photos on the PinIt! page. There’s an “In the Loop” channel.
Feel free to keep me in the loop on all things theme parks through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.