The theme park world is abuzz with openings, celebrations, and big events this year. There’s an entirely new theme park opening in Orlando; Disneyland in Anaheim, California, is turning 70 years old; and Dollywood is celebrating the big 4-0, to name a few.
And that’s just in the United States. Around the world, theme parks like Efteling in the Netherlands and Tokyo Disney Resort are making waves with one-time-only celebrations.
That’s why there’s no better time than now to plan a vacation to one of the world’s best theme parks. Read on for some of our favorite, can’t-miss theme park events.
The Grand Opening of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort
Easily the biggest event of the year is the new theme park opening at Universal Orlando Resort. Epic Universe will have five new themed lands, including Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon. Fans of monsters can also expect to be welcomed into the shadowy lairs of some of Universal’s most beloved baddies inside Dark Universe, where they’ll encounter the likes of Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Wolf Man, and more. The park will have dozens of new eateries, including one serving cinnamon bread that’s been likened to the famously delicious loaf found at Dollywood. Universal’s Epic Universe officially opens May 22, but ticket packages are already on sale.
Where to Stay: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, A Loews Hotel
If you want to stay in the middle of all the action, book a room at the bright and airy Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which features celestial patterns and constellations throughout its walls. The hotel is at the back of the park and features a dedicated park entrance for hotel guests. It will also have an incredible rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Epic Universe and Orlando. Universal Helios Grand Hotel opens with Epic Universe on May 22.
Tickets for Epic Universe
Tickets for Epic Universe are currently only available as single-day dated tickets for Universal pass holders or as a package for non-pass holders. The packages are best for those who are planning a multi-day visit. The cheapest package starts at $117 per day for adults for a three-day ticket that allows entry into Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal Islands of Adventure each for one day. You can get longer packages or Park Hopper add-ons, but these additions add up quickly.
How to Get the Most Out of a Trip to Universal Orlando Resort
You’ll want to stay at a Universal-owned hotel to take advantage of theme park benefits, the biggest two being early admission and complimentary park transportation. If you’re staying at one of Universal’s Signature Collection hotels, you’ll also get a Skip-the-Line pass for select attractions included with your booking.
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary
“The Happiest Place on Earth” is turning 70 this year, and to celebrate, the Disneyland Resort is kicking off its anniversary year at the beginning of summer. Starting May 16, you can partake in The Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, all three resort hotels, and the Downtown Disney District. Highlights of the celebration that goes through summer 2026 include the return of the Paint the Night nighttime parade and Wondrous Journeys nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park. Both have great viewing right from Main Street, U.S.A., but if you’re only going to see one, make sure it’s Wondrous Journeys. It’s the best show Disney has ever debuted, in my opinion. Then, over at Disney California Adventure, the all-new World of Color Happiness nighttime show will light up the central lagoon with soaring water fountains, projected images, and an incredible score.
Of course, there will be plenty of other ways to celebrate, including delicious food, commemorative merchandise, and photo ops with Mickey and his pals in new anniversary outfits. However, the most exciting part of the celebration will undoubtedly be the opening of Walt Disney — A Magical Life, a new show featuring the first audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney. The show will debut July 17, 2025 (the same day as Disneyland’s official opening date back in 1955), and detail the history of Walt from his humble beginnings to his time in Los Angeles.
Where to Stay: The Disneyland Hotel
There’s nothing like staying at The Disneyland Hotel. The beautiful property is steeped in history since it opened just a few months after Disneyland did in 1955. Even better, it’s just a short walk to the entrance of both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. The hotel can be expensive, but it always features money-saving deals. A great one available right now is that if you book four or more nights between now and May 15, you can save up to 30% on rooms. Check-in dates for this deal are May 16 through September 26, 2025.
Money-Saving Tip for Disneyland
Consider ditching the Park Hopper option (which allows you to visit both parks) on your ticket. While it may seem enticing to visit both since they’re just a few hundred feet from each other, the add-on can cost an extra $65 per ticket, per day, for those over 10 years of age. If you’re going with a big family, that cost can add up quickly. Instead, consider buying a multi-day ticket without the Park Hopper option to save some cash.
How to Get the Most Out of a Trip to Disneyland
The golden rule for Disneyland is to get to the parks early and stay late. Staying at a Disneyland resort makes this especially easy, as they allow for an earlier entry time to the parks — the best time to hit some of the more popular attractions. Staying nearby also means that you can head back to your hotel in the afternoon to take a break from the crowds before going back to the park for dinner and nighttime entertainment. An hour or so of quiet time is especially helpful when you have young kids.
Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary
When Dollywood officially reopens from its seasonal closure on March 15, guests are in for a big treat. The park is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and with the milestone achievement comes a range of new things to do. There will be a new stage show celebrating the park’s history as well as a drone and fireworks show honoring the park’s big birthday.
Established favorites include the spring Flower and Food Festival, the summer opening of the onsite water park, the fall Harvest Festival, which features over 12,000 pumpkins, and the holiday season that brings with it 6 million lights.
Where to Stay: Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort
The on-site HeartSong Lodge & Resort has all of the warmth and charm of a rustic wilderness lodge — including incredible views of the Smoky Mountains — plus all of the high-end amenities you’d expect at a luxury hotel. Its 302 spacious rooms and suites are perfect for families or friends traveling together, and many offer balconies, which are great spots to enjoy the sunrise while sipping a cup of coffee. The hotel also has indoor and outdoor pools and six eateries.
Money-Saving Tip for Dollywood
If you’re looking to save money on tickets or hotel stays, check out the park’s special offers page. A few current offers include military discount tickets and savings on hotel stays.
How to Get the Most Out of a Trip to Dollywood
If you’re staying at one of the two Dollywood Resort hotels, you’re privy to a complimentary TimeSaver pass for five ride entries (usually $60 per person). Use the pass to skip the line at some of the most popular attractions. Additionally, resort guests can use the TimeSaver entrance for eligible rides during the first hour of the day versus using one of the entry tickets included with your complimentary TimeSaver pass.
Christmas and a New Plaza at Silver Dollar City
There’s nothing like the holidays at Silver Dollar City, near Branson, Missouri, when the park is aglow with 6.5 million lights. This year, when the park re-opens for the season in April, it will debut an all-new Plaza area, which is a hub for entertainment. In the wintertime, the Plaza will host the Grand Plaza Fir & Lighting Ceremony, plus an all-new Heart of Christmas show. Additionally, the park’s Broadway-style production of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” will return, along with plenty of holiday treats and eats like apple dumplings, gingerbread funnel cake, and chicken pot pie in a bread cone to enjoy while strolling around.
Where to Stay: Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing
About 20 minutes away from Silver Dollar City is the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. The resort is right on the edge of scenic Lake Taneycomo, with plenty of shopping and dining options around the property. While the hotel is pretty no-frills, it’s right in the heart of Branson, so guests can easily explore outside of Silver Dollar City.
Money-Saving Tip for Silver Dollar City
If you’re taking kids born in 2020 or 2021, they’re eligible for free entry into Silver Dollar City and its adjoining water park, White Water, with a Preschool Pass. Make sure to register for the pass and activate it at the front gate on your first day visiting the park.
How to Get the Most Out of a Trip to Silver Dollar City
There’s an almost overwhelming amount to do at Silver Dollar City, so two days is suggested for first-timers or anyone wanting to make the most of a visit. Ideally, spend one day going on all of the rides, then the next watching the park’s entertainment offerings and many craftsmen, like glass blowers and blacksmiths at work.
Duffy and Friends’ 20th Anniversary at Tokyo Disney Resort
From April 8, 2025, through March 16, 2026, Tokyo Disney Resort will celebrate Duffy and Friends 20th: Colorful Happiness. The event commemorates the 20th anniversary of Duffy the Disney Bear’s debut at the Tokyo DisneySea theme park. The lovable bear and his six adorable furry friends are extremely popular at the Disney theme parks in Asia and continue to gain popularity in the United States. The special event will feature special decorations around the park, new merchandise, character-themed menus, and more.
If a trip to Japan is out of the question this year and you need your Duffy fix without a passport, you can see Duffy, Shellie May, and Olu Mel at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii.
Where to Stay: Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta
Located inside Tokyo DisneySea, the Hotel MiraCosta is a luxurious Italy-themed hotel with multiple pools and three restaurants and lounges. Each of the 502 guest rooms has views of the park, including the volcano that houses the attraction Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Money-Saving Tip for Tokyo Disney Resort
If you’re not arriving until later in the afternoon on your first day at Tokyo Disney Resort, you may want to consider a Weeknight Passport, which is about $30, depending on your arrival day (these tickets are only good on weekdays from 5 p.m. until the park closes). It’s a great way to save some money and still go to the park of your choosing for a few hours. Standard one-day tickets for a Tokyo Disney Resort park are about $54.
How to Get the Most Out of a Trip to Tokyo Disney Resort
Staying at a resort on the Disney Resort monorail line maximizes your time at the parks. The resort line drops guests off at four stations, including one near the front of both theme parks. It’s best to hop on the monorail as early as possible, which often means between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m., to get in line for the parks.
Spring Flowers and a Creepy New Ride at Efteling
Many people visit the Netherlands each spring for its famously colorful blooms. See these and enjoy a new attraction at the Efteling theme park in the Netherlands. Thousands of tulips and other flowers bloom all over the theme park. The newest ride to open, Danse Macabre, is a spooky attraction that puts guests inside a haunted abbey to hear an orchestra play music, but things start unraveling as your church row seat starts spinning around the room.
Where to Stay: Efteling Hotel
The Efteling Hotel is great for those who have already checked out the canals of Amsterdam and the tulips of Keukenhof and want to spend a day or two exploring the theme park. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from the entrance of the park and has adorable themed rooms that capture the spirit of stories like “Cinderella” and “Little Red Riding Hood.”
Money-Saving Tip for Efteling
If you book your hotel stay at Efteling at least four months in advance, you’re privy to a discount of up to 15% on select dates and accommodations.
How to Get the Most Out of a Trip to Efteling
Consider spending two days at the park in order not to feel rushed. You’ll also want to ensure that you have both an entry ticket and a reservation to get into the park on your selected days.