Aloha! I know I usually only serve up the news on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I’ve got some big theme park news for you that just can’t wait.

Volcano Bay

Universal has just announced their Volcano Bay water park. They’re calling it a third theme park. Is it really going to be up there with Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure? Water Parks don’t usually live up to “Theme Park” status. Looking at Universal’s track record of late- it’s a possibility. Here’s what they’re promising:

Imagine a place that offers radically innovative, thrilling attractions, peaceful moments of relaxation and an inspired guest experience that will forever change the perception of water theme parks. It will be set in a highly themed, completely immersive environment inspired by postcard-perfect tropical islands. And it will be the kind of special place that only the Universal team – the same team that has changed the face of Universal Orlando Resort in recent years – can envision and create. 

So far, Universal Creative has made good on pretty much all of their promises, delivering some amazing experiences. The park’s going to be located just south of Cabana Bay. I kind of hope the Cabanaistas get early entry or something because they don’t get the same theme park goodies that the high-end hotels at Uni get. I totally understand why, but still, it would be a nice perk. Also, a personal thing, I love the Lazy River parts of water parks EXCEPT when you’re all comfortable and they drop cold water on you. Can you guys leave that part out? Thanks.

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Not a lot that we can really make out of this concept art just yet, but we do see a wave pool, a tiny bit of a tube side poking out of the back of the mountain, a multi-rider slide with a splash-down next to the wave pool, unknown complexes on either side of the image, and a big ol’ watercano in the center.

There are a lot of water parks in Orlando, what’s it going to take to make this one stand out? And what sorts of things would make a water park a “Theme Park”? That’s Universal’s promise. What would you like to see folks?

Just a Little More to Go!

The Walt Disney Birthplace is ending the second phase of its fundraising campaign, “Let’s Make it Beautiful!” in just a few hours, and still has a little under $2000.00 left to go (SOOOOO close). The Walt Disney Birthplace is not part of the Walt Disney Company; it’s being supported entirely by Disney fans from all walks of life, from all sorts of websites, fan groups, independent fans, and people who aren’t big into Disney but want to help to create a Center for Children’s Creativity and Innovation. This is a really big, important thing. It’s a way to remember Walt Disney and pay it forward into the future for generations to come. If you want to be part of inspiring the Walt Disneys of future generations, please make a donation today! And share the link with your family and friends to ensure that the birthplace makes that all important goal! Here’s a short link to share: http://igg.me/at/WDB

 

Steps Away for a Special Rate

Earlier this week, I was complaining about the long hike to the hotel where I was staying, that next time I’d stay at a hotel across Harbor, steps away from the Parks’ entrances. Someone must have heard me, because Carousel Inn & Suites is giving MiceChat readers special rates on select dates now through August 15, 2015. They’re calling it Carousel’s 60th Summer Special and it’s $109 for a Standard 2 queen room or $119 for a Club room, literally right across the street from Disneyland. In summer. It’s pretty much unheard of. There’s a caveat. You have to call them directly at 800.854.6767 and ask for the special MiceChat rate. That is, seriously, the ONLY WAY to get it! Legalese: Offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers. Blackout dates apply. Taxes, resort fee, and parking additional.
I did not get paid, nor did I receive anything free in return for this, in case you were wondering. I just think it’s awesome.

It’s a great way to see the new magic at Disneyland for the 60th folks. Hooray for MiceChat and Carousel Inn & Suites!!!

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Shelly Valladolid
Shelly Valladolid, aka Fab, has been writing about Disney and theme parks for about two decades. She has written for various fan and pop culture sites, Disney Magazine and OCRegister.com and participated in several books, including Passporter's Disneyland and Southern California and Disney World Dreams. She was co-founder and president of the Orlando, Florida chapter of the NFFC (now Disneyana Fan Club). She taught a class on theme park history at a Southern California University. She is creator and co-owner of Jim Hill Media, one of the creators of MousePlanet and was a consultant on MSNBC, The Motley Fool and others about Disney and various media matters. She was a Heel wrestling manager on TV and a voice artist on the radio in Honolulu, HI, where she grew up. She has a blog and a podcast with her daughter, Mission:Breakout Obsessive Alice Hill. She and her husband, MiceChat columnist Noe Valladolid, live in Southern California with Alice.