🌎 This Week At Universal

Making your Universal Orlando trips smarter, one email at a time.

In this edition you'll find:

• New HP wands and experiences

• New Epic Universe ticket packages

• Butterbeer season is here

• and more!

🗞️ Recent News

Brand new wands and experiences

This March, Universal Orlando Resort is taking the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to a whole new level of enchantment. As a lifelong Universal enthusiast, I couldn’t be more excited about the introduction of the Second Generation Interactive Wands. These aren’t just any wands—they’re equipped with stunning light and haptic effects that make every spell feel real and personal. Plus, with the new Universal Play feature in the Resort App, you get to customize your very own wizarding profile, earn House Points, and dive into exclusive adventures that will challenge your magical prowess.

Here’s what I’m most excited about:

• Next-Level Interactive Wands: Four new designs featuring dynamic illumination and haptic vibrations that bring spellcasting to life.

• Personalized Wizarding Experience: Create your custom Wizard Profile, choose your Hogwarts House, and watch as your unique attributes enhance every spell.

• Universal Play Magic: Connect your wand to the Universal Orlando Resort App for tailored adventures, House Point tracking, and daily challenges that unlock even more spells.

• Expanded Wand Magic Locations: Five new interactive spots in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley bring the total to 30, including special effects and magical spellbooks to guide your journey.

• Epic Universe Integration: Get ready for 14 wand magic locations at the upcoming Ministry of Magic, where you can embark on quests like uncovering the Philosopher’s Stone and interacting with magical creatures.

I can’t wait to experience these incredible enhancements and share every moment of this spellbinding adventure with you all!

New ticket packages available for Epic Universe

Starting today, Florida residents can buy three-day tickets that include one day at Epic Universe. Special vacation packages are also available, including one for Harry Potter fans! Plus, military members with a 2025 Military Freedom Pass can now add a 1-Day Epic Universe ticket.

What You Need to Know:

• Epic Universe Tickets: Florida residents can choose ticket options that include Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Epic Universe.

• Vacation Packages: Customize your trip with the "Create Your Own Vacation Package" or go all-in on a Harry Potter-themed package with early park entry and special perks.

• Military Discounts: Active and retired U.S. military members can add a 1-Day Epic Universe ticket to their 2025 Military Freedom Pass.

• Epic Universe Highlights: The park will feature 50+ attractions, shows, and restaurants across five lands: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

I’ll be sharing more updates as we get closer to opening day!

Butterbeer season is here!

Butterbeer Season is back at Universal Orlando starting March 1, and this year’s lineup has some cool updates you won’t want to miss. From new snacks to fresh merch, here’s what’s brewing in The Wizarding World through May 31:

What’s New This Year:

• Butterbeer Cream Puff: A fluffy, buttery pastry exclusive to the Three Broomsticks. Pair it with a cold or frozen Butterbeer in the limited-edition Gold Souvenir Stein (which, let’s be real, you’ll want to keep forever).

• Sweet Additions: Try the Butterbeer-Flavored Chocolate Bar and Butterbeer Caramel at park shops. The fan-favorite Ice Lolly (that creamy frozen treat) is now sticking around year-round.

• Butterbeer Gear: New merch includes a cozy fleece hoodie, retro plaid shirt, crossbody bag, and socks – because even your feet deserve a little magic.

Why It’s Worth a Visit:
Whether you’re sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, the seasonal treats and relaxed spring vibes make this the perfect time to wander the parks. The weather’s warming up, but those frozen Butterbeers will keep you cool.

Details:
Dates: March 1 – May 31, 2025
Location: Both Wizarding World lands

See you there – save a Cream Puff for me!

🚧 Upcoming Ride Closures

Very minimal closures now as we head into the busiest season for Universal!

Islands of Adventure

• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges^® – Feb. 1, 2025 - Mar. 15, 2025

• The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts™ Castle

• Pteranodon Flyers

☀️ Weather

Planning your Universal Orlando trip? Here's your weekly weather outlook so you can pack accordingly!

Tuesday, March 4 ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 76°F / 67°F | 💧 4% | 🌬️ SE 18 mph

Wednesday, March 5 ⛈️ PM Thunderstorms/Wind | 83°F / 54°F | 💧 80% | 🌬️ SW 23 mph

Thursday, March 6 ☀️ Mostly Sunny | 70°F / 44°F | 💧 0% | 🌬️ WNW 17 mph

Friday, March 7 ☀️ Sunny | 77°F / 51°F | 💧 5% | 🌬️ S 7 mph

Saturday, March 8 ☀️ Mostly Sunny | 83°F / 62°F | 💧 7% | 🌬️ WSW 9 mph

Sunday, March 9 ⛈️ PM Thunderstorms | 81°F / 63°F | 💧 38% | 🌬️ WSW 14 mph

Monday, March 10 🌧️ Rain | 71°F / 55°F | 💧 66% | 🌬️ NW 12 mph

Tuesday, March 11 ☀️ Mostly Sunny | 76°F / 56°F | 💧 24% | 🌬️ NNE 12 mph

Early March brings strong winds and PM thunderstorms. Temperatures climb from the 70s°F to highs near 88°F by March 14, with cooler nights (mid-50s°F to 60s°F).

Pack layers, sunscreen, and rain gear—windy afternoons and sudden showers are likely. The driest, sunniest days are March 7–8 and 11–14 (0–24% humidity), ideal for outdoor rides.

👥 Crowds & Park Hours

Tuesday, March 4 🟠 Crowd Level: 5
Universal Islands of Adventure: 🎢 EPA 8AM-9AM | 9AM-7PM
Universal Studios Florida: 🎭 9AM-7PM

Wednesday, March 5 🟠 Crowd Level: 6
Universal Islands of Adventure: 🎢 EPA 8AM-9AM | 9AM-7PM
Universal Studios Florida: 🎭 9AM-7PM

Thursday, March 6 🟠 Crowd Level: 6
Universal Islands of Adventure: 🎢 EPA 8AM-9AM | 9AM-7PM
Universal Studios Florida: 🎭 9AM-7PM

Friday, March 7 🔴 Crowd Level: 8
Universal Islands of Adventure: 🎢 EPA 8AM-9AM | 9AM-7PM
Universal Studios Florida: 🎭 9AM-7PM

Saturday, March 8 🔴 Crowd Level: 8
Universal Islands of Adventure: 🎢 EPA 8AM-9AM | 9AM-8PM
Universal Studios Florida: 🎭 9AM-9PM

Sunday, March 9 🔴 Crowd Level: 8
Universal Islands of Adventure: 🎢 EPA 8AM-9AM | 9AM-8PM
Universal Studios Florida: 🎭 9AM-7PM

Monday, March 10 🔴 Crowd Level: 8
Universal Islands of Adventure: 🎢 EPA 8AM-9AM | 9AM-8PM
Universal Studios Florida: 🎭 9AM-8PM

Tuesday, March 11 🔴 Crowd Level: 8
Universal Islands of Adventure: 🎢 EPA 8AM-9AM | 9AM-8PM
Universal Studios Florida: 🎭 9AM-7PM

Crowd Breakdown

Expect moderate to heavy crowds throughout this period, peaking on weekends. Weekdays like March 4–6 see slightly lighter crowds, likely due to spring break travelers and seasonal events.

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure extend hours on busier days (e.g., March 14: 9AM–10PM), signaling high demand. Plan for longer wait times, prioritize Early Park Admission (EPA), and consider weekday mornings for lower congestion.

Epic Universe Construction Update

This is a view of the Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park. In the top right you can see the painted pavement leading into Nintendo World!

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