New aerial photos show the plot behind Dark Universe has been graded, with a crane and other heavy equipment staged across the site. That’s more than a paint-and-refresh project. Permits filed with Orange County describe a three-story building of more than 93,000 square feet. For comparison, that’s the kind of footprint you’d expect for a major headline attraction, not a small add-on.

So what’s going inside? Universal hasn’t said. The ride type and theming remain unconfirmed. That hasn’t stopped fans from guessing. Rumors point to a Bride of Frankenstein indoor coaster, with some speculation about a broomstick coaster as well. Treat all of that as talk, not fact, but it fits a land built around classic Universal monsters.

Why it matters: Dark Universe is one of the five worlds at Epic Universe, and adding a large new ride this early suggests Universal sees room to grow the park quickly. A big indoor building also means a ride that can run in Florida’s heat and afternoon storms, which is worth noting for anyone planning a summer trip.

What to watch next:

• An official announcement of the ride’s name and type
• More permit filings that reveal the layout
• Any hint of an opening window

Until Universal confirms details, the one thing we know for certain is that the biggest news at Epic Universe right now is a construction site.

It can get hot, hot, hot in Orlando during the sumemr and SeaWorld Orlando wants to offer adult visitors (those 21 years of age and older) a tasty way to cool down with a free ice-cold beer 7-ounce sample pour.

Complimentary domestic and seasonal beer will be offered through August 4, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. to one hour before the park closes. For your free beer sample, head to Waterway Grill Bar and receive one complimentary 7-ounce pour per visit.

SeaWorld Orlando Park President, Kyle Miller, said that he’s pleased to bring back free beer. “It’s a fan favorite and a core part of our park and our history.”

Those with long memories fondly recall when Anheuser-Busch InBev owned the SeaWorld parks. Visitors to the parks could sample some of the fine beverages made by AB InBev, which the company could then write off as a marketing effort.

Those days are long gone and SeaWorld parks are now owned by investors, not a beer company. But the idea of beer samples has never completely gone away.

For this year’s promotion, SeaWorld Orlando is partnering with a variety of breweries including Anheuser-Busch InBev, Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., JDUBS Brewery and Sweet Water Cove.

Offering a variety of beers for the one complimentary pour means visitors will be able to try something new each time they visit this summer.

We’ll be visiting SeaWorld Orlando this weekend and look forward to trying which ever beer is on tap tonight. Watch our Twitter channel for our review.

While no name has been revealed yet, there’s a hint with the phrase “High Surf Advisory” used in the promotion of this video.

According to SeaWorld guests will fill the power of the pacific ocean right here in Florida. Waves of thrills will propel them into a one-of-a-kind ocean adventure on the new coaster.

Watch the teaser trailer for the coaster here.

The as-yet unnamed roller coaster will be located in the old festival center section of SeaWorld Orlando. That’s between Bayside Stadium and the main entrance to the park.

We’re looking forward to more details leaking ahead of the ride’s opening next year.

Seaworld recently opened its newest roller coaster Ice Breaker, which won USA Today’s reader poll for best new coaster. Another SeaWorld Orlando coaster, Mako, was awarded the runner up spot for best roller coaster in North America.

The Central Florida theme park known for its message of conservation and care for ocean creatures, is quietly becoming known as a destination for thrill seekers as well.

The rides and shows at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are designed to make visitors go “Woah” at all the fun they can experience. As such the parks are launching a new campaign featuring comedic superstars Kenan Thompson and Arturo Castro in a new ad campaign — “Let Yourself Woah.” The campaign is designed to showcase the dynamic range of emotions guests experience when visiting these world-renowned theme parks. 

Universal Parks & Resorts knows it’s easy to get wrapped up in the daily responsibilities of work, school, family or the ongoing debate of what to have for dinner, the unique campaign invites guests to escape to a place that immerses them in amazing “Woah” moments. And who better to be the ambassadors of “Woah” than comedians Kenan Thompson and Arturo Castro? 

Thompson currently stars on “Saturday Night Live” and earned fame as a teenager on the popular Nickelodeon ‘90’s sketch-comedy show, “All That” and sitcom, “Kenan & Kel” – both filmed on the Universal Orlando backlot. And Castro created and stars in a hit comedy series and vacationed at Universal’s parks growing up.

“‘Woah’ means to me exactly what these parks do for you on a daily basis – on every ride, it’s like ‘Woah!’” said Kenan Thompson. “Universal’s theme parks hold a special place in my heart and it’s amazing to see how much they’ve grown since I worked here as a teenager. And now to be part of a campaign for one of my favorite experiences in life…It’s almost like someone asking you if they can provide you an awesome time – of course, I say ‘bring it on!’”

“It is so exciting for me to be able to capture that ‘Woah’ feeling I always felt as a kid,” said Arturo Castro. “I’ve been going to Universal since I was five years old, and bringing 25 of my family members to the parks last year was incredible! It’s our favorite place to visit, hands down.”

We have an early look at the campaign ad starring Thompson here:

As you might expect, there are some pretty funny outtakes too:

“Kenan and Arturo are an ideal match for ‘Let Yourself Woah.’ They both embody an outrageous sense-of-humor and the carefree spirit of hilarious fun within our parks, which is everything this new campaign represents,” said Alice Norsworthy, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. “We’ve evolved so much in recent years and have worked very hard to continuously bring incredibly-popular ‘Woah’ moments to life. We’re delighted to work with Kenan and Arturo to share the excitement for what we have to offer our guests in an extraordinary new way.”

“Woah” represents the indescribable feelings guests have at Universal as they embark on epic adventures that can’t be experienced anywhere else, like causing mischief with the Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me,” coming face-to-face with ferocious dinosaurs on the new Jurassic World – The Ride, accelerating up to 50 mph on the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure story coaster, savoring the very first sip of Butterbeer or soaring high above Hogwarts castle within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

“Let Yourself Woah” is a reminder for families and friends to let go and live in the moment. Across the Universal parks on both coasts, guests will scream together, laugh until they cry and enjoy outrageously-awesome experiences with those they care most about.

SeaWorld San Antonio released the following press release yesterday. I found the tone to be a bit interesting, so I’m including it in full. It’s proud of the service they’re providing to the world increasing the knowledge about killer whales, wistful that this will quite possibly be the last baby orca born as part of SeaWorld’s breeding program, and casts a bit of shade at its critics in a passive aggressive way.

SeaWorld is excited to announce the birth of the newest member of the SeaWorld family of killer whales. Takara, the 25-year-old matriarch of the orca pod, gave birth to the calf at 2:33 p.m. Central Time, April 19, 2017, at SeaWorld San Antonio. A team of veterinarians and animal care specialists witnessed the historic birth and are continuing to monitor Takara and her new baby 24-hours-a-day to help ensure a successful start.

Guests at SeaWorld San Antonio will have the opportunity to visit and observe Takara and her calf in the near future during select times. Although this will be the last opportunity for SeaWorld guests to see a baby killer whale up close as it grows and matures, SeaWorld will continue to care for the orcas at its parks for decades to come.

“This is an exciting and emotional day for us at SeaWorld and we are all so proud to share this new killer whale calf with the world, after a year and a half of planning, and observing and providing all the special care,” said Chris Bellows, Vice President of Zoological Operations. “Takara is a great mom and immediately began bonding with and caring for her new baby. Everyday she inspires SeaWorld’s guests to learn more about and do more to protect animals in the wild. She is a true ambassador.”

Julie Sigman, an Assistant Curator at SeaWorld San Antonio who has been with Takara through three of her last pregnancies and births, expressed her excitement at watching the calf surface to take its first breath. “Nothing can prepare you for that moment when mom helps the calf get to the surface for its first breath. The moment the calf is born, Takara is 100% focused on the care and well-being of that baby. She knows exactly what to do. It is amazing,” said Sigman.

“Takara will continuously swim with her calf as it begins to nurse and learn,” added Sigman. “We take our lead from mom, Takara will let us know when she is ready for us to meet the calf and at that time we should be able to determine the gender.”

Takara, born at SeaWorld San Diego, has had four other calves, which now range in age from 3 to 15 years. Takara was already pregnant as a result of natural breeding when the announcement to end orca breeding was made in March 2016.

“Although this is the last killer whale birth at a SeaWorld park, our work to understand and protect this species will continue for decades to come,” said Dr. Hendrik Nollens, Vice President of Veterinary Services for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Takara and her calf are an important part of not only educating the visitors who see them at the parks, but also ongoing research that helps marine biologists understand how to better care for and protect orcas in the wild. We are very pleased that this birth will be able to continue to add to this body of knowledge for this iconic species.”

The birth of Takara’s calf is also the last chance for researchers to study orca development in ways that cannot be done in the wild, helping to benefit wild whales as well as those in SeaWorld’s care. Information learned from Takara and her calf will add to SeaWorld’s extensive database about killer whales and their calves, contributing to studies of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population off the coast of Washington, where they are threatened by pollution, overfishing and human development. The pair will provide data and samples to studies focused on killer whale growth and metabolism. One looks at toxin transfer in milk when babies nurse and another will help evaluate body shape changes to understand nutritional conditions for free-ranging killer whales. The calf, her mom, and other whales will also be monitored by a research team from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio to better understand the social impact of calves and their social development within a killer whale pod.

More than 22 million guests a year visit SeaWorld and support its mission to deliver experiences that matter and inspire protection of the wild world. SeaWorld has committed $50 million over the next five years to be the world’s leading marine animal rescue organization, advocating for wild animals and protecting our oceans. This includes a commitment of $10 million in matching funds dedicated to killer whale research and the creation of a multi-million dollar partnership focused on ocean health, the leading concern for all killer whales and marine mammals.

Doha Oasis is a project in Doha the Capital of Qatar. The city sits on the Persian Gulf and is in the middle of a huge expansion of its downtown areas, including the Doha Oasis project, which is a multi-purpose mall development that will have a theme park right in the middle of it. It was recently announced that it would be getting a 60-meter high roller coaster, one of the tallest coasters in the Middle East.

Doha Oasis will feature underground parking, an indoor theme park and retail district. Above that there will be living areas, with gardens, apartment living, and 4-star amenites. The complex will also have a hotel, office space, dining, and a roof-top park.

The concept video from Premier Rides is a must-watch.

As a theme park fan, I totally want to live in that future. Reminds me very much of what a modern vision for EPCOT would be if dropped today by Imagineering. Sort of the Mall of America on steroids.

Believe it or not this project is actually under construction in Doha right now. This construction photo was shared by Premiere Rides.

#Stunning #DohaOasis picture from #RedcoConstruction. Compare truck size to site – #perspective! Awesome #PremierRides attraction on way! pic.twitter.com/O6YiWgQGHW

— Premier Rides (@premierrides) April 11, 2017

Do you think a concept like this would work in the US?

Topgolf broke ground on its Orlando facility over off Universal Blvd near the Orange County Convention Center last year and plans to be open by this fall. The attraction is to a driving range what Splitsville is to bowling – aka a lot more fun and a lot more social. But if you can’t wait that long, the company plans to take over Camping World Stadium (formerly the Citrus Bowl) to provide a taste of how the facility will change how you look at the game of golf.

Right before the Arnold Palmer Invitational get a slice of the social experience that is sweeping the nation. From March 10-12, sports fans, golfers and even non-golfers alike can enjoy food, drinks and music while crushing golf balls from the stands of Camping World Stadium into giant targets on the field.

“We launched Topgolf Crush at Safeco Field in Seattle last weekend, and the reception was incredible,” said Topgolf Media President YuChiang Cheng. “The sold-out event proves Topgolf has a fan base outside of the cities where we currently have locations, and we’re excited to give Orlando a preview of what they will experience at the venue when it opens this fall.”

Players will aim for giant targets ranging from 40-150 yards away on the field. Topgolf Crush features Topgolf’s Toptracer technology that tracks the flight path of the golf balls, instantly scoring every shot so players can challenge others to competition. Operating daily from 9 a.m. to midnight, Topgolf Crush will also feature a bar and two concession stands for those wanting to keep the fun going before or after their tee time. A live DJ will spin every evening from 5 p.m. to midnight.

“We’re proud that Orlando has developed into one of the nation’s premier sports destinations. Topgolf Crush at our Camping World Stadium is more proof our region can host nearly any event,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Topgolf has created an exciting concept that promises to be a lot of fun for avid golfers and casual fans alike. We look forward to hosting Crush next month and the opening of a new Topgolf location along International Drive later this year.”

Tee times for Topgolf Crush are sold in pairs and reserved in one-hour increments. Prices start at $65 for general admission and $125 for VIP packages. VIP packages include game play, parking, a spectator ticket, a complimentary Topgolf Lifetime Membership and $10 off Topgolf game play, redeemable at any U.S. Topgolf location, excluding Topgolf Las Vegas.

To book a tee time or corporate event for Topgolf Crush Orlando, visit topgolf.com/crush. Tickets go on sale today.

(photo caption: Topgolf Crush took over Safeco Field in Seattle over Presidents Day weekend.)

Analysts expect a compound annual growth rate of 10.16% over the next four years in the amusement and theme park industry. American continues to lead the global market and is expect to dominate the next four years as well.

The report from ReportsNReports Analysts says that even though the target market of children ages 0-14 is declining, theme parks are shifting their focus toward audiences in other age groups to generate more revenue. This includes attractions where children under the age of 14 are not allowed and other adult experiences such as roller coasters, river rapids rides, and sky coasters. The shift in the target audience is expected to support the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Among the key players in the study are Cedar Fair Entertainment, Merlin Entertainments, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Universal Parks & Resorts, and Walk Disney Parks and Resorts. Other Prominent Vendors in the market are: Beto Carrero World, Chimelong Paradise, Efteling, Europa-Park, Lotte World, Ocean Park, OCT Parks, Parque Mundo Aventura, Experiencias Xcaret Parque, Samsung C&T Resort Group, Six Flags Entertainment, and Tivoli Gardens.

Globally areas of new development, like Dubai, are expected to provide a lot of growth. Six Flags Dubai and Fox World Dubai Parks are both projected to open in 2018.

Other trends include vendors who are developing 360-degree technology to offer people a real-life experience of the virtual world. Top line technology is also being used to create new theme park attractions and outdoor entertainment.

It’s getting to be all about the festivals here in Orlando. Whether it’s Mardi Gras at Universal, Flower and Garden at EPCOT, or Bands Brews and BBQ at SeaWorld. Only this year SeaWorld is re-branding their spring festival into something new.

There are still the bands and the BBQ and even the brew, but they’re adding more menu items and more entertainment.

Combining unique culinary delights with memorable performances on 14 consecutive Saturdays, the Seven Seas Food Festival is coming to SeaWorld Orlando Feb. 11 – May 13, 2017.  Each week guests can sip and sample their way around the world of international coastal cuisine while enjoying craft beers, paired wines and specialty entertainment. The fun extends beyond the food with live performances each Saturday from top country, rock and Latin music artists.

Seven Seas Food Festival Headline Entertainment:

While new flavors will tempt guests’ taste buds throughout the park, live entertainment will have everyone dancing, singing and laughing along to some of their favorite artists. The Seven Seas Food Festival brings 14 live acts to SeaWorld Orlando’s Bayside Stadium.

• Lynyrd Skynyrd (February 11)            
• Lee Brice (February 18) 
• Bill Engvall (Feb 25)       
• Styx (March 4)     
• Justin Moore (March 11)
• ZZ Top (March 18)         
• Phillip Phillips (March 25)     
• Coming Soon (April 1)   
• Village People (April 8)      
• Commodores (April 15)      
• Oscar D’León (April 22)    
• Olga Tanon (April 29)        
• Grupo Mania (May 6)
• Coming Soon (May 13)     

Seven Seas Food Festival Coastal Cuisine:

Complete with 11 new global markets, guests will set sail on a taste adventure as they discover more than 60 unique Asian, Latin, European, Polynesian and North Atlantic dishes throughout the park. A wide of array of wine, specialty cocktails and over 55 local and international craft brews will be featured exclusively during the Festival as well. A selection of menu highlights include:

• Asian Market- Peking Duck Lo Mein with Fresh Oriental Vegetables
• Korean Market- Bingsu Salted Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Caramel Popcorn
• Mexican Market- Braised Chicken Adobo with Mole Sauce
• Caribbean Market- Cinnamon Slow Roasted Pork Belly with Sweet Plantain Mash
• Florida Market- Fried Kataifi Orange drizzled with Local Honey
• Mediterranean Market- Smoked Cured Salmon topped with Sweet Dill Mustard
• North Atlantic Market- Banana & Caramel Cheesecake topped with Whipped Cream & Caramelized Bananas
• Brazilian Market- Brazilian Churrasco with Chimichurri & Garbanzo Frito
• Pacific Coast Market- Braised Pork Cheeks with Savory Apple Polenta
• Polynesian Island Market- “Loco Moco” Grilled Spam, White Rice, Scrambled Egg & Brown Gravy
• Gulf Coast Market- Southern Creamy Cheese Grits with a Blackened Shrimp

In addition to the market stops, the event will feature a wide array of BBQ and comfort cuisine including Slow Smoked Ribs, caramelized in a SeaWorld original BBQ sauce, Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese and a Grilled Kielbasa Sausage Sandwich. A complete menu of the Seven Seas Food Festival delights can be found online at SeaWorldOrlando.com/SevenSeas

SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival begins at 11 a.m. every Saturday, Feb.  11 – May 13 and continues through park close. Like all special events at SeaWorld, the Seven Seas Food Festival is included with park admission.

LEGOLAND Florida piped up over the weekend and said, “hey, don’t forget about us. We’re themepark innovators too.” The new LEGO Ninjago adventure will let kids and their families ‘become the ninja’ on a groundbreaking interactive ride based on the popular LEGO building sets and TV show.

Inside the new land are several hands-on, outdoor activities where kids can sharpen their ninja skills before the ultimate showdown on Ninjago the ride. The “4D’ attraction includes 3D computer animation, and environmental effects like heat, fog, and strobe lighting. The ride vehicles themselves feature interactive game-play technology never seen outside a LEGOLAND theme park.

Guests can also find large LEGO models of the LEGO Ninjago heroes Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane, Lloyd, Nya and Master Wu including meet and greet opportunities with Kai and Nya. There’s shopping at Wu’s Warehouse which will have themed Ninjago building sets, apparel, costumes, books and more.

On our visit we also loved the opportunities to build models out of LEGO bricks, do some strength and balance testing in the LEGO Ninjago world land itself. In fact, some of the skills you pick up in the land and the queue are important to remember when you’re in the ride. Kinda sneaking like that.

If you haven’t been to LEGOLAND Florida recently you may have missed some of their recent expansions including a new hotel, new 4D movie, and a build-a-boat area.

Visit anytime, but don’t miss the upcoming special event weekends:

• LEGO Batman movie days (March 4-5 & 11-12)
• LEGO Star Wars Days (May 6-7 & 13-14)
• LEGOLAND Knight Lights (select dates in July)

As always all events are full-day experiences included with your park admission. That’s part of what makes LEGOLAND Florida so great.