UniversalParksBlog News for August 25th, 2024
This week in Universal Parks Blog News, we go Back to the Future with the Star Trek Franchise as Vecna visits Epic Universe… or something like that. Or maybe nothing like that. I get confused.
Anyway, let’s order a drink at a rooftop bar and discuss a hectic week of Universal Studios news.
In Your Face, Orlando!
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
We’ll start with the news you don’t know before discussing the hotel story making all the rounds.
For many years now, Universal Orlando Resort has earned a steady stream of headlines for its Halloween Horror Nights event.
Photo:Universal Studios Hollywood
The popularity of this offering has powered Universal Orlando past Universal Studios in the pop culture zeitgeist.
While the two theme parks ostensibly operate under the same umbrella, there is a sometimes competitive battle ongoing between the entities.
Image: Universal
Universal Studios Hollywood officials understandably feel outshined since their origin dates back to either 1964 or 1915 depending on how you keep score.
Universal Studios Florida showed up in 1990.
Jungle of Doom
If you were that much older than the other business in your company, you’d be jealous of their success, too.
Alas, Universal Orlando founded Halloween Horror Nights in 1991, while the Hollywood version wouldn’t debut until 1997.
Fair or not, the Orlando original earns the lion’s share of media attention despite the fact that Universal Studios resides in, you know, Hollywood.
I don’t know how much professional jealousy played a part in what we’re about to discuss, but let me be as definitive as possible.
Image: Universal
Universal Studios Hollywood is about to claim the limelight for a while.
Introducing Fan Fest Nights
Image: Universal
Universal Studios Hollywood has announced an entirely original series of after hours events.
Called Fan Fest Nights, these not at all Halloween Horror Nights-inspired exhibitions will celebrate many of the things you love… just not, you know, horror ones.
Image: Universal
Thus far, the park has confirmed three different franchises that will offer themed events.
Importantly, Universal Studios doesn’t own two of these brands, once again reinforcing that Universal Studios will go where the fans are rather than forcing experiences based on NBCUniversal characters.
Photo: Comcast NBC Universal
We’re all grateful for that, and it’s doubly true when you hear the names of the franchises.
One is the beloved Back to the Future series, which means everyone will be getting Delorean photo ops next spring.
While that sounds fun, I would argue that the other two offerings are even better.
After all, Universal fans are plenty used to Back to the Future by now.
Image: Universal
Conversely, the Star Trek-based Fan Fest Nights is something we’ve never seen before.
Universal was sparse on details, so we don’t know precisely what will be involved, but I’d presume all the Star Trek franchises will be represented at this event.
Photo: Universal
Finally, we have the most wide open of the three, as well as the closest analog to Halloween Horror Nights.
One of the franchises is Dungeons & Dragons. Vecna sighting in 3…2…1…
One important caveat is that Universal didn’t clarify whether these nights are individual or joint, so I’m assuming that each brand gets its own night(s).
However, if it is more closely aligned with HHN, every Fan Fest Nights could include all three.
Photo: Universal
Universal Studios Hollywood will reclaim the spotlight from its younger sibling next spring.
Oh, wait. I forgot about Epic Universe opening around that time. Never mind. Speaking of which…
Meet the Helios Grand Hotel
We’ve at least generally known about the Helios Grand Hotel for a while now.
However, Universal officials hadn’t shown much to date.
Photo: Universal
Well, that changed this week with the release of an introductory video you can watch here:
I’ll level with you. I’ve felt for a while now that Universal Orlando was doing itself a disservice by heightening expectations for the Helios Grand Hotel.
Generally, what you want to do in the hospitality industry is underpromise and overdeliver.
Photo: Universal
Universal has taken the less traveled path of overpromising and apparently overdelivering.
This 500-room luxury hotel looks majestic.
Photo: Universal
As the video shows, the hotel lobby overlooks the Celestial Park area of Epic Universe.
So, whenever you hang out in the lobby, you’ll view the gorgeous epicenter of the new theme park.
Photo: Universal
Even better, you can sip drinks at the hotel’s rooftop lounge which gazes out over the entire park.
Since Universal officials embedded the Helios Grand Hotel into the theme park’s design, it’s like you never leave the park while staying at the hotel.
Photo: Universal
The theming celebrates the story of Helops, the Greek sun god. Universal officials brag that golden elements are visible throughout the hotel.
These colors symbolize the fire burning throughout the campus. Thematically, you look down from the sun on Celestial Park as Helios would.
Photo: Universal
It’s a bold concept that Universal appears to have executed flawlessly.
Obviously, we must wait until paying guests stay here to know for sure, so we must withhold judgment for now.
Photo: Universal
Still, this promotional video vastly exceeds my expectations. Of course, I haven’t even mentioned the best part.
Universal officials point out that a handful of children’s rooms come with How to Train Your Dragon theming.
Photo: Universal
It’d be morally wrong to steal those rooms from a kid, right?
I ask because I’m sorely tempted.
Universal Miscellany
Image: Universal
Lately we’ve been excitedly discussing the Fast & Furious roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Well, when it opens, it might be the only one.
Image: Universal
As previously mentioned, Fast & Furious: Supercharged is on hiatus during Halloween Horror Nights 33.
Park signs currently indicate that “The Family” is out on a mission.
Image: Universal
Maybe they’re trying to make a movie that doesn’t stink.
However, a couple of influencers have mentioned a long-standing rumor that is picking up steam.
Image: Universal
I generally only deal in facts in this article, but this rumor is at least worth a mention since it’s based in reality.
For a while now, I’ve heard that Universal officials will permanently close Fast & Furious: Supercharged at some point.
Photo: visitorlando.com
I don’t expect that to happen before the opening of Epic Universe, as that timeline makes the most sense.
However, a couple of people known for their Universal livestreams have suggested that Fast & Furious: Supercharged may not return.
Photo: Universal
So, we should keep an eye on this story for the next few months.
I reiterate that I believe it will survive until Spring 2025, maybe even longer, but it’s interesting that Universal isn’t denying this story, which officials could easily do.
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Feature Photo: Universal
