INSIDER
Florida residents can make unlimited visits to Universal Orlando with new ticket deal
Read full article: Florida residents can make unlimited visits to Universal Orlando with new ticket dealA new Universal Orlando ticket deal for Florida residents is giving unlimited visits to both theme parks through the end of the year.
25 years of adventures: Here’s a look at how Universal Orlando’s 2nd park has changed over time
Read full article: 25 years of adventures: Here’s a look at how Universal Orlando’s 2nd park has changed over timeAt the time of the park’s opening, the attractions set the standard for innovation and creativity.
Ranking Florida’s top 5 roller coasters
Read full article: Ranking Florida’s top 5 roller coastersIs it fast, filled with epic twists and turns, sport an epic storyline all while still taking you on a smooth ride that doesn't make you want to puke? If so, it likely made the Florida's Fourth Estate top rollercoaster list.
Ranking the top 5 roller coasters in Florida
Read full article: Ranking the top 5 roller coasters in FloridaIs it fast, filled with epic twists and turns, sport an epic storyline all while still taking you on a smooth ride that doesn't make you want to puke? If so, it likely made the Florida's Fourth Estate top rollercoaster list.
Universal Orlando casts eerie spell with return of ‘Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle’
Read full article: Universal Orlando casts eerie spell with return of ‘Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle’The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will once again take a darker side as the “Dark Side At Hogwarts Castle” show returns.
National Roller Coaster Day: What’s your favorite in Central Florida?
Read full article: National Roller Coaster Day: What’s your favorite in Central Florida?Aug. 16 commemorates the day the first looping coaster got its patent all the way back in 1898. But coasters have been around longer than that.
Have a (Yule) ball: Celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday by making food from the series
Read full article: Have a (Yule) ball: Celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday by making food from the seriesJust a few pages into “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” Minerva McGonagall said that every child in the wizarding world would know Harry Potter’s name.
‘You’re a viral one, Mr. Grinch:’ Videos show hilarious, grumpy encounters at Universal Orlando
Read full article: ‘You’re a viral one, Mr. Grinch:’ Videos show hilarious, grumpy encounters at Universal OrlandoIf you can’t make it to Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season to meet The Grinch, then don’t worry, TikTok has you covered with viral videos.
‘Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle’ experience returning to Universal Orlando
Read full article: ‘Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle’ experience returning to Universal OrlandoBeginning next week, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will once again take a darker side as the “Dark Side At Hogwarts Castle” show returns.
National Roller Coaster Day: What’s your favorite in Central Florida?
Read full article: National Roller Coaster Day: What’s your favorite in Central Florida?Aug. 16 commemorates the day the first looping coaster got its patent all the way back in 1898. But coasters have been around longer than that.
The birth of Velocicoaster: A look back at Universal’s new species of coaster
Read full article: The birth of Velocicoaster: A look back at Universal’s new species of coasterResearch and development of the coaster has also been years in the making, but overall construction took a little more than two years.
Universal Orlando reveals new bypass bridge, dinosaur statues near Velocicoaster
Read full article: Universal Orlando reveals new bypass bridge, dinosaur statues near VelocicoasterORLANDO, Fla – Universal Orlando opened the gates Saturday to a new redesigned bypass bridge that connects the Lost Continent to Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure. The bridge has been closed for more than a year as Universal built its much anticipated new attraction, the Jurassic World: Velocicoaster. Jurassic World: Velocicoaster seen from newly reopened bypass bridge (WKMG)Fans began posting photos of the bypass bridge Saturday, as well as the new views it provides of the high-speed attraction that zips overhead. AdBypass bridge opens near Jurassic World: Velocicoaster (McReynolds)Guests are also getting the chance to get an up-close look at two giant Velociraptor statues that are sitting on pedestals, just feet from the attraction‘s future entrance. Full Screen 1 / 8 Jurassic World: Velocicoaster dinosaur statuesJust last month, fans of the coaster flocked to the new attraction as construction walls were brought down and new merchandise was rolled out in gift shops.
Universal’s Velocicoaster shows its teeth as construction walls come down
Read full article: Universal’s Velocicoaster shows its teeth as construction walls come downORLANDO, Fla – Universal Orlando officials brought down construction walls Tuesday on the new anticipated attraction, Jurassic World: Velocicoaster. Full Screen 1 / 5 Jurassic World VelocicoasterIn addition to the construction walls being brought down, the theme park also unveiled new merchandise in a number of its gift shops. Full Screen 1 / 7 Jurassic World Velocicoaster MerchandiseThe new coaster is scheduled to open this summer at Islands of Adventure. On Friday, Universal Orlando posted a new photo showing showing a recently installed entrance sign for the coaster. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter, sent every Friday morning.
Universal Orlando announces new ticket package ahead of spring break
Read full article: Universal Orlando announces new ticket package ahead of spring breakIn this Wednesday, June 3, 2020 photo, visitors arrive at Universal Studios Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. The Universal Studios theme park has reopened for season pass holders and will open to the general public on Friday, June 5. (AP Photo/John Raoux)(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Universal Orlando offers first-ever military freedom pass
Read full article: Universal Orlando offers first-ever military freedom passCaptain America at Marvel Hero Island at Islands of AdventureORLANDO, Fla – Universal Orlando is now offering the first-ever Military Freedom Pass for active, and retired military members and their families. Universal officials said military members are eligible to receive a discounted rate at all Universal Orlando Resort hotels including up to 40 percent off their room rate at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. A 2-park military freedom pass will cost $199 per adult while a 3-park pass will cost $234 per adult. Each Military Freedom Pass comes with no blockout dates. The Military Freedom Pass is only available with valid identification at your authorized Military Ticket and Travel Office.
Universal Orlando offers families limited time Black Friday deal with up to 40% off
Read full article: Universal Orlando offers families limited time Black Friday deal with up to 40% offORLANDO, Fla – Usually Black Friday is packed with deals on TVs, clothing and stocking stuffers, but now families can grab a discounted vacation package from Universal Orlando Resort. The theme park is set to offer its best vacation package ever on Friday. The entire deal is valued at $2,154 but Universal said families that book can save as much as $1,292, based on a family of four. The incredible deal is limited in quantities and Universal stresses it will sell out fast. Universal is also offering Florida residents a limited time offer, which includes savings up to $100 on select annual passes until Dec. 17.
Universal Studios introduces new events for holiday season
Read full article: Universal Studios introduces new events for holiday seasonUniversal Orlando announced new events coming this holiday season that will be sure to spread the holiday cheer at a time when we need it most. If you live in Central Florida, it’s safe to say you’ve probably experienced Universal’s holiday parade featuring Macy’s Balloons. New this year, Universal will give families a chance to get up-close and personal with their larger-than-life parade balloons and floats. Also new this year is Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store. Click or tap here to check out Universal’s holiday gifts.
Universal Orlando parks reach limited capacity early Saturday
Read full article: Universal Orlando parks reach limited capacity early SaturdayUniversal officials said both Universal Studios reached capacity as of 11:10 a.m. and Islands of Adventure was at capacity by 9:45 a.m. All theme parks are still operating on limited capacity due to the virus but have not disclosed exactly how many guests can be inside the parks at one time. According to an email sent to annual passholders, Universal advised passholders to consider visiting during the week when attendance is lighter. In late September all three Universal Orlando parks hit limited capacity as the theme park giant unveiled its Halloween season experience testing for the weekend. Both Disney parks and Universal also hit limited capacity during Labor Day weekend.
Roaring to life: Video shows Universal testing new Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Read full article: Roaring to life: Video shows Universal testing new Jurassic World VelociCoasterORLANDO, Fla – Universal Orlando’s anticipated new roller-coaster, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster is inching closer to opening day. JURASSIC WORLD VELOCICOASTER (Universal Orlando)Just a couple weeks after Universal shared new details about the ride and its story significant progress has been made to the coaster and its surrounding area. Photos from theme park blogger Universal Parks News Today show construction crews have begun adding wiring to the coaster’s “electric” fencing. Water is now flowing through the rocks around the Jurassic World VelociCoaster track. pic.twitter.com/7tomWwPIrF — Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) October 13, 2020This will be the first major roller coaster added to Universal Orlando since the addition of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure last year.
Hold onto your butts: Universal Orlando shares details about Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Read full article: Hold onto your butts: Universal Orlando shares details about Jurassic World VelociCoasterORLANDO, Fla – As Samuel L. Jackson famously said in Jurassic Park, hold onto your butts -- Universal Orlando has a wild ride in store. The theme park shared new details Monday on its newest attraction, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. JURASSIC WORLD VELOCICOASTER (Universal Orlando)Officials said guests will join the original cast of the films like Chris Pratt as Owen Grady, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing as Jurassic World unveils the next evolution of its “carnivore expansion:” the VelociCoaster. The new attraction has been under construction for several months in the “Jurassic Park” themed area of Islands of Adventure. Jurassic World VelociCoaster, opening Summer 2021 (WKMG-TV)Last month guests at the theme park began noticing construction crews lifting giant statues of the famous dinosaurs into the attraction.
More than 800 lose jobs at Universal Orlando hotels
Read full article: More than 800 lose jobs at Universal Orlando hotelsORLANDO, Fla. Hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort announced more than 800 employees will be losing their jobs as the Florida theme park industry continues to be devastated by the pandemic. The employees at Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Cabana Bay Beach Resort were indefinitely furloughed or permanently terminated, according to a notice filed last week by the company Loews Hotels & Co.A company director said in a letter to the state that the surge of confirmed cases in late June and July and other states' decisions to order Florida travelers to quarantine had caused a sudden, dramatic and unexpected reversal in bookings." The affected employees were not represented by a union. They work as cooks, chefs, servers, receptionists and housekeepers. Loews Hotels & Co had already shut down two other Universal Orlando hotels due to the coronavirus impact on tourism, The Orlando Sentinel reported.
Velociraptor arrives at Universal Orlando’s future roller-coaster site
Read full article: Velociraptor arrives at Universal Orlando’s future roller-coaster siteORLANDO,Fla – Over the past several months, there have been rumblings in Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This would be the first major roller coaster added to the resort since the addition of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure last year. Construction continues on Universal's unannounced Jurassic roller coaster. Current view of the highest point of the unannounced Jurassic Park roller coaster. For Universal Orlando fans, it’s only a matter of time before we truly know what is happening behind the construction walls.
Universal closes Hagrids roller coaster after backstage fire
Read full article: Universal closes Hagrids roller coaster after backstage fireORLANDO, Fla. A small fire on one of Universals hit roller coasters caused the ride to be shut down Tuesday. According to a representative with the theme park, the fire started backstage at Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. All guests were escorted away from the coaster, but the theme park said the fire was quickly extinguished. Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened in 2019 to rave reviews and long wait times. After Universals theme parks reopened in June, the ride became a walk-on for most guests, with minimal wait times.
Get free access to Universal Orlando through Dec. 24 with purchase of park-to-park ticket
Read full article: Get free access to Universal Orlando through Dec. 24 with purchase of park-to-park ticketUniversal Orlando announced a Florida resident ticket deal you may want to consider. With the purchase of a one-day park-to-park ticket, park-goers can visit the theme parks any day until Dec. 24 for free. [CANCELED: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal theme parks axed amid pandemic]There are no blackout dates and tickets must be used by the same person on all days. Universal Orlando was the first of Orlandos major theme park resorts to reopen after it allowed annual pass-holders to return to its three parks July. [Universal announces another round of layoffs as coronavirus limits theme park attendance]Universal Orlando made recent changes to its mask policy for theme park guests as coronavirus cases have spiked over the past couple of weeks in Florida.
A totally ‘epic’ experience: Universal Orlando rolls out the red carpet for 5K and 10K races
Read full article: A totally ‘epic’ experience: Universal Orlando rolls out the red carpet for 5K and 10K racesORLANDO, Fla – Universal Orlando Resort welcomed thousands of runners to its inaugural “Epic Character Race” Saturday and Sunday. Runners await Epic Character Race 10K Sunday morning. Mile 2 sign of the Epic Character Race (WKMG-TV)You get to see what the parks have to offer as well as areas backstage. CharactersThe name of the race is the “Epic Character Race,” and Universal delivered on this. Merchandise at Universal's Epic Character Race (WKMG-TV)All participants who signed up were given a 5K or 10K shirt and Epic Character Race drawstring bag.
Power restored after outage at Universal's Islands of Adventure, officials say
Read full article: Power restored after outage at Universal's Islands of Adventure, officials sayORLANDO, Fla. – Power has been restored after an outage was reported Saturday at Universal's Islands of Adventure, officials said. Universal officials said the Orlando Fire Department was there as a precaution, but they were able to assist guests off Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. "We had a power outage earlier across portions of CityWalk and all of Islands of Adventure," a Universal spokesperson said. "As a result, we had to assist guests off a handful of attractions. [SIGN UP: Subscribe to ClickOrlando.com newsletters]Officials said power is 100 percent restored and all guests were safely off rides.
2 arrested in Halloween Horror Nights attacks reported at Universal
Read full article: 2 arrested in Halloween Horror Nights attacks reported at UniversalORLANDO, Fla. – Police made two arrests for violent attacks on Universal Orlando team members at Halloween Horror Nights. The arrests come days after News 6 reported about two scare actors quitting Halloween Horror Nights after being attacked. A representative for Universal Orlando told News 6, "The safety of our team members and our guests is our most important priority. We have a zero-tolerance policy that can include prosecution of anyone suspected of compromising the safety of our team members. News 6 bought a ticket to the event to see what the interaction was like between guests and scare actors.
Incredible Hulk Coaster closes until next year
Read full article: Incredible Hulk Coaster closes until next yearORLANDO, Fla. – The Incredible Hulk Coaster has officially closed for ride enhancements, according to Universal Orlando officials. [MORE: Local 6 Theme World | POLL: What's your favorite theme park? | PICS: Celebrities visit theme parks ]Universal Orlando said last month that the attraction will close beginning Sept. 8 and will remain closed until next summer. The ride will be getting new enhancements to its storyline, ride vehicles and overall experience, according to a blog post on Universal's website. Officials said the new overall experience will feel more immersive and high-tech.
Riders rescued from Harry Potter ride at Universal Orlando, OFD says
Read full article: Riders rescued from Harry Potter ride at Universal Orlando, OFD saysORLANDO, Fla. – At least a dozen riders were rescued from the Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios, according to Orlando fire officials. Universal officials said a technical glitch "caused the ride to come to a safe stop." Fire officials said they were attempting to rescue 12-15 riders from the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts just before noon. Local 6 news helicopter Sky 6 flew over the park as fire trucks were parked outside of the 3D ride at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. Universal officials said just before 1 p.m. guests on the last vehicle of the ride were removed from the ride.
Universal Orlando denies Harry Potter Diagon Alley opening date
Read full article: Universal Orlando denies Harry Potter Diagon Alley opening dateORLANDO, Fla. – Despite video animation discovered on its website earlier Friday, Universal Orlando said the official opening date of Diagon Alley at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has not yet been announced. [LOCAL 6 THEME WORLD: Potter opening date mystery | Diagon details | READ: Ride revealed | WATCH: Hidden animation implies opening date]A hidden flash animation (see video above) spotted earlier in the day on the Universal Orlando website implied an apparent opening date of June 30 for the newest addition to the Harry Potter park at Universal's Islands of Adventure. "We have not yet announced the official grand opening date for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley," Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said in an email to Local 6. Universal Orlando won't answer questions about when the attraction will open or when the opening will be announced. Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.
Mother, child end up in Universal Orlando lagoon
Read full article: Mother, child end up in Universal Orlando lagoonORLANDO, Fla. – A woman jumped into a lagoon at Universal Orlando on Tuesday after her child apparently fell into the water. Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said there was a railing between the theme park guest area and the water. It's not known if the child, whose age was not released, intentionally jumped into the lagoon. Orlando firefighters and Universal's health services team responded to the incident, Schroder said. The mother and child were offered showers and "all is well," Schroder said.
New tour takes fans inside Harry Potter films
Read full article: New tour takes fans inside Harry Potter filmsORLANDO, Fla. – It's hard to believe, but the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened almost 2 years ago at Universal's Islands of Adventure. The "Making of Harry Potter Tour" opened March 31 at Warner Brothers Studios in England. The tour gives fans a close look at the sets, props, costumes and special effects from the movie franchise. A similar tour has been running at Warner Brothers Studios in California for years. One of the main attractions at the new exhibit is a miniature model of Hogwarts Castle that was used for aerial shots in the films.
Harry Potter website to launch sooner than expected
Read full article: Harry Potter website to launch sooner than expectedORLANDO, Fla. – Even though there are no more new books and no more new movies, Harry Potter's legacy lives on. A new website for fans of the boy wizard will be ready to go in about a month. It's called Pottermore, and the creators of the site announced Thursday that it'll launch in April, about six months earlier than first planned. Right now, the site only features a short video from author J.K. Rowling, thanking fans for her support, and revealing some clues about Pottermore. Rowling says the site will feature an interactive reading experience, where you can go inside the Harry Potter novels like never before, including new characters and settings.
Islands of Adventure closes Spider-Man attraction
Read full article: Islands of Adventure closes Spider-Man attractionORLANDO, Fla. – One of the most popular rides at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park is closed for the time being. "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man" shut down Tuesday so workers can upgrade the attraction with 4K digital high-definition technology. Universal says the ride will reopen sometime in March, but it hasn't given a specific date. In "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man," passengers wear 3-D glasses while riding in a news van. They follow the superhero through the streets of New York, fighting off a variety of villains, including Doc Oc and Hydro Man.