27 New Things I Learned On My Last Visit To Universal Orlando

Universal Studios in Orlando is constantly changing… it’s true!

Whether you’re headed down to get your cheer in with the holiday happenings, try your hand at making the top score of the day at VillainCon Minion Blast, or weighing your options on when’s the best time to make nice with the Grinch there’s so much to keep up with. However, we’ve noticed ALL the changes and we’re telling you all about them to make your next Universal trip as smooth as possible.

While you’re busy spending your time planning and strategizing the best ways to navigate your Universal vacation, you’re probably not taking into consideration how much things are changing at these parks, but that’s ok — we’re here to help!

We’ve rounded up a few of the most interesting updates we think you’ll want to know about if you’re visiting Universal soon. Take a look at a few of the highlights:

Eats

NEW

Schwab’s Pharmacy

• Trolls Band Together-themed Fantastamazing shakes — pricing will vary by flavor up to $10 

New York

• A snack stand put up between Starbucks and Hagan Daas

The Lost Continent

• Another random snack cart on the bridge between the Lost Continent and Seuss Landing

• Another snack cart was placed outside of the All Hallow’s Eve Boutique

UPDATES

San Francisco Pastry Co.

• This restaurant is closed until December 17th. It was open just a few days before with the ability to purchase sweets and eats even with the surrounding construction.

Various beverage stands

• Coca-Cola’s secret menu items have invaded Universal Orlando and we’ve cracked the code!

Here’s a look at the flavors offered

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Chocolate Berry Blast…

… Watermelon Spritz…

… Krakatoa Blackberry Fizz…

… and Blood Orange Boba Spritz.

CONSTRUCTION

UPDATES

KidZone

• Shrek’s swamp is taking shape behind construction walls

Lagoon

• The lagoon has been refilled! Does this mean we could be closer to a nighttime show announcement? Let’s hope so — it’s been almost a YEAR since Universal’s Cinematic Celebration closed abruptly and the lagoon construction began shortly after.

Marvel Super Hero Island

• Even with all the walls still up, Lemon Slush is back open in Marvel Super Hero Island

• Bathrooms nearest to the Toon Lagoon side are behind construction walls now

A few weeks back this whole land looked like it was behind construction walls. When we spoke to Team Members in the area, they told us about a project Universal hoped to complete quickly involving new artwork on the ground throughout the land’s stores, stands, and attractions and we think it’s adding more personality to the land. Here’s a look at what’s been completed of the ground artwork in Super Hero Island so far:

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels seem to have completed their makeover…

… while the Comic book shop is coming along…

… and across the street, the Fruit stand is also finished…

… the superhero mural centerpiece also has a nice touch…

… and some of the work has started at the Comic Book shop near the bathrooms closest to Toon Lagoon!

A friendly face can be seen at the entrance of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, too!

Whew — that’s been quite some work going on here, but they’re still not done.

Rides, Attractions, & Shows

UPDATES

Kings Cross Station/ Hogsmeade Station

• Hogwarts Express is down for planned maintenance for a few days at both Kings Cross Station…

… and Hogsmeade Station on each side. Don’t worry though — it’s expected to be operating again starting December 17th.

Drive-In and Dance!

• It seems like it was only yesterday when Drive-In and Dance first began. This malt shop dance party has given us some great memories of learning how to jump, jive, and even pop and lock it but it appears all good things come to an end. This show is expected to close on January 26th, 2024. Be sure to stop by and see it because these performers put their all into making sure you’re having a great time — and they LOVE when you get up and dance with them!

Hogsmeade

• One of the interactive spell windows in front of Times & Scrolls is out of order

Character Meet and Greets

• King Julien from Madagascar is meeting in front of Mel’s Dine-In which we found interesting because he usually meets in The Lost Continent inside of Islands of Adventure.

• Earl The Squirrel has two meet and greet locations to get a holiday photo op with the beloved Universal icon. One place you can meet him is inside Universal Studios at the end of Hollywood near Cafe La Bamba and Mel’s Drive-In…

…and the other is by the truck in the Mistletoe Pines set up at CityWalk near the Universal Legacy Store and BigFire restaurant.

Now you’re all caught up on the latest updates to hit Universal Studios lately. Make sure you’re following us for the latest news and updates!

UPDATE: Super Nintendo World in Universal’s NEW Epic Universe Theme Park is Taking Shape

What has surprised you most recently about Universal? Tell us in the comments below!

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