Universal Orlando Preview — Week of March 3, 2018
Mardi Gras continues this week with two huge concert acts: 311 and Phillip Phillips at the Music Plaza stage! Mail Bag also returns with a question about Express Passes.
Weekly Crowd Levels
Detailed crowd level information can be found here.
Weather Report
Cold weather comes to Florida as low temperatures drop to 40s and 50s. Make sure to pack for the weather. Volcano Bay could close due to cold weather; check the Universal Orlando and TouringPlans Twitter accounts for the latest operating information.
Park Hours and Admission
CityWalk is open until 2:00 a.m. with free self parking starting after 6:00 p.m.
Single-day park tickets are at Value pricing. One-day base tickets to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure will run you $115 per adult and $110 per child (plus tax). 2-Park 1-Day tickets are $170 per adult and $165 per child (plus tax).
Volcano Bay tickets are at Anytime pricing at $67 per adult and $62 per child (plus tax).
Mail Bag
You ask, I answer! Questions come from the TouringPlans Forum, Universal Orlando Lines App chat, and comments on articles. To have your questions answered leave a message in the comments below or visit the forum.
This week’s question comes from PrincipalTinker:
Is there ever a time that Express Pass is sold out?
Universal offers a single use per attraction Express Pass and Unlimited Express Pass in one park and two park flavors. Express Pass is not required to tour the parks, especially if you follow the Golden Touring Rule: Arrive Early! Arrive Early! Arrive Early!
Express Pass rarely sells out but it is advised to purchase the tickets prior to arrival at the parks.
My suggestion for anyone looking to tour Universal Orlando with an Express Pass is to book a one night stay at Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Royal Pacific, or Hard Rock Hotel for the free Unlimited Express Pass perk. Guests are given free Unlimited Express Pass on check in day and check out day. And these Express Passes do not sell out.
Express Pass is also available for Halloween Horror Nights. These passes frequently sell out during busy evenings. Purchase these passes online prior to attending the event or look into touring multiple days, participating in Stay & Scream, or taking an RIP tour.
Upcoming Events & Highlights
Universal’s Mardi Gras returns nightly February 3 through April 7. Catch a nightly Mardi Gras parade with Greek mythology-themed floats and a New Orleans carnival with food carts and a brass band. On select weekend nights the Music Plaza Stage will be host to major musical acts like The Beach Boys, Sean Paul, Macklemore, Fitz and the Tantrums, 311, Fifth Harmony, and more. Admission to Mardi Gras is included with standard admission to the parks.
That is all for this week. See you next week and make sure to leave a question below for the Mail Bag!
