Brand USA: Amusement Park News & Tips
US Theme Parks Roll Out New Attractions, Shows in 2025
Table of Contents
- US Theme Parks Roll Out New Attractions, Shows in 2025
- US Theme Park Updates: What’s New in 2025?
- What are the biggest attractions coming to Orlando in 2025?
- Are there new attractions coming to Walt Disney World?
- What other new attractions are opening in Florida?
- What’s planned for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary?
- What new features can we expect at Dollywood in 2025?
- Are any classic parks adding new features?
- What about coastal amusement parks?
- Are indoor water parks becoming more popular?
- What new roller coasters are planned?
- What about on-site accommodations?
- What’s new in dining at these theme parks?
- Summary of Key Theme Park Updates for 2025
From high-speed coasters to immersive dining, U.S. theme parks are constantly evolving. Across the nation, established parks and new attractions offer a wide array of experiences for visitors of all ages.
worldwide’s Epic Universe set to Debut in Orlando
Orlando will see the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. The park, the fourth at Universal Orlando Resort, will feature themed worlds including Dark Universe with classic monsters; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic; Isle of berk, based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” films; and Super Nintendo World.
Walt Disney World is also introducing new entertainment,including the “Parade Starlight: Dream The Night Away” and two new productions at Disney’s Hollywood studios. SeaWorld Orlando will debut “Expedition Odyssey,” an arctic-themed experience. Legoland Florida will open the Sea Life Aquarium on May 23.
Anniversaries Celebrated in California,Tennessee
The Disneyland Resort in anaheim,California,is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025 with new parades and multimedia evening shows like “Paint the Night” and “Wondrous Journeys.” Special events such as “Tapestry of Happiness” and “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” are also planned. Disney California Adventure will feature “World of Color – Happiness,” a show incorporating water projections, light, and music.
Dollywood in tennessee marks its 40th anniversary with festivals, new rides, and live music. Its location in the Smoky Mountains allows visitors to combine theme park fun with natural and cultural experiences.
Classic Parks Add New Features
Several established parks are investing in new attractions.Silver Dollar City in Missouri is launching a revised version of the indoor roller coaster “Fire in the Hole.” Lake Compounce in Connecticut and Kennywood in Pennsylvania have renovated classic wooden roller coasters from the 1920s. Knoebels, also in Pennsylvania, continues to offer free admission and past rides.
Coastal amusement parks offer traditional rides with ocean views. These include coney Island in new York, Morey’s Piers in New Jersey, the Santa Monica pier, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California, and Navy Pier in Chicago. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier in Texas provides a similar experience.
Indoor Water Parks Gain Popularity
Indoor water parks are growing in popularity, offering year-round, climate-controlled entertainment. New options include the Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma, Great Wolf Lodge locations in Florida, Texas, and Connecticut, and the Dreamworks Water Park in New Jersey. The Kalahari Resort, planned for 2026, will be one of the largest indoor water parks in the U.S., covering 175,000 square meters.
Roller Coaster Innovations
New roller coasters remain a key attraction. Highlights include:
- Top Thrill 2 in Cedar Point, Ohio: Currently the world’s highest roller coaster at 130 meters.
- Siren’s Curse (Cedar Point): The first tilting track coaster in the Western Hemisphere.
- Wrath of Rakhasa (Six Flags Great America, Illinois): A dive coaster with five inversions.
- Rapterra (Kings Dominion, Virginia): A rail coaster.
- Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey): North America’s first Super-Boomerang Coaster.
- Fire Runner (Lost Island Theme Park, Iowa): A launched coaster with acrobatic elements.
- Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Universal Studios Hollywood, from 2026): A roller coaster based on the film series.
On-Site Accommodations Expand
Many parks are expanding their on-site lodging options.Several hotels are under construction near the new Epic Universe, including the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, featuring Mediterranean design and direct park access. Dollywood is adding the Heartsong Lodge, designed in a national park style. The Silver Dollar City Resort, offering views of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake, is scheduled to open in 2026.
Enhanced Dining Experiences
Culinary offerings are increasingly important to the theme park experience. Universal parks feature themed restaurants and beverages like butter beer and the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Disney parks offer classics like Dole Whip and upscale dining at restaurants such as Victoria & Albert’s and Napa Rose. Regional specialties are available at parks like Dollywood (cinnamon bread), Kennywood (Potato Patch Fries), and Coney Island (Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs). Traditional parks feature historical restaurants like Mrs. Knott’s Chicken dinner.
US Theme Park Updates: What’s New in 2025?
As U.S. theme parks constantly evolve,they offer an exciting array of experiences for visitors of all ages. Let’s dive into what you can expect in 2025!
What are the biggest attractions coming to Orlando in 2025?
The most significant addition in orlando is Worldwide’s Epic universe, set to open on May 22, 2025. This new park is Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth park and will feature several themed worlds:
Dark Universe: Featuring classic monsters.
The Wizarding world of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Offering more adventures in the “Harry Potter” universe.
Isle of Berk: Based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” films.
Super nintendo World: Bringing the world of Nintendo to life.
Are there new attractions coming to Walt Disney World?
Yes! Walt Disney World is introducing new entertainment.This includes the ”Parade Starlight: Dream The Night Away” and two new productions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
What other new attractions are opening in Florida?
SeaWorld Orlando will debut “Expedition Odyssey”, an arctic-themed experience. Additionally, legoland Florida will open the Sea Life aquarium on May 23.
What’s planned for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary?
The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Festivities include:
New parades
Multimedia evening shows like “Paint the Night” and ”Wondrous Journeys”
Special events such as “Tapestry of Happiness” and “Walt Disney – A Magical Life”
Disney California Adventure will feature “World of Color – Happiness”, a show incorporating water projections, light, and music.
What new features can we expect at Dollywood in 2025?
Dollywood in Tennessee is celebrating its 40th anniversary with:
New festivals
new rides
Live music
Its location in the smoky Mountains allows visitors to combine theme park fun with natural and cultural experiences.
Are any classic parks adding new features?
Yes, several well-established parks are investing in new attractions.These include:
Silver Dollar City (Missouri): Launching a revised version of the indoor roller coaster “Fire in the Hole.”
Lake Compounce (Connecticut) & Kennywood (Pennsylvania): Renovating classic wooden roller coasters from the 1920s.
Knoebels (Pennsylvania): Continuing to offer free admission and classic rides.
What about coastal amusement parks?
Coastal amusement parks maintain their traditional charm.Some examples include:
Coney Island (New York)
Morey’s Piers (New Jersey)
Santa Monica Pier (California)
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (California)
Navy Pier (Chicago)
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier (texas)
Are indoor water parks becoming more popular?
Absolutely! Indoor water parks are gaining popularity due to their year-round, climate-controlled surroundings. New options include:
Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark (Oklahoma)
Great Wolf Lodge locations in Florida, Texas, and Connecticut
Dreamworks Water Park (New jersey)
Kalahari Resort (Planned for 2026): One of the largest (175,000 square meters)
What new roller coasters are planned?
New roller coasters are always a major draw. Here’s a speedy look at some of the exciting new coasters:
Top Thrill 2 (Cedar Point, Ohio): The world’s highest roller coaster at 130 meters.
Siren’s Curse (Cedar Point): The first tilting track coaster in the Western Hemisphere.
wrath of Rakhasa (Six Flags Great America,Illinois): A dive coaster with five inversions.
Rapterra (Kings Dominion, Virginia): A rail coaster.
Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great Adventure,New Jersey): North america’s first Super-Boomerang coaster.
Fire Runner (Lost Island Theme Park, Iowa): A launched coaster with acrobatic elements.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Universal Studios Hollywood, from 2026): A roller coaster based on the film series.
What about on-site accommodations?
Many parks are expanding their lodging options. Notable developments include:
Epic Universe: Several hotels under construction, including the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Dollywood: Adding the Heartsong Lodge, designed in a national park style.
silver Dollar City: Silver Dollar City Resort, scheduled to open in 2026.
What’s new in dining at these theme parks?
culinary experiences are also being enhanced:
Universal Parks: themed restaurants and beverages like Butterbeer and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
Disney Parks: Classics like Dole Whip and upscale dining at restaurants like Victoria & Albert’s and Napa Rose.
Regional Specialties: Dollywood (cinnamon bread), Kennywood (Potato Patch Fries), Coney Island (Nathan’s Famous hot Dogs).
Traditional Parks: Historical restaurants like Mrs.Knott’s Chicken Dinner.
Summary of Key Theme Park Updates for 2025
Here’s a table summarizing some of the major changes happening in U.S. theme parks in 2025:
| Park | New Attractions/Features | Key Highlight |
| ———————————- | ——————————————————– | ————————————————————————————- |
| Universal’s Epic Universe (Orlando) | New Park, Themed Worlds | Dark Universe, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and super Nintendo World |
| Walt Disney World (Orlando) | New Entertainment | “Parade Starlight: Dream The Night Away” |
| SeaWorld (Orlando) | “Expedition Odyssey” | Arctic-themed experience |
| Disneyland (Anaheim, CA) | 70th Anniversary celebrations | New parades, shows, and a “World of Color” show |
| Dollywood (Tennessee) | 40th Anniversary; Festivals, Rides, Live Music | Commemorating a milestone with enhanced experiences |
| Cedar Point (Ohio) | Top Thrill 2, Siren’s Curse | World’s highest coaster, first tilting track coaster in Western Hemisphere |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift | new Roller Coaster based on the film series |