NightFlight Expedition: Dollywood’s Groundbreaking 2026 Hybrid Coaster and Whitewater Ride

Dollywood has released new details about its much anticipated 2026 attraction. We now know it’s called “NightFlight Expedition” and it is a groundbreaking hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride. Riders will board vehicles capable of four thrilling experiences in a first-of-its-kind attraction. Guests will guests soar above the Great Smoky Mountains, plunge into whitewater rapids, float down drops and navigate to a “very special lake.” NightFlight Expedition is featured in an astounding indoor, weather-independent 160,000 square foot facility (that’s larger than four football fields!) in the Wildwood Grove area of the park.

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Peanuts Characters to Remain at Legacy Cedar Fair Parks as Six Flags Entertainment and Peanuts Worldwide Extend Licensing Agreement to 2030

Camp Snoopy with dog in canoe
Camp Snoopy (Image courtesy of Six Flags)

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced it has extended its licensing agreement with Peanuts Worldwide for another five years. The new agreement extends Six Flags’ position as the exclusive amusement park partner for Peanuts™ in North America meaning guest at Knott’s Berry Farm, Carowinds, Cedar Point, Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Dorney Park, Canada’s Wonderland, California’s Great America, Michigan’s Adventure, Valleyfair, and Worlds of Fun will continue to experience the iconic Peanuts characters until at least the next decade.

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Will Six Flags Souvenir Refill Bottles Become a Thing of the Past?

Six flags refillable bottles

If you’re like me you have a small collection of souvenir refill bottles from theme parks. Probably my biggest collection is from my home park, Six Flags Over Georgia. However. when I renewed my season pass this year there was a new option for 2026, a paper cup option. It is quite similar to the sports bottles with refills available every 15 minutes, but you don’t need the bottle as you’ll get a new paper cup each time. Upon a little research, it appears this paper cup program has been an option at the legacy Cedar Fair parks since 2017 that is now coming to the legacy Six Flags parks. Signs are also pointing to this being the only option in 2026 as there is no 2026 bottle option online.

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Drinking Around the Universe at Universal Epic Universe

Epic Universe entrance
Epic Universe Chronos Tower

Universal Epic Universe has quickly established itself as a prime destination for thrill-seekers and, as it turns out, for those seeking unique and sophisticated adult beverages. The park, which opened on May 22, 2025, has made a name for itself not just with its incredible rides and themed worlds, but also with a diverse and creative lineup of cocktails, beers, and other alcoholic libations. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing spritz in Celestial Park or a potent potion in the Ministry of Magic, here’s a guide to some of the top spots to find alcoholic drinks at Epic Universe.

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The Fascinating World of Disney Balloons

Getting a balloon at a theme park can be an iconic experience for a child and some of the balloons at Disney are amazing. Balloons can be found for sale, on parade floats and even as part of attractions. Much of the Disney balloon magic can be traced back to one man, Treb Heining who elevated balloons to an an art form. Mr. Heining was part inventor, part artist and part salesman who helped make balloons an integral part of Disney.

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New “Beak and Barrel” Tavern is Magic Kingdom’s First Public Bar and One of the Few Ways for the General Public to Drink at the Park

The Beak and Barrel sign

Getting an adult beverage at Magic Kingdom is not easy, and that’s thought to be somewhat intentional. While the other Walt Disney World Parks more openly sell alcohol at bars and kiosks (think “Drinking Around the World” at EPCOT) alcohol has generally been hard to come by at the Magic Kingdom. You can generally get it at table service restaurants, but otherwise it was as part of an upcharge event like the “Fireworks and Dessert Parties“. This has now changed with the opening of The Beak and Barrel Tavern Magic Kingdom’s first bar.

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Will Winnie-the Pooh be Coming to Your Local Theme Park? How Copyright Law Works.

Grady's Family Fun Park entrance with Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger statues
Grady’s Family Fun Park entrance

I was driving through southern Illinois and made a stop at Grady’s Family Fun Park. It has a bit of a feel of a permanent carnival attached to a batting cages and a mini golf course, but it is full of charm. One thing that struck me were the statues of Winnin-the-Pooh and Tigger at the exit. My first thought was that Disney was probably going to sue them, but a little research taught me otherwise as the original Winnie-the-Pooh copyright has indeed expired!

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Stanley Falls Flume Ride at Busch Gardens to Close Forever September 7, 2025

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Stanley Falls at Busch Gardens will close on September 7, 2025 to make room for a future attraction according to announcements from the park on its website and social media.

After more than 50 years of splashes, smiles, and summer memories, Stanley Falls Flume® is taking its final plunge on September 7, 2025. As one of the original rides from the park’s opening in 1973, this classic has been a fan favorite for generations. This is your last chance to ride before we say goodbye and make way for an exciting new future attraction! Come relive the fun and help us celebrate a true Busch Gardens legend.

https://buschgardens.com/tampa/rides/stanley-falls/
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Spending National Roller Coaster Day 2025 at Lake Winnie Riding the Historic Cannon Ball Coaster

The Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park in Rossville, GA (affectionately known locally as “Lake Winnie“) is a beautiful park located on a 9 acre lake. The park is family owned celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and is filled with history, nostalgia and character. The park’s best known attraction is the Cannon Ball wooden roller coaster built in 1967. On National Roller Coaster Day 2025 on August 16th we felt like getting some rides on the park’s historic Cannon Ball coaster was a great way to celebrate.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Adding New Great Tides Water Park to its Private Island in 2026

Great Tides Waterpark rendering
Great Tides Waterpark (courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

If you’ve cruised the Caribbean with Norwegian Cruise Lines you’ve probably spent a day at Great Stirrup Cay, their private Island. These islands are a way for cruise lines to offer a port of call while keeping passengers nearly 100% in their ecosystem. It’s not all bad for guests though as things like meal plans and drink packages can often be used in facilities on land. These islands have some great amenities from beaches to zip lines, but in the summer of 2026 Norwegian will make a massive addition to their Island with the new Great Tides Waterpark.

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