PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 2/1/21 (New UOAP Cups, Mardi Gras Tribute Store Details, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Closed for Refurbishment, BBQ Brisket Burger from Mel’s Drive-In, and More)

Annie Wilson

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PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 2/1/21 (New UOAP Cups, Mardi Gras Tribute Store Details, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Closed for Refurbishment, BBQ Brisket Burger from Mel’s Drive-In, and More)

Welcome to a cold, windy Winter day here at the Universal Orlando Resort. We arrived bright and early this morning and made our way to Islands of Adventure first.

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We made our way over to Toon Lagoon and discovered construction walls blocking off the pathway to Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. The attraction is currently closed for scheduled maintenance. At least they closed it on a cold day. Unfortunately, Wimpy’s and, more importantly, the lagoon viewing area are also blocked off by these walls. We’ll be eagerly awaiting these walls to come down so we can get some good views of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster!

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Actual photo of me waiting for VelociCoaster to open.

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Construction walls are still up near Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park.

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The Water Blasters by Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls have gotten some new decals.

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The new UOAP Button is now available. We picked ours up from Toon Extra in Toon Lagoon. They’re also available from the UOAP Lounge in Universal Studios Florida. We’ve also got details on the Passholder Exclusive Tasting Lanyard.

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The new UOAP Freestyle cup is finally available! You can find all the details on where to find them here.

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We made our way over to Universal Studios Florida and decided to stop into Mel’s Drive-In for lunch. The BBQ Brisket Burger sounded delicious and we’re so glad we gave it a try. Smoked gouda, BBQ brisket, and an onion ring top off this burger. It was much better than we expected and we’ll definitely be back again for another. After we eat all the Mardi Gras food, that is!

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We decided to check out the Animal Actors On Location show after lunch. You can check out the full show on our YouTube channel.

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The Mardi Gras Tribute Store has added even more details around the entrance facade. The flyers on the side have some really great “Easter Eggs” in them. One of the more well known references would probably be “Squirrel’n Earl”, but there are some other really interesting ones!

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Bruce is still missing and it looks so lonely over here without him.

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The smoking area by Transformers has transformed into a Mardi Gras booth.

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Tables and chairs have been set up near the back of the park near London. There’s a food booth near the Fear Factor Live theater, so these tables will be useful when Mardi Gras starts.

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It’s a cold Monday, so the crowds are very low around the parks.

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There’s a new UOAP Mardi Gras shirt available in the Passholder Lounge.

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That’s about all for today. We’re going to get out of here, but stay tuned to WDWNT and Universal Parks News Today for more updates.