Around the Universe – Discounts and News for May 2021

Well, guess April showers DO bring May technical previews! Team Members and guests are experiencing the thrills of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, hotels are reopening, and a very popular playground has reopened! This plus the latest discounts and news from around Universal Orlando in this month’s Around the Universe!

Jurassic World VelociCoaster Updates

Jurassic World VelociCoaster is rolling towards its opening. This week all Universal Team Members got their first rides on the new coaster. The consensus is nearly universal: this is the new king of coasters in Orlando. The ride brings airtime, laterals, and a frenetic ride.

https://twitter.com/ThemeParkShark/status/1387814838957580290

Universal Orlando Annual Passholders previews run Sunday, May 2, through Wednesday, May 5, but at this time all reservation slots are full. We expect technical rehearsals for all guests will start later in May.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster officially opens June 10, 2021.

Playground & Hotel Reopenings

If I Ran the Zoo playground has reopened in Seuss Landing. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/Nu67c3pvxz

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 26, 2021

Islands of Adventure’s Camp Jurassic and If I Ran the Zoo playgrounds have reopened to guests! These outdoor playgrounds were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and had not yet reopened. If I Ran the Zoo’s slides and water features remain off at this time.

Loews and Universal continue to reopen their resorts as tourism returns to Orlando. Loews Sapphire Falls (and the incredible Strong Water Tavern) is reopening on May 18 per their Facebook. While not announced at this time, Endless Summer – Surfside is accepting bookings starting May 26, and Universal’s Aventura Hotel is accepting bookings for dates beginning July 1. Once these resorts are open all the hotels at Universal Orlando will have reopened to guests after the 2020 closure due to COVID-19.

Discounts

• Annual Pass – 30% off day-of purchases of Express Pass (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure only)
• Annual Pass – 10% off day-of purchases of premium seating and cabana rentals at Volcano Bay
• All Guests – Save up to $600 on vacation packages

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.

• Fievel’s Playground
• Curious George Goes to Town
• Fear Factor Live
• Jurassic Discovery Center
• Me Ship, The Olive
• Poseidon’s Fury
• Storm Force Acceleration

The following attractions are closed for refurbishment:

• None

Leave your thoughts in the comments below!