UniversalParksBlog News for February 23rd, 2025

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This week in UniversalParksBlog News, we unleash horror, relish the nights at Volcano Bay, and discuss Epic Universe.

Honk if you love Night Furies and roller coasters with tons of g-force! It’s a fun update for Universal fans.

Unleash the Horror!

Roughly two years ago, Universal Studios made a few changes.

As part of a new global strategy, the theme park division rebranded to Universal Destinations & Experiences.

In the process, Universal confirmed two upcoming expansions: a mini-theme park in Frisco, Texas, and an experience in Las Vegas.

At the time, Universal hinted that both expansions could be up and running by the end of 2026, possibly even 2025.

Vertical construction on the Frisco family theme park only recently started over the past four months or so.

Given the modest scope of that project, a summer 2026 opening remains a distinct possibility.

Photo: Universal

Meanwhile, we’ve all awaited word about the more exciting project, the permanent Halloween Horror Nights installation at AREA15.

That’s the Las Vegas expansion, which sounds like a dream come true for HHN fans. It’s a year-round version of the event.

Photo: Universal

Now we know that Universal Horror Unleashed will debut on August 14^th, 2025, which is only 172 days from today!

Universal has confirmed four different Houses for this permanent installation. They are:

• Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer
• Scarecrow: The Reaping
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
• Universal Monsters

Photo: Universal

Obviously, we’re still in speculation mode about some of these things, but we HAVE seen the Believer House before. Remember this?

Awkwardly, I ranked the Houses at HHN 2023, but I only listed Believer seventh out of ten selections. So, I’m not a huge fan.

Photo: Universal

However, there’s a decent chance that the Vegas version will be different and better.

Then again, that’s not really necessary here or even the goal.

Universal and AREA15 know that HHN in the title is enough to lure guests.

We’ll visit for the novelty drinks, the food, and the atmosphere.

As long as the various Houses provide a few scares, that’s enough.

More about Horror Unleashed

Photo: Universal

I’m hedging my bets regarding Universal and AREA15’s approach to this installation.

But I should warn you that sameness is a potential concern. We’ve seen at least a form of all these Houses.

Credit: Universal

If you don’t believe me, here’s the “original” idea of the bunch, Scarecrow: The Reaping.

That was one of the pandemic-era Houses in 2022. And here’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre from just three months ago:

I shouldn’t need to link you to any number of Classic Monsters Houses, either, as they’re the backbone of HHN.

So, the permanent Vegas installation may fall a bit short on originality. We’ll just have to wait and see. Even if that’s true, it’s a year-round HHN, and we all want that.

Death Eaters

I’m happy to tell you that tickets are already on sale. For $69, you gain one-time access to each House.

What you should buy instead is the $99 ticket, which gives you unlimited House access for a day. It’s a much better deal.

Speak to an agent at Let’s Adventure Travel to book the Las Vegas package that suits your needs the best.

Volcano Bay Nights

Photo: Universal Orlando

Universal also provided details about its upcoming Volcano Bay Nights events.

As a reminder, these are after-hours parties thrown at Volcano Bay, the water park at Universal Orlando Resort.

Volcano Bay has really gone through it so far in 2025, as the weather has been unkind.

In fact, Volcano Bay is currently closed to cold weather as I type this, which makes sense.

Where I live in the south, there’s snow in the backyard and has been for a couple of days now.

I can probably count on one hand the number of times this has happened in late February in my life.

Universal

Even Central Florida cannot escape that sort of cold spell, which has wreaked havoc with Volcano Bay scheduling.

Fortunately, spring is right around the corner, and we’re all counting down the days after a rough winter.

As part of the spring celebration, Universal’s Volcano Bay will throw this part on:

• April 12^th and 26^th
• May 3^rd, 10^th, and 17^th

Like most first-time events of this nature, it’ll probably expand the number of dates in future years, presuming this one’s a success.

Photo: Universal/Volcano Bay

Universal has promised beach games, dance parties with a live DJ, and complimentary meals with the ticket.

There’s also a Coke Freestyle promotion where guests receive a commemorative cup and free refills.

Still, other than the party atmosphere, the greatest appeal of Volcano Bay Nights is the lack of crowds.

Universal promises short wait times for the park’s most popular water rides, including the beloved Krakatau Aqua Coaster.

Image Credit: Universal

That’s the one that goes right through the heart of the volcano.

In addition, Universal has confirmed the following character meetings during the event:

• Alex and King Julien from Madagascar
• Branch, Guy Diamond, and Poppy from Trolls
• Fiona and Shrek from Shrek
• Kitty Softpaws and Puss in Boots from Puss in Boots

So, you can fill your dance card with character interactions followed by…actual dancing. It sounds like a fun night.

Tickets are now on sale for $99, and I’d again encourage you to speak with Let’s Adventure Travel for your best deal.

Universal Miscellany

Photo: Universal

We’ve got some Universal Epic Universe news to discuss to close out the week, and most of it can be told in YouTube form.

Here’s a video about possible changes at Stardust Racers from the ever-reliable ElToroRyan:

The gist is that Stardust Racers was proving too violent with its G-force sensations. So, Universal may have added trim breaks.

Photo: Facebook/ universal

Park officials haven’t addressed this yet, but there’s visual evidence supporting the claim.

As an aside, I recommend this channel, as I’ve found them terrific in their coverage of the Top Thrill Dragster debacle.

Photo: Universal

On the bright side, the marketing campaign has begun in earnest for Epic Universe. Here’s the Super Bowl ad:

And here are the quick ads for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

And How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk:

And Dark Universe:

And Super Nintendo World:

First, I’ll say what we’re all thinking. She should break up with Josh. Second, that’s one Hell of a marketing campaign.

There’s not much else I need to say here. Epic Universe looks incredible.

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Feature Photo: Universal Parks & Resorts