Latest news with #UniversalOrlandoResort
Thrill Geek
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Two All-New Haunted Houses Announced For Halloween Horror Nights – 'Five Nights at Freddy's' and 'WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks'
Halloween Horror Nights awakens two iconic franchises in all-new terrifying haunted houses inspired by the blockbuster film Five Nights at Freddy's and WWE's legendary The Wyatt Sicks. The horror kicks off at Universal Orlando Resort on Friday, August 29 and atUniversal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, September 4. Five Nights at Freddy's Guests will fight to survive as they venture through an all-new haunted house inspired by the 2023 hit film Five Nights at Freddy's , Blumhouse's highest-grossing movie to date and an adaptation of the horror videogame phenomenon. Guests will follow in the footsteps of Mike, who was recently fired and desperate for work so that he can keep custody of his little sister, after he accepts a position as a night security guard in an abandoned themed entertainment center: Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. The terror will start as guests navigate the corridors and learn that nothing at Freddy's is what it seems when they encounter the supernatural and become lured into the black heart of an unspeakable nightmare. The journey will bring guests face-to-face with full-scale replicas of the eerie characters from the film—Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, Foxy, and Mr. Cupcake—as they stalk visitors through iconic scenes, including the security room and the showroom where the chilling characters performed. The larger-than-life characters for the haunted houses were created in collaboration with Jim Henson's Creature Shop, who also masterfully produced the animatronics and corresponding costumes for the fan-favorite film. WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks Guests will be immersed in the world of WWE in the bi-coastal haunted houses 'WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks,' where they will go head-to-head with Uncle Howdy in an experience that not only features The Wyatt Sicks but honors the legacy of Bray Wyatt. The group derives from the creative mind of Bray Wyatt and was resurrected in 2024 by his brother Bo Dallas, also known as Uncle Howdy – the fearless leader of The Wyatt Sicks. The chilling crew of five has quickly emerged as one of the most disturbing and disruptive groups in WWE history with its ominous presence and portrayal of dark and twisted characters – all of which will come to life at Halloween Horror Nights this fall. Horror fans brave enough to travel through the light of the lantern will find themselves transported into the maniacal minds of The Wyatt Sicks, where each member reigns supreme within their own horrific domains. There, Uncle Howdy together with Ramblin Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard, Abby the Witch and Huskus the Pig will be waiting to take bloody retribution on a world that has abandoned them. Along the way, guests will be stalked by the eerie presence of The Fiend, Bray's sadistic alter ego, who looms within the shadows and beckons them to let him in. Tickets are now on sale for Halloween Horror Nights at both theme park destinations. Below highlights the variety ticket options available for purchase to attend the event 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
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Jurassic Park boat ride starts sinking into water in shocking scene at Universal Orlando: ‘One of my nightmares'
Guests on Universal Orlando Resort's Jurassic Park River Adventure ride recently faced something scarier than dinosaurs. A viral TikTok video posted earlier this month appears to show the ride sinking due to an apparent malfunction. The clip, shared on July 11, shows the bow of the boat submerged in the water, with several riders left soaked. No injuries were reported and everyone was escorted safely to dry land. @parksidewithholly Nothing beats a Jet 2 holiday. What's really scary is if you know what's going to happen shortly after that bend. 😅 ♬ Jet2 Advert – ✈️A7-BBH | MAN 🇬🇧 The boat was tilted at nearly a 45-degree angle, with the bow submerged in the water. @parksidewithholly/TikTok The person who posted the video, @parksidewithholly, first shared the clip in June, but it's only now started to go viral. Holly — who was in one of the boats behind the one that started sinking — shared in the comments that 'they straightened it out eventually' and the issue was fixed in 15 minutes. The issue was believed to have been caused by a mix-up with the boat's brakes during a descent into the water. Park staff allegedly 'loaded up' the riders who had to deal with the incident with express passes and bottled water, Holly claimed in a TikTok comment. The Post has contacted Universal for comment. The final drop on Jurassic Park River Adventure is 85 ft. tall at a 55 degree angle. Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Despite the disastrous situation, users were quick to crack jokes beneath Holly's TikTok. 'Relax… it's just gonna take you through the 4D experience!!!' one quipped. 'Are they aware that they are holding up traffic?' another joked. 'This is literally one of my nightmares, imagine having to swim with the animatronics,' a third said. According to the official Universal website, the ride opened in Islands of Adventure in 1999, and at the time featured the largest theme park water descent ever constructed. The boats used are allegedly free floating. The final drop on Jurassic Park River Adventure is 85 feet tall at a 55-degree angle, and 1.5 million gallons of water are used throughout the ride.
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
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition to Make World Premiere at The Franklin Institute in 2026
A blockbuster museum experience is heading to Philadelphia. The Franklin Institute and Comcast NBCUniversal have announced Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition , a first-of-its-kind immersive showcase opening February 14, 2026. This massive 18,000-square-foot exhibit will debut in the heart of Philly and promises a behind-the-scenes look into the thrills, technology, and imagination that power Universal Destinations & Experiences. Spanning eight themed galleries and featuring over 100 original artifacts from fan-favorite attractions like Jurassic World , How to Train Your Dragon , and Universal Monsters , the exhibit is set to highlight the creative minds and innovations behind Universal's world-renowned parks. Guests will discover the science and artistry behind ride design, special effects, robotics, and costuming—getting an insider's look at what makes these parks so unforgettable. Interactive experiences are a major focus of the exhibition. Visitors can: Step into immersive themed environments Program animatronics and design coasters Try on virtual monster masks Pose with costumes from characters like Toothless and Po View props and ride vehicles from across Universal's iconic attractions The exhibit also dives into Universal's legendary Studio Tour in Hollywood and celebrates the future of themed entertainment with a spotlight on Epic Universe , opening soon at Universal Orlando Resort. The premiere will be housed in The Franklin Institute's Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center, running through September 7, 2026. It's presented in collaboration with creative firm MDSX, with Comcast NBCUniversal serving as the presenting sponsor and PECO as associate sponsor. 'This is a must-see for theme park fans, tech lovers, and families,' said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. 'Debuting this exhibition during the city's 2026 semi-quincentennial celebration is truly special.' Universal's Gerald Raines added, 'This exhibit pulls back the curtain on how our attractions are made—and celebrates the extraordinary teams who bring dreams to life.' Advance ticket access and updates are now available at Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she's been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she's not at a theme park, she's probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.
UPI
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Art the Clown set for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights
July 10 (UPI) -- Universal Studios has announced that Art the Clown from the Terrifier film series is coming to Halloween Horror Nights. Art the Clown will be featured in a new Terrifier-themed haunted house at Universal Orlando Resort starting Aug. 29 and at Universal Studios Hollywood on Sept. 4. The haunted house will take guests through Art the Clown's gruesome Funhouse, which first appeared in Terrifier 2. Universal Studios is promising lots of frights and gore inside the haunted house, along with references to the other Terrifier films. Universal Studios also released a teaser trailer for the attraction that features a television playing scenes from the film franchise. Halloween Horror Nights will also be featuring haunted houses based on Friday the 13th and Fallout.
