UniversalParksBlog News for November 21st, 2022
This week, we’ve got a weather update, more park closings, and another park reopens.
The latest UniversalParksBlog News features some insane stories.
The Hurricane That Didn’t Close the Park
Photo: Fox 35
Last week, Tropical Storm Nicole earned hurricane status as it approached Florida’s East Coast.
However, this weather event proved significantly different from Hurricane Ian, at least from a theme park perspective.
On Wednesday, November 9th, Universal Orlando Resort chose not to open Volcano Bay.
Image Credit: Universal
Obviously, the impending storm triggered heavy rain showers throughout Florida. Opening a water park seemed pointless.
Later, park officials took additional steps. Universal’s theme parks closed early on that Wednesday.
Notably, Universal made no determination about the following day. On the surface, that move sounded crazy.
Phot: w leather.com
After all, Hurricane Nicole appeared likely to touch down in Central Florida early Thursday morning. Universal HAD to close the parks, right?
As fate would have it, the answer proved to be no. Unlike Hurricane Ian, Nicole both diminished in strength quickly and moved across Florida at a fast pace.
So, Universal Orlando Resort managed to open its theme parks on the same day as a hurricane.
Photo: NOLA
Obviously, the parks required a phased reopening, though…and “phased” has come to mean “delayed” in theme park lexicon.
Universal officials tweeted the following (which I hope will display when you read this on Monday):
Update from Universal Orlando Resort. pic.twitter.com/N6eE5Ke5tX
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) November 10, 2022
You’ll notice that Universal has adopted a new approach to park closures due to weather events.
The new plan involves opening the parks only to guests staying on-site at official Universal resorts.
Technically, Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks closed to everyone else on Thursday, but history will remember them as open due to this tactic.
Photo: Yahoo News
By operating the parks thusly, Universal can provide its resort guests with an unforgettable day. The parks are nearly abandoned, but most rides remain operational.
Meanwhile, nobody is in any danger since Central Florida is largely safe from inclement weather due to the area’s unique water table.
Openings and Closings
Photo: Discover Universal orlando
Last time, I discussed some impending closures at Universal Studios Florida.
In two months, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster and four other attractions will shut down forever.
Obviously, Universal officials are taking stock of what’s popular and what’s simply taking up space.
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
I say this because Universal Studios Hollywood has announced its own pair of closures.
On January 8th, 2023, we’ll lose Universal’s Animal Actors and the Special Effects Show.
Here’s a video of the Special Effects Show:
And here’s Universal’s Animal Actors:
In early January, Universal will reclaim these spaces for an unnamed upcoming attraction. Yes, it’s probably the Fast & Furious roller coaster we’ve previously discussed.
In other words, this may sound like bad news, but it’s really not. We’re less than two months away from Universal closing these shows to make room for something else.
The faster Universal does that, the faster it can get started on this new unnamed ride that is totally not a Fast & Furious roller coaster. Uh uh. No way.
Photo: Universal
I guess what I’m saying with my sentence fragments here is that we’re possibly only 12-18 months away from that roller coaster I mentioned this summer.
Also, Universal’s most recent roller coaster was the VelociCoaster, an A+ ride. So, there’s plenty of cause for optimism here.
Meanwhile, in reopening news, Universal finally caught a break. Universal Beijing Resort returned at the start of the month.
Photo:Universal Studios Beijing
As a reminder, China has taken the pandemic much more seriously than other parts of the world including the United States.
So, theme parks in China have closed after any sign of COVID-19. This behavior has cost NBCUniversal a lot of money.
The company is definitely happy to have this place open once more.
Miscellaneous Universal Updates
Photo: Universal
We’ve got plenty of other stuff happening at Universal. For starters, park decorations and holiday events are already on display. I’ll publish the full details later this week.
Still, what’s important is that if you are in the mood for Christmas stuff at Universal, it’s already there. And yes! Earl the Squirrel and the Grinch are part of the festivities!
Most importantly, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is ready to host holiday guests! Y’all know how gorgeous this place gets during the Christmas season.
Photo: Universal
Speaking of Harry Potter, I regret to inform you that Leslie Phillips has died at the remarkable age of 98.
You may not know the name, but you know Phillips’ voice. He’s the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter movies! Thank you for everything, Mr. Phillips.
To a larger point, this has been a rough year for the Harry Potter cast.
Credit: Universal
In other Universal news, well, it’s heartbreaking but not surprising. Universal has removed the spinning Classic Monsters from atop Monsters Café Bone Chillin’, the refreshment stand.
As a reminder, Universal closed Monsters Café several months ago. However, park officials waited a bit before shutting down the refreshment stand.
Now that this place has closed as well, Universal has removed the iconic spinning monsters from their (formerly) permanent home. I won’t lie. I’m taking this one hard.
Photo: tripsavy.com
Universal has also clarified what Platinum Annual Passholders should expect when Super Nintendo World opens next year.
You’ll be able to visit the new themed land any time after 3 p.m., and you won’t even need a reservation like regular guests.
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
However, you won’t have Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge as a Universal Express option for obvious reasons.
Still, the Super Nintendo World perk totally justifies your Platinum Annual Pass renewal this year!
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: Universal
