Howdy! Today was a beautiful sunny day in Universal Orlando. There were walls removed from CityWalk construction, Mardi Gras merchandise was on super sale, and more fun finds throughout the parks.
Parking Garage “Enhancements” Starting Soon
Before starting my Universal Orlando day, I was greeted by this unpleasant clapboard. Granted, this should not affect my life whatsoever — which makes me think this is more intended for Team Members who park in the lot rather than for us Premier Parking guests. I wonder what enhancements they have for the area.
Good Morning from Universal Orlando
Good morning from a beautiful sunny day in Universal Orlando Resort. It was a bit busier than Disney has been the past few days. Maybe this is where everyone has been hiding.
CityWalk Construction Progress
I was stoked to see some of the walls have come down on the Universal Studio Store expansion. You can even see the flooring and check-out counter inside the opened doors. It makes me believe that this shop will easily be finished by this summer.
Lone Palm Airport Construction Progress
The Lone Palm Airport Bar has removed some construction walls. I am hoping this construction work is in preparation for the return of Jimmy Buffett’s airplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, that used to sit here.
Adventure Awaits in Islands of Adventure
Even in the chaos of a park opening, Islands of Adventure always appears peaceful. It is always a good place to take a deep breath before you dive into your adventure.
Butterbeer Bar
Anytime I get to review anything sweet, I am a happy camper. I am a huge Butterbeer fan too. While I don’t want to give away the review too much, but holy heck. If you can try this, DO IT. But bring an icepack or cooler, because mine was melting before it hit my mouth.
The Lost Continent
Okay, stick with me. I was taking a restroom break in The Lost Continent, made a weird turn, and realized the old theater that housed ‘The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad’ was not only open to guests, but left almost entirely untouched. WHAT!? Do you know what kind of pictures you could take in this space? It’s stunning! The show closed in 2018, and if I’m not mistaken this theater was used as a “relaxation area” when the parks reopened in June 2020.
Also as a side note, the restroom lady on the sign is either missing her neck, has a beard, or is being strangled by her hair. Let me know in the comments what you think is happening to the restroom lady.
All Hallows Eve Boutique Super Sale
When I was done taking my allotted selfies in the theater, I moseyed to the All Hallows Eve Boutique to find Mardi Gras items were marked down to a spooky super sale of 70% off. I’m trying to be better about not buying merchandise in the parks, but dang it those sales are so tempting.
Toon Lagoon Carnival Games Reopen
The Toon Lagoon carnival games were reopened, but the ones in Jurassic Park are now closed. I wonder if they are testing which area does better, or if they just don’t have the Team Members to man them with Epic Universe opening soon. Either way, I am happy to see that the games were open in this more spacious area.
Fantastic Four Cafe Rave Continues
It has been three weeks since I first saw the blinking lights at the Fantastic Four Cafe entrance. I don’t know what’s going on here or what the hold-up is in fixing this. I can’t imagine the flashing lights are pleasant at night.
Universal Studios Florida
I won’t lie, it was a bit weird not seeing the Mardi Gras medallion at the entrance of Universal Studios Florida. Weirder still is the lack of people in this park. I think I left them at Islands of Adventure.
Tribute Store CLOSED
The Mardi Gras tribute store is closed for the end of the season. I was peeking through the windows, but didn’t find anything we hadn’t seen before. The windows are filled with small trinkets of Tribute Stores in the past.
I wonder if Universal Studios Florida will have another Summer Tribute Store. Let me know in the comments which Tribute Store you most enjoyed.
Knight Bus Shenanigans
I stopped by the Night Bus to Kabitz with the crew. The Shrunken Head and his amazing Driver had a crowd around because they were shooting off jokes and little gags on guests. I was impressed with this pair. I love that Universal still has entertainment so available to the guests.
12 Grimmauld Street
I saw online that someone had kicked in the bottom left panel of 12 Grimmauld Street and was disappointed in the guest who felt the need to do that. Guests knock on the door all day long trying to get a reaction from the house elf that resides behind the curtains above. I don’t think this is the door you want to be kicking in. IYKYK. I was happy to see that Universal fixed the damage quickly.
Unfortunately, the one was missing from the door today. Hard to say if it’s bad behavior or continued maintenance from whatever happened to the door before.
Spongebob Storepants
This is my happy place. The music, the decor, and the little details behind the pineapple house all make this a wonderful immersive shop. Gary the Snail is still trapped in a box. I do not remember this episode at all. Let me know in the comments below if you know of an episode where Gary is trapped in a box.
Bake My Day is Dirty
I already know that Universal has overnight Team Members who powerwash the ground every night like they do at Disney. Why is the awning of Bake My Day so dirty? Am I being nitpicky or would the average guest not notice this? Let me know in the comment below.
Bye From Geoff
On my way out I made friends with Geoff, who has the tiniest Team Member nametag and badge I have ever seen. I was most excited to see that Geoff was still celebrating Mardi Gras with his beads.
Joking aside, I love it when Team Members do things like this. I think it’s a great conversation starter and makes him super approachable to all guests.
I hope you enjoyed our day at CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Florida. I honestly just enjoyed the vibes of the park today, there wasn’t anything special about today, but there was something about the overall feeling of excitement in the park in anticipation for EPIC Universe this summer.
Let me know in the comments below if you’re excited about the opening of EPIC Universe this year.
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