Universal Orlando News — Week of June 15, 2019

Do not read with an empty stomach as we are covering the new food options at Monsters Cafe this week. Plus find all the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure grand opening coverage and more in this week’s news roundup!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Opening

On Tuesday, June 11, the cast of the Harry Potter films opened the newest addition to the Wizarding World: Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure. Evana Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick and Griphook), and twins James and Oliver Phelps cast a spell to open the ride while Robbie Coltrane declared the ride open via video. (Robbie could not travel due to health concerns.) Next week we will cover the opening of the attraction and give our first impressions on the blog and YouTube.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is now open at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Monsters Cafe New Menu

Has your hunger made a monster out of you? Universal Studios Florida’s Monster Cafe has debuted a new BBQ-focused menu. Choose between custom-made pizzas, beef brisket sandwiches, vegetarian friendly BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, or built your own platter. Meats include a choice of beef brisket, rotisserie chicken, sausage, and ribs; side options are cornbread, baked beans, Brussels sprouts, french fries, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.

Weekly Crowd Levels

Detailed crowd level information can be found here. (Note that crowd levels for the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure have and will likely continue to be extreme due to demand.)

Weather

Operating Hours & Early Park Admission

CityWalk is open until 2:00 a.m. daily, with free self parking starting after 6:00 p.m.

Admission

Two-day, two-park tickets are $284.99 per adult and $274.99 per child (plus tax).

Volcano Bay tickets are at Anytime pricing at $80 per adult and $75 per child (plus tax).

Showtimes and Refurbishments

Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration Showtimes

• June 15 – June 16: 9:00 p.m.
• June 17 – June 21: 9:45 p.m.

Universal’s Superstar Parade

• June 15 – June 16: 5:00 p.m.
• June 17 – June 21: 7:00 p.m.

The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle

• June 15 – June 21: Ongoing from dusk till park close

Complete showtimes are available on Universal Orlando’s website.

Refurbishments

• Royal Pacific Resort Lobby Enhancements: March 1 – October 31 (phased)

Events & Festivals

Celebrate the Fourth of July holiday at Universal with music, characters, a special pyrotechnics display at 9:00 p.m., and Universal’s Cinematic Celebration at 9:45 p.m. The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m. from July 4 through July 6.

See you next week, and make sure to leave a question below for the Mail Bag!