TouringPlans Travel Beat 5-4-2024

At Travel Beat we have all the “other” news from the last week or so—the stuff that wasn’t big enough to stop the presses for. What did the newsroom bring us this week? (Sneak peek: mostly headlines!) Bullets are just ahead if you’re in a hurry, and more details follow below. Don’t forget to check out the Headline News Recap, in case there was something you missed!

• American Adventure Pavilion to Host Exhibit of Presidential Art
• “Up” Scene to Be Added to Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland Paris
• Fast & Furious Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood to Open Summer 2026
• Headline News Recap

Can you guess which story inspired this week’s cover image? Leave your guesses in the comments!

American Adventure Pavilion to Host Exhibit of Presidential Art

Even the brightest of stars has talents and hobbies — did you know that the former President, George W. Bush, was a portrait painter? Beginning on June 9, the special exhibit Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors will be featured at EPCOT’s American Adventure Pavilion.

The art exhibit, provided by the George W. Bush Institute, includes more than 60 oil paintings by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served since 9/11, and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office. The paintings are accompanied by the stories of these individuals, as written by President Bush.

“Up” Scene to Be Added to Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris had previously announced updates to the Storybook Land Canal Boats that included new scenes based on Frozen and Winnie the Pooh. This week, a third new scene was announced, based on the movie “Up”. Also, when the attraction reopens it will be newly sponsored by Vittel water.

Fast & Furious Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood to Open Summer 2026

Universal Studios Hollywood announced an upcoming Fast & Furious-themed coaster back in July of 2023. This week, they confirmed that the attraction is scheduled to open in Summer of 2026.

Headline News Recap

Epic Universe doesn’t open until 2025, but Universal is making sure there are plenty of new reasons for guests to visit this summer. Parades, drone shows, and even the opening of DreamWorks Land. Universal Orlando Announces Sizzling Summer Additions.

Disney has been dropping Lookout Cay information all week, including new photos of the lunch spot and the cabanas, and details of the Beach Bash and Junkanoo Celebration. We’ve updated our post on the new private island with all of them! Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – What We Know So Far – UPDATED.

Now that Universal has formally announced the opening of Epic Universe in 2025, we’ve been getting regular updates on what we can look ahead to in the various lands, lodgings, etc. This week: Universal Epic Universe – Super Nintendo World Revealed

Disneyland visitors this summer can save a few shekels; hotel and ticket offers go live on May 29. Disneyland Special 2024 Summer Savings on Hotels & Tickets

That’s it for this week’s Travel Beat. What news are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!