UniversalParksBlog News for June 22nd, 2024
This week, we’ve got confirmed Halloween Horror Nights dates, a new House, DreamWorks Land, and the most gothic-themed land ever.
Friends, this is one of the most significant weeks for Universal Studios news ever. No joke.
Darkness Falls
Image: Universal
Universal Studios flexed its creative muscle this week with a new video. You will want to watch this.
The only acceptable reaction to this clip is, “YES!!!” While much of this involves digitized effects, it’s the plan for the land.
Specifically, Universal’s Epic Universe will host Dark Universe, which may become a holy ground for classic horror film fans.
Image: Universal
The premise of Dark Universe is that every Universal Pictures horror movie over the past 90+ years actually happened.
Everything is a part of the canon here, with some nefarious parties trying to channel the dark energies.
Image: Universal
As you approach the Dark Universe portal, you’ll notice a spire crackling with electricity.
The theming suggests that the spire is siphoning Dark Energy for some unstated purpose.
Image: Universal
Dr. Victoria Frankenstein may be involved, as she’s the central player in the story…and possibly a mad scientist. It does run in the family.
Speaking of Frankenstein, his monster is one of several classic Universal horror characters who will appear at Dark Universe.
Image: Universal
Some of them are Audio-Animatronics (AAs), as indicated in the video. However, it’s important to note that they won’t quite look like that.
Still, Universal officials are promising the next generation of AAs, which feels like a shot off the port bow at Disney.
Image: Universal
This video introduces the town of Darkmoor, an atmospheric small village where the townsfolk are used to bad stuff happening.
In Darkmoor, you’ll find gothic buildings and several restaurants, my favorite of which is named Das Stakehouse.
Image: Universal
We’re talking about a steakhouse with vampire wordplay. Sign me up! You can also grab a stein of mead at The Burning Blade Tavern.
Everything seems straight out of a Universal Pictures movie, which makes me giddy with excitement.
Image: Universal
Of course, we’ll know more when we start seeing real photos from the site.
DreamWorks Land Opens
Photo: Airbnb
This story isn’t quite as significant since we’ve known the specifics for a while.
Still, after a year of rumors, guests are exploring all the nooks and crannies of DreamWorks Land.
Photo: Airbnb
The new themed land at Universal Studios Florida has opened to guests, and its activities are entertaining families.
Overall, DreamWorks Land celebrates three specific brands: Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.
Photo: Universal Orlando
However, you’ll find plenty more characters, not all DreamWorks-related, in this area.
There is only one ride per se at DreamWorks Land. Here’s your first look at the Trollercoaster.
That’s far from the only experience. Here’s Po Kung Fu Training Camp.
Next, here’s an interactive attraction called King Harold’s Swamp Symphony.
Finally, we have the attraction that’s making the biggest splash. It’s based on Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish.
As you can tell, these offerings are designed for children, but adults also enjoy them.
Universal
Thus far, the most accurate description for DreamWorks Land appears to be “wholesome.”
DreamWorks Imagination Café is also up and running with a menu that includes Boss Baby Beignets.
Universal
I’m deeply conflicted about the idea of such horrific branding on such a delicious dish, but I’ll still eat it.
The HHN Update
Credit: Universal
Lately, we’ve discussed plenty about Halloween Horror Nights HHN at Universal Orlando Resort (UOR).
Now, Universal Studios Hollywood has joined the party with its 2024 announcements.
The company “promises eight all-new movie-quality haunted houses inspired by cinematic greats and eerie original stories.”
Thus far, Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) has confirmed only two upcoming Houses, one of which is new information.
Image: Paramount
I mentioned last time that A Quiet Place will have a House in Orlando and Hollywood. So, everybody gets this A-list offering.
Since then, USH has revealed its second House, Dead Exposure: Death Valley.
Image: Universal
The photo for this one shows what looks like a zombie standing in front of the backdrop of a nuclear mushroom cloud.
So, this sure sounds like a timely Fallout knockoff. Of course, HHN superfans and older UOR guests have some familiarity here.
Jungle of Doom
In 2008, UOR hosted Halloween Horror Nights: Reflections of Fear, and Dead Exposure was one of the Houses.
USH will reinvigorate the idea and modernize it after 16 years.
Credit: Universal
The premise at the time centered on a celebrity photographer who accidentally recorded a zombie invasion.
This time, USH has tweaked the story a bit. Here’s the official description:
Death Eater
“A secret lab’s attempts to create super soldiers takes a turn for the worse, creating radioactive zombies who escape just as you arrive!”
Uh-oh. Universal adds that this House “will be located near The Mummy dark ride queue in the Lower Lot, and it will be “intense and scary.”
Photo: Universal Orlando
Tickets are now on sale for HHN at USH, with prices ranging from $77 to $107.
You’ll find some shockingly good deals in September, and the early November bookings are in the $87-$99 range, too.
Universal Miscellany
Photo: Universal
We have several other stories to cover this week.
For starters, the summer offerings at Universal have started. Here’s a video of Hogwarts Always:
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular is also airing nightly as well.
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World also recently opened a drone show. Thus, these presentations are increasingly looking like the future.
Finally, here’s the Universal Mega Movie Parade, which has quickly become a crowd favorite.
Photo: Universal
The parade will run into November. So, I probably shouldn’t even call it a summer offering.
However, UOR’s two nighttime presentations end on August 25th, which may surprise you.
Photo: Universal Orlando
The explanation is an obvious one, though. Universal will host HHN soon afterward and shouldn’t operate all three simultaneously.
There will be another interruption coming soon, but it’s an understandable one.
Photo: Lynette Granger Rep/Facebook
Universal Studios Hollywood will host a fireworks celebration on July 4th.
Universal will dress up the parks with festive American decorations, and a fife and drum band will perform.
Meanwhile, at Universal Studios Hollywood, they offered a ticket deal so good it made the front page of SlickDeals! Ask someone at Let’s Adventure Travel for details!
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Feature Photo: Universal Orlando
