Around the Universe – Discounts and News for April 2020

The NCAA Tournament might be canceled but it’s still March Madness with COVID-19. We have all the latest updates, news, and discounts from Universal Orlando below.

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) Updates

The World Health Organization has classified the COVID-19 as a global pandemic. When I started writing this post no domestic parks were closed; by the time of publishing all domestic Disney and Universal resorts are closed. Per Universal Orlando:

Out of an abundance of caution and to assist with our nation’s preventive efforts, Universal Orlando Resort will temporarily close its theme parks.  The closure is effective at the close of business on Sunday, March 15.  We anticipate remaining closed through the end of March – but will continue to evaluate the situation.

Universal Orlando’s hotels and Universal CityWalk will remain open.

We have created flexible programs for those guests who have booked travel packages or tickets with us. Guests can call this number for more information:  877-801-9720.   A core group of team members will continue to work on site.  Hourly team members will be paid for any work scheduled through the end of March.

Due to cancelations and travel restrictions the Mardi Gras concert line-up this weekend has also shifted. Flo Rida will perform March 14 and Sugar Ray on March 15, replacing All American Rejects and Diana Ross, respectively.

Heads up about this weekend's Mardi Gras concerts: pic.twitter.com/GzBrGRYqMK

— Universal Woahlando Resort (@UniversalORL) March 13, 2020

Universal Orlando released a Safety and Travel Update and instituted a Stress Free Booking Policy covering rebooking or canceling hotels, vacation packages, and tickets. Stay tuned to Universal Orlando and TouringPlan‘s twitter sites for up-to-date information on hotel and park closings.

Hotel Discounts

If you are traveling to Universal Orlando now through September 24, 2020 check out a new hotel deal. Book now through March 31, 2020 and receive 40% off rack rates at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel or 35% off rack rates at Endless Summer Resorts.

These hotel deals are as good or better than Annual Passholder discounts and available to everyone. Dates include Memorial Day weekend, this summer, and the first two weekends of Halloween Horror Nights.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites

This week Universal previewed the next phase of the Endless Summer Resort project: Dockside Inn & Suites. Located on the old Wet’n’Wild parking lot, this new resort features 2,050 rooms (standard and 2-bedroom suites) spread between two towers. The art design draws from oceanside pier vacations; large driftwood sculptures backdrop the hotel lobby while the lobby bar draws inspiration from a yellow Volkswagen bus.

Resort amenities include two pools with pool bar, on-site Starbucks, lobby bar, on-site dining, and fitness center. Just like all Universal Orlando resorts, Dockside includes early entry into the parks, package delivery to the resort, transportation to the parks, and room key charging.

The first half of the tower is scheduled to open March 17, 2020, with the second half opening later this summer. Rates for a standard room start at $85 a night, $79 a night based on a four-night stay. Book now online.

Halloween Horror Nights 30

Dear reader, by now I am usually ready for Halloween Horror Nights news. With current events, it doesn’t feel like the time to talk about monsters and murderers, so lets keep it casual.

• Buy one night get a second night free (BOGO ticket) returns this year. Book one ticket to an HHN night and receive an event ticket for a second night, free. Offer good for all event nights excluding October 11, 17, 24, and 30. Ticket available until June 3, 2020.
• Four-night vacation packages are on sale. Starting at $129 per person per night, includes resort stay at Endless Summer, the BOGO ticket, and four-day park to park tickets. These packages are available until June 3, 2020.

Tickets, packages, HHN dates, and more are available online now.

Discounts

• All Guests: Receive two days free with the purchase of a two-day pass for $234 per guest plus tax. Purchase by August 13, 2020 for use by December 18, 2020.
• Annual Passholders: Discounts on Cabana Bay, Aventura, and Sapphire Falls rooms now through April 2.
• Annual Passholders: Annual Passholder room discounts are now available for Halloween Horror Nights. Book using code “APH”.
• Florida Residents: Blue Man Group tickets at $49 per guest plus tax. Available for select shows through April 16, 2020.
• Florida Residents: Annual Passes are available for up to $75 off until April 2.

Refurbishments

• Punga Racers (Volcano Bay): February 27 through May 31, 2020