Groot and Marvel Heroes Take Over Tokyo Disney in This Week’s Theme Park News

Let’s take a quick international trip to see the latest at Tokyo Disneyland, which gets an adorable Marvel overlay at its It’s a Small World attraction.

Stateside, it’s festival season at Walt Disney World with the opening of pop culture fan favorite Festival of the Arts at Epcot;  over at Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain celebrates 50 years. At Universal Studios Orlando, the Wicked craze continues with a new look at its official shop, 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 quieter as Southern California rises to overcome the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires. Due to its location, Disneyland was able to remain open as people evacuated to Anaheim. Universal Studios Hollywood closed briefly but opened its doors once the fires moved away from the Studio City area, although caution should still be taken if you’re planning a visit (definitely keep an eye on various air quality index readings).

To help Los Angeles heal, the movie town is inviting Angelenos to the theater for a series of free screenings in support of evacuees. Disney Studios, Paramount, the Academy Museum, and revival theaters are providing cinematic escapes at no charge for family films, and some theaters are donating a percentage of proceeds from other film screenings held in addition to ongoing donation drives. For a full list on how to help out those in Los Angeles check out this post from the Blacklist.

Tokyo Disneyland – It’s a Small World with Groot

Take a break from the state of well… everything with this POV ride-through of Tokyo Disneyland’s Groot takeover featuring some of his Marvel friends.

Turning Red returns for Lunar New Year at Disneyland Resort

Mulan, Mushu, and the characters of Turning Red return to Disney California Adventure for the Lunar New Year festivities beginning this weekend and going until February 16.

Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts

Incredible Disney fandom art will be making its debut at the International Festival of the Arts beginning this week and going 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 more will be debuting art that will be available first at the fest and later on at all Disney Parks art shoppes.

Magic Kingdom – Happy 50th Birthday Space Mountain

The iconic attraction turned 50 this week.

Road to Epic Universe – Stella Nova Hotel

New looks at the sleek science-fiction future-inspired hotel have been revealed; the accommodations fit in the celestial theme of Epic Universe. This room gives spaceship cruise vibes. Book here.

Wicked immersive shopping experience at Universal Studios Florida

See props from the film and get the latest merch inspired by Wicked. Alas, Glinda and Elphaba meet and greets are no more. We need them back!

LA Fires Relief – The Academy Museum

Here’s a link to tickets for the Academy Museum’s slate of free family films.

LA Fires Relief – Vidiots x Neon

For more information visit here.

LA Fires Relief – The American Cinematheque

“For the remainder of 2025, the American Cinematheque will donate $0.50 per each online ticket purchased for screenings at the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres 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 info here.

LA Fire Relief – Paramount Pictures x AMC Theaters Sonic 3 screenings

More info here.

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.