Universal Orlando Delights Guests with New Features and Holiday Cheer
Universal Orlando is bustling with energy as the holiday season approaches, drawing crowds seeking festive entertainment. Visitors to the park on December 18, 2024, encountered a mix of new attractions, character experiences, and unique merchandise, all under cool, pleasant weather.
New Additions Enhance Guest Experience
Among the notable updates, new digital signs have been installed in the security area leading into City Walk. These signs maintain the same imagery as previous designs, leaving guests curious about potential future changes. Speculation includes the eventual replacement of themes in the parking garage, including the popular Spider-Man section.
Attendees reported manageable crowd levels, typical for this time of year, further enhanced by comfortable temperatures hovering in the low seventies. The day started off well, with many visitors eager to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Festivities and Character Sightings
A special event, Football Night in America, featuring the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs, was set up next to the Epic Preview Center, indicating additional entertainment options during the festive period. Guests are encouraged to watch for more information about a holiday special scheduled for release on Peacock.
While strolling through City Walk, guests discovered new merchandise at the Universal Store, including two new Loungefly mini-backpacks, each retailing for $90.00. One design is inspired by Glinda, while the other showcases a typical Shiz University student outfit, adding to the delightful assortment of ‘Wicked’ themed items available in the parks.
Unexpected Surprises and Fun Finds
A visit to the ‘Wicked’ Experience revealed the addition of a penny machine, offering eight collectible pennies for $1 each or all eight for $5. Although not every guest collects pennies, the novelty of this offering caught the attention of many.
Character interactions remained a highlight throughout the day. SpongeBob SquarePants greeted guests, but it seemed fewer visitors paused for a photo opportunity, perhaps due to his proximity to the exit backstage. Additionally, the absence of Duff Man this year left fans hoping for a return in 2025.
Fun Merchandise and Unique Offerings
One of the more surprising finds was a handicap license plate for sale, prompting discussions among visitors about its appropriateness and value at $50.00. Such unique products add an extra layer of curiosity to the shopping experience at the park.
Merchandise highlights also included a giant Tim plush from ‘Despicable Me’ available for purchase at the Universal Store. Its cuddly feel and adorably protruding tongue made it a favorite among guests, particularly considering similar items would typically cost more at other theme parks.
A Day Well Spent
As the day came to a close, crowds continued to enjoy the magical atmosphere of Universal Orlando. With attractions like the Hogwarts Castle in the Islands of Adventure providing stunning views, visitors were constantly on the lookout for new experiences.
The towering escalators leading to valet and buses, recently released from scaffolding, signify ongoing improvements in the park’s infrastructure, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Visitors left the park with new memories and treasures, keen to share their experiences. As Universal Orlando continues to evolve, fans look forward to what the future holds, including anticipated character comebacks and additional unique merchandise.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
