Latest news with #EpicUniverse
Thrill Geek
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Select Epic Universe Soundtrack Songs Now Streaming
Skip to content Three new songs from The Official Epic Universe Celestial Park Soundtrack are now streaming on select music streaming apps. The songs can be found on Spotify as well as on Apple Music. The released songs include Court of the Moon Theme (Day), Majestic Rising (Reprise of Apollo) and Stardust Racers (Day). Additionally, the full Universal Epic Universe Soundtrack will be available on physical vinyl and streaming in 2026. Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
USA Today
22-07-2025
- USA Today
The 13 best outdoor water parks in the US for summer thrills
Nothing says summer vacation like cooling off at one of the best outdoor water parks in the U.S. Whether you're lazing around the pool, dropping down high-speed slides, or bobbing on the waves, the best water parks in the U.S. are loaded with enough splash pads, dump buckets, and waterslides to thrill everyone in the family. From the Orlando water parks at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resorts to the steepest, tallest, and fastest waterslides and coasters in the Midwest, here are the most thrilling outdoor water parks across the country. 1. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels New Braunfels, Texas Recognized as the best water park in the world for more than two decades by Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is located about 30 miles from San Antonio on the banks of the Comal River, not far from some of the top family resorts in Texas. This outdoor water park embraces its natural landscaping with 100-year-old oak, cedar, and cypress trees throughout its 70 acres. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has a staggering variety of river rides, waterslides, and experiences ranging from mild to wild for more than 50 attractions. Each section of the park contains a swim-up bar, children's area, and unique signature attraction. The Schatze's Storybrook Park kids' area features the world's first water coaster for kids, and signature attraction The Falls consistently ranks among the best water park rides in the country. Where to stay: Schlitterbahn's Treehaus Luxury Suites offer full kitchens and views of the water park, while its Riverbend Cabins can sleep up to 10 and provide easy access to all the fun. 2. Universal's Volcano Bay Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida Volcano Bay is such an impressive outdoor water park that Universal Orlando Resort gives it equal billing to its three other Orlando theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the new Epic Universe). At the heart of this water park is the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which whisks you through a 200-foot-tall volcano that gushes water by day and fiery "lava" at night. Guests also find plenty of drop slides, raft rides, water play areas, and a rapid roaring river that's anything but lazy. Where to stay: Book at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and you can walk right over to Volcano Bay and enjoy early admission to the water park. 3. Knott's Soak City Buena Park, California Right next door to the popular Knott's Berry Farm theme park, but separately ticketed, Knott's Soak City is the way to stay cool in Southern California. Catch a ride down any of 23 different slides or take a relaxing float on one of the longest lazy rivers in the country. With high-speed thrill slides like the open-air raft ride The Wedge, Soak City is one of the best outdoor water parks in the U.S. for older kids and teens, but it also has a dedicated place for younger kids as well. Where to stay: Knott's Hotel recently finished a multimillion-dollar renovation that includes redesigned guest rooms and new food and beverage outlets, but its convenient location near both parks didn't change. MAKE MEMORIES: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 4. Disney's Blizzard Beach Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida It should come as no surprise that the Most Magical Place on Earth has two of the best water parks in the U.S., in addition to its four Orlando theme parks. One of these Disney water parks is Blizzard Beach, an outdoor water park with the clever and creative theme of a melting ski resort (and, naturally, some Frozen-related theming too). Centered around the spectacular Mt. Gushmore, the water park includes slalom courses, toboggan runs, and the 120-foot-high Summit Plummet that plunges riders at more than 50 miles per hour from the top of a "ski jump" tower. Blizzard Beach recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and while it's often been open on an alternating basis with Disney's Typhoon Lagoon (see below) over the past several years, both parks will be open at the same time in summer 2025. Where to stay: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is just down the road from Blizzard Beach and has a fun pool area and waterslide of its own. 5. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida The second of Disney's Orlando water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, is home to the Crush 'n' Gusher, the first-ever water coaster in the Orlando area. Families will also like the Miss Adventure Falls whitewater raft ride, North America's largest wave pool, and the Castaway Creek lazy river. On select nights during some seasons, Typhoon Lagoon hosts the Disney H2O Glow After Hours event, with a DJ dance party, Disney character meet and greets, complimentary snacks, and lower wait times for rides. Where to stay: Keep the tropical vibe going by booking a room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort or stay at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek for a super convenient location and lots of fun amenities. SAVE MONEY: Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts 6. Holiday World's Splashin' Safari Santa Claus, Indiana Holiday World's Splashin' Safari outdoor water park in Santa Claus, Indiana, consistently pushes the envelope with innovative attractions. The Cheetah Chase water coaster is the water park's newest ride and also the world's first launched water coaster. It joins Splashin' Safari's other long-standing and much-lauded water coasters, Wildebeest and Mammoth (the world's longest water coaster). Attractions for younger guests include the Kima Bay monkey-themed water play area and Safari Sam's SplashLand that's perfect for vacations with toddlers. Holiday World and Splashin' Safari have a pay-one-price admission, so you can visit both parks with one ticket. You'll also get free parking, access to free sunscreen, and free unlimited soft drinks during your visit! Where to stay: Enjoy the lakeside setting at Santa's Cottages, where amenities and activities include playgrounds, catch-and-release fishing, and the Reindeer Express Train. 7. Aquatica Orlando Orlando, Florida Aquatica Orlando is the first outdoor water park to combine live animals and traditional water park rides and attractions. The Reef Plunge body slide, for example, shoots guests past dolphins, leopard sharks, and other cold-water fish on the way to the splashdown. The new Tassie's Underwater Twist is an immersive journey under the sea complete with its own musical score. Aquatica is also home to Ihu's Breakaway Falls, one of Orlando's tallest, steepest multi-drop towers; Riptide Race, the world's tallest dueling racer; and 84,000 square feet of white-sand beaches. And it's the first outdoor water park to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. Where to stay: Aquatica has several official hotel partners like Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, which has a small water park ideal for younger kids and is located close to SeaWorld Orlando and the new Universal Epic Universe. 8. Noah's Ark Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Wisconsin Dells launched the indoor water park concept in the late 1980s, and now this water park mecca is one of the most popular family vacation spots in the U.S. year-round. But there's lots of fun to be had outside too. Boasting more than 50 waterslides and dozens of attractions, Noah's Ark is the largest outdoor water park in the U.S. Notable rides include the Black Anaconda water coaster that reaches speeds of 30 miles per hour; Scorpion's Tail, America's first looping, near vertical waterslide; and the Surfing Safari surf simulator. Where to stay: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2025, Shamrock Motel Resort & Suites guests receive free wristbands to Noah's Ark for every day of their stay, including the day of checkout. 9. Dollywood's Splash Country Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Adjacent to the Dollywood theme park, Dollywood's Splash Country is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. The 35-acre water park open from mid-May to mid-September is home to nearly 40 rides and attractions, including RiverRush, Tennessee's first water coaster; Fire Tower Falls, the park's tallest and fastest twin slides; the 1,500-foot Downbound Float Trip lazy river; and a 25,000-square-foot wave pool. Younger kids will love the Bear Mountain Fire Tower water play structure and new Little Creek Falls splash pad. Where to stay: You won't go wrong by staying at either of the Dollywood Resorts, Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa. NO HIDDEN FEES: 15 best all-inclusive resorts for families of 5+ 10. Water World Federal Heights, Colorado Ten miles north of Denver is Water World, a community park that rivals the largest private outdoor water parks in the country. Water World features more than 50 attractions (some are gentle, others thrill rides), including the Voyage to the Center of the Earth raft ride with animatronic dinosaurs and Mile High Flyer, the first hydromagnetic water coaster in the Rockies. Other attractions include the Thunder Bay wave pool, Foothill Falls tandem racer, the Roaring Forks Dueling Water Coaster, and Centennial Basin tube bowl. And the park's Alpine Springs Express Gondola evokes Colorado's best family ski resorts by taking guests high above the park. Where to stay: The new Origin Westminster, a Wyndham Hotel offers modern guest rooms and suites and amenities like a complimentary bike rental program. 11. Water Country USA Williamsburg, Virginia Virginia's largest family outdoor water park, Water Country USA features state-of-the-art rides and attractions with a retro surf theme. Fully enclosed slide Aquazoid Amped features special effects, sudden splashes, and pulse-pounding music, while Riptide Race is a 520-foot, side-by-side, two-person racing experience through twist and tunnels. Another popular attraction is Cutback Water Coaster, which combines a water jet propulsion system with a saucer feature to create a steep, smooth ride more than 800 feet long. (Note: Water Country USA is not affiliated with the smaller but still very popular Water Country in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is New England's largest outdoor water park.) Where to stay: With amenities like the seasonal River Pool and multiple golf courses, Kingsmill Resort is a longtime Williamsburg favorite and one of our best U.S. family resorts and hotels. 12. Cowabunga Bay Henderson, Nevada Head to Cowabunga Bay outdoor water park, not far from surprisingly kid-friendly Las Vegas, to take on the world's largest manmade parabolic wave on a giant slide called Wild Surf. Or for something tamer, bob in the Surf-a-Rama wave pool surrounded by a 1950s style drive-in movie theater. Other attractions at Cowabunga Bay include a fully enclosed pitch-black waterslide called Point Panic and the 300-foot-long Rock-A-Hoola bowl slide. Where to stay: There are a number of reliable chain options near the water park, including Best Western Plus Henderson Hotel, Comfort Inn & Suites Henderson - Las Vegas, and Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas-Henderson. BUDGET-FRIENDLY: 11 cheap family vacations that are super fun 13. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark Sandusky, Ohio The water park associated with Ohio's Cedar Point amusement park, Cedar Point Shores offers attractions like the six-lane mat slide Riptide Raceway, the Cedar Creek lazy river, and the Breakwater Bay wave pool. Kids can play with Lemmy, the mythical Lake Erie Monster, and thrill-seekers can brave Point Plummet, a six-story, four-capsule waterslide. Where to stay: Set along Lake Erie, Hotel Breakers offers dedicated entrances to both parks and special perks for guests. Or rent one of the cottages or cabins at Lighthouse Point for a different kind of stay with similar park benefits. Slide into summer at America's most exciting outdoor water parks originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: Additional reporting by Beth Luberecki. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
Thrill Geek
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Disneyland Abu Dhabi Announced, Epic Universe Previews, Expedition Odyssey at SeaWorld Orlando – ThrillGeek Podcast Episode 20
On this episode of the podcast, Clint, Barry, and Janine discuss the following topics: New Disney Destiny ship details revealed Barry rides Expedition Odyssey at SeaWorld Orlando Previews continue at Universal Epic Universe Changes coming to Volcano Bay waterpark at Universal Orlando Resort New information about the Beak and Barrel lounge at Magic Kingdom Disneyland Abu Dhabi announced Video version: What/who is ThrillGeek? We are a website and social media outlet dedicated to bringing you news, photos, and videos from the area theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and beyond! We also cover haunted attractions, conventions, and other pop culture events! Be sure to subscribe to the ThrillGeek Podcast on your favorite podcast app! This bi-weekly podcast recording discusses the latest theme park news and updates from Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Halloween Horror Nights, and MORE! FOLLOW ThrillGeek online: Visit the ThrillGeek WEBSITE: Like ThrillGeek on FACEBOOK: Follow ThrillGeek on TWITTER: Follow ThrillGeek on INSTAGRAM: Follow ThrillGeek on TikTok: Send us a text Support the show Be sure to subscribe to the ThrillGeek Studio YouTube channel to keep up with the latest videos from us and the podcast! Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Universal Horror Unleashed picks Chicago for second site
ORLANDO, Fla. - A Universal Horror Unleashed attraction will open in Chicago, the company announced Thursday, although its first foray into year-round horror isn't scheduled to open in Las Vegas until August. "We're bringing the full force of horror and thrills to a whole new audience in a whole new place," Universal Orlando posted on social media. Unleashed is a product of Orlando-based Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal. It will be Universal's first location in the Midwest. The company has been exploring new markets. Beyond Las Vegas, Universal is building a kids-oriented theme park near Dallas, which is set to open in 2026, and is planning a theme park in England. The Chicago expansion also is an extension of Universal's long-running horror brand. Universal Studios invented the film genre in the 1930s with movies based on Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and other creatures. Universal Studios Florida theme park is preparing its 34th edition of Halloween Horror Nights, an after-hours fright fest that has grown to include Universal Studios Hollywood park in California as well as theme parks in Singapore and Japan. The monsters roam their own land called Dark Universe in the Epic Universe theme park, which opened in Orlando in May. The Chicago venue will be on Chicago Avenue at the former Tribune Distribution Center near Bally's Casino. "We're excited to bring this bold concept to life in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culture," Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in a news release. "We're grateful for the city's support as we convert this dormant site into a unique attraction that showcases our storytelling expertise and ability to deliver mind-blowing experiences that shatter guest expectations." Themes for the new Unleashed mazes, expected to debut in 2027, were not announced. The Las Vegas location will open with four haunted mazes. ____________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Review: The new $7 billion Epic Universe in Florida leaps into immersive experiences
ORLANDO, Fla. - Three words. "Disney's in trouble." My 14-year-old daughter spoke those words after we were transported into Super Mario Land via an enormous green water pipe (it was an enclosed escalator illuminated by green LEDs), just like in the classic Nintendo video game "Super Mario Bros." - warp sound effect and all. We emerged, mouths agape, from Princess Peach's castle to see animatronic piranha plants, mushroom-shaped Goombas pacing back and forth, spinning coins and floating question-mark blocks. Against the scenic backdrop of a clear blue sky with puffy white clouds on a mildly hot day, it almost made me feel like I was standing in the actual game I played as a kid in the late 1980s. Super Mario Land was just one part of Super Nintendo World, one of five themed "worlds" inside Epic Universe, NBCUniversal's newest theme park in Orlando that cost a reported $7 billion to construct. The 750-acre Epic Universe, more than a decade in the making, also features three hotels with a combined 2,000 rooms, and more than 50 "awe-inspiring attractions, dining and shopping experiences," according to Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal. The park, which officially opened May 22, is separated into five areas: Super Nintendo World; Celestial Park; Dark Universe; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic; and How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. Single-day park tickets to Epic Universe were not yet available for the park's second weekend, which is when my family went. So we secured a three-day Universal Orlando package - two days to park-hop between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure or Volcano Bay, and the third day to visit Epic. We paid about $160 each for the three-day pass in April. Single-day Epic Universe tickets now start at $179. Innovative thrills I'm always intrigued with the technology behind rides and attractions. With Epic Universe, Comcast received 161 patents for new innovations, including special animating effects, ride designs and robotics. One of those patents is for Mine-Cart Madness, a thrill ride in Donkey Kong Country at Super Nintendo World. The ride uses a vertical arm connecting the cart to a hidden track, creating the illusion of jumping over gaps or from one track to another. In Super Mario Land, a sensor-infused slap bracelet allows you to collect coins like you would in the game by pounding the bottoms of those floating question-mark blocks. Augmented reality (AR) is used for Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, a thrill ride based on the Mario Kart video game series. We steered through race courses wearing AR visors (the Rainbow Road course was the ultimate treat). But the high-resolution projection-mapping tech and animatronics on Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a ride in Dark Universe, was my favorite of the day. The new Harry Potter area is set in 1920s Paris and is based on the "Fantastic Beasts" films and the British Ministry of Magic from the "Harry Potter" series. Like at the Potter lands at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, guests can use sensor-connected wands to interact with projections and animatronics. Sustainable spaces Most theme parks, like Busch Gardens in Tampa or Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, give you concrete walkway after walkway that only guide you to the next attraction, quick-service restaurant or gift shop. Even at Walt Disney World, it's difficult to navigate the slender walkways, especially when a group decides to stop and discuss their next move. At Epic, there was plenty of walking space leading to various parts of the park. I didn't feel overwhelmed by the crowd. Mind you, several theme-park bloggers said Epic was at half-capacity at about 15,000 during its first few days, because most attendees either purchased the three-day pass or were season passholders. Still, it was relaxing. I learned that Epic Universe is a sustainable park. Over 165,000 plants - including trees, palms, bamboo, shrubs and groundcover - are irrigated with reclaimed water. Electric buses, powered by floating solar panels, take guests from resort hotels and parks to Epic Universe. There are millions of energy-saving LED lights, and filtered water refill stations so people don't toss plastic bottles. Solar panels in the parking lot provided a canopy of shade to vehicles in what I assume were premium spaces. Truly immersive Epic Universe was epic. The attention to detail makes the new park a winner. From trash cans blending into the bright architecture of the queue line for Yoshi's Adventure, to the "Back to the Future" Easter egg featuring a flux capacitor on the back of each vehicle on the Stardust Racers dueling coaster in Celestial Park, Universal scribbles over and completely rewrites the old theme-park recipe of fast coasters, character appearances and merchandise. Universal leverages its movie magic, cutting-edge technology and fandom to deliver a 750-acre experience that apparently isn't even finished yet. Some other theme parks have an area or two that are truly immersive and yield a sensation of amazement. I can name two. There's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World and the World Showcase at Disney's EPCOT. Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe rivals both. For those who couldn't care less about Nintendo nostalgia, the 1920s-era design and architecture of the new Harry Potter land and Darkmoor, the Transylvania-esque town that is home to Universal icons like Dracula, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster, are intriguing. You don't have to get on a ride to enjoy the place. When the sun sets, the Cosmos Fountain Show across seven acres of water in Celestial Park features choreographed water jets that shoot up 135 feet, with LED lights that interact with music from Universal films, Harry Potter, "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Super Mario Bros." We must have sat for 15 minutes or longer, staring at the dancing fountains in front of the new 500-room Universal Helios Grand hotel. We had a nice indoor lunch at the Meteor Astropub, one of many restaurants in Celestial Park. There are two live shows: Le Cirque Arcanus in Ministry of Magic (which appeals to "Fantastic Beasts" fans) and "The Untrainable Dragon" in the Isle of Berk. We decided to try the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry thrill ride, which combines animatronics and screen technology. The ride was experiencing technical difficulties and was delayed. We thought people would exit the queue and we'd be closer to the loading area once it restarted. Others apparently had the same idea. We waited for nearly two hours underneath London's Whitehall after being transported through the Floo Network (Floo powder is the green substance used as a mode of transportation by wizards and witches in "Potter," giving off green smoke). That attention to detail in the queue made the wait easier to survive, at least for me. If we could do it all over again, we'd probably trade the ride for the circus show. There's always next time. _______________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
