Movie Theme Parks: Summer Blockbusters 2024
Get ready for a summer packed with thrills! This season, dive into nostalgia with Universal studios Hollywood’s celebrations of Jaws and Back to the Future, plus new Wicked and Jurassic World additions. the Universal Monsters are also set to unleash their horror in Las vegas. Simultaneously occurring, Disney World gears up for the highly anticipated reopening of Test Track at Epcot, while a new Mickey & Friends collection arrives via a collaboration with Old Navy. For the latest in theme park news including DC heroes and villains and exclusive Pride collections, turn to News Directory 3. What exciting new attractions and events are on the horizon? Discover what’s next …
Theme Park News: Universal Monsters, disney’s Test Track, and More
Updated June 18, 2025
Summer is in full swing, and theme parks are rolling out new attractions and experiences. Universal Studios Hollywood is taking visitors on a nostalgic trip with celebrations of *Back to the Future* and *Jaws*, while also looking ahead with new *Wicked* and *Jurassic World* additions.Meanwhile, the Universal Monsters are preparing to unleash their terror in Las Vegas with the opening of Universal Horror Unleashed in August.
At Walt Disney World, anticipation is building for the reopening of *Test Track* at Epcot. And for those planning a summer road trip, Old Navy and Disney have teamed up for a new Mickey & Friends collection.
six Flags Magic Mountain is joining the superhero craze with a new Justice League experience, timed to coincide with the release of DC Studios’ *Superman*.
Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates Movie Milestones
Universal Studios Hollywood is pulling out all the stops to celebrate iconic blockbuster movies. *Jaws*’ 50th anniversary is marked by the return of the hanging shark and a special meet-and-greet with actors portraying Quint and Brody. *Back to the Future* fans can meet Doc Brown, Marty McFly, and Einstein the dog alongside the DeLorean. Both films are also inspiring themed food offerings throughout the park.
*Jurassic World: The ride* features a new Mosasaur roar, and guests can meet a baby triceratops. *wicked* fans can meet Elphaba and Glinda and find new merchandise in a dedicated store.
Universal Horror Unleashed: Monsters Invade Las Vegas
Universal Horror Unleashed is set to open in Area15, Las Vegas, featuring a haunted house with all the classic Universal Monsters.
“In the Universal Monsters House, you get to follow Van Helsing as he battles all of your favorite classic monsters,” said Lorelei Lee of Universal Creative. “Our Universal Monsters Haunted House takes you through the stories of all of the classic Universal Monsters. All of them are there, and you get to walk into their world.”
Shelby Honea, also of Universal Creative, added, “We’re bringing something entirely new to Las Vegas. It is a year round destination, and so is our horror brand.” The destination will also feature houses based on *The Exorcist*, *The Texas chain Saw Massacre*, and original Horror nights characters. Expect performers, scare-actors, themed food, and drinks. More details are available on the Discover Universal podcast.
M3GAN 2.0 at Universal Studios Florida
The dancing M3GAN dolls are making limited appearances at Universal Studios Florida.
Disney World’s Test Track Reopens July 22
The *Test Track* ride at Epcot is set to reopen with new theming and a refreshed look on july 22.
Musical artist Laufey shared her early Disney fandom. “I grew up in Iceland… I always knew of Mickey. And that was one of those first characters that I became aware of,” Laufey said. “It’s so classic, my dad loved watching very classic cartoons growing up. So I grew up watching the really, really old Mickey Mouse ones.”
She also revealed her favorite childhood Disney toys: “I had the whole *Winnie the Pooh* zoo. I had Winnie and I remember specifically I have a Piglet.”
Disney and Old Navy have released a mickey & Friends collection for the whole family.The Americana-inspired collection includes clothing and accessories for all types of weather. The Disney x Old Navy road trip van will be in Chicago on June 21 and at the Santa Monica Pier on June 28.
The collection is available online.
Disney Jr. Let’s Play at disneyland Resort
Disney Jr. Let’s Play returns to the Disneyland Resort August 8-10.
DC Heroes at Six Flags Magic Mountain
DC Heroes and Villains Fest is at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Friday and Saturday nights from June 20-July 26.
Kung Fu Tea x How to train Your Dragon
Kung Fu tea locations are featuring special *How to Train Your Dragon*-inspired drinks until June 30.
Pop Mart x Pride
Pop mart launched its Pride collection at LA Pride with a float and LGBTQIA+ collectibles creators. The *Peach Riot* and *Hug You* limited releases are available online.
What’s next
Theme parks continue to evolve, offering new and exciting experiences for guests of all ages. Expect more announcements and openings throughout the summer season.