Universal Orlando has closed Me Ship, The Olive at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from February 3, 2023, until March 10, 2023. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Universal usually schedules maintenance for its water attractions during the colder months, especially as attendance is softer. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges will also be closed from February 13, 2023, until March 10, 2023, for its annual winter maintenance. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.
Author: Brian Glenn
Brian Glenn
Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief
The newest Tribute Store has opened up as Universal Orlando gears up for 2023’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. Now located in Hollywood, guests can stock up on the latest Mardi Gras merchandise and goodies. The highly immersive retail location is themed to represent an international jazz celebration which eventually leads into a New Orleans speakeasy. Guests first enter the Ambassador Ballroom, where the jazz celebration takes place. If you look up to the “2nd Floor”, you can find all the countries – along with the “Carnaval” they celebrate – that will be featured on menus at this year’s…
Demolition is well underway at the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone in Universal Studios Florida. From ground level, it’s easy to notice the large, red water pump from Fievel’s Playland is now gone. Recent aerial photos posted by bioreconstruct on Twitter show a lot more demolition has taken place – with Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel’s Playland nearly gone. https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct/status/1621573359493324800?s=20&t=gSf3K0lWB6-ognRmosO4sQ Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone officially closed at Universal Studios Florida on Monday, January 16, with DreamWorks Destination, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Fievel’s Playground, Curious George Goes to Town, and the new Shrek Meet & Greet all part its closure.…
Universal Orlando is offering U.S. and Canadian residents a new “Get 2 Days Free with a 3-Day, 2-Park Ticket” deal. Starting as low as $234.99 per adult, plus tax, the new offer allows guests to enjoy five days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the price of a 3-Day ticket. For just $35 more, guests can upgrade their ticket to include access to Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park. Guests can also use this incredible offer to check out the upcoming summer debut of the all-new Minion Land and Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, or…
Universal Studios Hollywood has introduced a new Early Access Ticket option that gives guests an extra hour inside the upcoming Super Nintendo World. The ticket price can either be $20 or $25 depending on the day of your visit, and allows early access admission to Super Nintendo World one hour prior to the scheduled Park opening. The ticket also comes with one-time express access to the Studio Tour (valid until 11 a.m. and valid on the selected date only. Universal warns that availability is limited for the Early Access Ticket, and is not valid for theme park admission, which must…
Rock the Universe returned to Universal Orlando, celebrating its 25th year. The event, which began in 1998, brings “faith, fun, and fellowship” to Universal Studios Florida. Rock the Universe allows fans and youth groups to come together to enjoy performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, powerful worship experiences, and of course, Universal’s theme park attractions. Experiencing the attractions is probably the best aspect of the event, as a lot of the rides are minimal waits with most of the guests attending the live performances throughout the park. Now in its 4th year as a wintertime event, Rock the…
Universal Orlando is offering a couple of wine & dine experiences for guests looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Universal. Over at the Hard Rock Hotel, guests can enjoy Wine Riffs on Friday, February 10th, 2023, from 7 pm-10 pm. Wine Riffs is Hard Rock’s multi-sensory six-course dining and music experience. This curated mix of wine, food, and music is a show-stopping evening with a custom soundtrack to set the mood. Wine Riffs Tickets are available here. At Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Harbor Nights Romantico fills the Italian-inspired Harbor Piazza with chef-inspired food stations, wine, live music, and dancing. Guests can…
Universal Orlando has announced a number of special events taking place at CityWalk during the next couple of months. See below for an overview of the events taking place at Universal CityWalk this spring: Bob Marley’s Birthday Jam: On Saturday, February 4 from 3 p.m. – 1 a.m., guests can celebrate the reggae icon, Bob Marley, during Bob Marley’s Birthday Jam at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom. Guests will enjoy a variety of special entertainment – including performances by live bands, steel drummers, a DJ, stilt walkers, and more – as well as exclusive food and beverage offerings. While admission…
Fossil has officially closed at CityWalk Hollywood. No plans have been announced as to the future of the location, but it is worth noting that Zen Zone, which is located next door, recently closed as well. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news and follow along on our forums.
Universal has begun rolling out merchandise for Mardi Gras 2023. As of now, the only location where merchandise can be found is the kiosk at Universal Music Plaza (across from the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem exit shop); but more locations will be carrying merchandise soon – especially with the eventual opening of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store. As of now, there are 3 main designs being featured. A majority of this year’s merchandise focuses on the King Gator, featuring the tagline “King of the Bayou”. The other featured design focuses on this year’s theme of “Mythical Creatures”. Lastly, a general…