Theme Park News From Disney, Universal Studios, and More Fan-tastical Destinations
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It’s approaching peak time for festive merriment, both for travelers packing for those winter trips and locals getting their holiday theme park fixes.
Here’s what’s going on at Disney Parks, Universal Studios, Meow Wolf, and other immersive experiences just in time for the season of cheer. Things kicked off this past weekend with Marvel Studios star Brie Larson hosting Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional. There’s upcoming Christmas movie fun to be had in theaters with the 20th anniversary of Elf, and dystopia-inspired team building (or tearing apart) at Sandbox VR’s Squid Game experiences. Lots to do as winter vacations commence stateside and globally!
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The Marvels star Brie Larson hosts Disneyland tradition
io9 attended this year’s Candlelight Processional at Disneyland, a Christmastime tradition that Walt Disney himself began in 1958. This year’s weekend was hosted by The Marvels’ Brie Larson. The invite-only event featured a candlelight choir composed of local school kids and Disney cast members for two performances at the heart of Disneyland’s Town Square.
Pixar Fest 2024
In spring 2024 Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort! The celebration of characters will spill across the parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney District with new entertainment, themed foods, and collectible merchandise. Disney California Adventure will debut an all-new daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration,” which will feature Red Panda Mei, her friends and 4*Town from Turning Red, and more. Ember and Wade from Elemental will also be featured along familiar Pixar faces through the fest. At Disneyland, “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” is set to return with some all-new scenes, which will no doubt make us cry if the photo they’re promoting it with is the Up house.
Walt the Dreamer arrives at Epcot
Beginning December 5, guests at Epcot will be able to see the new Walt Disney statue at the Walt Disney World Resort. It also happens to be the legend’s birthday.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2024
Artists including Disney Wonderground faves Dylan Bonner, Ryan Riller, and Ann Shen have begun to announce their residencies at Epcot’s International Fetival of the Arts 2024. Their Instagram profiles offer a sneak peek at their works in progress to be released next year during the fest, taking place January 12 through February 19. Along with must have Disney prints, there will also be creative food booths, animation lessons with Disney artists, collaborative art projects for guests, and Broadway musical performances. For more info visit the Disney Parks Blog.
Elf 20th screens at the Empire State Building
The Jon Favreau Christmas classic starring Will Ferrell is screening on special movie nights this holiday season at the Empire State Building, one of the film’s locations, in honor of its 20th anniversary. Screenings are listed online here.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Holiday Edition
The festive themed studio tour returns with a look behind the scenes of films like Elf, Jack Frost, and Batman Returns, and shows like Gilmore Girls. The tour runs for a limited time only starting December 22.
Alamo Drafthouse Holidays
No one does holiday movie screening parties like the Alamo Drafthouse. The fun and festive film series is curated with themed activities as well as food and drink. Check out the holiday slate and menus including an Elf-themed party.
Wonka at Alamo Drafthouse
There’s also special screenings with themed food and drink, including for Wonka.
Universal Studios Hollywood NYE
Tickets just went on sale for EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event adds on countdown parties at the theme park to ring in the new year. I wonder if Mario will shout “Let’s-a-go 2024!” at midnight in Super Nintendo world.
Universal Kids Resort
The officially announced Universal Kids Resort has broken ground in Frisco, Texas. The family-friendly theme park will feature properties from Universal Studios’ animation IP including titles from Dreamworks and Illumination. We’re thinking Trolls, Shrek (Puss in Boots too!), and Minions, based off the concept art.
Dreamworks at Universal Studios Orlando
Speaking of Universal Kids, work continues to be underway at Universal Studios Orlando’s DreamWorks area. The land is set to open in 2024.
Meow Wolf in Grapevine, TX recognized
The new Meow Wolf location near Dallas, Texas has been recognized as the Best Family Attraction and Best New Art Innovation by the Observer in the city. For tickets to visit The Real Unreal location go to Meow Wolf’s website.
Meow Wolf in Denver, Co opens new spacey bar
Netflix’s Squid Game at Sandbox VR
io9 recently tried out a session at Sandbox VR’s Squid Game for a brutal but fun time. The immersive VR world experience takes you through some of the most recognizable challenges in the Netflix show and you quickly realize how fast you’d die if the dystopian hellscape of the show was real—it’s twisted to think about. The childhood playground games do make for a fun time with teamwork and later backstabbing shenanigans. That doll in “Red Light/Green Light” is scary as hell even in VR, “Simon Says” is hilariously exposing, and that glass platform challenge really gets you if you don’t like heights (even fake ones). Find the closest Sandbox VR location to try them out.
Henson Studios presents Puppet Up!
The raunchy live puppet improv show returns to the Jim Henson Studios lot this winter. Find Puppet Up! showtimes here.
Designer Con 2023
Meet your fave pop culture print artists at Designer Con 2o23 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Disneyland Hotel Trader Sam’s Holiday Drinks
Find these at the themed Disney tiki bar at the Disneyland Resort this winter.
The Marvels at Disney California Adventure
Avengers campus just got cosmic. Meet Carol, Kamala, and Monica this winter for a limited time only.
Hatbox Ghost Arrives at Walt Disney World
Finally, the Hat Box Ghost takes up residence at the Magic Kingdon’s Haunted Mansion.
World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland
Here’s another look at the newly opened land in Asia.
Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland
The land inspired by Disney Animation’s hit Zootopia opens December 20 at Shanghai Disneyland. Here’s a look behind the scenes of Imagineering at work and a preview of the land.
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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