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Universal Orlando Resort is adding two new hotel properties. Co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will each feature 750 guest rooms in the resort's Prime Value category. This will bring the total number of guest rooms across the park destination to 10,500. They are slated to open in early 2025. Universal Stella Nova Resort will have a galactic theme inspired by galaxies, new stars and mysterious black holes. The Universal Terra Luna Resort is inspired by diverse planetary elements of the universe. Guests staying at the new hotels, or other Universal Orlando hotels can take advantage of exclusive theme park benefits which include Early Park Admission. This allows guests to access one of the three theme parks up to an hour before park opening. There is complimentary transportation to and from the parks, and resort-wide charging privileges. Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will be located adjacent to the future site of the new Universal Epic Universe theme park. This is set to open at a later date in 2025. Universal Orlando's current theme parks and Universal CityWalk will be accessible from the new hotels via complimentary shuttles. The new accommodations provide travel agent partners additional hotel options to sell along with the eight existing Universal Orlando hotels. Stays can be booked beginning January 2025 at Universal Stella Nova Resort and February 2025 at Universal Terra Luna Resort. More details about the new hotels will be revealed at a later date.

A day out at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is now a little more expensive. Universal’s Orlando theme parks have raised their ticket prices, following a similar move by rival Disney. Single park entrance tickets are up a minimum of $10 to between $119 to $179 depending on the day. A park hopper ticket valid for both is now from $174 to $234, up from $164 to $214 previously. “Our pricing reflects the incredible, entertainment experiences we continue to offer our guests, and with our date-based variable pricing model, guests have more flexibility,” Universal said. There are no further price increases on annual passes for Universal parks. Universal Orlando is adding a third park in central Florida called Epic universe, expected to open in phases from 2025. The 750-acre park will feature DreamWorks IP themed lands including Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda attractions. The expansion will also include more Harry Potter attractions.

Universal Orlando Resort brings back the destination-wide Holidays celebration next month. It kicks off November 17 and runs daily through December 31. Perennial favorites are on show, from ‘The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle’ in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Grinchmas. Not to be missed are the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter At Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade transform into a holiday wonderland. The nighttime spectacle, ‘The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle’ returns to Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure with a vibrant projection show highlighting Christmas moments inspired by the characters and stories of the Harry Potter films. The Frog Choir also returns to Hogsmeade with a special holiday-themed performance, plus guests can dance along to Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.   Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's at Universal Studios Florida Watch pop culture-inspired stories from Despicable Me, Shrek and Madagascar during Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. They come to life as larger-than-life balloons, colorful holiday floats and hundreds of performers. It leads up to a stunning finale with a special appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of the 80-feet Christmas tree.   Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure The spirit of Grinchmas is back at Universal Islands of Adventure where the Grinch stars in the live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, the "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular." The whimsical atmosphere features oversized candy canes, twisty Christmas trees, tinsel ornaments and more. Catch an appearance from the Whos from Who-ville and a special photo op with the Grinch himself.   Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida The top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller will return to Universal Studios Florida to put guests in the holiday mood with live performances on December 2, 3, 9 and 10.   Universal's Holiday Tour Guests can enjoy a guided tour with special access to all the holiday entertainment experiences taking place across the destination, including: A chance to meet the Grinch, and his dog, Max, while enjoying light bites, desserts and drinks Reserved seating at the "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular" in Universal Islands of Adventure A meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida An exclusive, after-hours showing of "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure. Universal's Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 19 through December 30, 2023 and can be booked om www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 off discount per ticket per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.   The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure This popular dining experience allows guests to start their day with breakfast and fun appearances by the Grinch and other Dr. Seuss characters. The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Confisco Grille in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates November 17 through December 27 www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Premier and Preferred Annual Passholders  receive a 20% for select dates.   The Holiday Celebration Continues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando's Hotels Guests can keep the celebration going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive décor and offer holiday feasts and activities. Special menus will be available at Universal hotels for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, and there will also be menorah lighting ceremonies and more. Select hotels also offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers. More at: www.universalorlando.com.

Minion Land at Universal Orlando Resort is now officially open. Guests are welcomed by a "Minion Land" marquee. It features keenly awaited new attraction – Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast – where guests play at being a supervillain. It comprises immersive sets, interactive game-based tech, and an original storyline. Minion Land serves as a multi-faceted interactive gaming attraction developed in partnership with Illumination. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a fan favorite simulator attraction, while at Illumination Theater, guests get to meet, greet and interact with their favorite characters like the Minions and Gru. It also includes the Evil Stuff retail store and Minion Café. "This rich new environment has so much for all our guests to enjoy," said," said Karen Irwin, COO of Universal Orlando Resort. The land is close to the main entrance of the park, replacing the Production Central area, and now known as Illumination Avenue.

Next year, Universal Orlando Resort will welcome an all-new themed land showcasing DreamWorks animated characters. It will feature characters like Gabby from Gabby's Dollhouse and Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda attractions that bring the popular franchises to life. “Guests will share special moments with their favorite characters in the most imaginatively fun ways,” Universal said. The new DreamWorks land, is part of a series of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024. It will replace Kidzone at Universal Studios Florida. Kidzone closed in early 2023. More details are set to be released in the near future.

  Today, Universal Orlando Resort shares new details about all the ways guests can eat, laugh and make mischief with the Minions in the highly anticipated Minion Land on Illumination Ave. – an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal's award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination. Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, the new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise.   As soon as guests enter the land, they'll be greeted by a fun, photo-worthy “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on the mischief that awaits along Illumination Ave. From blasting their way to supervillain stardom in Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast to savouring tasty dishes at the Minion Cafe to snacking on banana-flavoured popcorn at Pop-a-Nana and meeting fan-favourite characters along the way, here are details about the exciting new experiences that await in Minion Land:   ILLUMINATION'S VILLAIN-CON MINION BLAST   Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast – an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that's so much fun, it's a crime. Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon.   ILLUMINATION'S MINION CAFE   It's Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination's Minion Cafe – the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly-entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe's menu; the Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions' break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colourful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.   Just as eye-catching as Minion Cafe's incredibly-themed surroundings is its delicious menu – the latest example of how Universal Orlando's award-winning culinary team continues to raise the bar when it comes to theme park dining. Guests of all ages can enjoy inventive, family-friendly fare featuring nearly 20 items inspired by memorable characters and staples from the Minions franchise, including eclectic “despica-bowls” such as Otto's Noodle Bowl, Agnes's Honeymoon Soup and Carl's Crispy Cauliflower (vegan offering); delectable handhelds such as the Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich; adorable desserts such as Bob's Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff; a kids' menu for the “mini Minions” in the family that includes items like the Mini Boss' Mega Melt; and so much more.   The Minion Cafe will also feature an express window with a limited menu for those looking to satisfy their mischievous cravings quickly and return to the mayhem in Minion Land.   BAKE MY DAY   Topped with a massive pink cupcake that's visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s'mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more.   POP-A-NANA   Banana-flavoured popcorn, anyone? This walk-up location features sweet and savoury popcorn inspired by the Minions' love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket.   FREEZE RAY POPS   Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colourful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector – along with beverages.   ILLUMINATION THEATER   Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theatre facade.   Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films.   Minion Land is yet another example of how Universal Destinations & Experiences is raising the bar on immersive storytelling for the entire family using beloved stories and franchises often seen in films.  This follows exciting news earlier in the year where the company announced plans to build a one-of-kind, original theme park for families with young children in Frisco, Texas.   About Universal Orlando Resort – Where It's More Than Magic, It's Real   Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.   The 700-acre resort is home to three exhilarating theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay – that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created, with a fourth next-level theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the way. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eight hotels that offer something for every style and budget –  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal's Aventura Hotel and Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites.

  Next summer, guests will engage in loads of diabolical fun for kids, teens and adults as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Developed in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination, this interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.   Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way. The world-class attraction transports guests to Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet – to take part in an epic competition to see if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Guests who are up for the challenge will grab an interactive blaster and step onto a motion-based pathway to put their skills to the test. They’ll wind and glide through various scenes where they earn points by blasting a variety of items and causing as much mayhem and destruction as possible. It’s a unique, mischief-filled experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime.   Villain-Con Minion Blast will open in Summer 2023 at Universal Studios Florida within the new Minion Land on Illumination Ave. This new area will also feature the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion Café and other surprises inspired by popular characters from Illumination’s blockbuster franchises.   More details about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast and Minion Land will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Universal Orlando Resort is introducing a new theme park attraction in 2023. Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast is under development by Universal and filmmakers from Illumination. It is set to open next summer. It is an interactive, blaster game experience with guests competing against each other. Villain-Con Minion Blast combines screen technology, gaming and physical sets. The new theme park attraction transports guests to Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet. Villain-Con Minion Blast will open within the new Minion Land on Illumination Ave. This new area will also feature the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and a Minion Café. More details about Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast and Minion Land will be revealed in the months ahead

Universal Orlando Resort is launching a Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. This new offering is available on select dates from February 4 through April 16, 2023 Guests get the opportunity to toss beads from a Mardi Gras float during the event’s parade. Plus, guests can enjoy a 3-course meal with selections from the full menu at one of four participating restaurants These are the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill and Brew, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill or Lombard’s Seafood Grille.  Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs February 4 through April 16, 2023 at Universal Studios Florida It is inspired by Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond. The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage. For more information visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

Starting November 12 and running daily through January 1, 2023, Universal Orlando Resort showcases its destination-wide festive holidays celebration. The festive program features Universal’s best-loved stories and characters, including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and more. Guests can also savor new and fan-favorite holiday-inspired menu offerings across the entire resort and visit the all-new Holiday Tribute Store to shop. Holiday bites and delights Universal Orlando Resort offers next-level cuisine for the whole family to enjoy, including comforting classics, returning fan-favorite fare and tasty treats inspired by this year’s festivities. Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb (available at TODAY Café and Battery Park – located alongside the lagoon near Mel’s Drive-In): A holiday fan-favorite is back, now themed to the original Universal character – Earl the Squirrel. The beverage consists of a chocolate acorn shell filled with salted caramel and mini marshmallows. Roast Beast Sandwich (available at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous): Guests looking for comfort food can savor the Roast Beast Sandwich – a mini meatloaf sandwich featuring French onion soup-dipped roast beef with a cheddar cheese sauce – and even a “secret” sauce – served on a pretzel bun. Grinch-Themed Treats (available in Seuss Landing): Some of the traditional sweet flavors the season brings can be found in an array of unique Grinch-themed sweets, including a Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb, a Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich, and Grinch cookies. Santa’s Cookies and Milk Shake (available at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen): An iconic holiday treat comes to life as a milkshake with Santa’s Cookies and Milk ‘Shake,’ complete with cookie butter and vanilla ice cream, mini chocolate chip cookies, and topped with a delicious chocolate Christmas tree and sprinkles. All-New Holiday Tribute Store The immersive Holiday Tribute Store returns with four themed rooms inspired by Who-ville, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Earl the Squirrel and New York vintage holiday decor. The store will be stocked with a variety of new merchandise for the perfect holiday gift - such as a Grinchmas popcorn bucket, Grinchmas Loungefly backpack, Hogwarts House-themed holiday ornaments, Earl the Squirrel spirit jersey and more. Guests can also browse and make purchases online by visiting www.Shop.UniversalOrlando.com.

Universal Orlando Resort will soon begin work on bringing new family entertainment to Universal Studios Florida. To make way for the new additions, Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination and Shrek and Donkey’s Meet & Greet will close on January 16, 2023. The E.T. Adventure, Animal Actors on Location!, SpongeBob StorePants – including meet and greets with SpongeBob SquarePants and friends – and KidZone Pizza Company will remain open for guests to enjoy. More details about the new experiences coming to Universal Studios Florida will be revealed in the months ahead.

  Universal Orlando Resort reveals more gruesome details about the impending terror that awaits guests brave enough to face Halloween Horror Nights 2022 – including the six horrifying original concepts that complete this year’s lineup of 10 haunted houses, five sinister scare zones and two live shows. The event kicks off Friday, September 2 and runs select nights through October 31.   As the world’s premier Halloween event turns 31 this fall, a haunting conglomerate of unfathomable experiences inspired by traditional Halloween elements and some of guests’ worst fears come to life in this year’s collection of original haunted houses and scare zones – unleashing everything from vengeance-seeking pumpkins and witches to twisted trick-or-treaters and grotesque bugs to prey upon guests. When guests need a break from the scares, they can watch two outrageous live shows, satiate their appetite with sinfully delicious food and beverage, shop the latest merchandise in an all-new Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store and enjoy Universal Studios’ most exciting rides and attractions.   Here’s an overview of the remaining experiences coming to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2022:   SIX NEW ORIGINAL HAUNTED HOUSES Six spine-chilling and unnerving stories will envelop guests in original haunted houses where they will:  

• Enter an unsettling 1920s speakeasy only to discover that they are the main ingredient of witch’s brew in “Spirits of the Coven”
• Face a putrid, skin-crawling infestation of spiders, roaches, flies, bees and more in “Bugs: Eaten Alive”
• Escape or become prey to a no-longer mythical, fanged creature in “Fiesta de Chupacabras”
• Attempt to survive visiting hours for horrifying monsters serving time in “Hellblock Horror”
• Endure a petrifying winter thunderstorm in a seaside village ruled by an undead fisherman in “Dead Man’s Pier: Winter’s Wake”
• Encounter bloodthirsty mutants living in a post-apocalyptic subway system in “Descendants of Destruction”

  These original experiences complete the lineup of 10 terrifying haunted houses coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2022, which also include “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare,” “Halloween,” “Universal Monsters: Legends Collide­” and “The Horrors of Blumhouse.”   FIVE SCARE ZONES There’s nowhere to hide in the streets of Universal Studios Florida as hordes of menacing creatures from Halloween’s past infiltrate five all-new scare zones, where guests will:  

• Encounter The Pumpkin Lord and all his devious subjects in “Horrors of Halloween”
• Reap the wrath of scarecrows who will stop at nothing to harvest their souls in “Scarecrow: Cursed Soil”
• Experience a terrifying 1950s Halloween parade-gone-wrong alongside bloodthirsty trick-or-treaters in “Sweet Revenge”
• Venture through an ominous Halloween thunderstorm within a ghastly cemetery in “Graveyard: Deadly Unrest”
• Escape an evil sorceress bringing forth an army of ravenous monstrosities in “Conjure the Dark”

  TWO LIVE SHOWS When guests need a break from the scares, they can enjoy two brand-new, outrageously entertaining shows:  

• Halloween Nightmare Fuel Wildfire – the sequel to last year’s fan-favorite “Halloween Nightmare Fuel” show featuring the world-famous performance group, The Fuel Girls – highlighting a new Dreamer in the depths of a new nightmare set to a heart-pounding metal, rock and electronica score.
• Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale, an all-new show taking place in the Universal Studios lagoon that follows the Grim Reaper on the undertaking of what happens beyond the grave – all set to eerily-remixed music by some of today’s most iconic artists.

  THE HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS TRIBUTE STORE For the first time ever, the scares taking root in the streets of Universal Studios Florida will bleed into the theme of the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store with a collection of incredibly detailed environments inspired by the iconic Halloween haunts featured throughout the event. Guests will shop the latest Halloween Horror Nights merchandise and treats as they venture through a Pumpkin Patch, Cemetery and Witch’s Cottage – eventually making their way to the final room – an elaborate Halloween festival set in the same town as the store’s neighboring scare zone, “Sweet Revenge.”   LIMITED-TIME HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCES AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HOTELS Guests can maximize the fear by staying near the screams at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels, where they can enjoy exclusive benefits like access to a dedicated entry gate for the event (with valid event admission) and complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. Hotel guests also get exclusive access to limited-time Halloween Horror Nights experiences taking place at select Universal hotels, including “Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends” at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – featuring a collection of immersive photo opportunities inspired by the terrifying trio of Universal’s classic Monsters that guests will face at the event – The Mummy, The Wolf Man and Dracula   Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort are available via a number of travel partners including AttractionTickets.com, Floridatix, Orlando Attraction Tickets, Travel Republic and Ocean Florida. For more information visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.   Both events will run select nights through Monday, October 31, and more details and haunted houses will be revealed soon. For more information, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.