In a big turn of events Universal Studios is opening up a kid-centric theme park in Texas that will have major animated franchise appeal, with Shrek, Jurassic World, and SpongeBob just a few of brands in store for the new family-friendly destination. This news coming out right after Universal shared more details about its year-round haunt in Las Vegas has us thinking the theme park wars with Disney have begun in earnest.
This weekend, pop culture fans looking for ways to help rebuilding efforts after the Los Angeles fires can attend MultiCon, which has gathered stars from TV and film as well as top geek commentators to celebrate genre. There will be panels and a silent auction that’s not to be missed for collectors, and all proceeds will be going towards LA fire relief.
From a preview of art coming to Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival, to AMC theater’s 24 hour marathon of Best Picture nominees, to celebrations of Cinderella and Tom and Jerry turning 75 and 85, respectively, here’s the latest in fandom travel and lifestyle at theme parks and beyond!
Universal Kids Resort
It is incredibly huge that Universal Destinations is expanding outside the theme park hubs of Orlando and Los Angeles and bringing new experiences to other major cities. Earlier this week it announced Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas—and now families in the midwest and beyond can look forward to the 2026 opening of the Universal Kids Resort in Dallas-adjacent Frisco, Texas. The theme park will feature lands based on DreamWorks properties including Shrek and Puss in Boots, with adventurous fun in the Kingdom of Far Far Away with The Last Wish’s new icon Perrito, who is confirmed to be joining the fairytale heroes. There’s also a trip to Bikini Bottom with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, a colorful Trolls world, and more Minion mayhem with Illumination’s Despicable Me franchise. And let’s not forget more Jurassic World fun without the danger of real dinos, with a land inspired by fan favorite Netflix show Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous. With the imagery of Bumpy being used we hope there’s an animatronic meet and greet of our gentle Queen. Plan booking here.
MultiCon Los Angeles
Los Angeles residents know it’s not been the easiest past few weeks in our city following the Palisades and Eaton fires. LA-based talent has gathered together to support affected communities with a celebration of pop culture at this weekend’s MultiCon, with a slew of panels full of fandom joy. Tickets to the event and proceeds from the silent auction will go towards LA Relief through United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Here’s the programming of the event this Saturday, February 22:
Stories of The Walking Dead (11:00 – 11:45 a.m.)
Moderator: Benjamin Watts
Panelists: Scott Gimple (Walking Dead showrunner), Khary Payton (Walking Dead),
Michael Cudlitz (Walking Dead, Superman and Lois)Wonder Women (11:55 AM – 12:40 p.m.)
Moderator: Perri Nemiroff (Collider)
Panelists: Jackie Tohn (Glow, Nobody Wants This), Bitsie Tulloch (Superman and Lois)Kings of Comics (12:50 – 1:35 p.m.)
Moderator: Coy Jandreau (DC Studios Showcase, Coycast)
Panelists: Rob Liefeld (Deadpool creator, Image Comics founder), Kevin Smith (Clerks,
Jay and Silent Bob), Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead)Galaxy of Good (1:45 – 2:30 p.m.)
Moderator: Michael Tessler (Reel Rejects, Multihouse CEO)
Panelists: Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy), Daniel Logan (Star Wars), Vivien Lyra
Blair (Obi-Wan Kenobi)Animation Nation (3:35 – 4:20 p.m.)
Moderator: Juju Green aka Straw Hat Goofy (TikTok’s Movie Guy)
Panelists: Seth Green (Robot Chicken, Family Guy), Tara Platt (Spider-Man Video
Games, Fire Emblem) Yuri Lowenthal (Spider-Man, Naruto), Isaac Robinson-Smith (X-
Men ’97)
And more! Tickets here.
AMC Theaters 24-Hour Best Picture Showcase Marathon
Don’t worry, the usual two-day marathon of the Best Picture nominees will still be available to screen at AMC theaters. However, the addition of the 24-hour cram session screenings of Best Picture nominees all at once is a new offering that’s completely unhinged. You can get tickets to the overnight marathon that starts at 12 p.m. March 1 with a schedule that looks like this:
The Brutalist – 12:00 p.m.
Nickel Boys – 4:05 p.m.
A Complete Unknown – 7:10 p.m.
Anora – 9:40 p.m.
The Substance – 12:10 a.m.
Conclave – 2:40 a.m.
Dune: Part Two – 4:50 a.m.
I’m Still Here – 7:45 a.m.
Wicked – 10:10 a.m.
Truly a chef’s kiss to give The Substance the midnight movie slot—bravo. I wish Conclave and A Complete Unknown were swapped. Wicked going last is nasty work with its long run time, but if you’re up for the challenge tickets are available here.
Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival 2025
It’s great to hear that the fandom prints debuted at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts will be arriving as soon as next week on the West Coast. The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival kicks off Friday, February 28; artists including June Kim, Jerrod Maruyama, Ashley Taylor, Ryan Riller, Larissa Brown, and more will make appearances throughout the fest for signings. For more info on scheduled appearances here.
Meet Captain America at Avengers Campus
Sam Wilson has made his landing in his new Cap suit at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. No Red Hulk sightings yet.
Disney Treasure
Take a tour of the Pixar Up themed room aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s Treasure. Book a trip here.
Adopt a Portal-Jumping Pet at Meow Wolf
If you happen to be around Meow Wolf Grapevine, the Texas portal will be hosting a one-day interdimensional pet adoption event this Saturday, February 22. “Meow Wolf is no stranger to the unexplained, but a sudden appearance of adoptable dogs in our mystery center might be the most delightful twist yet,” shared Connor Gray, PR manager at Meow Wolf Grapevine. “These pups are looking for their next adventure, and we hope guests will answer that call.”
Families can expand their brood (as long as an adult who’s at least 18 is present) at the on-site adoption experience inside the Matt King Mystery Center; admission to the event is free and runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to meet the group of adoptable dogs. All that will be required is completing a short questionnaire and providing a valid ID and credit card. Adoption fees are $75 per dog, per Grapevine Animal Services, which you can also support in their pet rescue efforts if you do not adopt. For more details visit meowwolf.com/visit/grapevine.
Batman and Retro Futurism in Palm Springs
During Palm Springs’ Modernism week, original Batman Adam West’s former home has been turned into a mid-century Gotham Bruce Wayne-inspired pad by Michelle Boudreau Design. Take a look at the gallery above for the interior showcase of Batman’s Hideaway. The designer also recently renovated Elvis’ honeymoon home in Palm Springs into the retro future House of Tomorrow it was meant to be. And from the looks of it, it has major Fantastic Four vibes from Marvel Studios’ upcoming feature film.
Parks Crocs x Monsters Inc.
As a Crocs convert due to their ease of use at theme parks when you get on water rides or are caught in Orlando’s random torrential downpours in the middle of the day (I can’t remember the last time I dealt with squishy wet socks), this bold collab with Pixar’s Monster’s Inc is a scream. The Mike Wazowski fit is perfect for a day at the parks, and the Sully slippers look like they’d feel like a dream for relaxing back in the hotel room after a long day of walking.
Cinderella 75 x Loungefly
Add to your theme park and travel Loungefly collection with this fairytale homage to Cinderella’s 75 years of magic. Two of the mini-backpacks feature the brand’s cosplay style, perfect for Disney bounding at Disney Parks in Cinderella’s iconic looks.
Cinderella 75 x Casetify
Casetify has released a tech accessory collab with Disney for Cinderella in honor of the Walt Disney Animation classic, sure to bring a fairy godmother-style makeover to your phone and computer with Disney princess-core enchantment. Find the drop here.
Disney Princess Collection at Bath & Body Works
The new Disney Princess collection at Bath & Body Works features a full line-up of scents inspired by our favorite fairytale heroines with the retailer’s iconic candles and body care lotions. If you’re a traveler you’ll be pleased to find out that the collection includes TSA-approved sizes.
Travel Mischief Tom and Jerry x Casetify
Look and feel like the big cheese with tech accessories inspired by Tom and Jerry for the classic cartoon’s 85th anniversary from Casetify.
Tom and Jerry x Converse
Express your love for classic animation with Tom and Jerry‘s 85th anniversary collaboration with Converse.
The Hobbit Virtual Challenges
Envision Middle-earth in your own neighborhood or wherever you go for a run and get real Lord of the Rings-inspired medals while you’re at it with digital realm marathons by Conqueror virtual challenges. Sign up here for The Hobbit series.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
