UniversalParksBlog News for July 5, 2021
Universal Studios has all but declared that the pandemic is over. As a result, parks around the world are racing forward with plans for the rest of 2021. UniversalParksBlog News has all of the info you need.
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
We’ve got plenty of news about Halloween Horror Nights, fireworks and nighttime lights, and several announcements that will make you feel good about your fandom.
This week marks the best UniversalParksBlog News update we’ve had since early 2020!
Halloween Horror Nights Are Coming!
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
Halfway to Halloween has become a big deal, at least for marketing groups. Unfortunately, Universal had to sit out most of this year’s event. Parks officials weren’t sure how they could proceed due to lingering COVID-19 concerns.
Well, that’s over now. So, Universal has gotten busy with the Halloween Horror Nights announcements! Halloween Horror Nights tickets are now on sale, and they’ve proven so popular that Universal already added more dates!
Photo: Universal Orlando
The 2021 event starts on September 3rd and will run through Halloween Night. General admission starts at $70.99 per person this year, while the popular Express Pass option is $69.99.
The Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour, the cleverly and thematically named V.I.P. tour, will also return. Prices start at $199.99 per person for this amenity.
You can and should fill out a price quote request at the bottom of this page. Then, an expert from Let’s Adventure Travel will find you the best deal.
H.H.N. 2021 Is All About Jack
Photo: Universal
Perhaps the best news about the 2021 parks event involves Jack the Clown, the terrifying clown who some consider the face of Halloween Horror Nights.
Jack is back! And Universal wants to make a big deal out of his return. As such, Jack gets his own house this year.
Here’s the creepy trailer confirming his return. I wouldn’t advise that you watch this if you’re alone in the dark:
“This year, he’s everywhere!” represents more than just a marketing slogan. Jack will also factor heavily into this year’s merchandise, some of which is already available.
You can also head to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort to see more of the clown. Jack’d Up will be available here in the fall.
Photo: discoveruniversal.com
Universal hasn’t indicated what this will include, only saying that it’s “a closer look into the chaotic world of Jack and some of the sinister environments inspired by his past invasions of Halloween Horror Nights.” Yikes!
By the way, if you want to plan your vacation, you should know that Universal will switch holidays in November. After H.H.N. ends on October 31st, there will be a 12-day lull. Then, on November 13th, holiday festivities will return after an understated 2020 affair.
Several Updates Confirming the End of Pandemic Policies
Photo: The Apopka Voice
Okay, if you’re over 2020 and want to erase it from your memory, I’ve got great news. Universal has wiped out virtually all of its COVID-19 policies over the past few weeks.
At Universal Studios Hollywood, the park has eliminated social distancing entirely.
Photo:Universal Studios Hollywood
Meanwhile, at Universal Orlando Resort, park workers no longer need to wear masks, following the previous announcement that guests didn’t, either.
Universal expects that its employees will have the vaccination. If not, they should continue to wear masks. However, there’s no enforcement of the policy.
Also, Universal’s Aventura Hotel reopened for what we hope is the last time. You may recall that it had one previous false start. With Aventura’s return, every official Universal Studios resort has reopened.
This marks the first time since March of 2020 that everything is up and running simultaneously! Universal had utilized a kind of triage method for determining when to bring back resorts. Those decisions have led up to this moment of triumph.
That’s not the only massive win at Universal Studios, either. Last week, Universal Studios posted this:
Pop off, like the fireworks in the park, and join us for the return of our annual 4th of July Celebration filled with rides, holiday-themed décor and more! 🎆 pic.twitter.com/UYeYE1QBw5
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) June 28, 2021
And the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts has returned.
In other Harry Potter news, Universal increased pricing on several products. Wizard robes and wands have gone up between $6 and $19.
However, the pre-shows are back on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Yes, both of them!
Also, Single Rider has returned at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures. This move should help a great deal with wait times.
Miscellaneous Park Updates
Photo: Universal Orlando
We’re not quite sure what’s going on with dining at Universal Orlando Resort. The parks just changed two longstanding practices, which is to say they’re gone!
Right now, Mobile Ordering is only available at the Leaky Cauldron and Richter’s Burger Co. Unfortunately, there’s nothing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
While we always take their comments with a grain of salt, workers there have indicated that Mobile Ordering isn’t come back soon, at least in its current form.
Similarly, Universal has removed the Quick Service Universal Dining Plan and Universal Dining Plan as purchase options. Even if you visit the official website, you won’t find these offerings right now. They’re just gone from the website, straight down to the descriptions.
I do have a welcome update for anyone who previously purchased a dining plan, though. It’s still good! You just cannot buy new dining plans.
On the attraction front, Universal Orlando Resort has added or brought back several exciting forms of entertainment.
For a limited time, you can participate in an F9 photo op. Even if you don’t care about the movies, it’s a sweet-looking black 1968 Charger. Who wouldn’t want that picture?
Photo: Universal Orlando
Also, the Storm Force Accelatron has returned at Marvel Super Hero Island. Similarly, the Cabbie near Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone and the Superstar Parade are back.
Finally, if you’re an annual passholder, you’re gonna love this! Annual Passholders Appreciation Days will return for 2021! Universal will hold this event from August 16th through September 30th. So, show up and feel appreciated, passholders!
International Park Updates
Photo: Universal Japan
Overseas, Universal Studios Japan has returned to its seven-day schedule. However, that could always change again depending on the Olympics.
Meanwhile, the wildly popular Demon Slayer franchise will receive a short-term attraction from September 17th, 2021, through February 13th, 2022. You probably didn’t hear about it due to the pandemic, but Demon Slayer: Mugen Train became the number one movie ever in Japan. It also grossed $455 million worldwide.
Tie-ins like this work better in Japan than in the United States, and a new attraction like Demon Slayer feels like a winner, even if it’s a limited engagement.
Also, I finally received clarification on Universal Studios Beijing. Barring something unforeseen, the park will open on August 20th. You may recall that it should have opened already. Well, here’s an article explaining the juggling act to get this park up and running.
Thanks for visiting UniversalParksBlog.com! Want to go to Universal? For a FREE quote on your next Universal vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from Let’s Adventure Travel will be in touch soon!
Feature Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
