UniversalParksBlog News for April 23rd, 2023
Universal Orlando Resort just closed a familiar attraction. Also, the park confirmed new details about its annual pass program.
We also learned more about local governance in South Florida and gained new intel about various Harry Potter offerings.
Image: Universal
We’ve got a particularly wild UniversalParksBlog News update.
Another One Bites the Dust
Photo: Universal
As previously mentioned, Universal Orlando Resort has entered a transitional phase.
Comcast, the corporate owner of Universal Studios, has recognized the financial strength of the theme park division.
Historically, park officials operated Universal under the directive of, “What can we afford?”
Photo: Universal
Lately, Universal has gained a seemingly limitless budget. As part of this dramatic change, management has reevaluated several existing attractions.
Over the past 15 months, Universal Orlando Resort has permanently closed the following attractions:
- Curious George Goes to Town
- DreamWorks Destination
- Fievel’s Playground
- Meet Shrek and Donkey
- Shrek 4-D
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
Photo: Spectrum News/Ashley Carter
Now, we can add a new name to that list, and it’s a weird one. Yes, Poseidon’s Fury will shut down permanently on May 9th.
Why is that so odd? Universal kept this attraction offline throughout the pandemic.
Park officials only reopened Poseidon’s Fury in March 2022, which was 13 months ago.
UNSEAL THE TEMPLE
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) March 14, 2022
I have no idea why Universal would open this attraction only to close it again so soon afterward…but I do have a suspicion.
Audiences may not have flocked to Poseidon’s Fury after so long away from it. The aggravation of operating a high-maintenance attraction may have proven too much.
Photo:uofanguide.com
Also, that’s a prime parcel of real estate at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Could a re-theme of this section, Lost Continent, be upcoming?
Photo:touringplans.com
This entire themed land is now wholly lacking in attractions. If so, what would that mean for Mythos Restaurant?
Presuming I’m not crazy here – and I never rule that out – some exciting announcement could be forthcoming at Islands of Adventure.
The Central Florida Governance Update
Photo: Miami New Times
Three different issues impacting the Central Florida area occurred recently.
First, Orange County has announced a $300 million project to address the impending traffic caused by Universal’s Epic Universe.
As part of this project, construction will include an elevated traffic circle. The idea involves redirecting traffic to a higher level above the main road.
Photo: sun-sentinel.com
In short, this project should allow more people to drive in the same limited space. They’ll simply do it on different levels.
Of course, you don’t have to drive. Another emerging option involves the high-speed rail system coming to Central Florida.
Brightline released details about the Orlando Brightline Station. And it looks plush! Here, see for yourself:
I don’t know about you, but that’s MUCH nicer than I had expected…and I’ve seen other Brightline stations! They obviously went all-out for the Orlando hub!
While we won’t know the prices for internal travel in Orlando – remember that officials approved the Sunshine Corridor quite recently – we do have information about general pricing.
Photo: Discover Universal Blog
A ride in SMART class (i.e., standard) costs $79, while PREMIUM (i.e., first class) is $149.
That’s an inexpensive way to leave Orlando and spend the weekend in Miami!
Estimates suggest the entire trip would take three and a half hours or so. Meanwhile, the one from Orlando International Airport to the Epic Universe area via Sunshine Corridor.
Finally, Florida’s governor has announced the intention to alter how some theme parks perform safety protocols.
In this case, “some” means Walt Disney World only. The governor stated that the legislation should apply solely to special districts.
Such a law wouldn’t apply to Universal Orlando Resort. So, it’s a nothingburger everywhere other than Disney, barring something unforeseen.
Miscellaneous Universal News
We’ve got some annual pass news to cover…and at two different parks!
Universal Studios Hollywood has slightly increased the prices on most of its annual passes. The changes fall in the $10-$20 range for all but the most expensive tier.
That Platinum annual pass has gone up from $579 to $619, presuming you purchase online…and you should do that.
You’ll pay $10 more for all of them when you purchase at the gate.
At Universal Orlando Resort, two of the passes have changed prices.
While the Power Pass and Seasonal Pass have stayed the same, the Preferred Pass and Premier Pass have gone up.
You’ll pay $529.99 for the Preferred Pass, while the comprehensive Premier Pass costs $789.99.
If you’re unfamiliar with the difference, frequent guests will benefit significantly from the Premier Pass.
This annual pass adds Universal Express for visits after 4 p.m. It ensures you can ride whatever you want on many dates. Obviously, some restrictions apply, though.
Universal also announced passholder perks for Universal Orlando Resort buyers. Kristin Sabol has described them in detail here.
During May, you will relish that special entrance. It’s a terrific amenity for qualifying guests.
Photo: Universal
Also, a passholder lounge will open at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on May 1st. I hope to post pictures and/or video during the next update.
In nighttime entertainment news, The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle will close for refurbishment on May 10th.
You have until May 9th to enjoy the current iteration of this presentation, which may undergo updates.
On the flip side of the coin, Universal Studios Hollywood has brought back The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle. Here’s the updated version:
One More Thing…
Photo:instagram/universalorlando
Finally, here’s some news that will have long-term ramifications at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Warner Bros. made a huge announcement. during a recent presentation for its “new” streaming service, Max.
The service, formerly known as HBO Max, will mine the Harry Potter brand for all it’s worth.
Warner Bros. (WB) plans a – I kid you not – ten-year streaming adaptation of the Harry Potter stories.
This series will cover all seven books. Currently, WB anticipates that the series will include seven seasons.
Please remember that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows divided evenly into two films. There’s a lot of content in these books.
So, in a way, a television series makes more sense than the movies ever did.
You may recall the fan outcry regarding countless cuts, as many beloved characters and story arcs from the books didn’t appear in any of the films.
This announcement also ensures wave after wave of new content and merchandise at Universal’s theme parks.
We know what the primary Potterverse discussion will entail from 2026-2035. This clarifies the lingering uncertainty caused by Fantastic Beasts.
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Feature Photo: Universal
