Six Flags bought ArieForce One, Universal is offering Florida residents a cheaper way into Epic Universe, Disney has opened The Magic of Disney Animation, and that's only the beginning of a packed theme park news episode!

On Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast Episode 279, Tom and Jon catch up on the biggest theme park stories from the first half of September.

🎢 Regional Park News

• Six Flags purchases ArieForce One and plans to relocate the RMC coaster

• Six Flags Magic Mountain announces the new Thrill Glider coaster

• California's Great America confirms operations into 2027

• Dollywood announces plans to honor Dolly Parton

• Hersheypark's Tidal Force takes its final splash

• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi reveals a massive three-land Harry Potter expansion

👻 SeaWorld & Busch Gardens

• Howl-O-Scream 2026 is officially underway at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

• SeaWorld Orlando launches its 2026 Howl-O-Scream event

• We share some thoughts now that we've actually experienced this year's Orlando-area events

🌎 Universal Orlando

• Animal Actors on Location! is closing at Universal Studios Florida

• Universal Nights adds more Epic Universe dates

• Florida residents can now get a special three-day ticket including Epic Universe starting at $85 per day

• The Traitors: New Blood takes over the bars at Universal's Great Movie Escape

• Rock the Universe announces its 2027 lineup

• Joey Fatone's Fat One's Hot Dogs & Italian Ice gets its Universal CityWalk grand opening date — September 19, with Joey himself appearing for the celebration

🏰 Walt Disney World

• The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Disney announces Festival of the Arts and Flower & Garden dates for 2027

• Disney After Hours returns to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

• New 2027 Walt Disney World discounts arrive

• Disney announces the 2026 Candlelight Processional narrator lineup

• Hurly-Burly prepares to open at Disney's BoardWalk

• Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill permanently closes at Disney Springs, ending nearly three decades of Wolfgang Puck restaurants at the resort

There's a LOT happening, including some stories that could give us clues about where Universal goes next with Epic Universe Annual Pass access.

🎢 ThrillLedger – Track rides. Count memories.

Keep track of your theme park visits, rides, wait times, ratings, coaster credits, stats and more:

https://thrillledger.vacationeerspodcast.com/

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Where do YOU think Six Flags should relocate ArieForce One?