Universal Orlando just announced this year’s Halloween Horror Nights event! It will take place on select nights August 30 – November 3, 2024, primarily Wednesday – Sunday nights, from 6:30pm – 2am.

Tickets are on sale now! There are also express passes, R.I.P. tours, and hotel packages. Select ticket purchases come with 6 months of Peacock streaming this year.

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed nighttime event, with 5 scare zones, 10 haunted houses, live entertainment, rides and attractions, food, merchandise, and more. Details of the haunted houses are yet to be revealed. Stay tuned!

Note that some of the scares are pretty intense and gory, so it may be too much for the little ones and the faint of heart. It is not recommended for those under age 13. There are plenty of YouTube videos about it from previous years if you want to get a sense of what it’s really like first.

This is a very popular event so if you are interested, you should buy your tickets ASAP.

For more details, visit the Universal Orlando Horror Nights site.

Contact me if you want me to help plan your Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

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Universal Epic Universe introduced details of one of the worlds, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, in this new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort.

In How to Train Your Dragon, take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of Berk. From an exciting coaster to a heart-warming live show, it’s fire-breathing fun for all ages.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – Get a dragon’s eye view as Hiccup’s latest flying (coaster) contraption sends you swooping and soaring, above and around the Isle of Berk.

Dragon Racer’s Rally – Hold on tight and practice aerobatic maneuvers on a Viking-made dragon-riding trainer in hopes of becoming a champion dragon-racer.

Fyre Drill – Ruffnut & Tuffnut have created a watery boat battle where teams of Vikings compete to outscore and out-soak each other.

The Untrainable Dragon – The arrival of a new dragon in Berk presents a challenge to Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid in this spectacular live show.

Viking Training Camp – Young Vikings will discover all types of dragons as they climb, slide and explore in this sprawling, interactive adventure play camp.

Mead Hall – Feast like Vikings on a hearty menu of meats, fish, and drinks including a variety of meads, ciders and ales.

In addition, meet Hiccup and Toothless at the Haddock Paddock and meet other Vikings and dragons around Berk. You may even catch a glimpse of dragons flying high above the village!

Are you excited for this new world?

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The image above shows an overview of Universal Epic Universe along with the other worlds that make up the park. More details will be revealed about each in the coming months. Stay tuned!

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, explore international wizarding communities from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry via floo network.

At Super Nintendo World™ you’ll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.

In Dark Universe, explore a world of myth and mystery, from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.

Celestial Park is the central hub area of Epic Universe, with lush tree-lined walkways, dancing fountains, restaurants, shops, and more.

Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about Celestial Park.

Contact me if you want to chat about planning a Universal trip. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates on this new park.

AdventuresByAnne.com

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Universal Orlando Resort currently has several ticket deals and special offers. Now is a great time to book your next Universal trip!

Save 25% on a 3-Park, 5-Night Package

This offer is valid for a 5-night stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in a standard room with a 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park ticket between 11/12/23 – 07/31/24.

3-Park 5-Night Vacation Package Starting From Only $89 Per Person, Per Night

This offer is valid for a 5-night stay at select Universal Partner Hotels in a standard room with a 3-Park 4-Day Base ticket (one park per day) and a $75 Bundle and Save Discount off the total vacation package price. It can be upgraded to a stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel. Valid for bookings between 3/14/24-6/12/24 and for stays on select nights 3/14/24-3/22/24, 4/16/24-6/26/24, 7/14/24-8/16/24, or 9/1/24-12/18/24.

Save 20% on 4-Nights at a Universal Orlando Hotel

Stay at a Universal Orlando hotel for four or more nights and save 20% on a non-discounted room rate. This offer is valid for stays between Jan. 2-Feb. 15, Feb. 25-29, Apr. 7-May 23, May 27-Nov. 26, or Dec. 1-19, 2024. Separate theme park admission tickets are required for theme park entry.

Save up to $668 on a 4+ Night Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and enjoy exclusive theme park benefits like Universal Express Unlimited. Book by Aug. 6, 2024 for travel Sundays-Thursdays between May 31-Aug. 10, 2024.

Play 4 Days From $74 Per Day, Plus Tax

This offer is valid for a 2-Park 4-Day base ticket valid for one park a day at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. It may be upgraded to a park-to-park ticket or a 3-park ticket to include Volcano Bay.

Get 3 Months Free on Any Annual Pass

Buy a new Universal Annual Pass and get three extra months of fun. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.

Military Ticket Deals and Specials

As thanks for your service, Universal offers specially priced tickets and vacation packages to active duty and retired service members. Purchase exclusively at your Authorized Military Ticket and Travel Office.

Florida Residents: Buy a Day, Get 2 Days Free On a 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket

Florida residents can get 2 days free when they buy a 1-day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket. Add a day at Universal Volcano Bay for only $28 more. This ticket is not available at the front gate; it must be bought online. Use by 6/26/24. Ticket prices vary by day. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.

Florida Residents: Save 40% on Rooms at Select Universal Orlando Hotels

Florida residents can save 40% on rooms at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel only for travel Sun – Thur. 2/15 – 3/21/24, 4/7 – 5/23/24 and 5/27 – 5/30/24. Savings are based on the non-discounted double occupancy price for the same room before tax. Limited availability and subject to capacity and change without notice. A valid Florida ID is required at check-in. Separate theme park admission is required for theme park entry.

Florida Residents: Create Your Own Vacation Package

Florida residents can select the hotel of their choice, customize their theme park admission, and add vacation enhancements to enjoy Universal Orlando Resort the way they want to. Must be purchased by April 17, 2024 for travel before December 31, 2024.

There are many options for planning an amazing Universal trip this year. In addition to these offers, several standard packages are available year-round, such as the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Exclusive Vacation Package. Visit the Universal Special Offers page and Universal Packages page for more details.

We love the Universal Parks! If you’re a fellow Harry Potter fan, these parks are definitely a must-do. Please contact me if you want to chat more about planning a Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

©Universal Studios

Universal Epic Universe introduced the first details of this amazing new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort.

The image above shows an overview of Universal Epic Universe along with each of the five worlds that make up the park.

Click on each world below for the details that have been revealed so far about each one. I’ll add more info as they’re revealed by Universal. Subscribe below to get notified whenever I have a new post.

Please contact me if I can help plan and book your next Universal trip.

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In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, explore international wizarding communities from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry via floo network.

At Super Nintendo World™ you’ll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.

In How to Train Your Dragon, take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of Berk. Take part in wild boat battles, feast like a Viking, and more.

In Dark Universe, explore a world of myth and mystery, from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.

Celestial Park is the central hub area of Epic Universe, with lush tree-lined walkways, dancing fountains, restaurants, shops, and more.

Here are all of the details about the rides, restaurants, and shops revealed so far about the Celestial Park area.

Stardust Racers is a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph. Board a comet and rocket to the furthest reaches of the stars, at heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. Race along an inverted crisscross, known as the “Celestial Spin” in a dazzling display of blazing colors and ethereal music.

On Constellation Carousel, ride celestial lions, dragons, bears, and more as they turn 360 degrees while lifting riders up to 6 feet in the air. Celestial music and color dazzle your senses as you whirl and twirl together across the Milky Way.

Enjoy exceptional seafood and steak in Atlantic, a fine dining restaurant, or sip a cocktail at the lively Aquaria Bar. Starfish dwell peacefully with serene, illuminated fish swimming above you on inside glass walls reminiscent of an enormous Victorian aquarium.

In the Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, authentic Pan-Asian fare is served in a bustling courtyard under the glow of ethereal hanging lanterns. Watch dazzling neon dragons chase across the walls as you enjoy a cocktail at The Tiger Bar.

Visit the Nintendo Super Star Store for toys, apparel and other colorful keepsakes and souvenirs based on characters from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and more.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a full-service hotel with a dedicated and exclusive entrance into Epic Universe. You’ll be transported to a fantastical world where heavens and earth unite.

While this one will be connected to the park, two other hotels will be available too just outside of the park – Stella Luna and Stella Nova resorts.

Are you excited for this new Universal theme park? When this opens in 2025, it’ll join the two current theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and the Volcano Bay water park, for an epic vacation!

Contact me if you want to chat about planning a Universal trip. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates on this new park.

© Universal Studios

On select nights from February 3 – April 7, 2024, you can celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando!

You can join in the fun of an awesome party inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world.

The popular Mardi Gras parade will be one of the highlights of the night. Catch beads flying through the air as you enjoy a dazzling Mardi Gras parade with authentic floats direct from New Orleans.

You can even join in the Mardi Gras tradition of throwing beads from the floats! In the past, they’ve had a virtual queue that you can join in the Universal app each parade morning for a chance to ride on the floats, pending availability. However, if you want to guarantee a spot for yourself, you can now buy the Float Ride & Dine Experience. Enjoy a 3-course meal at one of four participating Universal restaurants and get a reserved spot on a float. This is very popular and spots are limited, so buy quickly if you want to do this.

• Universal Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine

Some nights will also have live concerts by some pretty big names on the Music Plaza Stage. Get there early! Check the site for the performer lineup as it gets closer.

Update 1/20/2024: The concert lineup has been revealed, and includes DJ Khaled, Ava Max, Luis Fonsi, and more!

Of course, there will be plenty of delicious foods, from sizzling New Orleans specialties to flavors inspired by tastes from around the world, available for purchase. Be sure to visit the Mardi Gras food kiosks located throughout the park.

Access to the parade and concerts is included with the standard park entry ticket to the Universal Studios park. Make sure that you start your day in that park, not Islands of Adventure, if you don’t have park-to-park tickets.

For more details, visit the Universal Mardi Gras page.

We went to Universal last year on a Mardi Gras night and it was really fun. Those floats are amazing! Feel free to contact me if you want me to help plan your Universal trip.

Pics © Universal Studios

Celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando from November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023!

See the Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular for a live retelling of the classic holiday tale starring the Grinch. You can also meet the Grinch himself and Earl the Squirrel, Universal’s mini-celebrity, at various times of the day.

Listen to the iconic holiday music of Mannheim Steamroller. Live performances at the Universal Studios stage on December 2, 3, 9 and 10. No separate ticket needed.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will join in the festivities with holiday decor in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, and the gorgeous projection show against the Hogwarts Castle on most nights from dusk to park close. Also, sing along to holiday tunes by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, the Frog Choir, and more.

Don’t miss the fun Holiday Parade featuring the gigantic Macy’s parade balloons, popular Universal characters, and of course, Santa Claus!

Of course, there will be plenty of holiday-themed food for your belly and merchandise for your shopping list.

Special events include The Grinch™ & Friends Character Breakfast. Join the mean green one himself and the Whos too for a morning feast. Start your day with a tasty buffet with food and fun for everyone. Additional ticket purchase required.

You can also join in the celebration with the Universal Holiday Tour on this 4.5 hour evening event. Experience special meet and greets, foods, shows, and more during a special walking tour around the parks. Additional ticket purchase required.

Feel free to contact me if you want to chat about a Universal trip.

Pics © Universal

There are several updates for Universal Orlando.

In case you missed it, Halloween Horror Nights is taking place now through November 4, 2023.

There’s a new Blumhouse Photo Experience in the CityWalk Promenade. Experience photo ops with scenes from The Exorcist, M3gan, Black Phone, and Five Nights at Freddy’s from 3pm-11pm on all Halloween Horror Nights event dates (except 10/26). All CityWalk guests are welcome.

Halloween Horror Nights multi-night “Fear” Passes are sold out for the remainder of the 2023 event nights. Single-night tickets for select nights through November 4th remain available for purchase.

There’s an exciting new update to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Exclusive Vacation Package. For bookings starting on September 28, 2023, you will now receive the Special Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour™ Flight in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley™ featuring four hard-pack flavors and a Honeydukes™ Cooler Tote!

The Universal Volcano Bay water park will be closed seasonally on select dates starting on October 31st. These dates are subject to change. Check the park hours calendar for up-to-date park hours before your trip to any of the parks.

Buy a 3-day ticket and get 2 more days free! You get 5 days to experience all of Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Upgrade to include Volcano Bay and/or to go to multiple parks a day with park-to-park tickets. More details here.

Feel free to contact me if you would like me to help plan your Universal trip.

Pics © Universal Studios

The Minions have their own land in Universal Studios Florida now! Minion Land on Illumination Avenue officially opens today, August 11, 2023, at Universal Orlando Resort. This immersive new land will put guests in the middle of Minion mayhem.

Villain-Con Minion Blast is a new attraction that “blends immersive sets, interactive game-based technology, and an original storyline for a first-of-its-kind attraction that puts guests’ villainous skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to become a member of the Vicious 6 – a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru'”. You will stand on a moving walkway type mechanism with your blaster and prove your villainous skills as you move through the various scenarios.

After all that villainous fun, you can continue the mayhem in the Disposable Me Minion Mayhem attraction. This simulator ride turns you into a minion and engages you in humourous family-friendly mischief. There doesn’t seem to be any change to this ride if you’re already familiar with it.

Of course, you should stay hydrated and fed after all that mayhem. The new Illumination’s Minion Cafe will provide you with an “entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto: the Kitchen, the Breakroom, and the Dining Room”. It will feature many items inspired by the Minions franchise. There will also be an express window with a limited menu if you just want to grab something quickly.

Several other locations around the land will provide more refreshments and retail therapy.

Bake My Day is a fun bakery and shop featuring Minion-themed sweet treats and merchandise.

Pop-A-Nana features sweet and savory popcorn, including a special banana flavor, inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas.

Freeze Ray Pops serves refreshing frozen treats inspired by Gru, the Minions, and Vector.

Evil Stuff is a new retail store offering Villain-Con and Minions merchandise.

Illumination Theater is a new location with photo ops and meet n greets with characters from Illumination films like Minions and Sing.

This new land sounds like a lot of fun. Are you excited to check it out?

Feel free to contact me if you want to chat about a Universal trip.

©Universal Studios