Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, is hiring performers for its opening season, with auditions scheduled for February 13-14 at the Frisco Performing Arts Center. They seek energetic dancers, costume characters, live performers, puppeteers, and character actors, with specific requirements and roles. Performers should prepare a résumé and headshot, and some roles require submitting a self-tape. The park is set to open this summer.
Kansas is investing over $200 million in tax incentives, primarily through STAR bonds, to develop the Mattel Adventure Park in Bonner Springs, which features toy-branded attractions like Barbie and Hot Wheels, aiming to boost local property values and revenue, but raising concerns about the long-term financial impact on the state due to potential project failures and shifting economic conditions.
Kansas is investing in a $540 million Mattel Adventure Park in Bonner Springs, funded largely through STAR bonds, which are loans paid back with future sales tax revenue. The project aims to boost local property values and attract visitors, but raises concerns about the state's future financial commitments and the effectiveness of sales tax incentives amid increasing online shopping. Construction could start in 2027, with opening planned for 2031.
The UK’s first Universal Studios theme park has received government approval to begin construction in Bedfordshire, with plans to open in 2031, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the economy, supported by significant public infrastructure investments.
Planning permission has been granted for the first Universal Studios theme park in the UK, to be built in Bedfordshire, expected to attract over eight million visitors annually, create thousands of jobs, and boost the local economy, with attractions potentially themed around James Bond, Paddington, and The Lord of the Rings.
Japan's first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park, PokéPark Kanto, is set to open in Yomiuriland, Tokyo, on February 5, 2026, featuring attractions like a Pokémon Forest, Sedge Town, and shows including Pika Pika Paradise with Pikachu, with ticket lotteries starting in December.
Six Flags America in Maryland, a beloved 51-year-old theme park, closed permanently after its 2025 season, with fans expressing nostalgia and hope for some rides to be relocated. The closure was part of the company's strategic shift, and the park's last day drew large crowds despite the sadness of the final farewell.
Disney's California Adventure will transform Soarin’ Around the World into Soarin’ Across America in 2026 to celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary, coinciding with patriotic initiatives and American-themed programming, amid ongoing debates about nationalism and Disney's cultural messaging.
A woman in her 60s died after experiencing a health issue immediately following her ride on Disneyland's Haunted Mansion attraction. The cause of death is unknown, and there were no reported issues with the ride, which reopened shortly after the incident.
The New Jersey theme park Field Station: Dinosaurs is closing and listing its animatronic dinosaurs for sale on Facebook Marketplace, with prices ranging from $500 to nearly $3,000. The park, which opened in 2012 and moved locations in 2016, is hosting final events like a Jurassic Petting Zoo and Dinosaurs After Dark before shutting down on November 9. Interested buyers are responsible for disassembly and transportation.
A man died after becoming unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando, prompting an investigation. The ride, the park's longest and featuring dueling tracks, is currently closed as authorities look into the cause of death. Universal expressed condolences and is cooperating with the inquiry.
Disney is restoring Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom to its original 1971 look, featuring classic grays, creams, and blues with gold accents, using modern materials and weather-resistant finishes to preserve its iconic appearance.
Walt Disney Imagineering is designing the new Villains Land at Magic Kingdom using a 'Conjured Architecture' style that blends European Art Nouveau and Modernisme influences with Disney animation, creating an immersive, otherworldly environment inspired by European cities and villainous characters.
Samsung has released an update for its Theme Park module in Good Lock, adding an Effects menu with options like Glass, Duotone, and Gradient, along with customization features, bug fixes, and UI tweaks to enhance user personalization on Galaxy phones.
