Hogwarts Express Temporarily Closed for Maintenance at Universal Orlando Resort

Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that the Hogwarts Express will be temporarily closed for a quick refurbishment. Hogwarts Express Closed for Refurbishment According to the Universal Orlando Resort official website, the train will be closed from Tuesday, May 27, 2025 through Friday, May 30. It will reopen on Saturday, May 31. The closure is for … Read more

New ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Toothless Shoulder Plush Arrives at Universal Orlando Resort

A Toothless Shoulder Plush from How to Train Your Dragon sits on a rustic wooden display amid outdoor scenery.

Universal has just dropped an exciting new shoulder plush shaped like our favorite DreamWorks dragon, Toothless. We found the new plush at the “How to Train Your Dragon”-themed merchandise kiosk across from Doc Sugure’s Desert Kebab House in Universal Islands of Adventure, which is still called Heraldry despite now carrying the dragon-themed merchandise. The plush … Read more

A First Look at Updated Pop Century Resort Rooms & More: Daily Recap (5/3/25)

A collage with Pop Century Resort’s updated rooms, a modern restroom, Lilo & Stitch luggage sign, and cleaning carts.

Stitch is now featured on TSA bins at MCO, Coke and Sprite droid carts have reappeared in Hollywood Studios, and some restrooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort have been refurbished — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Saturday, May 3, 2025. Walt Disney World Disney’s Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Resort Hotels New … Read more

Port of Entry Restrooms in Universal Islands of Adventure Now Closed for Refurbishment

A colorful building by the entrance at Universal Islands of Adventure, behind a fence for restrooms refurbishment on a sunny day.

The restrooms closest to the park entrance at Universal Islands of Adventure are now closed for refurbishment, and the entire building is now blocked by themed construction walls. Islands of Adventure Restroom Refurbishment Construction walls have been erected around the entire restroom building in Port of Entry at Universal Islands of Adventure, as the bathrooms … Read more

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