Theme Park News From Disney, Universal Studios, and More Fan-tastical Destinations

The last remnants of the fall holidays are getting snowed in as theme parks start to announce their imminent winter takeovers. Australian fan favorite comes stateside for a special immersive experience at Camp family creativity centers that has us wondering if we have to bring kids along. Families and childless millennial planning on international travel for the holidays or gifting vacations get a bunch of dates from for openings at Shanghai Disney’s land and Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disneyland.

And Christmas will start by the signal of Buddy the Elf’s arrival at the Empire State Building for the film’s 20th anniversary. Here’s the latest news from 2 / 19 Haunted Mansion Parlor on Disney Cruise Line’s Haunted Mansion Parlor on Disney Cruise Line’s A new interactive spooky bar concept will sail the seas in 2024 aboard ’s new ship, the . We’re excited for the spirited libations themed to the universe of Disney’s legendary Haunted Mansion attraction and some hauntings in the parlor to get us as chilled as the drinks.

For more information check out the . 3 / 19 x Camp: An Immersive Adventure x Camp: An Immersive Adventure Starting November 6, Camp Los Angeles, a family adventure and creativity center, will host the first immersive experience collaboration with . Ticketed guests can play Bluey’s favorite games, from Magic Asparagus to Keepy Uppy, and show off their best “Dance Mode” moves in Bluey’s playroom.

There’s even a two-story pillow fort and a cardboard box castle in the experience filled with Easter eggs from the show; it also includes a special meet and greet with Bingo and Bluey. x Camp was just extended through February 2024. You can get tickets .

4 / 19 Brian Henson’s Puppet Up Brian Henson’s Puppet Up See the live fun and raunchy puppet improv show at the Jim Henson studio lot. Tickets . 5 / 19 Escapology LA Debuts and Escape Rooms Escapology LA Debuts and Escape Rooms Visit the Northridge, CA location to experience and .

For tickets visit . 6 / 19 It’s Tiiiiiime It’s Tiiiiiime In our defense, Mariah Carey holiday magic and she’s bringing her Christmas classics on tour, including shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and NYC’s Madision Square Garden, so we’re honoring her with a spot on our guide. For tickets visit .

7 / 19 and the Empire State Building and the Empire State Building On November 7, the Empire State Building—a key location in Will Ferrell Christmas comedy will light up in green and yellow to pay tribute to the film’s 20th anniversary. Before the lighting at sunset, Warner Bros. Discovery will host a pop-up cart featuring treats inspired by the four food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup)—free for guests who purchase tickets to the building’s 86th floor Observatory from 2-5 p.

m. ET that day—while supplies last. If you can’t make it to NYC, you can watch it all unfold on the .

This event kicks off more holiday fun that also includes the building’s Fifth Avenue Lobby Windows, which from November 7-January 1 will display whimsical (and shoppable) -inspired products. Beginning November 10, guests who visit the building’s 86th floor Observatory can pose with a life-size version of Buddy himself, and the building will also host screenings December 3, 10, and 17 on the 80th floor. For more information about the Empire State Building, visit ; purchase tickets to screenings .

There will also be nation-wide and special activations for fans throughout the holiday season, extending to other retailers like , , , and . 8 / 19 Virtuals at Sandbox VR Virtuals at Sandbox VR Play in the Squid Games at participating Sandbox VR locations nationwide. For bookings visit .

9 / 19 Meet Asha from at Walt Disney World Meet Asha from at Walt Disney World Theme park reporter shared a first look at the Asha meet and greet at Epcot to celebrate the release of . She will be coming to Disneyland on November 22. 10 / 19 Adventureland Treehouse re-opening Adventureland Treehouse re-opening The theme is back at one of the classic walk-through attractions at Disneyland.

The Adventureland Treehouse is set to re-open on November 10. 11 / 19 Tokyo Disneyland Fantasy Springs opening announcement Tokyo Disneyland Fantasy Springs opening announcement The , and inspired land opens on June 6, 2024 at . Here’s a time-lapse progress video to see the magic build come to life.

12 / 19 Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Foodie Guide Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Foodie Guide The Disney Parks blog released what festive treats to expect at Walt Disney World’s annual Magic Kingdom holiday after-hours event. For more info visit . 13 / 19 Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays Treats Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays Treats Yep, it’s time for all of the holiday meals and treats at Disney Parks.

We love the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure for having so many options from multi-cultural celebrations. 14 / 19 at Shanghai Disneyland opening announcement at Shanghai Disneyland opening announcement On December 20, 2023, opens its doors to its themed land complete with a new attraction which will take guests on a adventure through the different biomes seen in the film. 15 / 19 Universal Studios Hollywood Holidays Universal Studios Hollywood Holidays We’re expecting that guy in the big red suit to show up—and that fella—starting November 24 when the holidays kick off at .

16 / 19 Horror Detour at at AREA15 Horror Detour at at AREA15 Now that the year-round horror destination has announced its official name, keep an eye out for to open in Las Vegas’ . Earlier this year, AREA15’s CEO Winston Fisher said , “AREA15 curates a constellation of best-in-class experiences. Universal’s never-been-done-before concept will be a perfect fit because our guests know they can expect fresh, exciting entertainment at AREA15.

” Hopefully that means fresh, exciting, and in this case. 17 / 19 Earl the Squirrel is back at Universal Orlando Earl the Squirrel is back at Universal Orlando The iconic theme park holiday mascot will welcome guests back to the beginning November 17. 18 / 19 Horror Nights vs.

Team Holidays at Universal Orlando Rap Battle Horror Nights vs. Team Holidays at Universal Orlando Rap Battle What side are you on? , and 19 / 19.