Around the Universe – News and Discounts for April 2021
If April showers bring May flowers, then what do March theme park crowds bring for April? Hopefully a Jurassic World VelociCoaster opening date announcement!
This week we check up on the VelociCoaster, price increases, CityWalk store updates, news, discounts, and more from Universal Orlando.
VelociCoaster Updates
Exterior construction is wrapping up at the Jurassic World VelociCoaster entrance plaza. The entrance marquee, safety signage, interior lighting, queue stanchions, and lockers have been installed – only two cherry pickers remain at the front of the attraction. Load area and interior queue work are progressing, costumes are on site, and team members are testing the ride throughout the week.
https://twitter.com/insideuniversal/status/1374797851864268806
Aerial view of Jurassic World VelociCoaster last night, minutes after sunset.
Hoped to catch a train with lights on during testing. Testing varies and there was a pause in testing same time as the flight. pic.twitter.com/XXsw1yI35V
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 27, 2021
Minutes after sunset aerial look at the pavement patterns near the Jurassic World VelociCoaster station. pic.twitter.com/NkIakfJ7gt
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 27, 2021
Height checks are installed outside the front entrance to the park.
https://twitter.com/G_Prodigy/status/1375505563946119172
Large single-use rental lockers for the attraction debuted inside the Discovery Center this week. Smaller single-use rental lockers will be located in the queue.
Large paid lockers have been installed in the lower level of Jurassic Park Discovery Center (currently used as an #UOAP dining area) for riders of the upcoming VelociCoaster. Free small lockers will be integrated into the ride’s queue. @UniversalORL ^@skubersky pic.twitter.com/VZUk4TAjZz
— TheUnofficialGuides (@TheUGseries) March 25, 2021
Jurassic World VeloiCoaster opens in summer 2021. Stay tuned to TouringPlans on Twitter for updates on technical rehearsals.
New Universal Studios Store & Universal Legacy Store Open
The new Universal Studios Store has finally opened! Construction originally began in early 2020 but paused due to the pandemic.
NOW OPEN: CityWalk's brand-new Universal Studios Store is now welcoming its first guests! pic.twitter.com/NE4flkpun9
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) April 1, 2021
The new Universal Studios Store in CityWalk has opened! @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/m4rkNUU7TW
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 1, 2021
This brand-new collection of "Harry Potter" kitchenware took some style inspo from the Golden Snitch. ✨ pic.twitter.com/Y2axuVRBsq
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) April 1, 2021
The Harry Potter section of the store has some awesome displays; with the ceiling featuring constellations of all 4 houses. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/BAAJXW4ALO
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 1, 2021
The store also features a variety of t-shirts for $25 each, or 2 for $40. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/odDLYeo0Xx
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) April 1, 2021
At the old Universal Studios Store, located between Vivo and Bigfire, a new Universal Legacy Store opened. Inside hosts dozens of props, models, costumes, and more from old Universal Orlando Resort attractions along with Universal Orlando Resort merch. Just take a look at this cool stuff!
The old Universal Studios Store has officially become the Universal Legacy Store @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/K7AXodJCz0
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) March 24, 2021
Original ride vehicle models from Universal Studios Florida on display in the newly branded Legacy Store in CityWalk. pic.twitter.com/o7fjX5vtRT
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) March 25, 2021
Original Hogwarts Castle model from Islands of Adventure on display in the newly branded Legacy Store in CityWalk. pic.twitter.com/30axrnFIEP
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) March 25, 2021
Universal Orlando Annual Pass Price Increases
This is no joke, on April 1st Universal Orlando raised their annual pass prices $45 to $81 based on pass level:
| Two Park Annual Passes | |||
| Old Price | New Price | Difference | |
| Seasonal Pass | $304.99 | $349.99 | + $45 |
| Power Pass | $354.99 | $399.99 | + $45 |
| Preferred Pass | $394.99 | $449.99 | + $55 |
| Premier Pass | $559.99 | $624.99 | + $65 |
| Two Park Florida Resident Annual Passes | |||
| Old Price | New Price | Difference | |
| Seasonal Pass | $269.99 | $299.99 | + $30 |
| Power Pass | $319.99 | $349.99 | + $30 |
| Preferred Pass | $359.99 | $399.99 | + $40 |
| Premier Pass | $509.99 | $559.99 | + $50 |
| Three Park Annual Passes | |||
| Old Price | New Price | Difference | |
| Seasonal Pass | $403.99 | $449.99 | + $46 |
| Power Pass | $463.99 | $509.99 | + $46 |
| Preferred Pass | $503.99 | $559.99 | + $56 |
| Premier Pass | $733.99 | $814.99 | + $81 |
| Three Park Florida Resident Annual Passes | |||
| Old Price | New Price | Difference | |
| Seasonal Pass | $368.99 | $399.99 | + $31 |
| Power Pass | $428.99 | $459.99 | + $31 |
| Preferred Pass | $468.99 | $509.99 | + $41 |
| Premier Pass | $683.99 | $749.99 | + $66 |
At this time single-day and multi-day tickets remain unchanged.
Odds ‘n Ends
In 2020, Häagen-Dazs became the Official Ice Cream of Universal Orlando (yes, this is a thing) and slowly the parks have phased out other ice cream options. Earlier this year all Dippin’ Dots locations were removed and now the Universal Studios Florida Ben & Jerry’s closed, making way for a Häagen-Dazs location.
The Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Shop in Universal Studios Florida has opened. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/cxhQ2Pjaq2
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) March 17, 2021
Universal Studios Florida’s Mardi Gras celebration is extended through April 11 May 2! Enjoy this food festival with exclusive items like beignets, crawfish boils, paella, empanadas, and more from all the countries celebrating carnival!
Prime Parking is now $50, an increase of $10. If you are considering purchasing Prime Parking check out our article on ways to get it at a discount or free.
Discounts
- Save up to $200 on four, 4-Day Theme Park Tickets (Purchase before April 27, 2021, tickets valid through December 17, 2021)
- Florida Residents: Buy One-Day Tickets Receive Three Days Free (Purchase and valid through April 30, 2021, no blackout dates)
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
- 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:
- None
Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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