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, 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
Islands of Adventure
- The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Closed on 6/8

Current promotions and resort-wide changes
Illumination’s Villain-con Minion Blast
Illumination’s Villain-con Minion Blast is slated for hijinks to begin at Universal Studios Florida in Summer 2023, along with a neighboring Minion Cafe. These locations respectively fill the vacancies that Shrek 4-D and Monsters Cafe left behind. Read our announcement here.
Epic Universe
Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, is back on track! After originally being announced in August 2019, all construction was halted in July 2020 thanks to the coronavirus pandemic – but, on March 3, 2021, Universal was happy to reveal that it was starting everything back up. Although it’ll take the next several months for the process to get back to where it was at the beginning of 2020, it’s still good news – and an even better indicator of where businesses think our economy will be as we finally start to look past COVID-19.
To learn even more, you can read the big announcement or do a deep dive into Epic Universe in our complete guide. Universal Orlando’s fourth park is currently expected to open in summer 2025.
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 Islands of Adventure from March 6 – June 30:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Closed on 6/8)
- 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:
Upcoming annual events and special celebrations

Halloween Horror Nights
Fright nights are just around the corner at Universal Orlando Resort! Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 32nd year of fear on select evenings from September 1 through October 31. Learn more about this fest here – if you dare.
Universal Studios Florida
Jurassic Park Tribute Store – Celebrate 30 years of this iconic, fan-favorite film by visiting this new, limited-time merchandise location! You can find out more about the Jurassic Park Tribute Store here and additional celebrations for this milestone anniversary.
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone Permanent Attraction Closures – The adventures of Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination, and Shrek and Donkey’s Meet & Greet have come to an end with their closure on January 15, 2023. Some of these attractions have been in operation for over 20 years, it is a bittersweet goodbye, but we look to the future to see what is next for Universal Studios Florida.
The Bourne Stuntacular – Universal Orlando’s new stunt show opened on June 30, 2020! You can get our overview of the attraction here and read our review here.
TODAY Cafe – set foot on the set where The TODAY Show is filmed and chow down on a smorgasbord of delicious food and drink options, including an exclusive coffee blend, pastries, lattes, beer and wine, and a host of other New York-inspired dishes. You can read all about it 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 Upcoming 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’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.
Bigfire – CityWalk’s newest restaurant, which replaces Emeril’s, opened on June 26, 2019. Bigfire cooks all of its food on a giant wood-fire grill in the center of the venue, using different types of wood to bring out different smoky flavors. You can get all the details over in the OI Universal Center.
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
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. Jesus Jones will be filling the lobby on June 23 with some of their alternative rock hits. Men Without Hats will be performing some of their hit songs, such as “The Safety Dance,” “Pop Goes the World,” and “Antarctica,” on July 28. 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.
Shakes Malt Shoppe – Cabana Bay Beach Resort just got a little sweeter! A new quick-service location has opened up that offers smoothies, shakes, scoops, and so much more! Learn more here.
Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites – the second half of Universal’s new hotel complex was initially delayed thanks to COVID-19, but finally had its grand opening on December 15, 2020. You can learn more about the eighth property at Universal Orlando here.
Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites – the other half of Endless Summer Resort opened on June 27, 2019. You can learn all about the hotel here.
Epic Universe
Epic Universe, Universal’s newest theme park, was announced in August 2019, indefinitely delayed a year later (thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), and put back on track in March 2021. 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 2023 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 2024
- Running Universal Orlando 2024
- Mardi Gras 2024
- Easter 2024
- Fourth of July 2023
- Halloween Horror Nights 2023 (overview & explanation)
- Thanksgiving 2023
- Holidays 2023
- New Year’s Eve 2023
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
- 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
- Park-wide Entertainment
Universal’s 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
- 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’s Epic Universe – complete guide and history (opening expected in 2025)
Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando Resorts’ biggest park, housing three major intellectual properties: DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, and Nintendo.
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
- 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 eight 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: Jet away to the Italian Riviera
- Hard Rock Hotel Orlando: Live the rock-‘n-roll lifestyle
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Your South Seas escape is waiting
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: A paradise where blue waterfalls cascade across lush grounds
- Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Splash back to the 1950s & ’60s
- Universal’s Aventura Hotel: A sleek and streamlined resort experience
- Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites: Never-ending fun in the sun, part I
- Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites: Never-ending fun in the sun, part II
- 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
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
- Fievel’s Playland
- DreamWorks Destination
- 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.