On this page, you’ll find our up-to-date one-stop shop for everything that is currently happening at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay, and all of Universal Orlando Resort! (Yeah, this is a good page to bookmark.)
By the way, we’re very happy to let you know that this is just one page out of over 300 we have in our next-generation encyclopedia of obsessively-updated Universal Orlando vacation-planning info.
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Skip to: Promotions | Events | USF | IOA | VB | EU | CityWalk | Hotels
Live tweeting and Facebook live streaming from Universal Orlando
We visit Universal multiple times every month to bring our fans live in-park photo and video updates direct from Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk! To see all of our photo updates as they happen, we invite you to follow us on Twitter.
We also do Facebook live streaming from in-park, as well, both on our page and in our community. To be a part of these broadcasts, like our Facebook page here and join our private community here.
Current Ride Closures
Universal Studios Florida
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack: November 8 – December 15, 2024
- Hogwarts Express: January 28 – February 1, 2025
Islands of Adventure
- The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
- Pteranodon Flyers
- Me-Ship, The Olive: October 21, 2024 – December 4, 2024
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: November 7, 2024 – December 19, 2024
- Jurassic Park River Adventure: January 6, 2025 – January 23, 2025
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: January 24, 2025 – March 15, 2025
- Hogwarts Express: January 28 – February 1, 2025
Volcano Bay
- Taniwha Tubes: November 13 – 22, 2024
- Honu ika Moana: December 2 – 12, 2024
Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on select weekdays beginning in late October 2024 and continuing through February 2025. These dates are subject to change.
- November: 4, 5, 13, 14, 18, 19, 26, & 27
- December: 4, 5, 9, 10, 18, 19, 23, 24, & 31
- January: 8, 9, 13, 14, 22, 23, 27, & 28
- February: 5, 6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 24, & 25
Current promotions and resort-wide changes
Epic Universe
Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, is opening on May 22, 2025! To learn even more, you can read our opening date announcement or do a deep dive into Epic Universe in our complete guide.
Early Park Admission
This perk is currently available at Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. Select dates for Early Park Admission are available at Universal Studios Florida. Prior to your visit, please check that you are eligible for Early Park Admission.
The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Universal Studios Florida from November 25 – December 1, 2024 and December 22 – 31, 2024:
The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Islands of Adventure from November 1 – December 31, 2024:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Ollivanders
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Volcano Bay from November 1 – December 1, 2024, and December 13 – 30, 2024 (up to 30 minutes before park opening):
The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Volcano Bay from December 2 – 12, 2024 (up to 30 minutes before park opening):
Upcoming annual events and special celebrations
Wicked at Universal Orlando Resort – Good news! Starting in late October, Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating the highly anticipated Wicked release on November 22. Guests can follow the yellow brick road to an immersive experience at Universal Studios Florida, explore merchandise collections inspired by the film, and indulge in themed treats at eateries across Universal Orlando Resort. Learn more about the celebration here!
Holidays at Universal 2024 – Universal Orlando Resort is decking the halls from November 22 through December 31! Celebrate the season with exclusive entertainment, festive dining, and more. Discover all the details here!
Universal Studios Florida
DreamWorks Land – Starting June 14, 2024, immerse yourself in a land based on beloved DreamWorks Animation films. The land will feature play areas and attractions themed after fan-favorite franchises like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet with beloved characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse. Check out our first look here.
Illumination’s Villain-con Minion Blast – The biggest gathering of baddies has arrived at Universal Studios Florida! Find out about the mischief and mayhem here.
Illumination’s Minion Land – Mischief and mayhem have begun to arrive at Universal Studios Florida with the recent opening of Bake My Day, Pop-A-Nana, Freeze Ray Pops, Illumination Theater, and the flagship quick service spot – Illumination’s Minion Cafe. You can read all about this new eatery over on the OI Blog.
The list above is only a summary of the current ride refurbishments, openings, and closings at Universal Studios Florida. For a complete list of the park’s attractions, scroll to the bottom of this page or visit the OI Universal Center table of contents.
Islands of Adventure
Poseidon’s Fury Permanent Closure – The temple of Poseidon was sealed on May 9, 2023. Learn more here about the attraction that has made its home within The Lost Continent for almost 24 years.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster – the apex predator of roller coasters has arrived! Get the complete rundown here.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – find out everything there is to know about the newest Harry Potter ride over on our guide page.
The list above is only a summary of the current ride refurbishments, openings, and closings at Islands of Adventure. For a complete list of the park’s attractions, scroll to the bottom of this page or visit the OI Universal Center table of contents.
Volcano Bay
Krakatoa Katy’s – Originally only a gift shop at the front of Volcano Bay has now been transformed to be part gift shop and part bar. It is a great alternative spot to get a drink if the normal bar lines are too long.
CityWalk
Universal Studios Store Expansion – Coming in 2025, the Universal Studios Store will expand to include a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD section and a Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, complete with a dedicated Butterbeer counter, all in preparation for Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe.
Universal’s Great Movie Escape – First-of-its-kind escape adventures kicked off at Universal CityWalk on December 9, 2022. Travel through time within the Back to the Future universe in Back to the Future: OUTATIME, or flee from the grasp of an apex predator in Jurassic World: ESCAPE. Read our spoiler-free review here.
Looking for CityWalk events? They are included in our events section near the top of the page — skip up there.
For more information about Universal CityWalk, scroll to the bottom of this page or visit the OI Universal Center table of contents.
Universal Orlando’s hotels
Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Immerse your senses in the cuisine and music of Italy with Loews Portofino Bay’s Harbor Nights, returning for the holidays on November 29. Enjoy Italian fare, select wines, live music, and traditional opera performances on the hotel’s piazza, which sets a beautiful backdrop to this enchanting evening.
Upcoming Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando – Velvet sessions are making a rockin’ return to Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, featuring BBMak on November 22. These concerts are held in an intimate setting, allowing guests to hear performances by some of their favorite artists while enjoying cocktails and small plates.
Universal Stella Nova Resort – Inspired by the infinite and ever-growing mysterious universe, Universal Stella Nova Resort offers a tranquil galactic getaway in the heart of Central Florida. Opening January 21, 2025, this Prime Value hotel will feature a stellar collection of 750 rooms, recreational amenities, dining experiences, and more.
Universal Terra Luna Resort – Adding to Universal Orlando Resort’s constellation of hotel accommodations, Universal Terra Luna Resort will open on March 25, 2025. This Prime Value hotel draws inspiration from the universe’s diverse planetary elements, similar to the possibilities that can be explored within the realms of Universal Orlando Resort’s three (soon to be four) theme parks.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel – The latest addition to Universal’s Signature Collection is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, opening on May 22, 2025 and inspired by Helios, the Greek god of the sun. This hotel is beautifully decorated with celestial patterns, constellations, and Mediterranean design elements. Guests at this hotel enjoy stunning views of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, and benefit from exclusive theme park entrance privileges.
Epic Universe
Epic Universe, Universal’s newest theme park, was announced in August 2019 and is scheduled to open on May 22, 2025. Find out everything there is to know about the park’s past and future over in the Universal Center.
Looking for hotel events? They are included in our events section near the top of the page — skip up there.
The list above is only a summary of the current projects relating to the Loews hotels at Universal Orlando. For complete details about these properties, check out the links below or visit the OI Universal Center table of contents.
See everything else you’ve been missing
Overview and Introduction:
- Read guest reviews of Universal or submit your own
- View our daily updates
- 12-month Universal Orlando crowd calendar
Tickets and Planning
- Best Day of the Week to visit Universal Orlando
- Best Time of the Year to visit Universal Orlando
- Which Universal Orlando Theme Park is Better?
- The Best Orlando Theme Parks by Age Group
- How to Save on Flights to Orlando
- How Many Days to Spend at Universal Orlando?
- Maps, Rider’s Guide, & Vacation Brochure
- Universal Orlando Annual Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
- Accessibility Accommodations
- Universal Vacation Packages – An Insider’s Guide
- Top 10 Easiest Ways to Save Time & Money at Universal
- Ride Wait Times Based on Crowd Levels
- Universal Express Passes – Complete Insider’s Guide
- The Secret to Getting UNLIMITED Express Passes
- Universal Dining Plans – Complete Insider’s Guide
- Dining Reservations at Universal Orlando
- Parking & Universal’s Transportation Hub
- Shuttles, Taxis, & Ride Sharing – Transportation Recommendations
- Orlando Average Monthly Temperatures
- What to Pack for Your Vacation
- What’s Coming to Universal in 2024 and Beyond
Insider Tips on Your Vacation
These guide pages will give you the inside scoop on how to get the most out of your vacation to Universal Orlando Resort. From internet access to mobile food ordering, all your questions can be answered here. Perusing these pages now will save you countless hours later, allowing you to spend more time on what’s important – your trip!
- Shopping & Merchandise at Universal Orlando
- Ultimate Adult’s Guide to Universal Orlando Resort
- Visiting USF with Kids – Complete Insider’s Guide
- Visiting IOA with Kids – Complete Insider’s Guide
- Visiting VB with Kids – Complete Insider’s Guide
- Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando
- Single-riders’ Lines at Universal Orlando
- Mobile Ordering at Universal Orlando
- Rental & Ride Lockers at Universal
- Characters at Universal’s Theme Parks
- Child Swap at Universal’s Thrill Rides
- Men in Black – How to Max Out Your Score at 999,999
- Refillable Cups, Popcorn Buckets, & Coke Freestyle
- Free Internet Access at Universal Orlando
- Phone Charging at Universal Orlando
- My Universal Photos & Ride Photos
- Free or Inexpensive Things to Do Around Orlando
- Breakfast at Universal Orlando Resort
- Grocery Delivery in Orlando
- VIP Tour Experience at Universal Orlando
- Ultimate Seating Guide to ALL the Rides
Insider’s Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
With Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village, Universal Orlando changed the game for what it meant to be immersed in a theme park. These guide pages will cover our best insider tips on getting the most out of your visit to the Wizarding World.
- Only Guaranteed Ways to Beat the Crowds at the Wizarding World
- How to Ensure Your Trip to the Wizarding World is a Success!
- Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World – A Complete Guide
- Return Tickets & Standby Line to Enter the Wizarding World
- Interactive Wands & Spell-Casting in the Wizarding World
- Complete Insider’s Guide to Butterbeer
- The Specialty Drinks, Meals, and Desserts of Diagon Alley
- Leaky Cauldron: The Grandest Feast a Wizard Can Have
- Three Broomsticks & Hog’s Head: Drink in the Details
- Shopping & Merchandise at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
- Shopping & Merchandise at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Annual Events at Universal Orlando
There’s more to do than just rollercoasters! The following guide pages provide information on annual events at Universal Orlando Resort. Check here periodically for updates and news.
- Rock the Universe 2025
- Running Universal Orlando 2025
- Mardi Gras 2025
- Easter 2025
- Fourth of July 2025
- Halloween Horror Nights 2025 (overview & explanation)
- Thanksgiving 2024
- Holidays 2024
- New Year’s Eve 2024
Universal Orlando Touring Plans
We combined our years of expertise and insider experience to build the best touring plans for you so you don’t have to! Whether you’re staying one day, or all week, we’ve got you covered!
- Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure 1-day Touring Plan
- Ultimate Universal Studios 1-day Touring Plan
- Ultimate Islands of Adventure 1-day Touring Plan
- Volcano Bay Touring Plan
- 3-day Touring Plan for Hotel Guests: Day 1
- 3-day Touring Plan for Hotel Guests: Day 2
- 3-day Touring Plan for Hotel Guests: Day 3
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter Touring Plan
- Bite-Sized Touring Plans
- Design Your Own Universal Orlando Touring Plans
- OI Priority List: Universal Studios Florida
- OI Priority List: Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios Florida – Complete Guide and History
Universal Studios boasts The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Men in Black, Springfield, U.S.A, and more. Use these guide pages to help plan your ultimate vacation.
- Production Central
- Illumination’s Minion Land
- New York
- San Francisco
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- The Hogwarts Express
- Tales of Beedle the Bard & Celestina Warbeck
- Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley
- London waterfront
- Diagon Alley shopping
- World Expo
- Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
- Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
- Hollywood
- DreamWorks Land
- Park-wide Entertainment
Universal Islands of Adventure – complete guide and history
Islands of Adventure features lands such as Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Village. That means you can ride The Cat in the Hat, come face to face with dinosaurs, and attend Hagrid’s magical creatures lesson. These pages contain great insider tips and tricks to make sure you have a great vacation.
- Port of Entry
- Marvel Super Hero Island
- Toon Lagoon
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Jurassic Park
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Triwizard Spirit Rally & Frog Choir
- Ollivanders Wand Shop in Hogsmeade
- The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
- Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
- The Three Broomsticks & Hog’s Head (quick-service)
- Owl Post
- Honeydukes
- Dervish and Banges
- Hogwarts Always
- The Lost Continent
- Seuss Landing
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
- Caro-Seuss-el
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear
- The Cat in the Hat
- If I Ran the Zoo
- Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (quick-service)
- Green Eggs and Ham Cafe (quick-service)
- Moose Juice, Goose Juice (quick-service)
- Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop (quick-service)
- Park-wide Entertainment
Universal’s Volcano Bay – complete guide and history
The water theme park at Universal Studios, Volcano Bay takes your vacation to a whole new level of relaxation and excitement – all in the same day! Go with the flow in a raft, or climb to the top of Krakatau volcano just to slide back down again! But whatever you do – use our guide pages to plan your day at Volcano Bay and maximize your trip.
Park-wide tips
- Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu – complete guide
- Volcano Bay’s cabana rentals – complete guide
- Volcano Bay tickets – complete guide
- Visiting VB with kids – a complete guide
- Early Park Admission to Volcano Bay
- Complete Guide to Shopping at Universal’s Volcano Bay
Universal Epic Universe – complete guide and history (opening May 22, 2025)
Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando Resorts’ biggest park, housing four major intellectual properties: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters.
- Celestial Park
- Dark Universe
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – overview and history
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Universal CityWalk Orlando
These guide pages will walk you through everything you need to know about Universal City Walk and all you can find there! With formal dining options, to-go pizza, and even a tattoos parlor, you’ll find what you need (and more) at City Walk.
- Restaurants
- Full-service restaurants
- Quick-service restaurants
- Bend the Bao
- Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
- CityWalk food court: BK Whopper Bar, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Panda Express
- Cold Stone Creamery
- Hot Dog Hall of Fame
- Lone Palm Airport
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
- Red Oven Pizza Bakery
- Starbucks Coffee
- Voodoo Doughnut
- Food and beverage carts
- Breakfast options at Universal CityWalk
- Shows and other entertainment
- Clubs
- Stores
Universal Orlando’s hotels (general information)
Universal Orlando Resort boasts 11 hotels, and each has something the others don’t! Use these guide pages to read about each one and decide which is best for you and your family on your unforgettable vacation.
- Comparing Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Universal Aventura Hotel
- Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
- Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
- Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening on January 21, 2025)
- Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening on March 25, 2025)
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22, 2025)
- Hotel discount for annual passholders & the logistics of checking in
- Breakfast options at the hotels
The Prop Graveyard: TOURING THE EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS
Unfortunately, even good things must come to an end. Universal Orlando Resort opened more than 20 years ago, and in their journey to keep things fresh and updated, sacrifices had to be made along the way! Use these guide pages to read up on the attractions of days gone by.
- Universal Studios Florida
- Twister: Ride It Out
- Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue
- Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories
- Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration
- Terminator 2 3D: Battle across Time
- Superstar Character Breakfast
- Flying Fish Market
- Beverly Hills Boulangerie (quick-service)
- A Day in the Park with Barney
- Shrek 4-D
- Curious George Goes to Town
- KidZone Pizza Company (quick-service)
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
- Fievel’s Playland
- DreamWorks Destination
- UNIVRS
- Sing It!
- Islands of Adventure
- Resort-wide
- CityWalk
- Annual events
When we say that Orlando Informer is the world’s leading resource for Universal Orlando vacation planning, we’re not just blowin’ smoke. Start your journey through our knowledge by following any link below.