With just a few days left until the new year, it’s time to reflect on an incredible year filled with memorable moments! From the launch of record-breaking rides to the debut of immersive shows that transport you to another world, this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here are some of the standout highlights in our 2024 Wrapped!
Orlando
Kicking off the year in style, LEGOLAND Florida introduced an exciting new experience for both kids and adults. The LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race Experience which opened in March, offers a dynamic, hands-on adventure. Guests can bring their Formula 1 dreams to life with three interactive zones, where they can design, build and test-drive their very own LEGO Ferrari race car! This one-of-a-kind attraction has been a hit with visitors, delivering a unique blend of creativity and racing thrills!
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida delivered big this year with the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park in June. This reimagined log flume ride, formerly known as Splash Mountain, invites guests into the heart of the bayou. With its cosy storybook atmosphere, riders float past their favourite characters from The Princess and the Frog, making it a must-visit attraction for Disney fans of all ages.
June brought even more excitement as Universal Orlando Resort unveiled DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida. This kid-friendly area is packed with interactive fun for little ones, while older guests take on the park’s thrilling coasters. Highlights include the brand new Trolls Trollercoaster, Po Live!, where you can meet and talk with the legendary Kung Fu Panda himself on a digital animated screen, and Shrek’s Swamp Meet, where Shrek, Fiona and Donkey await outside their iconic cottage.
Universal Orlando Resort also introduced some amazing new entertainment options this summer, including the CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular. This mesmerising show combines iconic film scores with dancing fountains, choreographed drones floating through the sky, and fireworks, making it one of the top shows in Orlando that you won’t want to miss. Additionally, the Universal Mega Movie Parade debuted, bringing beloved film characters to life.
And of course, we cannot wrap up the highlights of 2024 without mentioning the exciting announcements and ticket release for the highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe. With its grand opening just around the corner, we’ve learned all about the groundbreaking attractions that will make this innovative new theme park a must-visit destination.
In July, SeaWorld Orlando debuted Penguin Trek, a cutting-edge addition to its collection of world-class roller coasters. This family-friendly ride offers a smooth journey through the icy landscapes of Antarctica aboard a fast-paced snowmobile. Along the way, riders can marvel at the penguins, making it a must-experience for all guests!
This wasn’t the only new rollercoaster in July, as Phoenix Rising also debuted at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This family-friendly coaster takes riders on an exhilarating journey as they soar on the wings of a Phoenix over the Serengeti Plain, with thrilling drops and twists along the way, making it an exciting addition to the park’s lineup!
UK
Orlando wasn’t the only place to have all the fun this year! The UK also saw some incredible new experiences, and here are our top picks! In the UK, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort introduced the Minifigure Speedway, a high-speed thrilling family coaster which lets you experience what it’s like behind the wheel of a race car! Who will cross the finish line first?
This wasn’t the only new ride introduced in the UK. How could we forget about the iconic Hyperia? Opened at Thorpe Park Resort in May, this giant coaster claims the title of the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster. An intense experience is an understatement when you’re riding Hyperia, with its perfectly designed inversions that create a thrilling feeling of weightlessness, it’s guaranteed to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping! Are you ready to “Find your Fearless”?
Paris
2024 has truly been the year of shows for Disneyland® Paris, highlighted by the debut of the stunning Disney Electrical Sky Parade. This incredible nighttime spectacular will be running up until January 9th, and features perfectly choreographed drones creating scenes from iconic Disney movies. The sky is also illuminated with a vibrant palette of colours through fountains, lights and projections offering a breathtaking visual spectacle that captivates guests and celebrates Disney’s magical storytelling.
Another exciting new show at Disneyland® Paris is Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland, which premiered in May 2024 and is currently on a scheduled break until spring 2025. This brand-new performance offers a fresh take on Alice in Wonderland, capturing the weird and wacky nature of the story. With mind-blowing acrobatics, including BMX riders, and spectacular effects, this vibrant show will immerse you in Wonderland, leaving a lasting impression on all who see it!
That is our 2024 wrapped! There were so many fantastic new opportunities this year which makes us even more excited for next year. Bring on 2025!
If you’re eager to learn about everything new coming in 2025, here are some blogs for you to read:
