Universal Epic Universe introduced details of another exciting world in this new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort – Dark Universe!

Explore a shadowy village ravaged by the monsters of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments as she continues the work of her ancestors. In Dark Universe, the legendary Universal monsters come to life, with mystery at every turn.

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

On this technologically advanced thrill ride, Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more. Experience cutting-edge animatronics, vivid projections, and immersive sensory effects.

Curse of the Werewolf

Spin and weave through the foreboding forest in an attempt to escape the glowing eyes and gnashing teeth of the hungry werewolves. This family-friendly spin coaster tears through the dark forest at 37 mph, for over 2 minutes of sheer thrill.

Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

Embrace your love of Universal Monsters as skilled artisans turn you into a werewolf, vampire, mummy, or something even more monstrous.

Meet Monsters in the Streets of Darkmoor Village

Visit Darkmoor Village and take a photo with its inhabitants, including Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride, Ygor, The Invisible Man, and other foreboding residents of the village. 

Das Stakehaus

Enjoy a meal in this mysterious dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs. The restaurant is run by vampires’ “familiars” or servants and is surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts.

The Burning Blade Tavern

Visit the hangout of Darkmoor Village’s monster hunters and enjoy a menu of burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels, and specialty beverages.

The menacing streets of Darkmoor Village and the catacombs beneath Frankenstein Manor reveal a world of unearthly legends and monstrous experiments.  A new generation of monsters welcomes unwary visitors to their shadowy realm where myth and reality meet.

This new world will be family-friendly, while still satisfying the monstrous thirst of those seeking darker thrills. Are you excited for this new world?

* Photos are current artist renderings courtesy of Universal Studios.

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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.

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

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.

Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about Super Nintendo World.

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.

Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about How to Train Your Dragon.

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 or  booking your next trip to Universal or any other destination. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates on this new park.

AdventuresByAnne.com

© Universal Studios

Universal Epic Universe introduced details of another exciting world in this new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort!

In Super Nintendo World, steer through iconic Mario Kart™ courses, ride a mine cart through Donkey Kong Country™, and punch ? Blocks and collect digital coins as you explore.

Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge – In this interactive ride, you’ll collect digital coins and throw shells to try to defeat Team Bowser and win the Golden Cup as you steer through iconic courses alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. With multiple outcomes, it’s a different experience each time you ride.

Mine-Cart Madness™ – In this thrilling family coaster, you’ll help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana as you enter the majestic Golden Temple, board your mine cart and speed through the mine. You’ll appear to jump across gaps in the track and perform other eye-popping feats from the Donkey Kong Country™ video games.

Yoshi’s Adventure™ – In this enchanting, family-friendly attraction, ride with Yoshis and search for the glowing eggs as you weave through iconic Mushroom Kingdom landscapes, encountering many familiar characters and spotting hidden colored eggs along your journey.

Toadstool Cafe™ – As you enjoy delicious entrees and delectable desserts, you can watch Chef Toad cook up some of his favorite recipes and see playful scenes of the Mushroom Kingdom through the windows.

Meet some of your favorite characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad. Wear your Power-Up Band™ and you may even get an enhanced experience with select characters.

Boost your experience at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ by purchasing a Power-Up Band™! You can join your team by selecting between eight different character designs: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong. Then, as you explore and play while wearing your band, you’ll collect digital coins and digital stamps. This world is filled with interactive activities for you to explore, discover, and play together with your family and friends.

Test your quickness, skill, and timing in a variety of interactive Key Challenges you’ll find as you explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. Knock a Goomba off his feet in Goomba Crazy Crank. Silence an array of ringing alarm clocks in Piranha Plant Nap Mishap. Launch a Koopa Shell up a pipe at just the right moment in Koopa Troopa POWer Punch. Assemble key fragments before it all goes “boom” in the Bob-omb Kaboom Room. And quickly flip tiles so they’re all the same color in Thwomp Panel Panic. If you’re wearing your Power-Up Band™, you’ll collect a digital key with each activity you win. Collect enough keys and unlock the boss battle, Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown.

Your band also can be used to track your progress on Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge. Pair your band with the Official Universal Orlando Resort App* (app download not required for attraction gameplay) to track your scores, follow other users, and see your digital rewards.

*Free download. Check with your mobile network provider for any charges, terms, conditions, and additional details.

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.

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

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.

Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about How to Train Your Dragon.

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

© Universal Studios

Universal Studios Florida just announced the opening date for two new attractions and a whole new land! Drumroll….  June 14, 2024! Plan your visit now!

DreamWorks Land

Hop onto the caterpillar Caterbus on the Trolls Trollercoaster family-friendly coaster.

Talk to Po on a digital animated screen, and he’ll train you in the ways of kung fu and cook some delicious snacks.

Meet Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey outside Shrek’s cottage and splash in his swamp.

Hogwarts™ Always

Delight in the nighttime extravaganza, Hogwarts™ Always, an incredible new projection show. Enjoy a journey through iconic moments of a year at the beloved school of witchcraft and wizardry, all set against the majestic background of Hogwarts™ castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade™, on select nights.

Cinematic Splendor

This new lagoon show will feature water fountains, projections, and drones. Movie music comes alive in a cinematic journey with stirring soundtracks evoking the mystery and magic of Harry Potter™, the pulse-pounding thrills of Jurassic World, and the gripping suspense of Jaws, on select nights.

Bonus opening: July 3, 2024

Universal Mega Movie Parade

High-energy excitement as your favorite characters leap off the screen onto the streets for a daytime parade. Feel the roar of the T. rex, enjoy the adventure of E.T., embrace your true colors with Trolls, and more, on select days.

Are you excited about Universal Studios’ new offerings? Contact me if you want me to help you plan your next Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

© Universal Studios

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

© Universal Studios

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

© Universal Studios

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.

They have revealed the most details for the central Celestial Park area in this announcement (details below), so they’ll probably reveal the details for each of the other lands in subsequent announcements. 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 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.

AdventuresByAnne.com

© 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