Universal Orlando Resort has announced the return of holiday festivities in the park! There will be celebrations all over the park as well as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We have visited to celebrate the holidays in the past, and both sections of the park are always beautifully decorated and it really feels like Winter in the wizarding world (despite the warmer Florida temperatures!)
The Holiday celebration begins on November 12 and runs daily through January 1, 2023.
The spectacularly themed lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will transform into wizarding wonderlands for the Holidays, complete with festive décor throughout the iconic streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley that includes themed decorations, garlands and lights. Guests can also enjoy special holiday-themed performances from the Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, in Hogsmeade and the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.
And once night falls in Hogsmeade, guests can revel in a spectacular projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by the beloved “Harry Potter” stories in “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
This morning Universal Studios Hollywood has announced a new outdoor event, Taste of Universal, that will allow fans to enjoy elements of the theme park on the weekends. Universal Hollywood has been closed since last March due to the pandemic and this is the first time guests will be allowed back in, albeit with limited options. Rides, shows and attractions will not be operational but fans can look forward to delicious food, some shopping and even photographs with characters!
Admission tickets to “Taste of Universal” include access to select themed areas of the park along with a wide selection of nearly 70 choice culinary options. Tickets start at $44 plus tax for adults and $25 plus tax for kids ages 3-9 years. Discounted admission tickets will be available for Universal Annual and Season Pass members.
The full press release can be read below:
Universal Studios Hollywood Serves Up “Taste of Universal” Welcoming Guests Back to the Theme Park with the Dynamic Weekend Outdoor Dining and Shopping Experience, Beginning on Friday, March 12
The Special Event Will Offer First Looks at the All-New “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” Attraction Shop, The Pets Store, and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’s” Minion Cafe, as well as Access to Such Popular Lands as Hogsmeade Village within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” and “The Simpsons’ Springfield, U.S.A.”
Universal City, California, March 4, 2021 – Universal Studios Hollywood takes its first step in re-opening with the introduction of “Taste of Universal,” a lively outdoor dining and shopping experience taking place within select themed lands on weekends—Friday to Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m.—beginning on Friday, March 12.
Universal Studios Hollywood is working closely with local health and government officials to implement new health and safety procedures that include controlled capacity to enforce physical distancing and required face coverings.
This eagerly-awaited experience will invite guests to once again feel the thrill of strolling along the park’s signature red carpet as they pass through its iconic gates to enjoy some of the theme park’s best culinary offerings and premium shopping options along with physically distanced photo opportunities with some of their favorite characters.
Admission tickets to “Taste of Universal” include access to select themed areas of the park along with a wide selection of nearly 70choice culinary options, of which 30 are new to the event. Adults can choose five options and kids can choose three with additional food offerings available for purchase. Tickets start at $44 plus tax for adults and $25 plus tax for kids ages 3-9 years. Discounted admission tickets will be available for Universal Annual and Season Pass members. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
While rides, shows and attractions will not be operational during this experience, guests will be able to take in the incredible environments that surround them as they enjoy the scrumptious food, including vegan and vegetarian options, served within these areas. This includes:
“Springfield, U.S.A.” — Home of The Simpsons featuring Krusty Burger, Suds McDuff’s Hot Dog House, the Lard Lad Donut Cart and Kwik-E-Mart.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” — Stroll through Hogsmeade village and enjoy shops such as Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods, and feast on food favorites, including Three Broomsticks™ Fish & Chips, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Butterbeer.
The debut of Minion Cafe, a delicious new dining experience, located adjacent to the popular “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride, offering such tasty fare as Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Meatballs, Chicken & Bacon Mac and Cheese, and Nutella Banana pudding.
The Hollywood & Dine section will feature:
Authentic Mexican fare at Cocina Mexicana with such favorites as Queso Street Tacos, Loaded Nachos all topped with choice of Tinga or Carnita & Birria, Tortilla Cut Chips with Guacamole, Chili Relleno and Elote Corn on the cobb with Lime Crema.
Hollywood & Dine, the establishment located just inside the theme park’s main entry, serving a selection of comfort foods including, Hot Chicken Sandwich, Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl, Personal Pizza with choice of pepperoni or cheese, Brisket Sliders with Caramelized Onions, Korean Hot Dog, and mini funnel cake.
City SnackShop offering grab and go treats such as the quintessential NYC Giant Pretzel, Spicy Pomegranate Glazed Turkey Leg, and the debut of the Crepewich, which features sweet (Banana and Nutella, or Strawberry Chocolate) and savory (club or Spinach and Berry vegetarian) temptations. Yum!
A highlight of the experience will invite guests to preview the very exciting “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” attraction shop, The Pets Store, where guests can purchase favorite TheSecret Life of Pets themed goodies. Minion Way and Pets Place perpendicular streets located adjacent to Illumination’s “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and all-new “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” rides will take guests on a stroll through the film’s scenic New York City streets as they explore the themed environment.
The Animation Store, home to Hello Kitty® and her friends from Sanrio®, including My Melody™, Keroppi™ and Chococat™, as well as Minions merchandise from Illumination’s, blockbuster Despicable Me film franchise, and DreamWorks Animation franchises including Trolls and Kung Fu Panda, will be among the park’s exciting shopping options.
Physically distanced photo opportunities with select favorite characters will offer guests the chance to reconnect with Universal Studios Hollywood and share their experiences with friends and family via social media.
Temperature checks for all Guests upon arrival. If temperatures exceed 100.4° Fahrenheit / 38° Celsius or greater, Guests will not be permitted to enter.
Face coverings required for all Guests throughout their visit. Face coverings also will be available for purchase.
Controlled capacity within the theme park, and limited occupancy at all CityWalk venues to help enforce physical distancing. Some areas and programs may remain temporarily closed.
Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting at all food locations, restrooms, and all other high touch points.
Physical distancing practices at all locations throughout the park.
Eating and drinking permitted only in designated outdoor dining areas.
Universal Studios Hollywood may not be open at the moment due to covid restrictions but as of today fans will be able to enjoy some Wizarding World magic at CityWalk! Visitors will be able to purchase cold, frozen and hot butterbeer as well as butterbeer ice cream and more!
Universal CityWalk Introduces “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Sweets & Treats,” Offering Guests and Fans a Chance to Enjoy Magical and Delicious Confections and Snacks Just in Time for the Holiday Season, Beginning Friday, November 20
Universal City, California, November 20, 2020 – Here’s the scoop: Beginning Friday, November 20, Butterbeer favorites and more will be served at Universal CityWalk’s newest seasonal walk-up location, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™—Sweets & Treats,” offering fans a chance to enjoy the beloved beverage and ice-cream from Universal Studios Hollywood’s immersive land.
Traditional cold, frozen and hot Butterbeer along with delectable Butterbeer-flavoured hard pack ice-cream and Chocolate Frog confections will delight the palates of fans who have long craved these popular temptations from the theme park’s “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”
The Butterbeer beverages will be available for purchase in a cup or souvenir stein. Gilly Water and classic cinnamon Churros will also be on the menu.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Sweets & Treats” will be open on weekends from Friday through Sunday during CityWalk’s operating hours, noon to 8:00 p.m. Free self-parking is available to all guests during this initial re-opening phase.
Inspired by the compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle. Now, for the first time and during this Holiday season, some of the iconic beverages and desserts featured in the land will be served for a limited time at this new and special Universal CityWalk location.
Universal CityWalk continues to work closely with local health and government officials to implement new health and safety procedures that include controlled capacity to enforce physical distancing. Health and safety protocols are outlined below, highlighted in this video and detailed on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
Temperature checks for all Guests upon arrival. If temperatures exceed 100.4° Fahrenheit / 38° Celsius or greater, Guests will not be permitted to enter.
Face coverings required for all Guests throughout their visit. Face coverings also will be available for purchase.
Controlled occupancy at all CityWalk venues to help enforce physical distancing. Some areas and programs may remain temporarily closed.
Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting at all food locations and all high touch points areas.
Physical distancing practices at all locations throughout CityWalk.
Cashless payments and “no touch” policies wherever possible.
This Saturday fans who watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on NBC will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Universal Orlando Resort’s newest ride, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, was created! Tune into the movie at 8pm EDT for clips during commercial breaks.
Full details are below:
This summer, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – the epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – officially opened at Universal Orlando Resort and brought to life an all-new adventure inspired by the much beloved Harry Potter film series. Now, fans will have the special opportunity to go behind-the-scenes on the creation of the world’s first “story coaster” during the NBC primetime broadcast of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” on Saturday, September 7 at 8 p.m. EDT.
Throughout the broadcast of the film on NBC, viewers will see a series of segments that will give them a glimpse into how the incredibly-popular new attraction was brought to life. Segments will feature interviews with members of the Universal Creative team who worked on the new experience and beloved stars from the Harry Potter films who had the chance to ride it themselves. It will also showcase the creation of the Forbidden Forest, the Blast-Ended Skrewt – a creature that has never been featured in the films; and Hagrid – one of the most life-like animated figures Universal Orlando has ever created.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure takes guests on an unforgettable journey into one of the most mysterious places in the Wizarding World – the Forbidden Forest. With Hagrid as their guide, they’ll board magical motorbikes and fly to the edge of the forest to discover the Wizarding World’s rarest magical creatures. Along the way, they’ll ascend above the trees, launch through mysterious ruins, rush forward – and backward – at speeds up to 50 mph, unexpectedly drop nearly 17 feet and more while enjoying a thrilling adventure on the longest roller coaster in Florida. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is now open and located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
Universal Orlando Resort has announced a social media sweepstakes where you can win a dream vacation to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! To enter you’ll need to share what you would wear to the park on your visit – it can be house robes, an outfit inspired by your favorite character or even a cute Potter themed tee!
Universal Orlando will choose two lucky fans to win the trip of a lifetime for them and up to three guests. The winners will receive an incredible vacation to Universal Orlando that includes:
Accommodations at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel
Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme parks open every day of their visit
3-Day Theme Park Admission with Universal Express Passes
Air travel and ground transportation from the airport
And more!
Here’s how to enter:
Take a photo showing what you would wear on your visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Post the photo and include #WizardingWorldOrlando and #Sweepstakes
More details are as follows:
Fans must be 18 years or older to enter and only a maximum of two entries on one single social media platform will be counted. All entries must include both hashtags and there’s no cost to enter. The sweepstakes ends on Saturday, September 28, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Winners will be chosen at random and notified via social media following the closing of the sweepstakes. Travel dates are subject to approval by Universal Orlando, travel must be booked at least 60 days prior to the departure date and the trip must be completed by August 28, 2020. For more information on the official rules, click here.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort allows guests to experience the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films in the most spectacularly-themed environments ever created. Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter includes two incredibly detailed lands – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley – featuring multiple groundbreaking attractions, shops, restaurants, entertainment and more. Guests can visit the famed Hogsmeade village, enjoy a frothy Butterbeer, soar over Hogwarts castle with Harry Potter in the incredible attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, pass through the iconic brick wall into Diagon Alley, experience the pulse-pounding next generation thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and more. They can also travel between the two lands with a park-to-park ticket on the iconic Hogwarts Express – allowing them to take the same journey as the famed boy wizard.
Plus, guests can now experience Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – the epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The new adventure takes guests on an unforgettable journey into the Forbidden Forest on magical motorbikes to discover the Wizarding World’s rarest magical creatures. They’ll ascend above the trees, rapidly accelerate through mysterious ruins, rush forward – and backward – at speeds up to 50 mph and more.
Last night, Harry Potter film stars Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Evanna Lynch, Warwick Davis, James Phelps and Oliver Phelps brought a little magic to Universal Orlando Resort for the opening celebration of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, debuting to guests on June 13.
The beloved Harry Potter film stars reunited and led special guests in a spellbinding moment to celebrate the epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There was also a special message from Hagrid himself, Robbie Coltrane! Photos from the Opening Celebration may be seen over in our gallery!
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opens to the public tomorrow, June 13th! The following day, June 14th, guests will be able to sign up for a “Virtual Line” via their smartphones to help alleviate crowding at the ride. You will get a time to come back and get in the actual line for the ride. More details on how to make the most of your visit are at the Universal Orlando Blog!
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