UniversalParksBlog for August 9th, 2021
Are masks back at Universal Orlando Resort? Is Mario appearing sooner than expected? And what did we just learn about Halloween Horror Nights?
We take the good with the bad in the latest edition of UniversalParksBlog News.
The Oft-Changing Mask Rules
Photo:yahoo.com
Okay, we talked about the situation some last time. As a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated recommendations.
Due to the surge in new COVID-19 infections, especially with the Delta variant, the CDC suggested that people wear masks indoors again.
Photo: The Apopka Voice
Because of the quirky nature of the American government, the CDC lacks the legal power to enforce such guidelines. Instead, government officials at the federal, state, and local levels determine policies.
The health department in Los Angeles County immediately requested that all businesses return to indoor face mask policies.
Soon afterward, Universal Studios Hollywood required masks. However, I said that at the time that the situation may work differently in Florida.
The Governor in the Sunshine State has waged a strange war against face masks. It’s part of his brand at this point.
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Since the President of the United States hasn’t dictated any policies here, Florida’s Governor sets the laws. So, we could all put two and two together there.
I say this despite the fact the Mayor of Orange County asked that all businesses restore indoor face-covering rules for the time being. Still, Universal Studios had to say something. Otherwise, the company would appear too nonchalant about the health of its customers.
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
Here’s what they decided. Universal Orlando Resort has posted signs everywhere encouraging guests to wear masks indoors. However, the theme parks have chosen not to make this rule mandatory. So, the policy update is to give the visitor the option of wearing a mask.
The signs point out that COVID-19 poses a threat to older adults and those who “have serious underlying medical conditions.”
Photo: Undercover Tourist
Walt Disney World decided to require masks again. Universal’s decision doesn’t go quite that far.
Something could change if the Central Florida situation digresses, though.
The Super Mario Update!
Photo: Universal Studios Japan
We’ve got two news items about Super Nintendo World, and they cover both hemispheres! At Universal Studios Hollywood, park officials aren’t wasting any time! While the new Super Nintendo World themed land won’t open soon, Universal doesn’t care!
Executives want that sweet, sweet Mario merchandising revenue right now! Here, check this out!
Wahoo! For a limited time, level up with exclusive SUPER NINTENDO WORLD merchandise to celebrate the land coming to Universal Studios Hollywood next! NOW AVAILABLE at the Universal Studio Store in the park! #SuperNintendoWorld pic.twitter.com/MbBAhh7pOE
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) August 6, 2021
So, the themed land probably won’t open for another year. However, you can buy lots of Mario gear to tide you over, and the timing is good. After all, Christmas is right around the corner! Plus, this line includes Luigi, Peach, and Toad merchandise, too. So, there’s something for every Nintendo lover!
Of course, that’s not the best news. While we still don’t know when Super Nintendo World will open, one already exists!
Photo: geekvsfan.com
The themed land at Universal Studios Japan opened several months ago and has delighted guests ever since then. Remarkably, rumors persist that park officials have already started the expansion process!
Yes, The Verge believes that the proposed Donkey Kong section of Super Nintendo World is already under construction. Here’s a tweet that supports the notion:
7月上旬
4枚目の看板は東にも西にも存在するのね笑 https://t.co/FVMS7WFhTv pic.twitter.com/rKl5x9eGJI
— ひび 🎢🎆 (@Hibirobo_Disney) July 17, 2021
Clever Nintendo fans previously data mined the existing Super Nintendo World app and learned about these expansion plans. The app already includes unlockables from a Donkey Kong section.
Also, the themed land currently includes a locked door that seems like the perfect entry point for such a place.
USJ情報局 Photo: Twitter/L.C.A.STUDIOS@LCASTUDIOS_USJ
So, this rumor genuinely appears to be more than a Nintendo fan’s pipe dream (get it?!). I believe that a Donkey Kong mine cart ride is in the offing for late 2022 or early 2023!
Halloween Horror Nights Is Coming Soon!
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
I realize that we’re still in the heart of summer. Still, Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) starts at Universal Orlando Resort on September 3rd. That’s less than a month from now!
In fact, Universal Studios Hollywood begins on September 9th, which is a month from now, too. So it’s almost go-time, people! With so much in play, leaks have grown inevitable. Plus, Universal Studios has announced some stuff as well. Here’s what we’ve just learned.
For starters, Universal knows that the diehards have really missed the full-fledged event. So, the park is selling Ultimate Frequent Fear Passes. The price isn’t cheap, but it presents terrific value for loyalists who live close (enough) to the parks.
For $284.99 plus tax, adults can attend all 42 (!) HHN events in 2021! If you’re willing to spend more for better stuff, you can splurge. Universal sells “express” for $749.99. For that price, you get a shortcut to enter all 10 houses once per visit.
In other words, you can (mostly) skip the line once per house per visit. Then, after that, you can definitely enter the houses again. The only difference is that you must wait in line.
Other Ticket Options
Photo: Universal
Those of you who prefer different, cheaper options are in luck, too! Universal wants to reward early birds and tiered its pricing to reflect that.
The Rush of Fear Pass provides admittance to the first 16 nights of the event for an extremely reasonable $129. In fact, with “express,” it’s still just $399.99. So, you could max out your Halloween Horror Nights experience in September for $400!
Photo: Universal Orlando
Do you prefer weekday visits? I realize this schedule might not work for everyone, but Universal has priced it well. For $159.99, you get to visit on 26 select nights, just not on a Friday or Saturday. By adding “express,” you pay $459.99.
You can also choose the Frequent Fear Plus Pass for $189.99/$529.99. It entitles you to 35 select nights of HHN!
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
Folks, enterprising HHN fans have a LOT of ways to enjoy the 2021 event. So, pick the one that works best for your needs and budget.
However, I stress that a single admission ticket for HHN is $70.99-$99.99.Compare that price to the others listed here, and you’ll appreciate the value!
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