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In a significant development, Universal Studios is set to open a kid-friendly theme park in Texas, featuring popular animated franchises such as _Shrek_, _Jurassic World_, and _SpongeBob_. This announcement comes on the heels of Universal’s reveal of its year-round haunt in Las Vegas, suggesting that the theme park wars with Disney are heating up.

For fans looking to support rebuilding efforts after the Los Angeles fires, MultiCon is a great opportunity to attend a celebration of pop culture, featuring stars from TV and film, as well as top geek commentators. The event will include panels and a silent auction, with all proceeds going towards LA fire relief.

From a sneak peek at the art coming to Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival to AMC’s 24-hour marathon of Best Picture nominees, and celebrations of _Cinderella_ and _Tom and Jerry_’s milestones, here’s the latest in fandom travel and lifestyle at theme parks and beyond!

## Universal Kids Resort

Universal Destinations is expanding its reach beyond Orlando and Los Angeles, bringing new experiences to other major cities. The latest announcement is the 2026 opening of the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. The theme park will feature lands based on DreamWorks properties, including _Shrek_ and _Puss in Boots_, as well as Nickelodeon’s _SpongeBob SquarePants_, a colorful _Trolls_ world, and more Minion mayhem with Illumination’s _Despicable Me_ franchise. Fans can also expect a _Jurassic World_ land inspired by the fan-favorite Netflix show _Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous_. Booking for the resort is now available.

## MultiCon Los Angeles

Following the recent Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles, the community is banding together to support affected areas through a celebration of pop culture at MultiCon. The event will feature a range of panels, including “Stories of _The Walking Dead_,” “Wonder Women,” “Kings of Comics,” “Galaxy of Good,” and “Animation Nation.” Tickets to the event and proceeds from the silent auction will go towards LA Relief through United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

## AMC Theaters 24-Hour Best Picture Showcase Marathon

While the traditional two-day marathon of Best Picture nominees will still be available at AMC theaters, a new 24-hour cram session screening of all the nominees is now on offer. The marathon will take place on March 1, starting at 12 p.m., and will feature all the nominated films back-to-back.

## Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival 2025

The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is set to kick off on February 28, featuring a range of art and cuisine. The festival will include appearances by artists such as June Kim, Jerrod Maruyama, and Ashley Taylor, who will be signing their work throughout the event.

## Meet Captain America at Avengers Campus

Sam Wilson, aka Captain America, has landed at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure, giving fans a chance to meet the star-spangled hero.

## Disney _Treasure_

For a unique experience, fans can take a tour of the Pixar _Up_ themed room aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s _Treasure_. Booking for the cruise is now available.

## Adopt a Portal-Jumping Pet at Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf Grapevine is hosting a one-day interdimensional pet adoption event, where families can adopt a new furry friend. The event is free to attend and will take place on February 22.

## _Batman_ and Retro Futurism in Palm Springs

As part of Palm Springs’ Modernism week, Adam West’s former home has been transformed into a mid-century Gotham-inspired pad. The designer, Michelle Boudreau, has also renovated Elvis’ honeymoon home into a retro-futuristic haven.

## Parks Crocs x _Monsters Inc._

Crocs has collaborated with Pixar’s _Monsters Inc._ on a new line of shoes, perfect for theme park enthusiasts. The collection features characters such as Mike Wazowski and Sulley.

## _Cinderella_ 75 x Loungefly

To celebrate _Cinderella_’s 75th anniversary, Loungefly has released a range of themed mini-backpacks, perfect for Disney bounding at Disney Parks.

## _Cinderella_ 75 x Casetify

Casetify has also released a _Cinderella_ themed collection, featuring a range of tech accessories, including phone cases and computer skins.

## Disney Princess Collection at Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works has launched a new Disney Princess collection, featuring a range of scents inspired by beloved fairytale heroines. The collection includes iconic candles and body care lotions, as well as TSA-approved sizes for travelers.

## Travel Mischief _Tom and Jerry_ x Casetify

To celebrate _Tom and Jerry_’s 85th anniversary, Casetify has released a range of themed tech accessories, perfect for fans of the classic cartoon.

## _Tom and Jerry_ x Converse

Converse has also collaborated with _Tom and Jerry_ on a new line of shoes, featuring the beloved characters.

## _The Hobbit_ Virtual Challenges

For fans of Middle-earth, Conqueror virtual challenges is offering a range of digital realm marathons inspired by _The Hobbit_. Participants can earn real _Lord of the Rings_-inspired medals and explore their own neighborhoods or running routes.

For more io9 news, check out the latest release dates for upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek films and TV shows, as well as what’s next for the DC Universe and Doctor Who.


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