Dollywood’s Splash Country Adds Neon Nights, Upgraded Cabanas, and New Food (2026)
Dollywood’s Splash Country reopens on May 16 for its 26th season, debuting the Neon Nights after‑hours glow event and a suite of guest‑experience upgrades. Neon Nights, a separately ticketed experience, runs Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with neon lighting, DJs and lighter crowds, with tickets starting at $39.99 plus tax. The park also upgraded every canopy with fans, device‑charging ports and mobile‑order food delivery, and transitioned to a fully cashless payment system. New food items such as Firecracker Street Corn, Loaded BBQ Fries and vibrant lemonades round out the 2026 offerings.
How Disney Plans to Add AI to Nearly Everything Like Vacation Planning, Streaming and Staffing
Disney executives used the latest earnings call to unveil an enterprise‑wide AI roadmap that will touch everything from vacation planning tools to Disney+ recommendations and theme‑park labor forecasting. The company likened AI to past breakthroughs such as synchronized sound, positioning...
ICON Park Adds Chaperone Policy for Minors After Teen Incident
ICON Park in Orlando has instituted a new chaperone policy for guests 17 and younger, requiring a supervising adult aged 21 or older. The rule limits each adult to a maximum of six minors and can be activated at any...
Six Flags St. Louis Tightens Chaperone Policy Under New Management — How It Compares to Other Parks
Six Flags St. Louis, now owned by Enchanted Parks, has rolled out a tighter chaperone policy. Guests 16 and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone aged 21 or older, with enforcement beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing throughout the day....
Epic Universe Powers Universal Boom as Comcast Eyes Global Expansion
Comcast reported Universal Parks generated $2.3 billion in Q1 revenue, a 24% year‑over‑year rise, with adjusted EBITDA climbing 33% to $551 million, largely powered by the new Epic Universe resort in Orlando. The park’s higher attendance and per‑capita spending are also lifting...
Is Universal Orlando Using Facial Recognition? Photo Validation Explained
Universal Orlando has introduced a photo‑based identity verification system, branded as Photo Validation, to accelerate guest entry at select locations. Guests scan their ticket, capture a facial image, and future checkpoints match the photo to the ticket, reducing repeated scans....
Burger King May Be Getting ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Toys – but U.S. Fans May Miss Out
Burger King may be preparing an eight‑toy "The Mandalorian and Grogu" kids‑meal promotion, but the only evidence so far comes from unofficial social‑media posts that point to a rollout in Mexico. The collection includes figures of Din Djarin, Grogu, Bo‑Katan,...
Six Flags Is Reinstating Park Presidents: What Does This Mean for Guests and Employees?
Six Flags is reintroducing the park president role at ten of its flagship locations, reversing a 2025 decision to eliminate the positions after its merger with Cedar Fair. The company says the change creates a more strategic, flexible operating structure...
New Star Wars LED AT-AT Walker Popcorn Bucket Is Must-Have ‘Mandolorian & Grogu’ Item
Cinemark is rolling out a limited‑edition LED AT‑AT Walker popcorn bucket tied to the May 22 theatrical debut of “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” The bucket replicates the Imperial walker, lights up, and includes a miniature Mandalorian figure climbing the side....
Disney’s New Limited-Time “Disney Store” Concept Is Bringing Back What Fans Miss Most
Disney is launching a limited‑time "Disney Store" concept, debuting first in Pittsburgh’s Ross Park Mall on May 23, 2026 and later in New Jersey’s Westfield Garden State Plaza. The pop‑up blends the convenience of shopDisney with immersive, in‑person experiences, featuring exclusive merchandise, opening...
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Introduces Pay-per-Ride Flex Pass
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has introduced the Flex Pass, a pay‑per‑ride ticket priced at £18 (about $23) that includes park entry, unlimited rides on three core attractions and a seasonal Hot Ice Show. Guests can buy ride credits through the park...
Express Pass for Single Attractions Now Available at Universal Orlando “Universal Express Now”
Universal Orlando introduced Universal Express Now, a single‑attraction, front‑of‑line pass purchasable only on the day of visit via the park app. The $25 option grants one‑time Express queue access for a selected ride during a specific time window, expanding beyond...
How $65 Can Get You Into Eight Theme Parks -Enchanted Parks Pass Details
Enchanted Parks unveiled its 2026 season‑pass lineup, granting unlimited access to eight parks. The entry‑level Hero Pass starts at $65 and includes general parking, a 10% discount and one Fast Lane use. The $90 Legend Pass adds preferred parking, a...
Dollywood’s Appreciation Days Return as Theme Parks Get Strategic with Deals
Dollywood is reviving its Public Employee Appreciation Days, offering one‑day tickets for $59 plus tax from April 13 through May 17, 2026. Eligible guests—military, first responders, teachers, healthcare and government workers—must verify status via ID.me and can buy up to six tickets...
From Shoes to Headwear: Crocs’ Disney Collection Takes a Bold Turn
Crocs has broadened its long‑standing Disney partnership by launching a Disney‑themed headband, along with coordinating tote and belt bags, moving the collaboration from footwear to full‑outfit accessories. The headband is lightweight, hair‑safe and features six holes per ear, allowing up...