Around the Universe April 2024 – Universal Orlando News & Discounts
April has sprung and so too has construction sprung up around Universal Orlando Resort. We have all the latest details on DreamWorks Land is nearing completion, the new lagoon show has more fountains installed, and the rollercoasters at Epic Universe are testing. Steal some chocolate eggs from your kids’ baskets, pop open one of the leftover beers from St Patrick’s Day, and lets dive in.
DreamWorks Land
Like clockwork, right after I published the last Around the Universe article Universal announced the full details of Universal Studios Flordia’s DreamWorks Land. Opening this summer, DreamWorks Land is the #1 place to find all your favorite characters including Shrek, Puss in Boots, KungFu Panda, Trolls, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and more! The new land features modern wet and dry playgrounds, meet and greets with your favorite characters, themed snacks, and a young child-friendly rollercoaster.
- Shrek’s House – Meet and greet with Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona
- Shrek’s Swamp For Little Ogres – Two-story wet/dry playground with slides, water cannons, and rope bridges.
- King Harold’s Swamp Symphony – Outdoor interactive play feature where jumping on lily pads triggers frogs to sing.
- Mama Luna Fieline Fiesta – Indoor playground featuring characters from Puss in Boots
- Trollercoaster – Rollercoaster for young children featuring the characters from Trolls.
- Poppy’s Playground – Small covered play space for very young children featuring swings and play equipment.
- Po’s Kung Fu Training Ground – Located in the back of the land, this large play structure is designed around training guests for Kung Fu by performing basic tasks around the village. One side is a water playground with dump buckets and the other is a dry play space.
- Po Live! – Meet with Po and perfect your KungFu training. This Po is digital and on screens, not an in-person character.
- DreamWorks Imagination Celebration – Dance party featuring DreamWorks music designed for young kids to get all their energy out.
- DreamWorks Character Zone – rotating character meet and greets.
DreamWorks Land is located between E.T. Adventure and Animal Actors in the former home of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone. Universal hasn’t announced an opening for DreamWorks Land at the time of writing, but we are expecting it to open in the summer of 2025. Stay tuned to the TouringPlans Blog for the latest news and touring advice for DreamWorks Land.
Epic Update
Derek posted a massive update from our eye in the skies Bioreconstruct this weekend – go read up on the latest photos of Epic Universe. First up are two family coasters – Hiccup’s Winged Gliders and Curse of the Werewolf. Hiccup is a launched family coaster located in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk that flies guests through the land, over and under bridges and water features. Werewolf is a launched, spinning family coaster inside the Dark Universe monster’s land.
Additionally the first of two tracks on the Starfall Racers coaster is now testing. Starfall Racer is a launched thrill coaster where trains on two separate tracks race and duel along the track. This will be the biggest thrill ride in Epic Universe when it opens.
Universal is teasing an upcoming Epic announcement on March 28th which is expected to be How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. This land is rumored to feature several rides (such as Hiccup from earlier in the article), restaurants, play areas, and a headliner live-action stage show.
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Universal has only confirmed a 2025 opening for Epic Universe. We expect Epic Universe to officially open in the summer of 2025.
Discounts
Universal Orlando frequently offers discounts on multi-day tickets and hotel stays. These are the latest discounts available to guests:
Tickets
- All Guests – Four Day Ticket Starting at $74 per day ($296 total)
- All Guests – 3-Months Free with an Annual Pass Purchase
- FL Residents – Buy a One Day, Get Two Days Free on park-to-park tickets
Hotel
- All Guests – Save 20% on 4-night and longer stays
- All Guests – 40% off 4-night hotel stays on select dates
- All Guests – Save up to $668 on a 4-night stay or longer at Loews Portofino Bay Resort
For more deals, including discounts on vacation packages, visit the Universal Orlando website.
Refurbishments
The following Universal Orlando attractions are closed for refurbishment on the following dates:
- One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish: April 27 – May 24, 2024
- E.T. Adventure: May 6 – May 15, 2024
- Revenge of the Mummy: June 17 – June 22, 2024