UniversalParksBlog News for October 7th, 2022

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What has happened since the last time we spoke? A comical amount. Universal Orlando Resort has closed, sustained massive hurricane damage, and then reopened. And all that happened in just 72 hours!

Phot: w leather.com

We have so much to discuss in the latest UniversalParksBlog News.

Hurricane Ian vs. Universal Studios

Okay, the last time we spoke, Hurricane Ian was just starting to be a thing. I warned you that the parks might close early or just shut down entirely.

Photo: NOLA

The latter proved true. While Central Florida thankfully avoided the worst of Hurricane Ian, it was a devastating experience.

Many Orlando residents remained without one or more of water, power, and cellular service for several days.

Also, many parts of the region suffered massive flooding, albeit not as bad as the coastal parts of Florida.

Photo: Orlando vacations

In an example of the randomness of fate, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World largely remained unscathed.

Universal Orlando Resort was nowhere near as fortunate. Viral images and videos underscored the impact of the weather event on the Universal campus.

Here’s a photo of a resort that resides near the park’s entrance gates:

This WAS the entrance to the Double Tree by Hilton hotel at Universal Studios.

And those cars across Major Blvd used to be working cars. Likely not anymore. @MyNews13 #HurricaneIan#flooding pic.twitter.com/CpoHyAqeQD

— Jeff Allen (@News13JeffAllen) September 29, 2022

The one thing you never want to see in life is your car go floating by. But, unfortunately, that was a real thing that happened across Florida last week. It defies believability, but here we are.

Universal Studios also suffered significant ride damage on multiple attractions.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster experienced flooding, which left it more underwater than usual.

https://twitter.com/lissainbama/status/1575540533824323589

While these images starred on news programs for several days, the Hulk one is a bit misleading. It only took on a couple of extra feet of water.

The more alarming damage occurred at Jurassic Park River Adventure, where this somehow happened:

Photos of damage to the Jurassic Park River Adventure show building at Universal's Islands of Adventure. https://t.co/Un5efcfAuB

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 29, 2022

Social media was awash with jokes about dinosaurs escaping the building and being on the prowl in Orlando. That wasn’t even the funniest thought, though.

Dinosaurs escaping during a hurricane is *literally* the plot of Jurassic Park. https://t.co/zagpoH3NIp

— Philip Rossman-Reich (@philiprr_OMD) September 29, 2022

He’s right, you know.

The Aftermath

Photo: Universal

What you may not have heard is that one attraction suffered the most. Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl remains closed as I type this more than a week later.

This outdoor spinner attraction may have suffered damage due to the hurricane. But, then again, it might be the surrounding area that absorbed the brunt.

Signs of Hurricane Ian are visible throughout the parks. For example, some Halloween Horror Nights food kiosks aren’t operational right now.

Photo: UO Blog

The tents that cover these places remain in tatters, while Universal workers are struggling under the weight of massive clean-up.

Thankfully, the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster reopened within 72 hours of its flooding problem.

Similarly, Universal officials chose to bring back Jurassic Park River Adventure in its current state.

Photo: Universal

You can study the images to see that the skeletal structure remained in place during the ordeal. So, all that’s missing is a chunk of the exterior wall.

For this reason, Universal has deemed the ride safe to operate. In fact, some guests have commented that the missing wall adds to the immersion.

People genuinely believe that dinosaurs live in the building and are attacking the walls to try and get out.

The Show Must Go On

Photo:touringplans.com

Universal’s approach to the hurricane proved instructive. First, the parks closed for Wednesday and Thursday, the day of the hurricane and one with its aftermath.

On Friday, Universal used a phased reopening approach. Effectively, the only people who could visit the parks were those guests staying at official Universal resorts.

Photo: Universal

Park strategists employed this approach to address customer issues involving ticket purchases.

Frankly, Universal needed its parks open to avoid massive refunds.

Meanwhile, many guests appreciated this rare opportunity to explore the parks without a crowd.

Photo: Universal

To me, the real shocker was that Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) went on that weekend despite everything.

My brain struggles to rationalize images of guests wading through flooded areas on Thursday morning but then roaming through Scare Zone Friday evening.

The Reality of Universal’s Situation

Photo: Universal

Universal didn’t have much choice, though. The place was safe enough to reopen without risking guest safety.

Meanwhile, management faced financial shortfalls due to the two-day closure. That’s a likely seven-figure loss, not counting refunds.

Photo:skillastics.com

As I’ve mentioned, Comcast is mega-broke right now with $175 billion in debt. Universal doesn’t want its overlord to study the books too carefully.

So, Universal officials brought back the parks after two days of hurricane weather. Then, they quietly announced two new dates for HHN.

That’s a clever way to recoup some of the lost money as HHN nights approach sellouts throughout October.

Photo: Universal

Of course,  some concessions to the pandemic. For instance, Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale will remain closed this month.

So, we won’t catch this one again until next year, presuming it returns.

You can imagine how much internal debate has happened about what’s safe to operate but inexpensive as well.

Photo: Universal

Since many employees suffered during Hurricane Ian, staffing has proven challenging during the past 10 days as well. Be grateful that Universal is back, y’all!