We’re back, bringing you along for the ride at Universal Orlando Resort. After our brief foray into Epic Universe, we’ve returned to see what’s happening at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
First things first, there’s pavement work going on in the security rotunda. Yesterday, it was more central, and today, it’s shifted.
CityWalk
The ceiling in the new Super Nintendo World expansion of the Universal Studios Store has sprung a leak. Two trash cans are in place to collect the water, and there’s visible damage to the ceiling.
Meanwhile, the Cinemark theater is getting ready for the live-action “How to Train Your Dragon.”
Epic Preview Center… your days are numbered. (This is speculation. I do not know the closing date. Universal may keep it open for the summer to promote the new park to guests.)
You know how you can make a typo once in a group chat and then never live it down? A long, long time ago, I mispronounced Adirondack. In my defense, I had never heard it said, only seen it written. Now, whenever we see one, someone has to remind me. Rude.
It’s almost time… are y’all ready for a Hot Jaws Summer?! (I know, it’s not summer yet.)
Universal Studios Florida – Hot! 👏 Jaws! 👏 Summer! 👏
No, I’m not letting it go. Gotta commit to the bit!
Amity Island is back in San Francisco in a much smaller form for the 50th anniversary of “Jaws.”
Fisherman’s Wharf, the pier home to Chez Alcatraz, has transformed into a shadow of the perpetual 4th of July celebrations that used to occupy the park. The original Amity was demolished in January 2012 to make way for Diagon Alley.
Anyway.
Welcome to Amity! Surely, nothing will go wrong this summer.
There’s prep here for food booths, so stay tuned as we keep visiting.
Down by Bruce, a really cool photo op is set up, representing the long-extinct attraction. Step up to the helm and live out your Skipper dreams (complete with grenade launcher, even though, y’know, it’s totally safe to go in the water).
The boat seats behind you have some leftover items from guests from the 1990s.
“Shark, right ahead!” (Hmm. Wrong boat.)
San Francisco Candy Co. has had a major makeover for the anniversary as well.
AND the first of the merchandise has arrived.
This pin was one of my favorites.
My dad was traumatized by “Jaws” as a kid and still doesn’t like the ocean. I’m thinking about getting him this mug for Father’s Day (joking).
There’s only one summery treat in the confectionery case, but we suspect more festive items may wash ashore later this week.
Check out our full tour of the decor inside the Candy Factory. and outside in “Little Amity,” plus a full list of the merchandise with prices.
Nothing different for Jaws 50th offerings in Film Vault, but raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimized by “The Last of Us Pt. II” (2020) or HBO’s “The Last of Us” season 2 episode 2 (a few weeks ago).
My kiddo has terrible taste in attractions, so we headed to his first pick. (Mostly joking, since he loves E.T. Adventure and Spaceship Earth like his mama, but seriously? At least it was only a five minute wait.)
New to me is the test seat indoors rather than outside the entrance. It could have been this way for a while, but again, someone would have to ride Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon to notice.
Side note: I love the facade for the Beverly Wiltshire in Hollywood, and loathe the UNI VRS window displays. They’re so ugly and cheapen the look.
Nothing is afoot in the AP/TM Clearance Not-A-Tribute Store, though we’re not sure we like the way they transport Team Members. (Cue canned laugh track.)
Islands of Adventure
We got off the train to find a rainy day in Hogsmeade Village. If you kind of squint, you can pretend the raindrops are snowflakes to fit with the theming.
I popped into All Hallows Eve Boutique and soaked up some spooky vibes before following the Junior Reporter’s heart to our next destination: Jurassic Park.
I took my time on the way to photograph some of Lost Continent. It’s such a waste of a land because it’s beautifully done, but now so lifeless.
I met some birds who were also avoiding the rain.
I heard people were obsessed with the Coke kiosk statue at Epic Universe, so here’s Doc Sugrue enjoying a Coca-Cola on the sign for his kebab house.
I reunited with the boys, and we took refuge in the Discovery Center so our Junior Reporter could play “You Bet Jurassic!” Then, we decided to refuel at Thunder Falls Terrace.
None of these dishes are new, but they’re new to us. Between us, we had the Rotisserie Chicken Salad and Chicken & Ribs Platter, with extra corn on the cob. We also tried the Pomegranate DOLE Whip Swirl. Stay tuned for our full review, but (spoiler alert) the pomegranate might be my new favorite flavor.
After that, we meandered over to spend the afternoon in Camp Jurassic. I spotted a tiny dinosaur (lizard) friend on the way!
Camp Jurassic never fails to stun. It’s gorgeous. It has a lot of fun things to do, but the best part is how it really feels like you’re exploring. Trespassing, even, as you crawl through caves, journey down abandoned mine shafts, and cross through gates with flashing warning lights.
Add this to a list of “photos taken moments before disaster,” as I stepped just an inch too far and promptly got squirted with water from a child overhead. I knew the risk! I read the warning signs! I retreated immediately. (Though the Junior Reporter did not. He was drenched and delighted.)
Seriously, these waterfalls and caves are just so picturesque.
The Junior Reporter did NOT like these caves. He got very creeped out. It’s worth noting that while nothing scary happens and nothing jumps out at you, all of Camp Jurassic has audio of dinosaurs that may or may not have jumpscared me three times. That’s more times than I was jumpscared all season at last year’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Islands is still closing ridiculously early at 7 p.m., so we began to wander our way out around 6. As we passed Skull Island, the kiddo asked why he wasn’t allowed to ride it yet. Immediately after, he got spooked by the skulls on the sign. You know. The skulls at Skull Island. That’s why, buddy.
There was nothing new in Toon Lagoon. The Junior Reporter deliberated getting the Hello Kitty x Fast and Furious shirt for his cousin from Toon Extra, where you can find a solid affirmation from Popeye. You’re so right, sailor.
Anybody looking for some avocados-at-law? Or, I guess, avocado-at-law? (Too soon?)
At the end of the bridge to Port of Entry is another set of construction walls.
Speaking of Port of Entry, it’s another part of this park that never ceases to blow me away. I love just soaking up the little details.
Also, it seems like they’ve turned up the audio for the background sounds and voices. You can hear the Port’s inhabitants’ discussions much more clearly now.
I love this “advert” on the crates by the Octopus display in Islands of Adventure Trading Company, and the other nautical decor is something I would have bought from Home Goods in an instant back in my Coastal Grandma days.
Shouldn’t this be for Isla Aventura? (That’s the non-canonical island where the in-park version of Jurassic Park/Jurassic World is located, according to Islands of Adventure lore.)
Fingers crossed they don’t change the medallion on Pharos Lighthouse, but surely, surely they won’t touch the mosaics outside Island Trading Co., right? (Universal, please.)
That’s all for now, but we’ll be back all week as we wait for more Hot Jaws Summer.
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