Around the Universe – News and Discounts for March 2021

This week Universal said their new theme park is back on track, Horror Nights lives, Volcano Bay reopens, and more. Oh, for me? lifts shades I was on vacation sipping Dockside Lemonades at Endless Summer Dockside. Hey, we can not all be as productive as Universal this week. lowers shades and sips the drink

Horror Nights, Horror Nights, HORROR NIGHTS!

IT’S SHOWTIME.

Hey babe, September 3 through October 31. Be there.

Volcano Bay Re-Opening

This past Saturday, February 27, Volcano Bay water park reopened after a seasonal closure to refurbish the park and low crowd levels due to COVID-19 pandemic travel.

Volcano Bay is now open daily (aside from weather closures). Visit Universal Orlando’s park hours page for details.

New Universal Experience Store

Universal revealed their new premier retail experience this past week. While details are scarce we think guests will be blown away by the expanded store.

New Universal Store CONFIRMED pic.twitter.com/3qQZfMv7g0

— Alex (@Imagineer2017) February 26, 2021

So Long, Farewell

Last month’s announcement of Blue Man Group and A Day in the Park with Barney’s closures were met with shock and sadness. In KidZone the entrance sign and fountain statue for Barney were removed while at Soundstage 17 the Blue Man Group mural is being painted over.

All Barney branding has been removed from the purple Dino’s closed Kidzone theater. Fortunately, the most adorable restroom at @UniversalORL is still available! (PS: restroom was unoccupied at time of photo)
^@skubersky pic.twitter.com/infyTL1bam

— TheUnofficialGuides (@TheUGseries) February 25, 2021

https://twitter.com/OrlandoInformer/status/1365348860332285958

Both shows have closed with no announcement of replacement. Let us pour one out and play one last tune.

VelociCoaster Updates

Velocicoaster photos from yesterday afternoon (thread) pic.twitter.com/2uXvB887IL

— Alex (@Imagineer2017) February 25, 2021

Walls around the new VelociCoaster are down! Now guests can look into the first half of the ride’s raptor pen setting. Testing continues on this highly anticipated coaster as finishing touches are installed. While Universal has yet to announce a more specific opening date beyond “Summer 2021”, we believe this coaster could enter technical previews within the next few months.

VelociCoaster merch spotted! Opening day shirts, shot glasses toothpick holders, pins, magnets, socks, and more are now available in Islands of Adventure and online.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster merchandise is now available. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/xtZcsuxHtj

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) February 23, 2021

If you are in the park, check out the new VelociCoaster entrance sign located north of The Watering Hole.

A new sign is a good sign, right? #VelociCoaster pic.twitter.com/IPtq6dNctI

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) February 26, 2021

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)
• 3 Months Free For Any 2021 Annual Pass (Offer valid through March 31, 2021)

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:

• Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls: February 22 – March 19, 2021
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit: March 10 – 11, 2021

Leave your thoughts in the comments below!