Samantha Davis-Friedman

Los Angeles

Contributing Editor at TravelAge West

Contributing Writer at Attractions Magazine

Contributing Writer at MiceChat

Contributing Editor for @TravelAgeWest & @Attractions & @MiceChat

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Articles

70 Years… and Still Under Construction!

4 days ago | micechat.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

We’ve been talking about it, teasing it, and counting down the days… and now it’s finally time to “Celebrate Happy”! Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration kicks off this Friday, May 16th, with festive decor, themed food and merch, returning fan-favorite entertainment (Wondrous Journeys fireworks and Paint the Night parade), and much more. Even better? The celebration will last all the way through summer 2026. But that’s not all in this week’s Disneyland Update.
Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood

6 days ago | attractionsmagazine.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

Calling all movie fans! Universal Studios Hollywood is introducing Universal Mega Movie Summer, an all-new daily seasonal event from June 13 through Aug. 10, 2025—and it’s included with theme park admission. Designed to offer “the best summer day in L.A.,” Universal Mega Movie Summer will feature themed menu items, all-new collections of exclusive merchandise, and “in-world” movie-themed offerings across the theme park.
Epic Universe docuseries coming to Peacock

6 days ago | attractionsmagazine.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

A new three-episode Epic Universe docuseries called “Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks,” will offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Universal’s theme parks, including Universal Epic Universe, which officially opens on May 22, 2025.
Disney’s Newest Theme Park Will Be in Abu Dhabi

1 week ago | travelagewest.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

Disney announced that its seventh global destination will be on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. While there's no news yet about specific attractions and experiences planned for the park, Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, promises Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” the same promise he made (and kept) for Shanghai Disney Resort.
Mummy Pig's baby coming to Peppa Pig Theme Parks

1 week ago | attractionsmagazine.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, Peppa, and George are celebrating the newest member of their family—a baby girl— and this summer, guests will be able to meet the little piggy at Peppa Pig Theme Parks in Florida and Dallas-Fort Worth. Peppa Pig Theme Parks are designed especially for kids age six and under, making them perfect places for families to enjoy kid-sized rides, themed play areas, live shows, and, of course, character meet-and-greets.
Disneyland Salutes LA’s First Responders

1 week ago | micechat.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

On Monday, May 5, 2025, Disneyland invited a group of Los Angeles-area firefighters and police officers to spend the day at the Happiest Place on Earth to thank them for their bravery during January’s devastating Eton and Palisades wildfires.
Star Wars Day and Other Fake Theme Park Holidays

1 week ago | micechat.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

Theme parks celebrate major holidays, like Halloween and Christmas but they also celebrate fake “holidays” like Star Wars Day, which is today… HAPPY MAY THE 4TH! And since many of these IP holidays fall during less busy times of year, that got us thinking…With theme park crowds continuing to increase—especially during Halloween and the festive season—maybe it’s time to opt out of visiting during the holidays and focus on “holidays” instead. Sort of like an unbirthday situation.
What’s New Onboard Disney Destiny

1 week ago | travelagewest.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

Disney Destiny, the third ship in DisneyCruise Line’s Wish class, will embark onher maiden voyage this coming November, and a number of unique onboardexperiences will distinguish her from her sister ships. While Disney Destinyshares the same layout as Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, she standsapart with her very own theme: Disney heroes and villains.
How to Celebrate Harry Potter-Themed Holidays at Universal Theme Parks and Beyond

2 weeks ago | travelagewest.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

The Harry Potter books and movies have introduced us to the gameof Quidditch, a menagerie of fantastic beasts and an extensive menu of magicaltreats. But there are also several wizarding world holidays inspired by J.K.Rowling’s stories that clients can celebrate at Universal theme parks and otherHarry Potter experiences across the United States. Here are three such holidays that Harry Potter-loving clients willwant to put on their calendars.
Help save Kingda Ka coaster cars with Roller Coaster Museum

2 weeks ago | attractionsmagazine.com | Samantha Davis-Friedman

In November, the Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey closed without notice, but now the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in Plainview, Tex., is launching a crowdfunding campaign to save one of its coaster cars, along with three others.