Around the Universe: Discounts and News for January 18, 2020

Huge news out of Universal Orlando this week with the Mardi Gras 2020 concert line up announced, Super Nintendo World details, Jurassic Park updates, CityWalk changes, and discounts around the resort. Lets-a-go!

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2020

Universal’s hugely popular Mardi Gras is celebrating its 25th anniversary February 1 through April 2. This year features big-name artists, unique food, new parade floats, music from the big easy, and new food options. This family-friendly re-creation of the popular New Orleans festival features a daily Mardi Gras parade (parade times vary) with an all new “treasures of the deep” theme.

The French Quarter, located in New York Backlot, this year will feature cuisine inspired by all the countries of the world who celebrate a version of Mardi Gras. Do not worry, many favorites will return including the gumbo, po’ boys, jambalaya, and the Bayou Boil dinner. A tasting lanyard option will also be offered.

On select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the event the biggest names in rock, R&B, pop, country, and electronic music perform at the Universal Studios Music Plaza Stage. Concerts perform at 8:30 p.m. and are free with admission, select passes are blocked out.

Concerts performers, subject to change:

Super Nintendo World

Across the Pacific, Universal Studios Japan is quietly finishing the hotly anticipated Super Nintendo World land. This week Universal has started to lift the veil, giving press an opportunity to see some of the unique interactive elements in the land.

Guests have the opportunity to purchase the “Power Up Band”. This new merchandise item will activate objects in the land and rack up coins. Guests high scores and data will be tracked in the new Super Nintendo World app on phones.

Launching the media blitz of the land a music video featuring EDM artists Galantis and singer-songwriter Charli XCX debuted. “We Are Born to Play” features the Mario characters, Charli XCX, and dozens of Nintendo fans playing in the land.

Super Nintendo World opens in Universal Studios Japan this summer. The land will also open at Universal Studios Hollywood next year, Universal’s Epic Universe at park open, and Universal Studios Singapore in the near future.

Resort Updates

Well, that’s new! A giant wall in the middle of Billabong now separates it from Island Clothing Co, which is now closed. P!Q next door remains open for now. #citywalk @UniversalORL ^@skubersky pic.twitter.com/2IoYjcMpPn

— TheUnofficialGuides (@TheUGseries) January 16, 2020

CityWalk is going through another overhaul with Fresh Produce and Island Clothing closing in the past few weeks and Piq! and Fossil running clearance sales. The current rumor is four retail locations in CityWalk will close to combine one large location. At this time we do not know what is coming to this area but the smart money is on a new, expanded Universal Studios Store.

Jurassic River Adventure is down for seasonal maintenance and will reopen January 25, 2020. Going through 2020 and into 2021 the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure will see heavy construction and modifications as they build a new high-thrill rollercoaster. Universal is mum on details but expect to run with velociraptors, invert several times, and launch over the lagoon. The coaster is expected to open in early 2021.

Discounts and Deals

• All Guests: For a limited time, 4-day 3-park tickets are priced the same as 2-park tickets, starting at $66 per day plus tax.
• All Guests: Universal’s newest hotel, Endless Summer, is offering 5 night stays for $79 per night plus tax. Rate valid through February 13.
• Annual Passholders: Select Blue Man Group tickets are available for $34 per person January 1 – 25 on select dates. An additional 10% discount on concessions runs through February.
• Annual Passholders: 1-Night After 4 p.m. tickets to Rock the Universe on January 24 or 25 are available for $28 plus tax. Includes exclusive ride time 6:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Available only to Annual Passholders.
• Florida Residents: Annual Passes are available for up to $75 off until April 2.