This week is sponsored by Port of Entry Goods, a subtle Universal themed brand that has some fantastic shirt designs!

It’s HHN season! Are you going this year?

In this post you'll find:

• Full HHN food menu has been revealed

• Death Eaters return to the Wizarding World

• Universal’s new Epic Universe hotel, the Helios Grand Hotel, has been revealed.

🗞️ Recent News

Get spooked with some HHN themed food!

Universal Orlando has unveiled the full menu for Halloween Horror Nights 33, featuring an array of spooky-themed food and drinks.

Highlights include the “Wooden Board Eclair”, “Stay Puft Smore”, “Grandpa’s Porch Pounder”, and a lot more!

I really like all of the unique designs for the food this year and how they are tied to the different IP’s used throughout HHN.

Death Eaters return to the Wizarding World

If you’re planning on entering the Wizarding World during HHN season then you might want to have your dark mark ready because there are death eaters roaming the streets of Diagon Alley!

On select nights from August 30 - November 3 you can catch the death eaters roaming the streets antagonizing guests, dueling, and conjuring the dark mark.

I kinda wish they did this year around because of how cool of an event it is, but I think it makes a perfect fit for the HHN season.

Helios Grand Hotel reveal

Universal’s Epic Universe is set to debut the Helios Grand Hotel, offering a unique opportunity to stay inside the park.

This Mediterranean-themed hotel will feature 500 rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and direct park access. Guests will enjoy exclusive amenities, including themed suites, a resort-style pool, and diverse dining options, all enhancing the immersive experience of the park.

Unfortunately, even though this is going to be one of the most expensive hotel options, there will be NO express pass included in your stay (sad trombone sound).

🚧 Upcoming Ride Closures

Universal Studios Florida

• CURRENTLY CLOSED: 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

It’s going to rain with thunderstorms this week, so be prepared!

But don’t worry! It doesn’t have to ruin your Universal vacation. It actually rains in Orlando quite often during the summer. Usually what happens is that it will rain heavily for 20-40 minutes at a time, then clear up. Be prepared to take some pit stops at an indoor restaurant or store to wait the rain out. Or if you follow the travel tip below, brave the rain!

👥 Crowds

With HHN kicking off, crowds are understandably pretty high for the event…but during the day they aren’t looking too bad actually! To see a live version of this crowd calendar check out Undercover Tourist

🎢 Ride Recommendation

Okay, I know what you’re thinking…”Isn’t this a little kiddy ride?”. Well, you would be right, BUT it’s a dang good little coaster even for adults!

One of my favorite parts of this hidden little gem is the fact that you get a fantastic view of the parks as you cruise over Suess Landing. The little song it sings as you go through the coaster is pretty fun too.

I recommend this ride even if you don’t have any kids, but kids will definitely love this ride too! Here’s a pro tip for you: There are two different tracks that the coasters run on, the left and right track if you’re facing forward once you get to the top of the queue. The right queue will go through the inside of the Circus McGurkus restaurant (this is my favorite track) and the other will just go out and around the exterior of the restaurant.

Let me know your thoughts on this ride!

That’s all for this week. I answer one reader question every email, hit that reply button and ask me a question!

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