Universal’s Summer Concert Series – complete insider’s guide

Universal’s Summer Concert Series is no longer offered. You can still learn more about this former annual event below.

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What was Universal’s Summer Concert Series?

Once an annual-event staple, Universal quietly ended its Summer Concert Series back in 2013 — though it did resurrect the festivity in 2015, dubbing it the 25th Anniversary Concert Series to commemorate Universal Studios Florida‘s big anniversary year.

It never returned. While it was always possible that the company might surprise fans with another concert bash in a future summer, it never happened. By then, there was already more than enough going on at Universal Orlando Resort throughout the year (see our list of annual events here), making the expense and hassle — not to mention the justification — of the Concert Series unnecessary.

However, this is the Prop Graveyard, and its very mission statement is to preserve what an attraction – or, in this case, an annual event – looked like on its last day of operation so that all future generations of theme park tourists can enjoy it. In that spirit, we present 2015’s contents below.

Universal’s 25th Anniversary Concert Series – overview and explanation

Universal Orlando Resort celebrated 25 years of unforgettable moments with the 25th Anniversary Concert Series. In addition to all the rides, shows, and attractions, on select nights from May 23 to June 20, 2015, Universal Studios Florida came alive with amazing live performances on the Universal Music Plaza stage.

Unlike Mardi Gras or the Holiday Concert Series, no parade or additional 25th-anniversary activities were announced to happen before the concert. Nevertheless, the performances were included with regular park admission to Universal Studios Florida, making them a great deal for fans of the scheduled artists.

Universal’s 25th Anniversary Concert Series – dates and lineup

Saturday, May 23, 2015: Prince Royce
Sunday, May 24, 2015: Shawn Mendes
Saturday, May 30, 2015: Pitbull
Saturday, June 6, 2015: Kellie Pickler
Saturday, June 13, 2015: Huey Lewis and the News
Saturday, June 20, 2015: Goo Goo Dolls

Universal’s 25th Anniversary Concert Series – admission

The Anniversary Concert Series performances were included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. This was very similar to Mardi Gras, the springtime event at the park; however, unlike Mardi Gras, there was no parade — the event was simply a “free” concert for guests already in the park.

Concert-only ticket

In years past, Universal had offered a slightly discounted admission ticket to Universal Studios Florida on concert nights. This pass wasn’t specifically for the concert venue; instead, it allowed admission to the park after a set time (typically 7:00 pm), which then enabled access to the concert (along with everything else Universal Studios had to offer). For guests wishing to get in line early in the morning or afternoon for a good position at the concert, however, regular full-day admission was required.

Power Passes

Guests with Power Passes (one of the various annual passes offered) had their admission to Universal Studios Florida blacked out from June 13 to August 13, 2015. However, on concert dates, the pass was valid after 5:00 pm — which meant guests could attend the June 13 Huey Lewis and the News performance and/or the June 20 Goo Goo Dolls finale concert. (They just couldn’t expect to snag a front spot!)

Universal’s 25th Anniversary Concert Series – park attractions

Usually, these concerts were scheduled before Universal Studios Florida’s closing time. This led many to ask, “Did Universal keep the regular attractions running after the concert started?” The answer was yes — all the regular rides, shows, and other attractions continued operating as usual until the park closed (either 9:00 or 10:00 pm, depending on the concert date).

Universal’s 25th Anniversary Concert Series – tips and insider secrets

There were a few pertinent questions that any self-respecting vacation planner might have asked at the time. Here are the answers that helped make for the best Summer Concert night possible:

How did concert seating work?

There was no concert seating; it was all general standing. The Universal Music Plaza was essentially an open field, so guests watched the concert from wherever they were standing when the music started. There was no VIP area to upgrade to and no special viewing area for guests with Express Passes or those staying at Universal’s on-site hotels.

How far in advance should I get there?

Guests who wanted to be somewhat close to the stage needed to get to the Universal Music Plaza at least three to six hours before the concert began — and the more popular the band, the earlier they needed to arrive. Saying that the Plaza got very crowded was an understatement. If a band was playing and guests wanted to be close, they had to plan on getting there early.

Front Row Alert

Guests who wanted to see their favorite artist from the front row at the Universal Music Plaza had no special requirements other than the willingness to line up in the morning for a concert in the evening. For example, these Austin Mahone fans were lined up before 10:00 am to see their favorite artist up close:

A word of caution to families

The large, boisterous crowds and loud music made these concerts not exactly family-friendly. Families with little ones were better off making other plans for evening entertainment. Guests staying on-site at Universal had the option of supervised children’s activities at the hotels for a per-hour fee.

Universal’s 25th Anniversary Concert Series – weather

Guests who traveled often to Orlando knew that, in the summer, it usually rained every day for about 45 minutes in the afternoon or early evening. Concert dates were no exception to this natural law.

Fortunately, the rain — while heavy at times — usually didn’t last long. And since the concerts didn’t begin until later in the evening, the skies usually cleared well before the artists took the stage.

Guests planning a full day at the parks — whether getting in line early for a good spot or just enjoying regular park touring before the evening concert — needed to be prepared for rain. Universal sold rain ponchos and umbrellas, but at a premium. It was best to stop by Walmart or a local drugstore before arriving at the resort to stock up on necessities.