What's New at Universal Theme Parks in 2019

Now that the festive decor in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has magically disappeared, and the Grinchmas decorations have been stored away for next year’s Who-liday celebration, Universal theme parks are ready for a year of new experiences and attractions.

“We love being able to roll out exciting new experiences and updates so that travel agents continually have new recommendations for their clients’ epic vacations,” said Robyn Ryan, director of travel industry sales for Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort
From Feb. 9 to April 4, Universal Orlando Resort will host Florida’s biggest party at its annual Mardi Gras event. The streets of Universal Studios Florida turn into a New Orleans-style celebration, with nightly parades that feature street performers, colorful floats and plenty of Mardi Gras beads — complete with Cajun and Creole cuisine and musicians all the way from The Big Easy. To make the parades even more family-friendly, there’s a special Little Jesters viewing section for kids.

In 2019, the award-winning team at Universal Creative and the production design team from the “Harry Potter” movies are introducing Universal’s most highly themed coaster experience, putting riders face to face with their favorite characters and magical creatures from the book and film franchise.

“We continuously work to add new guest experiences that bring clients’ vacations to the next level,” Ryan said. “This year will be a testament to this dedication with the addition of the highly anticipated new coaster experience coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, an all-new adventure that is the next installment of The Wizarding World brought to life at Universal Orlando.” 

Every summer means fun and sun in Orlando, but this summer also means the grand opening of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, the first hotel in the destination’s new Value category.

“As soon as you step into your room, you’ll see the beach vibe everywhere,” said Jessica Iaconis, senior manager of interior design for Universal Creative’s resort development team. “Details like a full-size surfboard, colorful artwork, bright pinstriped rug runners and tie-dye curtains will make the perfect retreat for families.”

With rates starting at less than $100 per night, Surfside Inn and Suites will offer access to all the resort’s theme park thrills as well as exclusive benefits such as early park admission and complimentary transportation to and from the parks at the destination’s most affordable rates. The hotel’s sister property, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, will open in 2020. 

“This hotel checks every box — quality, family-friendly suites and exclusive benefits that only come with staying in one of our hotels,” said Vince LaRuffa, senior vice president of resort sales and marketing for Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this new Value hotel category, we now offer a hotel for every style and budget.”

www.universalorlando.com 

Universal Studios Hollywood
Lunar New Year festivities will take over the plaza at Universal Studios Hollywood from Feb. 2-17.  The nearby Dreamworks Theater will present a 4D sensory adventure with the characters from the “Kung Fu Panda” movies, making the theme park the perfect place to celebrate The Year of the Pig with photo ops with Po and Tigress from the award-winning film franchise. Also on hand will be a Mandarin-speaking Megatron from “Transformers” and Minions wearing traditional Chinese costumes. Plus, the Interactive Dragon Warriors Kung Fu Training Show and other live cultural performances will entertain families, who can also enjoy a meal at Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.

On May 11, the first-ever Running Universal “Minion Run” will debut at Universal Studios Hollywood. The first in a series of fun runs features the mischievous Minions from the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, who will cheer on participants ages 5 and up as they make their way along the 3.1-mile course through Universal Studios Hollywood and parts of Universal Studios’ historic backlot.

Additionally, in 2019, the dinosaurs from “Jurassic Park” will return in a new “Jurassic World” attraction. After 22 years as one of the most iconic attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, Jurassic Park: The Ride went extinct last year to make way for the fully reimagined adventure. The new attraction will feature enhanced storytelling, state-of-the-art technology and interactions with never-before-seen dinosaurs that will pay homage to the original movie and ride.

www.universalstudioshollywood.com