Howdy! Today was a busy spring break day at Universal Orlando. Between CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure there were tons of fun finds and maybe a few goofy moments as well.
Lone Palm Airport Bar
Margaritaville’s Lone Palm Airport kiosk has been under refurbishment for a few weeks now. Luckily from the little you can see over the railing walking down the stairs to the water, there is progress being made in whatever changes are coming. Margaritaville has also added additional seating near the water to compensate for the lost space on the main path.
I am most looking forward to getting the airplane back where it belongs.
Universal Studios Store – Hello Kitty Finds
As a kid, I remember getting Hello Kitty pieces like this from the local drugstore. These plush rings were a total must about 25 years ago, and honestly if I could trust my adult self to keep it clean the rings would be a must now. Each of the plushy rings is $15.
The small clip collection featuring Hello Kitty and her friends is available in the Studios Store for $22. The bows are also $22.
Epic Universe Preview Center – Isle of Berk Merchandise
In the Epic Universe Preview Center, there was a ton of new Epic Isle of Berk merchandise added to the shelves. There was a Hiccup and Astrid plush available for $21 each. There was a sheep with a target on its side that made noise when shaken available for $27. Finally, there was a Toothless mask for $48 and gloves for $32.
I think the Isle of Berk area of Epic Universe is going to be one of the most completed lands for the opening of the new theme park. I have heard nothing but good things from my friends who have visited the land so far during their previews. Are you excited to see more from the Isle of Berk and the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ characters in real life? I cannot wait.
Universal Studios Florida
The good times keep rolling at Universal Studios Florida, with the Mardi Gras music still playing and the beads everywhere. The crowds weren’t too crazy today, and I am not entirely sure why that is but I am not the reporter to ask questions of slow spring break day.
SNL 50th FUN
I first stopped by The Tonight Shop to see if any more SNL 50th merchandise had come in. It’s a tradition in our house to watch Saturday Night Live whenever there is a new episode. However, we still make time to rewatch some of the more classic episodes and skits.
One of my favorites is of course the skit featuring Will Ferrell and his famous cowbell. This tiny version featuring the line, “gotta have more cowbell,” is available for $20.
Mardi Gras Tribute Favorite Moments
Even though the Mardi Gras season is coming to a close I still made time to go through the bayou-inspired tribute store. My favorite find today was the bumper sticker featuring a werewolf howling at the moon with “I brake for good doggos” written in the center.
I also loved the At Home inspired decor on the wall, “Live, Laugh, Lurk” rather than the typical “Live, Laugh, Love.”
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
Someone must have really wanted ice cream in the Wizarding World Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. The exit door was not just missing a door handle on the facade, as it’s an exit the handle was just there for looks, but rather it looks like it was ripped out.
The damage to the surrounding wood looks rough. Hopefully one of the wizards in Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour knows a spell that will fix it quickly.
Jaws Restroom Construction
The facade of the Jaws restroom has been totally stripped since my last visit. The building is now down to the minimum cinderblocks and plywood. I hope this is just a refurbishment rather than a total redesign, but it does look like it is going in that direction. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is one of my favorite theme parks, I just wish it was still in its former glory. Lately, without much in The Lost Continent or Seuss Landing it certainly feels like a half-day park. It’s just too pretty in the front to be a half-day though.
Trading Company – MORE Isle of Berk Merchandise
In the Trading Company shop at the entrance, I found even more new Isle of Berk Epic Universe merchandise. This figurine set of Hiccup and Toothless is available for $53. There are a few accessories included, as well as light and sound effects.
Skull Island Reign of Kong Update
When I passed by Skull Island Reign of Kong I asked a Team Member if they had any luck bringing the trucks back out through the front. The Team Member informed me that the maintenance team has been working on restoring this part of the attraction, but it is not available to guests yet.
WossaMotta U Refurbishments Underway
In WossaMotta U there is some light refurbishment work in one of the corners near the facade windows. There is now a grey scrim covering the stripped floor. The rubber baseboards have also been removed leaving exposed walls.
Betty OOP
I don’t have much to say about this Betty Boop sign other than I just want them to clean her leg. She sits here day and night swinging that right leg back and forth and yet no one can help a sister bathe that leg.
New Treat Packaging
In Jurassic Park, I noticed that the wrapping on the Universal Sweets collection has changed across the board. The bags of savory and sweet snacks now feature bolder color pallets. The chocolate bars and the taffy box feature a more classic look with different color dots in more pastel shades.
This fresh wrapping is available in multiple locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
Thank You Universal Orlando Resort
Until next time!
I hope you enjoyed our day exploring Universal. In the comments below, let me know what your favorite moment or find was from today. I most enjoyed seeing the SNL cowbell. It took everything in me not to wave that bad boy around.
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