Howdy and Happy Unicorn Day! Today was beautiful and bright at Universal Orlando Resort. The weather was perfect and the crowds were manageable. There were a few fun finds including progress at the Lone Palm Bar and Airport at CityWalk and even more Butterbeer Treats.
Preferred Parking Moves to Jurassic Lot
Good Morning from Universal Orlando Resort. Usually, the Preferred Parking is located in the King Kong Lot further back and on the third floor, the same level as security.
Today, I was parked on the fourth floor, toward the front. I was stoked. Just one escalator down to the entrance. I don’t know why they moved the parking, but I am not mad at all.
Lone Palm Airport Bar Construction Continues
During my visit last week, the Lone Palm Airport Bar was in the process of getting a new roof. This week the walls shrunk back and the bar even opened with a fresh roof. Granted there is work left to be done on the sign on the right side and there are still walls in the back area.
I assume the concrete work behind the wall is where the refurbished Hemisphere, Jimmy Buffet’s airplane, will sit.
Universal Florida
I am always excited to see the Universal globe spinning at the entrance of Universal Studios Florida. There is something about the kinetic energy and seeing tourists flock to get their picture taken in front of the iconic globe that gets me excited to start the adventure inside the park.
Universal Studios Florida Entrance
Less iconic is the entrance of Universal Studios Florida in its current state There is nothing but walls as soon as you pass what were once called the touch points but now I guess you would call them the look point? checkpoint? pass point?
Universal uses facial recognition now so in theory I wouldn’t need my physical pass to get in, although you should have it on you or at least the app on your phone. Universal started testing this back in 2023, but now it’s used at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
However, this is not the point, the point is this is an aggressive way to enter any theme park. It creates such chaos and crammed walkways. This is worse when there are huge groups. Happy they are fixing things up, but all at once?
Sahara Traders Newest Entertainment
I don’t know why, perhaps like Triton in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, people like to touch, pick, and take from the exhibit. It’s like if we as humans can touch something we will in droves, especially if we can have a small taste of rebellion. Personally, I can’t relate, I am a rule follower.
However, I find it funny that Universal has been driven to using super strength industrial zip ties on the featured display in the entrance of Sahara Traders. Also, the skull that was given googly eyes a few months ago has been entirely removed. This is why we can’t have nice things anymore.
Zoltar Fortune
Zoltar is full of it, as my grandmother would say, but I did have a lot of fun listening to the old-school animatronic and then pulling out my fortune from the ticket dispenser. I am glad he is safely tucked behind the glass, unlike the front display.
My fortune read, ” You are very quick-tempered. Quick to get excited and quick to cool off. This will cost you some dear friends. Next time something happens to you, slow down and choose to respond with logic instead of reacting with emotion.”
Reparo, Door Handle!
The door handle at the exit door of Florean Fortecue’s Ice-Cream Parlour has been repaired. However, the shape of this door handle is different from what was once here. Anyone can see the circular shape of the door handle that was originally installed. Granted this is just for looks anyway, but I hope more painting and theming is coming.
12 Grimmauld Street
Some maintenance wizard has been working hard since my last visit. Last week the 12 on the door was missing the 1, and only a few days before that the bottom left panel was kicked out. The panel was fixed before I saw it in person, but the 1 was fixed a few days later. It looks like it may have been a bit painted since it was installed.
Jaws Restroom Construction
The Jaws restroom construction continues. Since my last visit, there has been some building now rather than more stripping. Today there were red studs around the facade suggesting that this is a huge refurbishment of the restrooms rather than demolition. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more detailed updates.
Men in Black Shop
I love this space, pun totally intended. I would trade my television for this throwback set of three small televisions. Call me nostalgic, but this was an era before Taylor Swift made it cool. I do wish that since the arcade is gone they would do something a little less sterile in the area.
Squishee Temptations
I am always so tempted to buy the Squishee cup in the Kwik-E-Mart then scurry across the street to the Duff bar for one of these Icee options. I would’ve caved by now if they had an electrolyte option, but alas… Have you ever indulged in a Squishee? Let me know in the comments below.
WHERE IS GARY THE SNAIL?
In Spongebob Storepants there is a crime unfolding. Someone has lost Gary the Snail and replaced him with a box inside Spongebob’s pineapple home. I do think it is hilarious and ironic that there is a sign in the shop that has always existed looking for Gary.
But seriously, bring back Gary.
Dreamworks Land Refurbishments
When I was walking through the Dreamworks area I noticed that there were a few spaces under construction or at least blocked for now. One of the rope-climbing tunnels in Shrek’s Swamp was blocked off so kids couldn’t get through. I am sure there is a minor issue that Universal will have fixed soon.
There is also still a box in the Kung-Fu-Panda splash area. This box replaces a spinning wheel that fills a giant bucket of water that eventually dumps everywhere from overhead when it’s filled enough.
Tribute Store Blues
I enjoy the off-season at Universal, don’t get me wrong, but I do miss the tribute store so I find myself checking the windows every visit for a clue to what may come. This week Bigfoot remains in place, but the CLOSED sign and the receipt are missing and now a small rat takes their place.
Any thoughts or ideas on this rat? Let me know in the comments below.
Islands of Adventure
There isn’t much going on here at Islands of Adventure today so I was ready to just enjoy the vibes and sunshine. This is also one of my favorite parks to people-watch in. There are so many different personalities given the different areas of the park. I have a feeling Epic Universe, Universal’s newest park, will be similar.
Toon Lagoon Repairs Hush-A-Bomb
The Hush-A-Bomb finally has been repaired. Well, sort of. The lever is back, but I didn’t hear anything. Now, here’s the thing- I’m not convinced it should. It’s a “hush” bomb anyway so shouldn’t it be quiet? Let me know in the comments below.
MORE Butterbeer Treats
I was surprised to see even more Butterbeer treats in Hogsmeade. There were jellybeans and gummies in Butterbeer flavors. I love it. I bought it. I love it. The jellybeans are absolute fire. I think these are the perfect size for a non-melty treat. 7/7, as we say.
Flirting with Lorax
I was in All The Books You Can Read when I spotted the Lorax hiding backstage preparing for the show. I couldn’t help but peek and then the Lorax spotted me and then it was a whole thing and I felt like I was about six years old again. Thank you for making me feel special Lorax.
Back to Fantasyland
I hope you enjoyed our adventure around Universal Orlando. I do wonder what this place will be like when Epic Universe opens next month. Will it be a ghost town? Or will it be busy because people will be staying in Universal Orlando Resorts and just go because they are here anyway? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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