PHOTOS: Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Me Ship, The Olive Reopen After Annual Refurbishment at Universal Islands of Adventure

Left: Experience the thrill of a river rapids ride with round boats in an adventure-loaded amusement park. Right: Climb aboard Popeye & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges, a vibrant, cartoonish ship complete with playful sailor figures sure to delight all ages.

At Universal Islands of Adventure, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Me Ship, The Olive have both reopened from refurbishment. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges closed in February for its annual refurbishment. During the closure, the area received a refresh with routine maintenance. Many of the areas are noticeably more … Read more

Universal Orlando Increases Food & Beverage Pricing Before Epic Universe Opening

Universal Studios globe

Universal Orlando Resort has increased food and beverage pricing at most quick-service and table-service locations ahead of Epic Universe opening on May 22. Universal Studios Florida Menus Across Universal Orlando Resort, fountain soda increased from $4.29 to $4.79. Hot drinks (coffee, hot chocolate, and tea) increased from $3.69 to $4.29. In recent months, Coca-Cola Freestyle … Read more

Scaffolding Up at Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges in Universal Islands of Adventure

A colorful, cartoon-themed ship featuring a painted character design is docked in Universal Islands of Adventure's Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges area, surrounded by trees and rocky landscaping, with water glistening in the foreground, fresh from its recent refurbishment.

Scaffolding is visible at Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges in Toon Lagoon at Universal Islands of Adventure. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Refurbishment Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is temporarily closed through March 15, 2025 for routine maintenance. Near the Islands of Adventure lagoon, scaffolding is around a pole holding a bird’s nest. This is … Read more

Universal Orlando Resort App Now Providing Air Quality Information

A split-screen image displays a map of Universal Orlando parks via the Universal Orlando Resort app on the left and an air quality index reading of 23, labeled as "Good," for Orlando, FL, on the right.

Guests using the Universal Orlando Resort app can now access air quality information. Universal Orlando App Air Quality Information Upon opening the app, guests can click on the “Map” option which will open the screen displaying the interactive Universal Orlando Resort map. In the upper left-hand corner is an oval icon with an air quality … Read more

Epic Universe Merchandise Now Available at Universal Islands of Adventure

Sign for "Islands of Adventure Trading Company" with a ship illustration, mounted on a brick and stone wall, offering a hint of the epic universe beyond through the partial view of building structures in the background.

Epic Universe merchandise is now available for purchase at Universal Islands of Adventure as opening date nears. Merchandise from all five Epic Universe lands including  Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is now available at Universal Studios Islands … Read more

Construction Walls Up in Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure

People walking on a paved path next to a brown construction wall surrounded by trees.

During our recent visit to Universal Orlando Resort, we observed that construction walls have been set up in Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure. Construction Walls Up in Jurassic Park It’s likely that routine maintenance is being done in the area which is the reason for the construction walls. Overtop the wall through the foliage, … Read more

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Universal Islands of Adventure Closed for Annual Refurbishment

Sign on wooden wall reading, "Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges closed for scheduled maintenance. Enhancements in progress.

The town of Sweethaven in Universal Islands of Adventure is now blocked from guest access as Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges undergoes its annual refurbishment. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Refurbishment Construction walls and green scrim run behind the Popeye statue in the Toon Lagoon courtyard, blocking access to the ride and surrounding walkways. This … Read more

Confisco Grille Adds Quesabirria, Santa Fe Salad, and More to Menu at Universal Islands of Adventure

Three quesadillas filled with beef and topped with onions and cilantro, served with a bowl of red sauce and a dollop of guacamole on a decorative plate.

Universal Orlando added three new permanent dishes to the Confisco Grille menu at Universal Islands of Adventure. Two limited-time seasonal offerings are also currently available. Confisco Grille at Universal Islands of Adventure Quesabirria The new Quesabirria is made with birria beef that’s slow-cooked for three to four hours, stuffed inside warm flour tortillas, then dressed … Read more

Green Eggs and Ham Sign Removed Again at Universal Islands of Adventure

Green kiosk shaped like a fish with a large eye and a hot dog atop a fork on its head. People are standing nearby under a clear blue sky, with trees in the background.

Universal has once again removed the Green Eggs and Ham sign from the Seuss Landing dining venue at Universal Islands of Adventure. Green Eggs and Ham Sign Gone The sign was first removed in the fall of 2019 as the quick-service restaurant was repainted. Five years later, it finally returned in November 2024. Blue, red, … Read more

Christmas Decorations Adorn Seuss Landing, Hogsmeade, and More at Universal Islands of Adventure

A colorful Christmas-themed store display at Universal Islands of Adventure features Grinch merchandise, including plush toys, T-shirts, and festive decorations. A "Merry Christmas" banner hangs above, adding to the holiday events charm.

More Christmas decor has arrived at Universal Islands of Adventure. There are now garlands, trees, wreaths, and more throughout Port of Entry, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing. Islands of Adventure Christmas Decorations Port of Entry Immediately upon entering the park, guests will be greeted by garland … Read more