Every week is a busy week when it comes to Universal Parks news. To help you keep up with all the updates coming out of Universal Orlando Resort and other Universal resorts around the world, here’s our Universal Parks News Today weekly recap from August 16-23, 2020.
Universal Orlando Resort
- Universal Orlando Resort shifts to a date-based pricing structure from August 18 onward, similar to how other Florida resorts structure pricing
- Take a look at our photo report from this week where we document crowds, reopened food locations, and more!
- VISIT FLORIDA reported a 60.5% decrease in visitors during the second quarter of 2020, compared to the same time last year, an impact of the COVID-19 health crisis
- Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Kraft commented on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort attendance figures, stating that Universal had the least amount of drop-off at -64%
Universal Studios Florida
- The Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store teased that “Horror Never Dies” and new surprises were on their way. They also teased the eventual availability of new food and drink offerings to help HHN superfans “feel perfectly at home”
- These teases were to hype up the opening of the new Beetlejuice room at the Tribute Store, featuring some ghoulishly good snacks available inside
- Among those snacks available at the HHN Tribute store are the eye-catching Red Velvet and White Chocolate Cake Pop and the delectable Bacon, Cheddar, and Scallion Waffle Stick with Jalapeño Maple Syrup
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- After being closed for nearly a week due to a backstage fire, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure reopened to the public
- A new Raptor Transfer Gate was installed and more coaster track was laid at the “Velocicoaster” currently under construction
- We reviewed the Margherita Pizza Fries available at Cafe 4 for Annual Passholder Appreciation Days
- Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous reopened and will be operating every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Volcano Bay
- Volcano Bay will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning September 8 and through at least the end of the year
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
- It was confirmed that Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites will all remain closed through the end of the year.
Universal CityWalk Orlando
- Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches reopened to delight crowds with delicious melty sandwiches once again
Universal Studios Japan
- Explore the pre-Show and queue of the new “STAND BY ME Doraemon 2” XR ride at Universal Studios Japan
- We got to dive right into a fin-tastic JAWS Blue Hawaii Frappe at Boardwalk Snacks in Amity Village
New Merchandise
- While Halloween Horror Nights may be canceled this year, you can still look your scariest with this HHN Mask featuring Beetlejuice, or the rest of the Beetlejuice merchandise collection released this week
- Whether you’re drinking blood or just a glass of milk, these HHN Icons glasses are sure to scare and delight
- A new HHN Artist Signature Series raglan T-shirt and hoodie featuring Jack the Clown debuted at the Tribute Store, along with a new poster from the same collection
- The vintage Universal Studios Florida 30th anniversary collection extended to chocolate bars, mints and salt water taffy
- This Back to the Future 35th anniversary collection is sure to set your flux capacitor alight
That’s all the Universal Parks news for this past week folks! Make sure you check back at the end of each week for our weekly recaps!