Welcome back to TPWITP, your weekly roundup of the biggest thrills, chills, and changes from theme parks around the globe. From groundbreaking expansions to spooky seasonal spectacles, here’s what made headlines this past week in the world of themed entertainment.
🚧 Disney’s Magic Kingdom Unveils Piston Peak National Park
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has officially opened Piston Peak National Park, a massive new land inspired by Pixar’s Cars universe. This expansion replaces the historic Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, marking one of the most dramatic transformations in the park’s history.
Guests can now explore ranger stations, scenic trails, and two major attractions: a high-speed mountain adventure and a family-friendly ride for younger explorers. While fans mourn the loss of classic experiences like the Liberty Belle Riverboat, Disney promises the new land honors Frontierland’s adventurous spirit with modern storytelling.
🎭 Halloween Haunts Take Over UK Parks
October means fright nights, and UK parks are going all out:
• Alton Towers’ Scarefest leads the pack with six scare mazes, late-night rides, and a 25-day run.
• Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights offers nine Halloween attractions and eerie evening thrills.
• Chessington’s Howl’o’ween adds new family-friendly experiences like Stone Watchers: Vampire’s Lair and Spelltacular!
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach launched Journey to Hell, featuring twisted tunnels and after-dark rides.
Whether you’re chasing ghosts or pumpkins, there’s something for every scare level this season.
🎉 New Attractions Announced Worldwide
Exciting ride news dropped this week:
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is set to open summer 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will receive upgraded Audio-Animatronics in early 2026.
• Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens November 7 at Animal Kingdom, featuring a new Clawhauser animatronic.
• In the Netherlands, Bommelwereld, a new indoor park themed around Dutch cartoon characters, officially opened.
🏁 Farewell to Coney Beach
In the UK, Coney Beach Amusement Park has officially closed its gates after decades of seaside fun. Fans shared memories and tributes as the park bid farewell, marking the end of an era for Welsh family entertainment.
🍕 Universal CityWalk Hollywood Gets a Slice of Something New
Slice House by Tony Gemignani opened at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, replacing the long-standing Sparky’s. The artisanal pizza spot is part of a broader revitalization of the entertainment district.
🧟♂️ TPWITP Quick Hits
• 🎃 Paultons Park launched its Halloween Spooktacular, featuring the new Ghostly Manor dark ride.
• 🏰 Rapunzel’s Tower is coming to Disneyland’s Storybook Land Canal Boats this winter.
• 🧛 London Dungeon adds a Dracula-themed scene for Halloween.
That’s a wrap for this week’s edition of TPWITP. Whether you’re planning your next park visit or just love keeping up with the thrills, Astro’s Theme Park News has you covered.
Stay spooky, stay adventurous, and we’ll see you next week!
