food IS a theme park
Things are heating up for Orlando’s theme parks, and we’re not just talking about summer. Universal Orlando just opened a NEW theme park, Epic Universe. Disney World has expansions planned for three of its four parks. Even LEGOLAND Florida is updating some of its hotel rooms.
SeaWorld
Well, in an effort not to be left behind, The Orlando Business Journal reports that SeaWorld Orlando might also be getting a big expansion soon.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, recently participated in a Q&A session at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference on May 14th, 2025. During the Q&A session, he commented on the affordability of Disney.
Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney
A Disney vacation is not cheap, but how does Disney feel about the affordability of its own parks? We have some thoughts directly from the Chairman of Disney Experiences, so let’s dive in!
There are countless places to dine around Disney World — how do you know which ones are worth your time?
Swan and Dolphin Hotels
We’ve done all the important research, so trust us when we tell you that the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is home to some of the best dining on Disney World property — and beyond. And, an exciting new restaurant announcement was just revealed by this Disney World hotel!
Disney World and Universal Orlando aren’t the only theme parks in the Orlando area.
©LEGOLAND
Another popular theme park destination in the area is LEGOLAND Florida, which is dedicated to all things LEGO. LEGOLAND has both a theme park and a water park, as well as the world’s first Peppa Pig theme park. LEGOLAND also has three themed hotels and employs around 1,600 people. However, the company recently revealed it was laying off 200 of its employees. Now, according to The Orlando Business Journal, employees associated with LEGOLAND’s parent company, Merlin Magic Making, are being let go.
I know, I know, you might be wondering, why would I ever want to leave Disney World? I get it; Disney World is a special place, and even though I’ve visited the parks hundreds of times, it still hasn’t gotten old.
Magic Kingdom
There is nothing quite like the feeling of passing under the Walt Disney World arch and knowing you’re in for a great day. Whether it be visiting happy haunts in Magic Kingdom or discovering how to live with the land in EPCOT, Disney World will always hold a special place in my heart. However, I also want to encourage you to LEAVE Disney World while you are in Central Florida!
Disney held its Annual Shareholder Meeting on March 20th, 2025, and we heard updates on several different areas of the company and even heard from the shareholders themselves.
Walt Disney Company Headquarters in Burbank
During the voting portion of the meeting, a few different shareholder proposals were discussed, including climate risks to retirement plan beneficiaries — and the proposal to end the company’s participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
Disney held its Annual Shareholder Meeting on March 20th, 2025, and gave updates on several different areas of the company — but it wasn’t until the very end that things got interesting.
©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters
CEO Bob Iger participated in a shareholder question and answer session at the end of the meeting and was asked about the company’s plans to address domestic theme park attendance along with price increases. But don’t worry, no price increases have been announced… yet.
Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle recently spoke at the Orlando Business Journal‘s annual Power Breakfast and shared quite a bit about the parks, Cast Members, and the upcoming opening of Universal’s Epic Universe.
Magic Kingdom
Luckily, Vahle doesn’t seem too concerned about the impact of Epic Universe on Disney World.
It’s a good time to be a theme park fan because new theme parks seem to be opening EVERYWHERE. First, Universal Orlando is gearing up to open its third park, Epic Universe, in May.
©Nick Jr.
Universal is also opening up a new horror experience in Las Vegas in August, as well as Universal Kids Resort in Texas in 2026. Well, ANOTHER new theme park JUST opened in Fort Worth, Texas, and it’s the Peppa Pig Theme Park — yep, your kids are going to LOVE it. We’ve got ALL the details on this new park, so keep reading!
Universal has BIG plans for the future of its theme parks. That includes the grand opening of its third theme park at Universal Orlando, Epic Universe.
©Universal
Additionally, Universal is creating a theme park for kids and families in Texas called Universal Kids Resort. PLUS, Universal is opening a huge horror-themed attraction in Las Vegas (and tickets are on sale now). Well, we have a hint that Universal COULD be working on bringing something HUGE to its theme parks: Wicked. Yep, now that the movie is a bonafide hit, Universal could bring a permanent Wicked addition to its parks, according to comments made by Mark Woodbury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences when speaking with the New York Times.
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