Howdy! The heat is starting to build up and it’s beginning to feel like Spring here at Universal Orlando. It was a beautiful day to finally experience Mardi Gras, find some fun merchandise, and even find a hometown friend.
Good Morning from Universal Orlando Resort
Good morning! I was living my best life bopping to baby Sabrina Carpenter this morning while walking around CityWalk.
The construction at the entrance of CityWalk has made a lot of progress since my last visit. There is now glass installed around what will be the doors. Overall what was the Surf Shop looks more a little more enclosed and more a shop facade again. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more updates on the construction in this area.
Universal Studios Florida – Mardi Gras Celebration 30
I was last here the week before the Mardi Gras Celebration started, and was sick during the T-Pain concert, then was scared off by the insanity that was the crowds for Joe Jonas. I heard some people were in line as early as 2:30 a.m., which like how and why?
I do intend to see Pauly-D, but unless I am scheduled to cover the concert ,I make no promises. It’s gotten a little too intense to be under 5’10”. Is there an artist that you would wake up at 2:30 a.m. and wait for till the following evening? Let me know in the comments.
Studio Sweets CLOSED
I love the Studio Sweets shop at the entrance of Universal Florida. It is currently closed, so this was a rough start to the day. Stay tuned to our website for more details on any changes to the space to come.
Scoob and Gang Festive for Mardi Gras
When I was walking toward the Mardi Gras Tribute Store I saw Scooby and the Gang were wearing their Mardi Gras best. I love that they just added a few touches like they were guests in the park.
Mardi Gras Tribute Store
Nana was here on opening day fighting the crowds for a full video walkthrough as well as photos of the entire shop and all the secret lore hidden in the details. This is my first time being here since the tribute store has opened and these are just a few of my favorite moments. I love that the Universal Creative Team added more photo opportunities throughout the store.
Mel’s Drive-In POLLEN POLLUTION!
In case the 80℉ weather didn’t make you feel like it was Spring then the pollen sure will. Take a look at the pollen buildup on one of the classic cars parked outside of Mel’s Drive-In. As soon as I left Universal I took an allergy medication and drove to the carwash.
DreamWorks Characters Everywhere
This morning was the morning to meet characters in DreamWorks Land. I saw Gabby, Dogman, Poppy and Branch, Puss in Boots, and Kitty Softpaws. Every character was out including Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona but they always had wild crazy lines, I blame Donkey.
Knight Bus Driver
This is the first time since Universal introduced female presenting Team Members in the role of the Knight Bus Driver that I have seen them. Rumor was they started last Summer, but here we are almost a year later and finally spotted.
The Mummy Merch from Sahara Traders
I found two new shirts available in Sahara Traders for $30.00 each. I was speaking with a Team Member who is a fan of Brendan Fraser as well and we both decided we want this picture on the white shirt on a mug that says “I got my cup of coffee.” Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Berlin Wall
A fun fact a lot of folks don’t know about is that there is a giant piece of the Berlin Wall behind the Hard Rock in CityWalk. The space used to be a walkway for guests, but not so much anymore. I hope we get to keep this piece of history, and it’s a nice hideout if you’re looking for a shady spot for peace.
Islands of Adventure
I started my loop of Islands of Adventure in the opposite direction I normally do. I do this sometimes just to keep myself paying attention to the wild details we track. This means instead of starting my adventure slow in Seuss Landing I will be running with the Super Heroes.
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu – $33.00 each
In the Marvel Alterniverse Store, I found these glow-in-the-dark stretchy figures of The Hulk, Spider-Man, and my favorite, Iron Man. Each figure is available for $33.00 and I might need to do more research on this because the strange toy is entirely squishy except the hard plastic head that turns. Weird toy, but fun.
Comic Strip Cafe New Asian Entrées
There are some new Asian-inspired entreés in Comic Strip Cafe. I say inspired because I haven’t heard of anyone actually enjoying these dishes, but as always stay tuned to our website.
Annual Passholder Mardi Gras Button
Each month Universal Orlando gives their Annual Passholders a small gift usually revolving around whatever is going on that month. There was a a magnet in December to celebrate Christmas with Gingy from ‘Shrek’, there was a lanyard featuring Epic Universe in January, and now in February a Mardi Gras button.
I was a little sad that the button didn’t have a 30 anywhere on it, but I am still grateful all the same.
Jurassic Park Fun
I was surprised by how low the wait for Velocicoaster was this afternoon at only 35 minutes. I was also surprised to see merchandise for ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ in the Jurassic Outfitters shop or the exit for Jurassic Park River Adventure. There was only a T-shirt and a snapback hat. The ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ shirt is available for $30.00 and the hat is available for $27.00.
My Friend’s a Wizard, Harry!
It’s always fun running into old pals, and this one was very special since I haven’t them since they transferred to Hogwarts. My favorite part of the picture apart from hugging my friend is the faces of the Beauxbatons and Durmstang students. The Triwizard Spirit Rally had just wrapped up when I popped up from the crowd for their last few meet-and-greets.
If you get the chance to catch this show I certainly would. It’s so cool seeing the students I read about come to life in Hogsmeade. There is also a Frog Choir that performs in this same area.
Goodbye For Now
I hope you enjoyed our day at Universal Orlando Resort. My favorite moment was seeing a familiar face from school. I think it is pretty cool that they transferred to Hogwarts. I didn’t know that was an option, suppose that’s the muggle’s life. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite moment or find was from this adventure. I know that Brendan Fraser shirt is living in your head rent-free, sorry about that.
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