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Captain EO,’ starring Michael Jackson, returning to Disney World on July 2

It’s official: Captain EO is returning to Disney World. The 17-minute 3-D film featuring Michael Jackson will re-debut July 2 at Epcot, where it played from 1986 to 1994.

Captain EO will play in the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience building in Epcot’s Future World for an indefinite amount of time, although Disney officials said Tuesday that Honey is expected to return eventually.There has been a movement for the revival since Jackson died unexpectedly last year. The film, directed by Francis Ford Coppolla, already has been brought back to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. , and has start dates in Disney parks in Paris (June 12) and Toyko (June 30).

Public demand played a role in the comeback.“It’s certainly rooted in guest feedback,” says Disney World spokesman Rick Sylvain. Response at Disneyland, where EO has been playing since February, has been “overwhelmingly positive,” he says.

The film as a futuristic, Epcot-y feel with its space warrior theme. Jackson plays the title character. Other recognizable actors include Anjelica Huston as “the Supreme Leader” and Dick Shawn as “Commander Bog.” (Shawn died in 1987.) One of the captain’s alien crew is a flying sidekick called Fuzzball. It features two songs by Jackson: “We Are Here to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me.”

Harry Potter world will open June 18, Universal Orlando announces.

Harry Potter world is Universal Orlando’s newest addition to its Islands of Adventure theme park.After months of waiting, Universal Orlando officials are peeling away more of the mystery surrounding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Orlando theme park's $200million addition.

Today they will announce June18 as the grand-opening date of the 20-acre expansion to Islands of Adventure.

Although theme parks typically have days or weeks of soft openings before officially launching, Universal would not comment on whether that will be the case with Wizarding World. However, last month it began selling vacation packages with Wizarding World benefits starting May28.

Visitors who have purchased those will receive everything that was promised, Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said. Those packages are still available, although some days already may be sold out.

Legoland Florida: Merlin Entertainments reveals details of new Winter Haven park.

Legoland is scheduled to open by the end of 2011.Central Florida will be home to the world's largest Legoland by the end of 2011, Merlin Entertainments Group said Thursday.

The park, which is planned for the former site of Cypress Gardens, is expected to include between 40 and 50 main attractions. In addition to Lego's signature attractions -- such as kid-powered rides and giant Lego brick models -- some of Cypress Gardens' top draws are expected to stick around. The historical gardens will stay intact, according to Nick Varney, Merlin's chief executive officer.

A New Water Slide at Aquatica.

A new water slide adds speed and maneuvers inspired by extreme sports to Aquatica, SeaWorld's water park.

Omaka Rocka, the first expansion to the park since it opened two years ago, is designed to send riders through half-pipe action typically reserved for skateboarders and snowboarders. But don't be alarmed, you won't achieve the kind of airtime that Olympian Shaun White pulls off, and it all happens so quickly, there's no time to attempt one of White's famed Double McTwist 1260s.

But you will get wet-wet-wet — and maybe a mouthful of water to boot.

Omaka Rocka was constructed near the wave pools, and it shares a loading tower with Whanau Way. Those two water rides are so intertwined that it's hard for landlubbers to distinguish which ride is which. The architecture of the new attraction helps it stand out with three giant funnels attached to each of its two slides. It's a cornucopia effect.


The original announcement of Omaka Rocka indicated it would be a two-person float, but it has opened as a single-rider only. (Riders must be 48 inches tall, and unlike other Aquatica rides, even using a life vest doesn't gain entry to those not tall enough.)
Cabana cash

Meanwhile, on dry land, Aquatica has added more private cabanas for rent. New on the scene are "premium" and "ultimate" cabanas, which are tucked away on a private "island" between the two wave pools.

Reservations are recommended and available at aquaticabyseaworld.com or 800-327-2424. (Ultimate-cabana reservations must be made via phone.)