Howdy! Today Universal Orlando was not crowded whatsoever, in fact, I would say it was relatively empty. In CityWalk I found new Hello Kitty merchandise, in Universal Studios Florida, I saw tons of characters and even spotted a commercial being filmed.
Good Morning from Universal Orlando
Good morning from an empty Universal Orlando. I am certainly not complaining. The fewer crowds to navigate the easier reporting is obviously. It also makes for a nice walk when you don’t have to constantly dodge the random walkers and even more infuriating the stoppers. This is a very exciting view.
Hello Kitty Jewelry Box – $35.00
I found this Hello Kitty miniature travel jewelry case in the Universal Studio Store in CityWalk. I love that it features a hidden compartment for necklaces. It felt well built as well which is always a plus for these cute theme park items.
Good Morning from Universal Studios Florida
It’s still Mardi Gras at Universal Florida and I am not complaining. I love the music that plays throughout the park and the general vibes the celebration offers even before the food booths and bars are open.
Horror Make-Up Show Windows
I noticed some spooky additions to the Horror Make-Up Show windows. My favorite Universal Monster is the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite Universal Monster.
Tribute Store Stop In
My favorite part of the Universal Florida Tribute Stores is the hidden details and then the details on those details. It makes the space feel lived in. Today my favorite fascination was the “Space Crab”. Now the issue becomes I need to know more about the story in 1999 how they knew it had telepathic abilities, and where was it found. I have many unanswered questions.
Character Palooza
There were tons of characters milling about both Universal Florida and Islands of Adventure. These aren’t even all the characters I saw. I love when they have both mummy actors out, but my favorite meet of the day will always be the Bikini Bottom Boys, Patrick and Squidward.
Commercial Filming
Universal was filming a commercial in the parks today. They had a location in DreamWorks Land and in front of the Bake My Day shop. I find it a bit cringy watching these being made, but the final product always comes out professional and authentic.
Islands of Adventure
Let the adventure begin in Islands of Adventure! It did seem like this was the busier of the two parks today, but it still wasn’t nearly as chaotic as it has been.
Refurbishment Work Continues
Over near the S. S. Olive, I saw construction crews working on the boat and there is now scaffolding around the bird nest. For now, the area remains behind walls for scheduled refurbishment.
Hello Kitty Cropped Spirit Jersey – $75.00
In Toon Extra I found a cropped Hello Kitty Spirit Jersey featuring Hello Kitty with all her friends. I am a fan of the cropped Spirit Jersey only because I live in Florida and sometimes we have cold mornings and hot afternoons so this is a nice middle ground choice.
Plus the whole Hello Kitty and Friends pink and red collection is adorable and a must-have for any major Hello Kitty dan.
Jurassic Park Sign Damage
On my walk around Jurassic Park, I noticed one of the signs had some ironic damage. The Lost Continent is missing the O in the word continent. This is ironic given that the area is pretty lost without its star attraction, Poseidon’s Fury – Escape From the Lost City.
Fresh Signs at Raptor Encounter
When I walked by the Raptor Encounter I noticed a Team Member was waving a laminated sign showing some of the potential shots guests could get with the iconic Raptors. I then noticed the same image was on a fixed sign at the entrance. I think this is great, especially for those guests who may not understand what the experience is.
Poseidon’s Fury – Escape From the Lost City
I miss this attraction more than I care to admit, and I noticed that one of the waterfalls wasn’t running. Let me know in the comments below what you think awaits this space. I think this will eventually be part of a Potter expansion or a Jurassic Park expansion. I don’t forsee this building ever reopening to guests.
Seuss Landing Fun
In my last visit I noticed a few of the tiles in the Cat in the Hats floor design in Cat, Hats, and Things. In less than a week the tiles have been repaired. Well done, Universal. Unfortunately, the Green, Eggs, and Ham stand is still missing its sign.
Happy Mardi Gras
One of my favorite things to do during the year is watch the progress of the Mardi Gras trees at the moving walkways outside of CityWalk. At the beginning of the year, they are almost entirely bare, then as soon as Mardi Gras hits, the trees are dressed in fun beads of multiple colors.
After Mardi Gras is over and the trees are covered throughout the year they slowly fall and fade in the Floria Summer sun. It’s a fun illustration of the passing of time.
I hope you enjoyed our day exploring Universal Orlando parks. My favorite moments were hanging out with the characters and seeing the commercials filming in the park. I love it when mainstream media films on location in the parks. In the comments below, let me know your favorite moment from today.
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.