UniversalParksBlog News for March 22nd, 2022
Over the past two weeks, Universal Studios has updated some pandemic guidelines, reopened a long-absent attraction, and proclaimed an arrival date.
We’ll have plenty of fun in the latest UniversalParksBlog News.
Coming Soon…ish to Universal
Photo:Nintendo/Universal Studios
Ladies and gentlemen, Super Nintendo World is a go at Universal Studios Hollywood. The signs are up now and everything. Alas, the new themed land won’t arrive in 2022, though. Instead, the park has posted signs indicating a 2023 debut for Super Nintendo World.
I previously mentioned the possibility, outrageous though it may seem, that Universal’s Epic Universe could open its Super Nintendo World early. That rumor exists in some places, but this turn of events has caused me to reconsider.
Photo: NBCUniversal
Universal wants these places open as fast as possible because they’re surefire moneymakers.
The lines for Super Nintendo World will be crazy; they may even rival the early days of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Realistically, if Universal Studios Hollywood could open the themed land this year, that’s when we’d get it.
Since there’s an announced date of 2023 now, it’s evident that the process will take at least another year.
Now consider that Epic Universe only recently broke ground on its Super Nintendo World. So the timeline here simply doesn’t fit.
As such, in learning about Universal Studios Hollywood’s plans, we can safely state that we have a while to go for the Epic Universe version.
Speaking of Universal Studios Hollywood…
Folks, I’m aware of what’s happening in China and recognize that it feels on some level like history is repeating itself. Yes, that country has suffered an outbreak and is currently in lockdown.
However, the Western Hemisphere has overcome most of its pandemic obstacles from the start of 2022. For this reason, Universal Studios Hollywood previously dropped its indoor face-covering requirement.
Photo:yahoo.com/cdc
Now, the park has altered its guidelines even more. As I mentioned last time, Universal Studios Hollywood was dropping its proof of vaccination requirement. We hadn’t seen the policy in action at the time of publication, though. So, we weren’t quite sure how park officials would address the matter.
I’m happy to report that the process plays out just like it sounds. You just enter the park now!Nobody asks you anything about your health anymore. As long as you possess valid admission, you’re good!
I think the worst is over, everywhere! (Knock on wood.)
It’s Baaaaaack!
Photo:uofanguide.com
Okay, here is a pleasant surprise for you! After two years offline, Poseidon’s Fury has returned at Universal’s Islands of Adventure!
Obviously, this attraction suffered mightily due to the pandemic. It’s impossible to perform this show without violating social distancing. In addition, staffing shortages led to limited shows at the parks in general. Universal primarily kept the most popular stuff.
You would think that Poseidon’s Fury qualifies, but it also needed some updates. Universal even updated the building that hosts the attraction.
As a reminder, here’s how Universal describes Poseidon’s Fury:
“Follow an archeologist guide and venture through the ruins of the ancient Temple of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea. But once you’ve journeyed far beneath the ocean, you’re caught in a colossal battle between Poseidon and the evil Lord Darkenon.
Fireballs burst, lasers flash, and water erupts around you in this spectacular special effects experience.”
The walkthrough attraction thankfully hasn’t changed much during its downtime. You can verify this by watching a video of the new show!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL4sxDhLU_I
Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Other Park Updates
Photo: Fox News
I’ve got a few more updates for you this week, one of which you won’t like.
Remember how I told you that Prime Parking had increased in price to $60? But then it went back down to $50? Well, guess what! Yup, it just went up to $60 again. So at this point, I think we’d all just like Universal to make up its mind.
I suspect that $60 is here to stay this time, though. Sorry.
Source: Universal Orlando
In better news, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges returned as scheduled this past week. Universal is currently cycling through its various wet rides. It’s an annual maintenance strategy, as people don’t ride them as much during the winter.
In fact, Florida just experienced another unusual cold spell. So, the timing was perfect for Bilge-Rat Barges to go down for a while. Now that the Popeye attraction has reopened, we’re done with the wet ride refurbishments for 2022. We’ll start the cycle again next January.
More importantly, all the rides are up and running in time for Spring Break, which has already started in some parts of the country.
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
In other Universal news, Florida’s quarterly theme park injury report came out recently.This one went better for Universal than it did for Disney. The only listed Universal issue involved a seizure.
A 27-year-old woman suffered one on Fast & Furious – Supercharged in early December. Universal actually went from July 8th through December without an incident.
Photo: unofficial universal.com
You may recall that a woman suffered a pretty gruesome “ankle deformity” during the first week of July. Oddly, this incident happened on If I Ran the Zoo, probably the least likely ride at the park to suffer an injury.
One More Thing…
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
Since we’ve had a slow news week, I’ll add one unconfirmed rumor this week.
Reports suggest a new house for Halloween Horror Nights 2022. And videogame fans are about to lose their minds.
How would you like to visit a The Last of Us house? Well, you may get your wish…
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Feature Photo: Universal
