UniversalParksBlog News for September 20th, 2022
Friends, I am thrilled to tell you that Halloween Horror Nights 31 is well underway! Universal Studios Florida has already hosted multiple nights, while Universal Studios Hollywood just started this past weekend.
Photo: Universal
Obviously, we have plenty to discuss in the latest UniversalParksBlog News.
Horror Nights Are Here – Orlando Edition
Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) 31 has arrived, and the early results are glowing.
Photo: Telemundo
Universal has added ten houses, most of which feature brand new concepts.
More importantly, there’s no plexiglass this year! We’re past the pandemic now, and Universal has removed its social distancing measures for 2022.
Photo: USA Today
That’s good and bad…well, bad-good. Now, Scareactors can get right in your face again, something that hadn’t happened during the pandemic.
Make no mistake on this point. Some of them do get a rush out of lurching toward you. After all, their job focuses on getting a reaction from people.
We previously discussed the list of HHN houses this year, and there’s an article with a video of each one that should publish soon.
Photo: yahoo sports
Suffice to say that the houses are the most terrifying and satisfying that they’ve been in years.
During the pandemic, Universal had plenty of time to think about what the houses should look like after the social distancing era had ended.
We’re now reaping the benefits.
Photo: UNIVERSAL BLOG
Universal has also expanded the celebration to Universal CityWalk Orlando. As a result, the Red Coconut Club is temporarily on hiatus…but only technically.
In its place, Universal has introduced the Dead Coconut Club. You can and SHOULD watch this video to appreciate the genius of this place:
Yes, that’s The Creature from the Black Lagoon holding a lei and sporting a kicky hat. Seriously, the visuals in this place are spectacular.
Dead Coconut Club has immediately become one of the best parts of HHN. Remember that it’s technically not an HHN amenity but more its own thing.
Photo: Attractions Magazine
Still, if voodoo line dancing is your thing, the Dead Coconut Club will be your happy place for the next six weeks.
If you drink anywhere else in Orlando from now through Halloween, you’re doing it wrong.
Revenge of the Mummy Update
I cannot believe we’re still doing this, but here we are.
Photo: Universal
In my most recent update, I suggested that Revenge of the Mummy would probably open in time for HHN.
Well, that didn’t happen. In fact, the roller coaster failed to reopen for Labor Day Weekend, too.
As a reminder, Universal insiders expected Revenge of the Mummy to make it back in time for the July 4th holiday.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Universal had previously suggested an August return for the still-absent ride. Then, early renovations went so well that management quietly advanced its timeline.
Now, we’re wondering what went wrong, as the ride has missed every potential window for its return.
Since we’re a week past Labor Day AND HHN has already started, what would be the next date when Universal needs the ride operational?
Photo: Universal Orlando
I mean, we’re in the September dead zone now. Even HHN faces limits about how much tourist demand it creates during the offseason.
So, bringing back Revenge of the Mummy this month would be weird. Then again, maybe that’s the plan?
We’d heard that the ride’s sensors have struggled during the recent testing phase. So maybe Universal officials worry it will need frequent downtime after it opens.
Photo: Universal
That’s not an unusual issue in the theme park industry. Often, after a ride undergoes a significant overhaul, it goes down more during its first few weeks back.
Universal could possibly prefer that this happen during September and early October. But, then again, something worse may be at play.
Photo: Universal
After all, we’re nearly halfway through September already. So the fact that Revenge of the Mummy hasn’t reopened yet is troubling.
Still, we do have ride videos of the updated version. Here’s one:
I’d like to post a clip of the line queue. Honestly, there’s not a good one out yet, though.
Universal Park Updates
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood fans are within a year of the debut of Super Nintendo World.
The park already offers a slew of Nintendo-related merchandise. Now, we know that much more is coming to Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
Photo: Universal Studios Japan
Park officials confirmed that Super Nintendo World Store is coming to the entertainment district.
Well, by confirming, I mean that walls are up that show what’s coming next to the area. Here’s the proof:
Coming soon to CityWalk ✨ pic.twitter.com/bVAIrCfXN0
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) September 1, 2022
Other than that tweet, Universal hasn’t said anything yet, which means we must allow for the possibility that it’s a temporary store.
However, I fully believe that Universal will construct something permanent here. They’d leave too much money on the table by failing to capitalize on Nintendo licensing.
Photo:Instgram/universalcreativeofficial
Speaking of merchandising, Universal’s Instagram account recently showed off this tidbit.
In a matter of days, Orlando International Airport will open its Terminal C expansion.
Like many of you, I’ve spent a ton of money at the current Universal Studios Store at MCO.
Photo: orlandoairports.net
This one sounds like it will raise the bar. Universal brags that they’ve built a:
“one of a kind, immersive space with industry-first technology, media interplay, and unique storytelling in a retail environment.”
I’m first in line as long as there’s Simpsons gear and Harry Potter wands.
Photo by Erin Wingard
Universal Studios also recently settled a lawsuit stemming from an incident at Universal’s Aventura Hotel.
You can read the sad details at the Orlando Sentinel link. Notably, Universal wasn’t being sued for a substantial amount of money.
The company correctly determined it was better to make this issue go away than to keep garnering negative headlines.
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
Mediation between the accuser and the corporation helped the parties reach an acceptable settlement.
Okay, that’s everything for now. Remember that we still have HHN at Universal Studios Hollywood to discuss next time, though!
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