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Great news for Universal theme park fans and for Orlando tourism, as Universal’s theme parks business continue to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and shows “no signs of slowing down,” according to Comcast executives. The theme parks division’s parent company, Comcast have released its first-quarter earnings report for 2022, revealing how well the theme parks have been performing over the past few months. Comcast’s Universal theme park business continued to recover after extended shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic. Revenue in the division soared more than 151% year over year to $1.56 billion, which exceeded analysts’ projected $1.44 billion, according to FactSet. “Our recovery from the pandemic at theme parks has been fantastic and shows no signs of slowing down,” Comcast Chief Executive Officer Brian Roberts said in a statement. For the quarter, parks revenue increased $941 million to $1.6 billion, a big improvement from the same quarter last year, when parks were still operating with capacity limits. The company also praised Universal Orlando, which generated its highest adjusted EBITDA on record for a first quarter. Overall, Comcast reported a net income of $3.55 billion. Universal Parks & Resorts, the amusement park arm of Comcast’s NBCUniversal subsidiary, has vacation destinations spread across the globe. From Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort in the United States to Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Beijing Resort, the franchise has a large global footprint. The profits generated by Universal Parks & Resorts are being reinvested in the company, party right here in Orlando, as they company are currently building Universal’s Epic Universe, a brand new theme park that will join Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s City Walk, and Universal’s Volcano Bay at the Orlando Resort.

Disney Cruise Lines have announced a first-of-its-kind character meet and greet inspired by the movie Hocus Pocus and other new experiences that will debut on Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas sailings in 2022. This September and October, guests will run amuck on Halloween-themed cruises with special entertainment and activities, including trick-or-treating, spooky parties, elaborate décor, and limited-time food and beverage items. These voyages will debut an all-new character meet and greet opportunity exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. While all characters on board will adorn Halloween costumes as part of the festivities, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow will debut a never-before-seen look as they dress up as the iconic Sanderson sisters from “Hocus Pocus.” During its inaugural season of Halloween cruises this fall, the Disney Wish, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, will also introduce a unique twist on a Halloween on the High Seas hallmark. The centerpiece of every ship during Halloween sailings is the signature magical Pumpkin Tree towering over the atrium lobby, each with sprouting Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering lights. Aboard the Disney Wish, guests will witness the debut of an all-new tree in the “Cinderella”-inspired Grand Hall. Featuring lighter bark, graceful branches, and a mystical face, legend has it that this enchanted tree (named Boo) grew beautiful gourds with the help of a wishing star. The best pumpkin of them all was destined to grant a very special wish … and that moment came when a carriage was needed to send a fair maiden to a royal soiree. In a flash of bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, that perfect pumpkin became the coach that carried Cinderella to the prince’s ball! In addition to spooky character encounters and enchanted pumpkin trees, other frighteningly fun experiences aboard Halloween on the High Seas sailings include Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, a fun-filled costume party for families (and your favorite Disney characters); villainous takeovers in the adult-exclusive venues; Halloween-themed movies on Funnel Vision; and even a ghostly take on ship announcements. Halloween on the High Seas voyages will be offered aboard select sailings in September and October. Departing from ports in Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, San Diego, and New York City, each cruise will take families to fascinating destinations including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico. All sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami will include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise outfitted for family fun and relaxation and brimming with special Disney touches.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is officially returning to Magic Kingdom this year. Doug Jones, who portrays Billy Butcherson in “Hocus Pocus” and the soon to be released “Hocus Pocus 2,” helped announce the return of the party, as well as all of the entertainment! Walt Disney World are inviting ghosts and ghouls of all ages to don their favorite costumes and celebrate all things haunted during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Taking place on 37 select nights Aug. 12 through Oct. 31, 2022, this special event haunts Magic Kingdom Park after normal park operating hours from 7 p.m. to midnight. As a part of this limited-capacity event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party attendees will encounter event-exclusive entertainment, notorious Disney villains, frightfully delicious menu items and more! Here’s some of what’s in store: The Headless Horseman will ride his ghostly steed down Main Street, U.S.A. as a prelude to “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” which features floats filled with Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween best, Disney villains and the Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers. What’s Halloween without candy? During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, guests can go trick-or-treating for M&M’S, SKITTLES, SNICKERS, and other Halloween favorites at locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. And new this year, guests will also receive a reusable trick-or-treat bag featuring a keepsake 50th Anniversary celebration and Halloween design. Join the Sanderson Sisters during the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle as they call upon their frightening colleagues to conjure the ultimate “Hocus Pocus” Party Potion. Celebrate the season alongside favorite Disney characters as they take over the park for their favorite party of the year. Overlays themed for the occasion will return to several popular Magic Kingdom attractions: Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. The Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, will host “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” This can’t-miss nighttime extravaganza features projections, special effects and lighting mixed with fireworks, music and Disney characters. Discover sweet and savory menu items inspired by fall flavors and the Halloween season. NEW! In honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, Disney are adding even more fun to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year in the form of event-exclusive step-in photo opportunities. And in addition to the reusable trick-or-treating tote bag, guests will also receive a Halloween-themed 50thAnniversary celebration commemorative print.

Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween, it’s now time to celebrate and make a scene! That’s right, it’s officially #HalfwaytoHalloween, and Walt Disney World have shared a “shriek peek” with you of our upcoming spooky season merchandise. Let’s jump right in! Chills are bountiful throughout the Halloween season, and what better way to cozy up than with a Halloween Spirit Jersey available this fall at Walt Disney World Resort. Complete with Mickey Mouse detailing on the front left top corner, and a festive message along the back, you’ll be ready to take on all frights. For those who recently visited Master Gracey’s home, The Haunted Mansion, and might have a ghost that followed them home, our comfy two-piece sleep sets are perfect for a spooky night in! Disclaimer: No actual ghosts followed you home, maybe. Wherever you’re trick-or-treating this season (you’ll catch me skipping down Main Street, U.S.A!), accessories are a MUST. Our Halloween Mickey and Friends Loungefly can perfectly store all your goodies while our Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Bubble Wand lights the way to your next spooky destination – coming soon to Walt Disney World Resort. This is Halloween after all, and no Halloween celebration would be complete without merchandise at Walt Disney World Resort honoring the Pumpkin King himself – Jack Skellington! You’ll ooze coolness with our Jack and Sally crossbody and show you’re the master of mischief with our Oogie Boogie Minnie Mouse Ear Headbands. And now, a “shriek peek,” a brand-new collection themed after Walt Disney’s Silly Symphonies, Skeleton Dance. Spooky, scary, skeletons dance along a crew neck, hooded sweatshirt, and zip up jacket to name a few as they make their way to Walt Disney World Resort early-August! Disney truly have something for everyone, especially The Haunted Mansion fanatics! A Madame Leota fashion knit duster will show your loyalty to the spirit known for her fortune telling. Or perhaps the tale of Constance, the widowed bride calls to you? If so, this spine-tingling backpack is a necessity. See a doom buggy in your future? There’re 999 happy haunts, but there’s room for a thousand. Any volunteers? Lastly on this merchandise “shriek peek,” you didn’t think we’d let you float away without showing some of the goodies coming from the collection of our three favorite, witchy, sisters? Run amuck with a Hocus Pocus mug or Corkcicle to keep your apple cider warm. Both available soon at Walt Disney World Resort.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is officially returning for 2022 and more details have been announced! The important news is that tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party go on sale May 12. The dates are as follows: August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30 October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party may be purchased online or by calling 407-939-4240 beginning May 18. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing tickets as early as May 12. Ticket prices will range from $109 – $199. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members may purchase specially priced tickets for select dates.

Frightfully great Halloween news from Disney! Walt Disney World have announced that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning to Magic Kingdom Aug. 12 - Oct. 31 during Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration! The number of nights and date range is very similar to previous parties, with 37 nights planned for this year. Guests attending this year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will receive a Halloween-themed 50th anniversary celebration commemorative print and new step-in event-exclusive photo opportunities. Pricing, ticket availability, and complete details of what the party will include are still to be announced. Alos expected to return are the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, Mickey's Boo To You Halloween Parade, and Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks are all expected.

A brand new exhibit has launched at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in association with LEGO. LEGO’s popular Build to Launch: A STEAM Exploration Series has been brought to life through a collaboration with NASA. The new exhibit expands the universe of opportunity to broaden understanding of the space industry through interactive displays and hands-on activities, and is included with admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The immersive STEAM learning experience introduces guests to the LEGO Space Team, which features LEGO minifigures as members of the flight and ground crews, and explains how each of their roles is a critical part of a successful space mission. Visitors will even catch a glimpse of some of the cool creations students came up with throughout the ten-week series. The exhibit will feature favorite LEGO Space Team minifigures in life-sized form, including Flight Director Maria, Program Manager Daniel, Engineer Avery and more. “Our primary goal at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is to educate and inspire the next generation of space explorers, and LEGO Education has been challenging young minds for decades,” Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, said. “The LEGO Education Build to Launch exhibit is a great example of how we engage guests in a fun, colorful and meaningful way, and provides a space to explore the world of STEAM while also learning about the latest Moon mission – Artemis I.” Guests can also enjoy the free-build table to stretch their own engineering skills and jump into a photo-op that lets them become a member of the LEGO Space Team. The Visitor Complex will also host live hands-on learning demonstrations offering guests a deeper dive into some of the concepts discussed during the series. “Students and teachers have been igniting their passion for STEAM through the Build to Launch series and the Artemis I mission by designing and prototyping, problem-solving and collaborating, and exploring STEAM careers. What better place to bring it to life than at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where guests will be able to view the Artemis mission launch that inspired the series,” said Dr. Jenny Nash, Head of Education Impact U.S. for LEGO Education. “The learning really comes to life for visitors of the exhibit as they build and interact with the LEGO Space Team minifigures they’ve come to know and love through the series, as well as introduce new students, classes, and families to the joy of hands-on playful learning.”

Connections Café and Eatery, EPCOT's newest quick-service restaurant, officially opened to guests in the newly named World Celebration neighborhood in the center of the park. With wide-open spaces, show kitchens, and one of the largest murals Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created, Connections Café and Eatery is a beautiful new spot to gather and enjoy a meal with friends and family. The replacement for the much loved Electric Umbrella, Connections Café and Eatery is a fast-casual restaurant with design features that includes nods Walt Disney’s original plans for EPCOT. The new location features two distinct experiences all under one roof – an eatery on one side serving lunch and dinner menus, and a café and pastry shop on the other open all day long. If you’re walking past Spaceship Earth on your way into the park, you’ll find Connections Café and Eatery on the left-hand side. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you a full view of the bright, open space featuring modern décor and inviting aromas of pastries baking, fresh coffee brewing and delicious burgers on the grill. Since World Celebration is located in the center of the park, Connections Café & Eatery offers some incredible views. From a Xandarian Starblaster on one side to Spaceship Earth on the other, this is a great spot to sit back and enjoy quality time with friends and family around a tasty meal or drink. One of the most unique parts of Connections Eatery is the colorful mural spanning one entire wall. Called “Global Gathering,” this magnificent piece of art depicts the heart of this restaurant – people from around the world gathering around food. It’s one of the largest murals Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created, and if you look closely, you’ll notice the scenes blend seamlessly from sunrise to sunset. If you love watching cooking shows, you’ll be captivated by the chefs at work in three show kitchens. Catch them grilling, sautéing and baking everything from burgers to pizzas and sprinkling a little extra pixie dust on delightful desserts from milkshakes to waffles. Whether you prefer coffee or tea, people from all over the globe love sitting together to savor a brewed beverage. This idea is on prominent display in Connections Café through a colorful showcase of how various cultures enjoy their favorite drinks. And while you’re enjoying your meal or that much-needed cup of coffee, don’t forget to look down! There are three original floor inlays inspired by Walt’s 1966 “Florida Project” site plans, where EPCOT was to serve as the literal and conceptual “center” of Walt Disney World. Thoughtful details like these really bring this location to life by honoring the original dream of EPCOT and the magic of possibility. The park’s original DNA is woven throughout Connections Café and Eatery, the latest example of how this EPCOT transformation honors our past while moving us forward into the future. EPCOT has always been a place where inspiration and big ideas come to life. With the opening of Connections Café & Eatery, that vision continues to become reality as we celebrate one another, what makes us unique and the commonalities that tie us all together.

We’re a month away from the May 27 debut of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Walt Disney World Resort but the great news is Walt Disney World have given us a sneek peek!! Would you like a sneak peek? In the immortal words of Rocket … oh yeah. So embrace your inner outlaw and check out the video below for a look inside the new Wonders of Xandar pavilion at EPCOT. You’ll also get a glimpse of what happens when you’re called into action alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy to save humanity from Eson the Celestial! Are you ready for an intergalactic chase through time and space? We are, we can't wait for this new family-thrill coaster at EPCOT to open!

In honor of “Halfway to Halloween,” Disney PhotoPass at Walt Disney World is launching a brand new The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror lens and updating a favorite on-ride photo at The Haunted Mansion. At the Haunted Mansion, the onboard photo now has a new look with a ghost to follow you home. There are multiple versions of the image, so each time you ride you could get a different picture of your experience. Images are automatically linked to your My Disney Experience account via a registered MagicBand, or via Bluetooth from your own device. At Tower of Terror, a new PhotoPass lens is available today in the My Disney Experience app with the purchase of Disney Genie+. The lens is available to use on Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Along with these new offerings beginning today, Disney says more updates will be coming to other attraction's onboard photos soon.

This year you can celebrate Mother's Day at Island H2O, as the water park in Kissimmee is celebrating all moms this Mother’s Day. The water park has announced that any mother who visits the park on Mother's Day, May 8, will receive a free return ticket to visit the water park on any future date this year. The parks general Manager Jim Kuna said "We would like to show our appreciation to mothers who will be celebrating their special day with us and their families at the water park with a small gesture of gratitude.” Island H2O Water Park located at Margaritaville Resort on the 192 in Kissimmee features over 20 different experiences, including a lazy river, wave pool, adults-only pool, area for kids, body slides, tube slides and raft rides for the whole family.

​Great news for science fans at Orlando Science Center will once again be offering its popular $10 Admission Day on May 1. Join Orlando Science Center for a special opportunity to engage in science learning and fun for only $10 on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.! Visitors can enjoy all four floors of exhibits, movies, and live programming for just $10 per person, regardless of your age. Whether it's your first time at Orlando Science Center, or you haven't been in a while, $10 Day is your chance to see what’s new and learn some things, too! From animal encounters to dinosaurs to live shows and interactive exhibits, Orlando Science Center offers hours of affordable, air-conditioned, engaging discovery to help people of all ages learn and grow! KidsTown offers multiple areas for infants to age 7 while the makerspace lets you turn your creative ideas into a reality. When it’s time to refuel, grab a delicious snack at the 4Roots Café or caffeinate yourself at the Coffee Spot. If you need a break from the exhibit floor, take a seat in one of our state-of-the-art theaters. The domed giant-screen Dr. Phillips CineDome and high-definition Digital Adventure Theater offer incredible films on subjects ranging from animals to space to exotic lands. Limited tickets are available for the discounted $10 Day! Tickets can sell out in advance so be sure to get yours today! Normal general admission fees are $21 for adults and $15 for youth (ages 2-11), which means $10 Day patrons will enjoy up to more than 50% savings per ticket. General admission to the museum is typically $21 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-11. Tickets are limited and available to purchase in advance on the museum’s website. Parking at the Orlando Science Center garage is priced at $5, but free offsite parking is also available.