Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Waking at 2:30 a.m. to ride Rise of the Resistance | What's coming in 2020 to Orlando theme parks | Caramelicious new goodies at Epcot’s Karamell-Küche

The latest happenings at Disney, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and other Central Florida attractions.

Orlando Sentinel

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December 31, 2019

orlandosentinel.com

Theme Park Rangers

For some Disney Star Wars fans, waking up at 2:30 a.m. is what it takes to ride Rise of the Resistance

There were no guaranteed spots for any of these early-risers because the virtual queue only took about 15 minutes to fill up Monday for Disney's wildly popular new attraction that's still working out its technical kinks during a busy holiday season.

Theme parks adding Mickey ride, 'Bourne Stuntacular,' SeaWorld coaster in 2020

Here's what's coming in 2020 to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.

Caramelicious new goodies at Epcot's Karamell-Küche

Ready for a sweet new year? The candy maven's at Epcot's Karamell Küche always have you covered.

Universal Orlando, Disney and shopping top 2019 Orlando Uber destinations; wings top Uber Eats menu

Theme parks and shopping centers were the top destinations for Uber customers catching a ride in Orlando in 2019.

Woman jumps from Walt Disney World ferryboat, deputies say

A 56-year-old woman jumped from a Walt Disney World ferryboat Monday evening in an apparent suicide attempt, said a spokesman from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

M&M's store to relocate to Disney Springs from Florida Mall

The M&M's store in Orlando is relocating to Disney Springs.

SeaWorld Orlando ends 'One Ocean' killer-whale show, to add 'Orca Encounter' soon

SeaWorld Orlando swapping out "One Ocean" killer-whale show for "Orca Encounter."

PODCAST: What's coming in 2020 to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld? (Ep. 31)

Theme park fans have much to look forward to in 2020 including the first ride featuring Mickey Mouse (yes, it's true), a new Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs, a SeaWorld roller coaster and a stunt show at Universal based on film character Jason Bourne.

What made us smile (or smirk) at theme parks in 2019

In 2019, Orlando theme parks introduced Star Wars rides, big birds, Hagrid's coaster and more.

Vegan at Disney? Animal Kingdom has new savory, plant-based goodies

Vegan at Disney? It's getting easier by the minute! Case in point: these two tasty plant-based offerings at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Disney: Star Tours ride receives splashy 'Rise of Skywalker' update

Disney's Star Tours ride gets updates based on the new "Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker" movie.

A World War II veteran who helped build Epcot returns to see a hidden side of the park

In 1982, Epcot was the biggest construction undertaking of its time. Stephen Nemeth, one of the construction workers, called it "the best job I ever had." Now at age 94, Nemeth returned to the park on a special tour.

Sweet, savory & seasonal! Taste Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is in full swing, but time is running out to sample seasonal tastes. Check out these 10 offerings and taste Epcot before the event ends on Dec. 30.

Epcot: New 'Ratatouille' topiary set, Garden Rocks concerts unveiled

Disney announces Garden Rocks concerts, new Remy topiary for 2020 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

PODCAST: 2019 theme park highlights – Star Wars land, Hagrid coaster, Sesame Street, Skyliner (Ep. 30)

It has been a huge year for Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. The Theme Park Rangers discuss the highs and lows of Central Florida's attractions in 2019.

Retro Disney T-shirt draws sales with old logo, new media

Plain yellow Disney T-shirt goes retro and becomes a top seller. It's an Instagram hit. Here's why.

Disney's Villains After Hours adds Cursed Caravan, keeps Maleficent

Disney World's Villains After Hours event will flank Maleficent float with Cursed Caravan at Magic Kingdom.

Disney tweaks virtual-queue procedure for new Star Wars ride

Disney Star Wars: Virtual-queue rules for Rise of Resistance ride are changed.

Disney's trash cans aren't garbage to longstanding website

Disney: Magical Trash website spotlights theme parks' garbage cans worldwide.

Epcot countdown: Our top 5 Candlelight Processional songs

Disney World: Epcot's Candlelight Processional makes joyful noise for the holidays