🌎 This Week At Universal

Everything you need to know about Universal this week, in one place!

In this post you'll find:

• More info on Celestial Park

• Passholder Appreciation Days

• Back to Hogwarts Celebration

🗞️ Recent News

New details on Celestial Park

According to a recent podcast featuring some directors at Epic Universe, Celestial Park will feature some exciting details:

• There will be 26 gardens, each with unique theming and different plants.

• There will be a ceremony/show as the area transitions from day to night with integrated music and lights.

• Celestial Park will have a completely custom soundtrack, built from the ground up specifically for this section of the park.

I'm really excited for all of these details, but even more excited by the passion shown by the directors in the podcast interview. You can tell they really are excited about what they are working on and had a lore/story reason for everything they included in the area.

Passholder Appreciation Days

Universal Orlando’s Passholder Appreciation Days will take place from August 15 to September 30. During the Passholder nights you can get a magnet and the button is available all month. You can pick these up at the UOAP Lounge in Toon Lagoon in Islands of Adventure and the Five and Dime in Universal Studios.

In addition to that, there are also limited edition freestyle cups (which I think look pretty sweet)

Back to Hogwarts Celebration

Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating “Back to Hogwarts” with special events and activities throughout August. You'll be able to purchase special Back to Hogwarts school bundles which include items like a backpack and journal themed to your Hogwarts house, as well as a Hedwig plushie.

Starting on August 12th, Honeydukes and Sugarplum's sweet shop will begin selling a specially themed Ice Biscuit.

🚧 Upcoming Ride Closures

Some of these stretch out into 2025, but I know everyone plans their vacations at different times so it's good to have an extended view of what could be closed in the next 6 months.

Universal Studios Florida

• Fast & Furious – Supercharged: Aug. 19 – Nov. 3, 2024

• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack: Nov. 4 – Dec. 15, 2024

• Hogwarts Express: November 4 – 7, 2024

Islands of Adventure

• The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle

• Pteranodon Flyers

• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: Oct. 1, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025

• Me-Ship, The Olive: Oct. 21, 2024 – Dec. 4, 2024

• Hogwarts Express: November 4 – 7, 2024

• Jurassic Park River Adventure: Jan. 6, 2025 – Jan. 23, 2025

• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: Jan. 24, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2025

☀️ Weather

Ah, the weather...the bane of every Universal vacation. Here's what it looks like for this week.

For those unfamiliar with Orlando: Yes it pretty much rains every day in Orlando during the summer. No, you don't need to cancel your vacation over it. Some rides will shut down during rain or excessive wind, like most of the outdoor coasters, but there are still plenty of rides to ride when it's raining. And, i'll be honest, some of the most fun I have had at UO has been during the rain.

👥 Crowds

Also the bane of every Universal vacation lol...no one likes crazy crowds! Well, I don't have the best news for you because it's summer in Orlando and it's typically very busy at the parks. BUT, crowds have been down compared to previous years, it is lower!

Also, having looked at recent trip recaps, it appears like the crowds are actually moderate to high. As always you will wait the longest on Hagrids, Velocicoaster, etc. but it won't be unmanagable. PLUS, we are in the in between season of kids going back to school and HHN not starting yet.

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🍗 Food Highlight

Check out the Today Cafe at the entrance of Universal Studios! Not only do they have a decent variety of food but they are also very accommodating of food allergies. The chef or kitchen manager will come out to you to confirm your allergies and ask questions to make sure they are treating your food properly. On top of that, it's one of my favorite restaurants because they always have a really colorful display of different desserts in the bakery window.

That’s all for this week. I answer one reader question every email, hit that reply button and ask me a question! Also, share this newsletter with a friend and have this free virtual butterbeer on me 🍺!