UniversalParksBlog News for November 3rd, 2024
Universal Orlando Resort just revealed vital details on a couple of huge upcoming events.
So, if you want to learn more about Universal Epic Universe or the holiday season schedule, read the latest UniversalParksBlog News!
Happy Holidays!
Credit: Universal
Check your calendar and know the truth! November has arrived.
While most Universal Studios fans view this month with sadness, it’s not all bad.
Photo: Universal
Sadly, Halloween Horror Nights has ended, although it did run a couple of days longer than usual this year.
Even so, we’re all ready to start thinking about the next big event at Universal, and it’s just around the corner.
Universal
Holiday decorations will start appearing soon at Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) and Universal Studios Hollywood (USH).
However, nothing will be official for a few more days. That’s because UOR will kick off its holiday celebration on November 22nd.
Photo: Universal
Yes, the calendar may indicate that it’s the week before Thanksgiving, but Universal jumps the gun due to popular demand.
This year’s event will run from November 22nd through December 31st, and all your favorites are back for 2024.
The upcoming offerings include:
- Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
- Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida
- The Universal Holiday Tour (extra fee)
- The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure (extra fee)
- Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando’s Hotels
- Universal CityWalk Entertainment
About This Year’s Holiday Offerings
Photo: Universal
Universal published a press release about what you can expect this year. Here are a few highlights:
During Grinchmas, “Guests can enjoy a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the beloved stage show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”
Photo: Universal
Plus, Seuss Landing will transport guests directly to Who-ville, where they’ll be surrounded by whimsical holiday décor and enjoy special appearances from the Whos and even get a chance for a photo opportunity with the mean-one himself – the Grinch!”
At The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can expect “festively themed décor, garland and twinkling lights adorning the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.”
Photo: Universal
Also, “guests can grab a Hot Butterbeer and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant frogs, in Hogsmeade, or dance along with the hit-sensation Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley.”
Even better, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns – bringing to life an awe-inspiring projection show on Hogwarts Castle highlighting Christmas moments and holiday cheer.”
Photo: Universal
The parade features: “beloved pop culture-inspired stories and characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar.
“Capping off the picturesque parade is a special appearance by Santa Claus and the magnificent lighting of a grand 80-foot Christmas tree in Universal Studios Florida.”
Universal Orlando
Finally, “Guests can start their day alongside the Grinch and other favorite characters from Seuss Landing while dining on delicious breakfast items like Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles during “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.”
The plated breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates beginning November 22 through December 30 for $62.82 (tax inclusive) per adult and $35.13 (tax inclusive) per child (ages 3-9).”
Other Holiday Notes
Photo: Universal
Look, the holidays are always amazing at Universal Studios. It’s a special place to be as the year ends. However, the fun doesn’t end at the parks.
In addition to all the decorations you’ll find there and at the resorts, Universal CityWalk hosts several options including:
- “The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails;
- A festive meet and greet with the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from November 29 – December 28 at CityWalk Plaza;
- Assorted seasonal food and beverage at Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen, and a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.”
Photo: Universal
I’d also suggest that you spend plenty of time at the resorts, as the holiday décor perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season.
The other must, at least in my opinion, is The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.
However, this one can sell out. So, you should speak with a Let’s Adventure travel agent soon to book your dates!
Universal Miscellany
Photo: Universal
While I know you’re all holiday-focused, we’ve got two other huge stories this week, both of which involve Universal Epic Universe.
The first is that management has delayed the opening of Universal Terra Luna Resort.
Photo: Universal
Originally, plans called for the park to debut on February 25th. At the time, Epic Universe didn’t have an opening date, though.
Now that park officials have settled on a Memorial Day opening this May, there’s no need for two new hotels to debut so soon.
Image: Loews
For this reason, Universal Stella Nova Resort will keep its opening date of January 21st, 2025.
However, Terra Luna won’t host its grand opening until March 25th.
Image: Loews
For those of you booking before May, you shouldn’t anticipate big crowds.
While I’m sure that some people will want to stay at the resort while it’s new, the resorts won’t be as popular until Epic Universal debuts.
Image: Entertainment Weekly
The other big story is that Epic Universe confirmed several of the Classic Monsters appearing on one of the Dark Universe rides.
“Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Frankenstein’s Monster” will appear during the ride.
So, Monster Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is definitely an E-ticket attraction.
In fact, Universal revealed the Frankenstein Audio-Animatronic for this ride.
Image: Universal
Frankenstein stands nine feet tall and weighs over 800 pounds! I’ll cover this story a bit more next time, but it looks spectacular.
The other news items this week come from USH. The Wicked experiences are now available as the film nears its release date.
Finally, Jurassic World: The Ride is undergoing refurbishment. It’ll reopen on November 29th.
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Feature Photo: Universal
