PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 2/16/21 (Fat Tuesday, New Hot Cocoa Bombs, Crowds, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees Now Wearing Face Coverings, and More)

Annie Wilson

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PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 2/16/21 (Fat Tuesday, New Hot Cocoa Bombs, Crowds, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees Now Wearing Face Coverings, and More)

Welcome to a very busy day at the Universal Orlando Resort. The holiday weekend is over but the crowds are still here and ready to celebrate Fat Tuesday. It’s a beautiful day and we’re ready to explore Islands of Adventure first.

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The crowds were a lot more intense than we expected and we had to maneuver through lots of people in Hogsmeade. Several attractions hit capacity early on, including Flight of the Hippogriff.

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We spotted workers on the VelociCoaster track while passing through Jurassic Park. This looks like a fun and scary job.

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There are still no on-ride photos for Jurassic Park River Adventure, but at least the signs are in color now.

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Lines were long for food and beverages all around the park. Thankfully, we still have credits on our tasting lanyard, so we’re waiting until we get to Universal Studios Florida to grab lunch.

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Snookers and Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers in Seuss Landing has gotten a new inflating glove machine for their bulk candy wall now.

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We stopped into the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen in CityWalk and found new hot cocoa bombs and macarons. There’s a Shamrock Shake Hot Cocoa Bon Bomb, Mardi Gras Hot Cocoa Bon Bomb, and a Maple Bourbon Macaron available.

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Easter decor has also gone up around the Chocolate Emporium.

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Universal Studios Florida was crowded with many guests celebrating Fat Tuesday and enjoying all the Mardi Gras activities around the park.

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You know we needed to stop and grab some beignets for the occasion.

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The inflating glove machine at Studio Sweets has been moved out onto a table where it is more visible and accessible to guests looking to purchase bulk candy.

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Make sure you get in line for food before you’re hungry. With so many delicious food booths around the park, it’s surprising to see people waiting in line for things like the Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck.

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There were also long lines for the attractions.

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We’re still surprised by how crowded the parks are after the holiday weekend.

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Tasting booths around the park were busy but the lines moved quickly.

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Diagon Alley is crowded as always.

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Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees are now wearing face coverings during their performances. Celestina still looks fabulous, though!

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That’s all for this visit to the Universal Orlando Resort. Thanks for joining us around the parks today and be sure to stay tuned for more updates from Universal Parks News Today and WDWNT.