UniversalParksBlog News for May 12th, 2024
Universal Orlando Resort heard the reports about a park slowdown and kicked into overdrive.
We just learned plenty of details about the upcoming summer of Universal, and it sounds like a blast!
Photo: Universal
We’ll discuss the details in UniversalParksBlog News.
The Opening Date for DreamWorks Land
Photo: DreamWorks
Let’s start with the news that matters most for parents.
The opening of DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida is just a month away!
Management confirmed that the replacement for Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone will debut on June 14th.
That’s earlier in the year than Minion Land opened, but there’s a good business reason for that.
Parents will need DreamWorks Land to distract their children this summer. Also, Comcast executives have indicated a park slowdown.
So, while Minion Land skewed to the same target audience, vacationing families, DreamWorks Land matters more this summer.
Photo: Airbnb
Without this land, many tourists would simply skip the park in 2024, awaiting Universal Epic Universe instead.
Now, Universal will have a strong selling point throughout the summer. But park officials didn’t stop there.
Universal Orlando’s Other Summer Plans
Photo: Universal
Universal Orlando Resort has stacked the deck with several other
As we covered last week, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular and Hogwarts Always will also debut on June 14.
Photo: Universal
CineSational represents the latest nighttime presentation above the waters of the Universal Studios Florida lagoon.
Universal has promised 228 fountains that shoot water into the air as high as 131 feet.
Photo: Universal
This presentation will also include digital projection mapping in 4K, and it’ll offer an entirely new soundtrack as well.
Finally and most intriguingly, the production will utilize more than 600 drones.
The usage of drones in above-water exhibitions is an ascending strategy, with huge successes around the world.
Now, we can expect a drone show nightly at Universal Studios Florida’s lagoon!
More about the Summer at Universal Orlando
Conversely, Hogwarts Always won’t perform nightly, but you’ll want to catch the show each time.
I say this because it’ll include a bit of randomness. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade section will host a digital display.
Photo: Orlando Sentinel
This projection show will highlight a few memorable moments from a school year at Hogwarts.
Universal promises the following:
Photo: Universal
“From supply shopping in Diagon Alley, and the exhilarating ride aboard the Hogwarts Express, to participating in the Sorting Ceremony, celebrating the House Cup winner and so much more, this visually stunning experience promises to captivate witches, wizards and Muggles of all ages.”
Starting on July 3rd, Universal Orlando will also throw a parade this summer.
Photo: Universal
The Universal Mega Movie Parade will have nearly 100 workers dancing alongside 13 new floats, making it the park’s largest parade to date.
Universal will marry beloved franchises like Jaws and Back to the Future with newer characters from Minions and Kung Fu Panda, among others.
Photo: Universal
In short, Universal heard your concerns and has loaded up the summer with live entertainment and nighttime exhibitions.
The Epic Universe Update
Universal
We’ve got new details and an exciting highlight video of Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe!
The images display another visually stimulating themed land akin to the one at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal
Epic Universe will provide Super Nintendo World with more space, though.
Guests will still enter through the Super Mario video game franchise’s green pipe, a Star Pipe that transports guests to another world.
Once you enter the new realm, you’ll feel as if Super Mario World has come to life, along with several other video games.
Universal promises “the world-class augmented reality “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” the U.S. debut of “Yoshi’s Adventure” family ride and several Meet and Greet sections where Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad will take pictures with their fans throughout the day.”
More about Super Nintendo World
Universal
Guests will enter Bowser’s Castle to experience Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, but it won’t be the only E-ticket attraction here.
Donkey Kong Country will host Mine-Cart Madness, a thrill ride where you’ll seemingly jump from track to track.
Universal
This part of Super Nintendo World will include “lush, tropical landscape from the video game series, complete with tall trees, waterfalls, landmarks such as The Golden Temple and more.”
Universal has also confirmed that Power-Up Bands will be an integral part of a Super Nintendo World visit.
Universal
“Once you place it on your wrist, you can level up your in-world experience by connecting your band to the Universal Studios App.
“Once tethered, guests can virtually compete with other visitors, or your own friends and family, by collecting digital coins by punching “?” Blocks and playing interactive activities.”
In short, this sounds like a newer, larger version of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Miscellany
I won’t lie to you. I’d plotted Halloween Horror Nights as the meat of this week’s update.
While Disney went ahead and declared all its Halfway to Halloween surprises, Universal merely teased its events.
Beetle Juice Halloween Horror Nights
All we got was a Twitter post with a warning:
THEY DONT WANT YOU TO KNOW THERES SOMETHING UNDERNEATHZEV ILLN 4 WVHHVNG333333 pic.twitter.com/1a3arzJJbz
— Halloween Horror Nights (@HorrorNightsORL) May 9, 2024
In case you can’t see the Tweet (which happens sometimes now), the message reads:
“THEY DONT WANT YOU TO KNOW THERES SOMETHING UNDERNEATHZEV ILLN 4 WVHHVNG333333.”
Photo: discoveruniversal.com
Speculate as you will. Universal doesn’t already have a Fallout House, right? Oh wait, that’s me speculating. And I’d be VERY surprised.
Anyway, you should expect an announcement any day, possibly by the time you read this. If so, we’ll provide an update.
Photo: Universal
At The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Universal has reopened the front entrance after a while of an awkward workaround.
Switching coasts, I mentioned the tragedy on the World-Famous Studio Tour last time.
Image: Universal Studios
Today, I’d rather focus on the positive. Here’s some video of the unique photos and limited-time ride offerings:
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Featured image: Universal
