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    Universal Studios Hollywood and Fast and Furious Update - February 12, 2024

    2025 Attractions Fast And Furious Super Nintendo World Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Universal Citywalk Universal Studios Hollywood
    Today we've got a great update for you from Universal Studios Hollywood, and some Fast and Furious Construction pics and video! We spent about 13 hours at Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk last week as it was my son and daughter in-law's first time to Super Nintendo World (and riding Secret Life of Pets). We even capped off the day with an incredible dinner at Toothsome.

    ​Let's head into the park for some fun! ​
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    A look at the Lunar New Year Menu on the upper lot. No large Lunar New Year display this year, we'll get into why a bit down in the update.

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    Heading down for early entry, didn't get a chance to go into the Power Up Café, but will later this week when I run into the park before the Tool concert at Staples, er, Crypto.

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    After a week of rain, it was a beautiful day at the park!

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    We even managed to snag a reservation at Toadstool Café. A word of advice, the line to order can take quite awhile, as well as the food service, so book a reservation about an hour before you actually want to eat.

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    I tried the spaghetti for the first time, it was delicious.

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    Princess Peach Cupcake. Very sweet, but this is our favorite dessert at Super Nintendo World.

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    Luigi Burger (chicken sandwich)

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    Our group weren't huge fans of Macha, so this wasn't our favorite, it was better without the Macha on it TBH.

    ​After spending about 4 hours inside Super Nintendo World we headed up to the rest of the park, which allowed me to get some awesome Fast and Furious pics and video. 
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    The station is very quickly rising!

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    If you look closely right above the fence, you'll see some rebar for which will eventually become footers.

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    Every other park should have coaster view envy.

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    It didn't look like the rain from last week slowed down progress at all.

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    Will be interesting to see how much taller this building gets.

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    They're starting to add some higher fences in a few spots. Makes complete sense.

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    There are a few other random projects going on around the park. There was some filming going on inside the Earthquake set. This would seem to indicate the update has been completed, we should have an announcement soon I think.

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    The entire area from the Bates Motel to War of the Worlds was closed down. It looked like there was a rather large sinkhole in the area.

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    There is some work going on inside Honeydukes, perhaps we're getting the ice cream parlor finally? Will be a tight fit though.

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    Also some work going on near Moulin Rouge, this is where the VIP Tour area is, so perhaps some enhancements to that experience?

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    As mentioned, the plaza has been completely gutted of everything and it looks like there is some continuing work going on here.

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    Whatever it is I'm assuming they'll be done before Spring Break.

    There's also a whole bunch of new universal monsters merchandise in the park, as well as a lot of Felix The Cat Merchandise for some reason. Even more than Fast and Furious which only has one little stand in the main store. 

    Will be interesting to see if Fast and Furious merchandise increases as the ride opening gets closer. 
    And lastly in this update, a few pics of our Toothsome dinner. So good. 
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    Celebrate the Peanuts Gang’s beloved blockhead at Knott's Berry Farm

    Celebrate the Peanuts Gang’s beloved blockhead by dressing in Charlie Brown’s
    signature look for this year’s Charlie Brown Day on February 11
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    On Sunday, February 11, Knott’s is celebrating Good Ol’ Charlie Brown by hosting a Charlie Brown Day during the Knott’s PEANUTS™ Celebration. The park invites guests during this special time of year to join in on all the excitement as the Peanuts Gang takes over. To show everyone’s favorite underdog just how special he is, attendees will be encouraged to pay homage to Charlie Brown by sporting his signature bright yellow zig-zag striped tee, black shorts and red baseball cap outfit. At 12:30pm on the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will perform the musical game show It's Your Life, Charlie Brown, with the loveable title character getting the surprise of his life. After the show, all guests dressed as Charlie Brown will be invited to gather around the stage for a photo opportunity posing alongside the boy of the hour.
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    All guests in attendance will also receive a button commemorating Charlie Brown’s special day, while supplies last. The Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration is taking place now through February 25.

    WHEN:  Sunday, February 11, with a special photo opportunity occurring after the 12:30pm Calico Mine Stage show.

    For more information on Charlie Brown Day or the Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration please visit knotts.com; or join the conversation by using #KnottsPeanutsCelebration or #CharlieBrownDay on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.
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    Fast and Furious Construction Update - February 4, 2024

    2025 Attractions Fast And Furious Universal Studios Hollywood
    Today we've got some great pics of Fast and Furious at Universal Studios Hollywood. Friend of the site Brian sent these over this morning before SoCal get's pounded with 3 days of rain. 

    The coaster is looking amazing and the amount of work they've done lately is incredible. 

    Pics: Brian Walton 
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    A look at the overview of the site

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    They're getting ready for the rain, it would be bad if there was flooding on this hill right now.

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    The station and other ride stuff

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    Beware of hole

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    If layout rumors are to believed, those tarps kind of match

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    Looks like they're starting to extend the height of the wall/fence in a few spots. Not unexpected.

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    Nerd shot!

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    That's going to wrap it up for this quick update! Thanks for the pics Brian!!

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    Universal Studios Hollywood Powers Up for the One-Year Anniversary Celebration Of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

    2023 Attractions Mario Kart: Bowsers Challenge Nintendo Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood
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    Universal Studios Hollywood Powers Up for the One-Year Anniversary Celebration
    Of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with Exciting Offerings, Including the All-New Power Up Cafe Serving Super Mario Power Up Themed Menu Items and a Commemorative Special-Release Golden Power-Up Band
     
    Plus, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Named the “Best New Attraction of 2023” by Theme Park Insider as Universal Studios Hollywood Gears Up for the Land’s Anniversary Year
    Universal City, California, February 1, 2024 – This is a banner year at Universal Studios Hollywood as the destination celebrates the one-year anniversary of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ which opened on February 17, 2023. Guests will enjoy new ways to level up, including the grand opening of the all-new Power Up Cafe, the debut of a commemorative, special-release Golden Power-Up Band™ and a limited-edition complimentary 1-Year Anniversary Button.

    The celebratory news coincides with a recent 2024 Theme Park Insider Award in which SUPER NINTENDO WORLD was voted by Theme Park Insider readers as the “Best New Attraction of 2023.”

                And the celebration continues in 2024.
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    On February 15, the all-new Power Up Cafe opens on New York Street, located on the Upper Lot inside the theme park. This exciting original concept venue invites guests to power up outside of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
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    This innovative grab and go cafe will serve a scrumptious menu of Super Mario™ Power Up themed menu items available exclusively at this permanent new cafe. Guests will be able to order either at the venue or via Universal Studios Hollywood’s official mobile app. Snacks and beverages include: 
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    Snacks:
    • Super Mushroom Calzone: Mushroom shaped calzone filled with pepperoni, sausage, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce
    • 1-Up Mushroom Calzone: Mushroom shaped calzone filled with spinach, green pepper, mushroom, mozzarella cheese and basil pesto
    • Fire Flower Pretzel: Fire Flower shaped pretzel served with chipotle cheese, mustard and white queso dipping sauces
    • Super Star Popcorn: Butter popcorn topped with edible glitter
     
    Beverages:
    Drop in the Power Up sugar shapes to change the color and flavor.
    • Super Mushroom Fizz: Lemon lime soda with strawberry popping pearls and a strawberry Super Mushroom Power Up
    • 1-Up Mushroom Fizz: Lemon lime soda with green apple popping pearls and a lime 1-Up Mushroom Power Up
    • Fire Flower Fizz: Lemon lime soda with orange popping pearls and a mango habanero Fire Flower Power Up
    • Super Star Fizz: Lemon lime soda with lemon popping pearls and a mango pineapple Super Star Power Up
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    A highlight of the one-year celebration will include a commemorative, special-release Golden Power-Up Band, a perfect addition to the existing six Power-Up Band design options with character themes. The Golden Power-Up Band will be available for purchase within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park, starting on February 17.

                For a limited time, guests can also get a complimentary 1-Year Anniversary Button. This special commemorative collector piece will be available, beginning February 17 and while supplies last, at Guest Relations, located inside the theme park.

    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is a visually spectacular land, located within an expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. Within the vibrancy of colors and architectural ingenuity, the land features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities to engage the family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom.

    Along with themed dining at Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.

    From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom.

    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD sweeps guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach where they become an integral part of their exhilarating universe.

    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD was conceived in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.
    ​
                For more information and details, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).
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    Celebrate Lunar New Year at SeaWorld San Diego on February 10 and 11 with Cultural Performances and Culinary Delights

    Event includes Taiko drummers and cultural dancers, delicious Asian-inspired food and drink offerings, and more
    Guests are invited to celebrate Lunar New Year at SeaWorld San Diego on February 10 and 11 as the sights, sounds and aromas of Asia come alive during a one-of-a-kind festival that’s fit for the whole family. Cultural entertainment, authentic food & beverage options, and festive décor will take over Wild Arctic Plaza for this special cultural celebration included with park admission.
                                
    The Lunar New Year Festival Stage will feature cultural performances from the local community, including Taiko drumming, lion dancers, and cultural dance shows. Families will be awed by these high-energy performances by local community groups. Lucky red envelopes will also be handed out, each containing a special surprise or saying to symbolize good wishes and luck for the year ahead.
                                
                                 Delicious, Asian-inspired food and beverage options will also be available in the area to celebrate. Guests can enjoy chicken and veggie fried rice, chow mein, veggie pot stickers, beef bulgolgi, mango mochi, and more! Drink options will include Lucky Dragon Punch with lychee popping boba, Shiso Highball, and a Fortune Fizz cocktail.
     
    With new offerings introduced for 2024, SeaWorld San Diego has the best benefits ever for 2024 Annual Pass Members. For as low as $13.25 a month, with NO DOWN PAYMENT, guests can enjoy up to $2,365 worth of special benefits, including unlimited year-round admission for amazing animal experiences, thrilling attractions, and incredible seasonal events. Members receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to six free guest tickets, and special savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more. Pass Members are first for everything, first to ride any new attraction, first to view new animal exhibits, and first to know about major park announcements. In 2024, Pass Members will be the first to view SeaWorld’s newest exhibit, Jewels of the Sea, A Jellyfish Experience, the immersive and interactive aquarium.
     
    For more information on SeaWorld and to purchase Annual Passes and Fun Cards visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com.
    ABOUT:              SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date.  The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent.  A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).  SeaWorld is part of the SeaWorld Entertainment (NYSE:SEAS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.
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    Universal Orlando Resort Shares First Official Look at Epic Universe

    2025 Attractions Celestial Park Dark Universe Epic Universe Helios How To Train Your Dragon Isle Of Berk Super Nintendo World Wizarding World
    ​UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT SHARES FIRST OFFICIAL LOOK AND DETAILS ABOUT ITS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW THEME PARK, UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERS
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    Opening in 2025, the Innovative New Theme Park Invites Guests to Explore Vibrant Worlds Filled with Extraordinary Adventures that Go Beyond their Wildest Imaginations

    Today, Universal Shares Details about Celestial Park, One of the Park’s Five Immersive Worlds featuring Exciting Attractions, Dining, Shopping and More – All Set within Breathtaking Gardens in the Heart of Epic Universe
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    Orlando, Fla. (January 30, 2024) – In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will unveil its next gamechanger for theme park entertainment with the debut of its most ambitious theme park yet: Universal Epic Universe. Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic. The addition of Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park will also transform the award-winning resort into a weeklong vacation destination filled with the most compelling experiences imaginable.
    ​
    Today, Universal Orlando reveals more details about Celestial Park – the heart of Universal Epic Universe and the first world guests will encounter at the new theme park.
    CELESTIAL PARK
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    With acres of rolling gardens, chasing waterways and strolling pathways, Celestial Park puts the “park” back in “theme park.” As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they’ll embark on a journey of discovery, thrills and excitement as they wander through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. Here, guests can relax while taking in the sights and sounds around them, board a shooting comet for an exhilarating roller coaster adventure, dine on delectable cuisine, shop exclusive merchandise to commemorate their visit and more.
    PORTALS TO OTHER EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS
    Plus, Celestial Park will be the gateway to explore the four additional worlds of Epic Universe – each bringing to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations. Through a set of majestic portals that capture the imagination and creativity of each world, guests will embark on a transformative experience as they journey from Celestial Park to:
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    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, where guests will discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series;
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    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where guests will enter the iconic green pipe and discover a new way to play as they step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong;
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    How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, where guests can soar with dragons in a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise;
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    ​and Dark Universe, where guests encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.
    CELESTIAL PARK ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES
    Here are additional details about some of the other wonders guests can enjoy while exploring Celestial Park:
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    Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the fastest of them all. Reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track, Starfall Racers will be Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers such as the “Celestial Spin,” in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air – creating an “out-of-this-world” adrenaline rush.
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    Constellation Carousel – the grand centerpiece of Celestial Park. Here, explorers of all ages will take a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that glide forward, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – through the milky way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight.
    Astronomica, an interactive wet-play area that also doubles as a giant compass rose to the many wonders of Epic Universe, featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests;
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    An array of unique dining experiences ranging from full-service restaurants to quick-service locations that offer something for every palate, including Atlantic – a full-service “surf and turf” restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium complete with captivating views of Celestial Park…
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    …and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – where diners take a culinary journey across Asia as they enjoy authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai fare in this full-service restaurant accented with neon dragons and ethereal lanterns. Additional “must-eat” locations within Celestial Park include The Oak & Star Tavern, where guests can enjoy savory barbecue, Pizza Moon, which will serve up a tasty menu featuring a variety of pizzas, and more.
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    Incredibly detailed retail locations, including the Nintendo Super Star Store, where guests can shop an assortment of merchandise themed to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD; Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, where guests can satisfy their cravings with a unique selection of sweet treats, and more.
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    ​Plenty of exciting entertainment, including various fountain shows throughout Celestial Park’s seven acres of water where a multitude of fountains sway, dance – and even reach heights up to 135 feet in the air – to music and interactive lighting from day to night.
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    And located inside Epic Universe at the end of Celestial Park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, designed to transport guests to a world where the heavens and earth unite – complete with 500 rooms, one-of-a-kind views and its very own dedicated entrance into the theme park.

    Plus – in addition to raising the bar for theme park innovation, Epic Universe is Universal Destinations & Experiences’ latest development to integrate energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices.
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    More details about Universal Epic Universe – including the debut of an interactive preview center at Universal CityWalk later this year that will offer a sneak peek at the new theme park – will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
    About Universal Orlando Resort
    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.

    Universal Orlando Resort is a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.
    About Universal Epic Universe – Opening in 2025
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    Universal Epic Universe is a radically transformational theme park experience that will fully immerse guests in beloved cross-generational stories that empower them to be the epic heroes of their adventures. Located just a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current offerings, Epic Universe will feature breathtaking, multi-sensory environments, impeccable design and innovative technology throughout – creating an entirely new level of experience that will forever change theme park entertainment. Guests will explore five spectacularly themed worlds, an array of unique dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, and so much more. Epic Universe will also be adjacent to three new Universal hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., - including sister properties, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the majestic Universal Helios Grand Hotel – which is located inside of the theme park. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.
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