Around the Universe – Discounts and News for December 2020

2020 IS ALMOST OVER! Oh, and we have deals, construction updates, and refurbishment news out of Universal Orlando this week. BRING ON 2021.

Holiday 2020 Events

Universal Orlando is celebrating the holidays with new physically distant holiday offerings for 2020. New this year is the Universal’s Holiday Experience with Macy’s Balloons walkthrough, Holiday Tribute Store, Holiday Tree Trail scavenger hunt, and physically distant Grinch meet and greet.

Construction Updates

Inside Islands of Adventure, VelociCoaster construction continues. Nighttime testing and adjustment continues with the coaster, landscaping installation continues around the Jurassic Park waterfront, and work walls have come down inside the land.

Why hello, gorgeous! @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/bhETN5WZzE

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) December 1, 2020

Dinosaur fence at night outside Jurassic World VelociCoaster. pic.twitter.com/Ae0FjRdNOW

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) November 26, 2020

Today Universal revealed the new coaster trains which feature on-board lighting, lap-bar restraints, and a slick futuristic design.

Construction is wrapping up on the most anticipated change to an attraction ever: the upgrading of Forbidden Journey’s nightmare lockers. These new lockers will support a larger space outside of the castle basement which will improve guest access before and after riding.

Aerial view of new lockers for Forbidden Journey. Seem ready, but still behind construction fence. pic.twitter.com/O7oQ9ZRgUT

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) November 26, 2020

Meanwhile, in CityWalk, the new store construction continues. We are expecting an official announcement in early 2021 with rumors suggesting it could be an expanded and upgraded Studio Store.

Framing added at one end of a CityWalk store redo. pic.twitter.com/1IF5bfppgd

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) November 25, 2020

Portofino Bay and Endless Summer Dockside Open, Surfside Closes

As reported last month two resorts are re-opening at Universal while another is closing. Portofino Bay reopened this week after closing in mid-March due to COVID-19. While closed, the resort refreshed all their rooms with a new look and soft items. Endless Summer – Dockside is opening for the first time on December 15. The sister, and smaller, resort Endless Summer – Surfside is closing at the end of the year with all bookings moving to the larger Dockside.

Discounts and Deals

• Buy a 2-Day, 2-Park Ticket, Receive 3 Days Free – Starting at $243.99 plus tax for adults
• 40% off ticket and hotel packages, save up to $800 on vacation packages
• Save 30% on Universal Express Pass (Annual Passholders only)
• Annual Passholder Resort Discounts – Dates Now Through February 2021
  • Endless Summer Dockside – Standard rooms starting $74 a night plus tax
  • Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Standard rooms starting $79 a night plus tax
  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Standard rooms starting at $169 a night plus tax
  • Hard Rock Hotel – Standard rooms starting at $189 a night plus tax
• 3-Day Pass for $164.99 per guest plus tax (FL residents only)
• Save Up To $100 On Select Annual Passes (FL residents only)

Refurbishments and Closures

The following attractions are closed due to COVID-19. At this time there are no dates for reopening unless otherwise listed.

• Volcano Bay – Reopening March 1, 2021
• Fievel’s Playground
• Curious George Goes to Town
• A Day in the Park with Barney
• Fear Factor Live
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – Closed weekdays
• Camp Jurassic
• If I Ran the Zoo
• Jurassic Discovery Center
• Me Ship, The Olive
• Poseidon’s Fury
• Storm Force Acceleration

The following attractions are closed for refurbishment:

• Revenge of the Mummy – January 4 – 15, 2021
• Hogwarts Express – January 21, 2021
• Jurassic Park River Adventure – January 11 – 29, 2021
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – February 1 – 19, 2021
• Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls: February 22 – March 19, 2021

Leave your thoughts in the comments below!