Around the Universe – Discounts and News for December 2021

The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and Universal Orlando is preparing for the winter months. In this month’s Around the Universe are new discounts, water ride refurbishment dates, Volcano Bay closing select days, and more! Grab a turkey sandwich and catch up on everything happening at Universal Orlando Resort.

Volcano Bay Winter Closures

Universal has confirmed that Volcano Bay will be closed on select days starting in January. No dates have officially been announced but we expect the water park to be closed on Tuesdays and Thursday in January and February. Volcano Bay also will close when daily temperatures reach into the 50s, stay tuned to Universal’s social media for updates.

For the latest operating days visit the Universal Orlando park hours webpage.

Winter Island of Adventure Water Ride Refurbishments

It is that time of the year again where the weather gets colder and Universal closes their water rides for refurbishment. If you are traveling to Islands of Adventure this January through March the water rides in Toon Lagoon and Jurassic Park will close on the following dates:

• Jurassic Park River Adventure closed January 10 through January 28, 2022
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls closed January 31 through February 25, 2022
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges closed February 25 through March 15, 2022

Hard Rock Hotel Velvet Sessions

Guess who’s at Hard Rock Hotel’s Velvet Sessions this month – why it’s former The Guess Who’s Carl Dixon! You can hear Carl acoustically perform rock and holiday hits on Friday, December 17 at 7:00 pm. Tickets start at $20 for standing room only or up to $120 for a table of four with one free round of drinks and complementary valet parking. Tickets are available online.

Holidays at Universal Orlando

Christmas is around the corner and Universal is going all out with their holiday offerings. The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s returns with daily performances. The Wizarding World features three Christmas versions of its popular shows. Guests can scavenger hunt for themed Christmas trees or walk through the Holiday Tribute Store. All of this plus more runs now through January 2, 2022.

Discounts

• Florida & Georgia Residents – Buy One Day, Get Second Day Free
• Florida Residents – Save $65 on Two-Park, Three-Day theme park admission
• All Guests – Save up to $600 on vacation packages
• All Guests – Endless Summer Dockside starting at $91 plus tax a night

For more deals, including discounts on vacation packages, visit the Universal Orlando website or book your Universal vacation with the TouringPlans Travel Agency.

Refurbishments and Closures

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

• Curious George Goes to Town
• Poseidon’s Fury

The following attractions are closed for refurbishment:

• Caro-Seuss-el
• The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle – returns 2022 after Halloween and Christmas overlays are concluded
• Revenge of the Mummy – January 7, 2022, through late summer 2022
• Jurassic Park River Adventure – January 10 through January 28, 2022
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – January 31 through February 25, 2022
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – February 25 through March 15, 2022

For the most up-to-date listing of refurbishments refer to the Universal Orlando website.

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