Disneyland Paris Gets an Adventure World Makeover in This Week's Theme Park News

Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro were serious when they said they were “turbo-charging” progress at Disney Parks as Disneyland Paris sets out to reinvent its second park into Disney’s Adventure World. This new park transformation will feature its own World of Frozen and more experiences from Disney’s legacy.

Stateside, Pixar Fest teases its foodie menu at California Adventure, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure releases more details, and Test Track at Epcot gets a needed re-theme. Plus, Universal Studios has officially revealed its own immersive hotels: the Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts, which will nestle guests among the stars.

And in more international news, WB World Abu Dhabi will be premiering a brand new Looney Tunes show as the iconic characters delve into sports just in time for the Olympics. Can’t make it out to Abu Dhabi? Looney Tunes will be collaborating with Conqueror on a new digital race virtual challenge you can join from anywhere with some very real Looney medals.

Here’s the latest news from theme parks and immersive experiences.

Disney’s Adventure World

Watch the video above for a sneak peek at the turbocharged action happening at Disneyland Paris, as Walt Disney Studios Park becomes Disney’s Adventure World. The reinvention—inspired by recent additions like Avengers Campus—aims to double the size of the park with more beloved Disney stories, including World of Frozen.

World of Frozen

Check out the concept designs for World of Frozen, which will join the now open worlds of Pixar and Marvel Avengers Campus at Disney Adventure World. Additionally Frozen will bring along other fairytale faves like Tangled with Raiponce Tangled Spin, where you can sit in tiny boats that spin with the classic lantern scene above you. There will also be a new park entrance built and the announcement of a yet-to-be-named immersive world that Disney Imagineers are currently working on. We’re hoping for a new Star Wars land, perhaps not a new version of Galaxy’s Edge but something new.

Alice in Wonderland musical

First look at a new Alice in Wonderland musical also coming to Disneyland Paris.

Pixar Fest Food

Take a look at new treats that will debut at Disney California Adventure for Pixar Fest.

More Pixar Treats

Luxo layer cake!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure new critters

We are obsessed with the frogs added into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. (The one on the right looks like the Kevin James meme.)

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure poster art

Here’s the official poster for the attraction coming this summer to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and later this year at Disneyland. We wonder if each restaurant or house facade in the posters will be different locations for the ride’s grand finale.

Test Track at Epcot

After being outshone by the Cars ride, Test Track is gearing up for its own re-theme.

Universal Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts

Universal Stella Nova Resort will open January 21, 2025, with Universal Terra Luna Resort opening February 25, 2025. The new hotel resort area will have a combined total of 1,500 rooms described by Universal as “luminous, ultramodern and surreal.” These hotels were designed with a modern sci-fi aesthetic in mind, and the idea that the spaceship-styled windows will immerse guests looking to relax and sleep among stars and planets. We wonder if that means the use of AR screens to transport folks staying there to some galactic scenic overlooks. Those planning a Universal Orlando vacation for the upcoming year will be pleased to find out that these stays come at an affordable price point starting at $147 (per night, plus tax) on the new properties, which you can book now.

Universal Monsters shop

It’s almost halfway to Halloween but Universal Monsters fans live the life 365! This Universal Monsters shop is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Glamor Trams celebrate 60 years of the Universal Studios Backlot Tour

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the Studio Tour’s 60th anniversary with a new experience on the iconic original theme park attraction from April 26 through August 11. Guests will be able to ride the red and white candy-striped Glamor Trams and hop off the tram for cinematic photo-ops including a giant King Kong backdrop and the theme park’s original hanging Jaws shark. The “Earthquake—The Big One” section has undergone some renovations and will debut with a new look. Additionally the tour will feature a stop at Courthouse Square, known for its historic film history in Back to the Future,and guests will see an original time machine picture car with Doc Brown out and about. And keep your eyes peeled for a Tyrannosaurus rex display added to the totally safe and locked paddock of wild dinosaurs featured on the tour.

WB World Abu Dhabi’s new Looney Tunes show

Starting April 13 and running through May 26 is the new ‘Team Looney Tunes Get in the Game” stage show at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi theme park. After its debut on Yas Island, the show will go to Parque Warner Madrid, Warner Bros. Movie World in Australia, and more (hey WB, please bring it to the states).

The new show features Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck both vying to become coach of Team Looney Tunes. With the help from their team captains and their friend Lola Bunny, they will go head-to-head in a sports competition to see who the ultimate coach will be.

Team Looney Tunes Virtual Challenges

Now if all those international Looney Tunes stops are too far for you, there’s a new digital marathon hosted by the WB icons you can join in from anywhere. With Team Looney Tunes Virtual Challenges from the Conqueror, you can track your 180-mile journey via the Conqueror app and unlock awesome rewards like postcards and collectible cards of favorite Looney Tunes while getting your fitness on. It’s a family-friendly, 180-mile challenge led by Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Wile E. Coyote. Best of all you can collect three stunning medals, each with a special removable pin. Sign up here.

AREA15 Spring Break

Spring breakers needing a respite from the sun in Las Vegas can get into AREA15's interactive zones with a new AR and VR game area to test out the latest in virtual gaming. Find out more here.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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