This week’s theme park industry update highlights a wide array of exciting developments and openings across the globe, showcasing innovations, new rides, refurbishments, and expansions in various locations. Universal Studios Hollywood has unveiled an impressive train for its upcoming world-class multi-launch roller coaster, featuring iconic cars from the Fast and Furious franchise. Meanwhile, Futuroscope in France has introduced a groundbreaking ride called Mission Bermuda, blending water coaster elements with thrilling airtime and splashdowns.
In the United States, Walt Disney World is progressing with the replacement of Muppet Vision 3D by a Monsters Inc. attraction, and Disney Epcot is set to open the updated Test Track 3.0 soon. Kentucky Kingdom is preparing to launch a new Vekoma suspended family coaster, while Knott’s Berry Farm continues rebuilding the long-delayed Montazuma’s Revenge Schwarzkopf shuttle loop coaster. SeaWorld San Antonio plans to debut a $9 million B&M family inverted coaster next summer. Several Six Flags parks have reopened rides following recent scares, exemplifying strong maintenance and safety protocols.
Internationally, Legoland Shanghai is preparing to launch a new family B&M inverted coaster alongside the park’s opening. Shanghai Disneyland has received suspected Spider-Man coaster track, fueling speculation about a new attraction. In Europe, Hansa Park has begun groundwork for a 2026 mine train coaster, while Disneyland Paris’s Big Thunder Mountain is reopening after refurbishment. Poland’s upcoming Hosand theme park reveals promising concept art. The UK offers excitement with Chessington World of Adventures progressing on its Paw Patrol coaster and Crocsy Trail unveiling a new coaster that could be among the best in the country.
Overall, this week demonstrates a mix of creative new rides, significant refurbishments, and park expansions that continue to elevate the theme park experience globally.
Highlights
🎢 Universal Studios Hollywood unveils stunning Fast and Furious-themed coaster train
🌊 Futuroscope’s Mission Bermuda ride pushes innovation with water coaster and airtime combo
🏰 Disney Epcot’s Test Track 3.0 reopening announced for July 22nd
🎡 Kentucky Kingdom to add a Vekoma suspended family coaster soon
🚀 Legoland Shanghai reveals new family B&M inverted coaster with unique elements
🌧️ Severe weather causes flooding and disruptions at Germany’s Hansa Park
🇬🇧 UK’s Chessington World of Adventures expands Paw Patrol area with new coaster construction
Key Insights
🚗 Universal Studios Hollywood’s Coaster Train Design Elevates Theming:
The reveal of the Fast and Furious-themed roller coaster train featuring iconic cars such as the Dodge Charger demonstrates a trend towards immersive, story-driven ride experiences. Onboard audio and intricately themed trains boost guest engagement and set a new standard for coaster train design.
🌍 Global Expansion and Innovation in Family Coasters:
Parks across different continents—including Kentucky Kingdom, SeaWorld San Antonio, and Legoland Shanghai—are investing in family-friendly inverted coasters or suspended coasters, highlighting the growing market demand for rides that appeal to a broader age range with moderate thrill levels and smooth riding experiences.
🎢 Revival and Continuation of Classic Coaster Projects:
The restarting of the Montazuma’s Revenge shuttle loop coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm debunks rumors of project abandonment, illustrating how fan enthusiasm and leadership commitment can revive stalled coaster projects, potentially influencing park reputations positively.
🔧 Ongoing Ride Maintenance and Safety Prioritization:
The reopening of rides such as Flash Vertical Velocity and Batwing at Six Flags after safety scares underlines the theme parks’ emphasis on quickly addressing mechanical or operational issues, which is vital for maintaining guest trust and ride reliability.
💡 Integration of Technology and Aesthetics in Ride Refurbishments:
Disney’s Test Track 3.0 update involves LED and tree-inspired design elements, showcasing how refurbishments increasingly blend technological enhancements with thematic aesthetics to refresh classic rides and attract repeat visitors.
⛈️ Weather’s Impact on Park Operations:
Flooding and hailstorms at Hansa Park remind the industry of the challenges posed by extreme weather, emphasizing the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency response planning to minimize guest inconvenience and financial loss.
🇬🇧 Small-Scale Parks Investing in Quality Coasters:
Crocsy Trail’s installation of a roller coaster praised as possibly the best in the UK demonstrates that even smaller parks can make significant strides in offering high-quality attractions, diversifying their offerings and attracting niche enthusiasts.
Overall, these developments reflect a vibrant, evolving theme park industry that is embracing technological innovation, immersive storytelling, and fan engagement while balancing operational challenges.