Groot and Marvel Heroes Take Over Tokyo Disney in This Week’s Theme Park Stories
Let’s take a quick international trip to see the latest at Tokyo Disneyland, which is getting an overlay of the Marvel attraction Small World.
Stateside, it’s festival season at Walt Disney World with the opening of the pop fan favorite Performing Arts Festival at Epcot; at the Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain is celebrating its 50th anniversary. At Universal Studios in Orlando, the They are not bad craze continues with a new look at its official store, and the Stella Nova Hotel prepares to host its first guests as the countdown to Epic Universe begins in earnest.
On the West Coast, things are quiet as Southern California rises to overcome the effects of the Los Angeles fires. Because of its location, Disneyland was able to stay open as people moved to Anaheim. Universal Studios Hollywood closed briefly but reopened its doors when the fires moved from the Studio City area, though caution should be taken when planning a visit (definitely keep an eye on the various air quality index readings).
To help Los Angeles recover, the movie city is inviting Angelenos to theaters for a series of free screenings that support the coming out. Disney Studios, Paramount, the Academy Museum, and revival theaters offer free cinema runs for family films, and some theaters donate a percentage of the profits from other screenings of the films held in addition to ongoing donation drives. For a full list of how you can help Los Angeles residents check out this post on The Blacklist.
Tokyo Disneyland – A Small World with Groot
Take a break from life… everything with this POV walkthrough of Groot’s take on Tokyo Disneyland featuring some of his Marvel friends.
Turning Red returns for Lunar New Year at the Disneyland Resort
Mulan, Mushu, and the characters of Turning Red return to Disney California Adventure for Lunar New Year celebrations starting this weekend through February 16.
Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts
Incredible Disney fandom art will be on display at the International Festival of the Arts from this week until February 24. Disney Wonderground artists including Yesenia Moises (IG: @YeseniaDraws), Dylan Bonner (IG: @DylanBonner90), Ryan Riller (IG: @RyanRiller_), Ashley Taylor (IG: @Ashley24Taylor), Steph Laberis (IG: @steph_laberis), and many more will be showcasing the art that will be available first at the fest and later at all Disney Parks craft stores.
Magic Kingdom – Happy 50th Birthday Space Mountain
The iconic attraction turns 50 this week.
Road to Epic Universe – Hotel Stella Nova
A new look for the futuristic science fiction luxury hotel has been revealed; the habitats fit the celestial theme of the Epic Universe. This room gives off spaceship cruise vibes. Book here.
They are not bad immersive shopping experience at Universal Studios Florida
See props from the film and find the latest merchandise inspired by They are not bad. Alas, Glinda and Elphaba meet and greet each other and are gone. We need them back!
LA Fires Relief – Academy Museum
Here is a link to the Academy Museum slate of tickets for free family films.
LA Fires Relief – Vidiots x Neon
For more information visit here.
LA Fires Relief – American Cinematheque
“For the remainder of 2025, American Cinematheque will donate $0.50 per ticket purchased for screenings at the Aero, Egypt, and Los Feliz 3 Theaters to the Motion Picture Television Fund and the California Fire Foundation.”
Free movie listings here.
LA Fire Relief – Disney Screenings at the historic El Capitan Theater
More information here.
LA Fire Relief – Most Important Pictures x AMC Theaters Sonic 3 examination
More information here.
Looking for more io9 news? Check out when you can expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
