UniversalParksBlog News for December 1st, 2024
Universal guessed right with Wicked, the holidays started in earnest in the parks, and Epic Universe showed off its masterpiece.
This is an exciting time at UniversalParksBlog News. Read on to learn all the fun happening now and coming soon.
Giving Universal Credit
Judging by one box office metric, Wicked is one of the two most successful Broadway plays ever.
The musical has grossed nearly $1.7 billion, a total only Disney’s The Lion King has matched.
Universal
Still, the list of popular musicals that failed as theatrical list is longer than Victor Wembanyama’s arms. See: Cats.
So, when Universal Pictures announced a film adaptation of the stage play, critics were understandably skeptical.
Image: Universal
In recent months, Universal Studios doubled down by providing full support of the project at the parks.
Historically, Universal has done things like offer Fast & Furious vehicles or maybe a character greeting for a new film.
Universal
With Wicked, Universal went all-out, offering an entire film experience, a setting that transports guests to Oz.
At first, people dismissed this installation as Universal trying to market the film more by giving it a theme park presence.
Universal
Welp, that was wrong. Instead, Universal has hit this one out of the park by picking the perfect project at a much-needed time.
The New Character Greeting
Photo: Universal
As you know, Universal Orlando Resort has struggled during the second half of the year due to the lingering promise of Universal Epic Universe.
Many casual tourists decided to skip this year and hold out for next summer, when the new park debuts.
Universal
Now, Universal is rewarding the fans who stayed loyal this year by offering a one-of-a-kind experience that feels timely and charming.
I showed you the Wicked Experience in the most recent UPB News update. Since then, park officials have doubled down.
You’ll now find Glinda and Elphaba character greetings at the park! Here it is:
The timing on this one is stunning in that by the time you read this, Wicked has already become the most successful film musical ever.
Universal gambled and won big here. Enjoy Wicked at the parks while you can!
The Next Great Universal Ride
Rumors are everywhere about impending changes at Universal Orlando Resort.
At least two rides are reportedly on the chopping block, while an entire themed land isn’t long for this world.
Photo: Universal
However, Universal has a plan here, even as it makes some odd decisions like closing MEN IN BLACK: Alien Attack during most of the holidays.
Much of that plan centers on 2025 and the impending debut of Epic Universe, which frankly looks outstanding.
Park officials finally discussed a ride I’ve been telling you about for five years now: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
Here’s the official Universal video on the subject:
That video shows the brilliance of the ride experience, as guests walk through a Floo passage and find themselves transported to the Ministry of Magic.
Photo: Warner Bros
That’s far from the highlight of the ride, though, as you start in France but wind up in England for an extended period.
There are several remarkable attractions debuting at Epic Universe in 2025, but this is by all accounts the best of them.
Photo: Theme Park Insider
This will be the ride that makes Universal fans forget about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which has been the alpha for five years now.
Universal Miscellany
I realize it’s a holiday weekend, and you’re busy shopping and putting up your decorations right now.
Well, you’re not alone! Universal officials have finished all the decorations at the parks. Plus, a favorite has returned.
Universal
Yes, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle projection show has debuted for 2024! Here’s a video.
That’s only a small part of everything happening at the parks right now. Here’s a character greeting with The Grinch:
The Grinchmas Who-liday Special has also returned, and it’s as charming as ever:
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s is the other signature event you’ll find again in 2024. Here’s a look:
The holidays are always amazing at Universal Studios, but this year’s event feels homier than usual for whatever reason.
PhotoLjapancheapo.com
That’s not the only thing happening at the parks, though. In fact, some of the action is taking place internationally.
At Universal Studios Japan, park officials revealed the entrance for the new Donkey Kong expansion.
Photo:Orlandoparkstop.com
As a reminder, Japan’s version of Donkey Kong Land debuts on December 11th.
Meanwhile, Epic Universe will open Mine Kart Madness along with the rest of the park in May 2025. So, it’s only six months away!
Universal
Finally, in news of the ridiculous, a banned YouTube influencer tried to game the system at Universal Studios.
This brainiac received a year-long ban from Universal Orlando in August 2023.
YOUTUBE: LAW & CRIME NETWORKStevewilldoit has fully embraced his famous mugshot – even using it as his profile photo on X.
For whatever reason, the person couldn’t wait that long and decided to sneak into the park twice recently.
While one of the attempts proved successful, a genuinely heinous fake mustache ruined his second attempt, leading to jail and an indefinite ban.
Photo: Universal
Please be smarter than this person, fellow Universal Studios fans.
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Feature Photo: Universal
