UniversalParksBlog News for November 30th, 2025
In this week’s UniversalParksBlog News, we’ll celebrate the arrival of Grinchmas.
We’ll also talk about Universal’s awards season dominance and even some expansion rumors.
My Heart Has Grown Three Sizes
Universal
Grinchmas has officially begun at Universal Orlando Resort, and it’s about freakin’ time!
Walt Disney World and Universal Studios both tend to wait until the second half of November.
Photo: Universal
I don’t get that at all. As soon as the calendar says November 1st, it should be Christmas season.
At Universal, management waited until November 21st this year, which is three full weeks into the month!
Universal Orlando
We only get about nine weeks of the holiday season. So, that’s a full third of wasted time.
As a diehard Christmas fanatic, this irritates me, but Universal at least mollified me in other ways.
Photo: Universal
This year’s holiday experiences are delightful, starting with the Holiday Tribute Store.
Here’s a video from The Krystal Palace showing all of this year’s tribute goodies:
I’m a big fan of the Nutcracker Lodge (and Emporium & Museum), especially the fireplace.
Photo: Universal
The combination of Earl the Squirrel merchandise and holiday decorations make this a must-do during your December visit.
Speaking of which, you’ll want to meet The Grinch while you’re at the park.
Photo: Universal
Right now, you should plan for that part of your visit to take about an hour and 45 minutes.
Generally, there’s a 90-minute wait, plus your interactions and exploration of the area.
The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is back on the menu this year, and here are a few outtakes:
I’m showing the Mammoth Club’s video so that you can understand the advantages of doing the tour.
Yes, you’ll pay more money, but if you want to experience all the Grinchmas activities, it’s the most efficient way.
More Holiday Goodies
Last time, I mentioned the sparse amount of decorations at Universal Epic Universe.
Well, I’m happy to update you on this front, as a couple of unexpected places have stepped up.
Photo: Universal
One of them is…Dark Universe. I kid you not. Universal has added a Christmas tree at this themed land.
I find the holiday decorations wildly unsettling, but I guess the villagers need Christmas, too.
Universal
It must be stressful living under the constant threat of Frankenstein’s Monster and the Werewolf.
All joking aside, you’ll find the tree at a Dark Universe store and must be attentive to notice it. So, this is a minor decoration.
Image: Universal Studios
Presuming that you prefer something a bit more charming – and you really should – I have a suggestion.
You should head to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk…as long as you keep your expectations in check.
Photo: Universal
The Vikings of Berk are celebrating something called Snoggletog this holiday season.
While it may sound like the Berk equivalent of Quidditch, I guess it’s their Christmas/Hanukkah?
I’m not quite clear on how this works, but I can say that Snoggletog requires some decorations.
A few of them are…weird. You may notice a wooden (?!) Christmas tree complete with a Viking shield as the tree topper.
Universal
You’ll notice a more conventional form of holiday decorations at Celestial Park.
Garland wreaths, ornaments, and Christmas lights adorn several spots, including above the entrance.
Universal
So, the already-beautiful nighttime experience at Epic Universe is somehow even better right now.
Universal Miscellany
Universal
As Kristin Sabol discussed the other day, Epic Universe absolutely wrecked this year’s Thea Awards.
Universal’s new theme park won four different awards, including some prestigious ones.
Universal
Epic won for Outstanding Achievement Theme Park, the biggie, and Outstanding Achievement Ride Experiences.
That one’s for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, but it could apply to several.
Universal
In fact, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment won for Outstanding Achievement Attraction.
So, the rides AND the theme park dazzled Universal’s competitors in the theme park industry.
Image: Universal
UPB also discussed the 2026 Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. Yes, it’s back!
Starting on February 7th, park guests can book a dining package that guarantees a seat on a parade float.
Photo: Universal
I raved about this earlier this year and won’t belabor the point beyond saying the obvious.
If you plan to be at Universal Orlando at any point from February 7th through April 4th, you should book this package.
Photo: Universal
You will NEVER forget the day you experience the parade from on one of the floats!
In theme park expansion news, Universal officials confirmed the Epic Universe news. Kind of.
Today Show
Without providing any details whatsoever, they acknowledged that future experiences are coming at a later date.
Universal’s trend of never providing any details about future projects continues unabated.
Photo: Universal
Along those lines, early work appears to be underway for whatever will replace the Lost Continent.
What is that? Universal sure isn’t talking, but given the location of this construction, we should know soon enough.
Photo: Orlando Informer
That’s not something park officials could hide. So, it’ll probably be like the VelociCoaster build.
Everyone could see the roller coaster tracks while Universal officials joked that a project MAY be in development.
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Feature Photo: Universal
