There are many reasons to be excited about the future of Universal Orlando Resort. Already one of the most popular family vacation spots in the U.S., Universal is set to open a brand new theme park called Epic Universe in Orlando in 2025. While Universal has not announced which lands and attractions will be featured at Epic Universe, it’s sure to be filled with all kinds of new rides and attractions that span the Universal family of characters.
But if you’re considering visiting Universal Orlando before 2025, don’t fret! There are still plenty of new offerings to check out in 2023 and 2024, especially if you haven’t visited Universal over the past few years. As a way to entice guests to check out everything new, Universal is even offering some great deals to help save on park admission and your overnight stay.
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What’s New at Universal Orlando Resort
The newest arrival at Universal Orlando is Minion Land, found along Illumination Avenue and located just to the left as you enter Universal Studios Florida. The themed land includes Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a motion-simulator attraction in the park since 2012. Minion Land builds off of that attraction, with new shopping and dining all based on the Minion franchise.
Later this summer, Minion Land will introduce a second attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, which will feature a motion-based pathway you’ll step onto as you blast your way to supervillain stardom. Universal Orlando also has many newer high-speed thrills like Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, so having a new family-friendly attraction adds to the mix of fun things to do for everyone in your travel party.
If you’re a foodie, the centerpiece of Minion Land is Minion Cafe, an excellent new quick-service dining option. Its menu is not your typical theme park fare, with options including Lucy’s Top Secret Salmon, Mel’s Meatball Mountain, and Kevin’s Chopa Chopa Salad. For kids, the Freedonia Festival of Mac & Cheese comes with a side of Minion tots that are indeed as fun to play with as they are to eat.
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Minions aren’t the only characters finding their own slice of the Universal Orlando pie. Also new to the theme parks this summer is a re-vamped Tribute Store inspired by the 30th anniversary of the first Jurassic Park film. Universal’s Tribute Store is an immersive shopping experience that changes its themes on a seasonal basis. More than just a gift shop, there are numerous photo ops and unique behind-the-scenes elements that you will not want to miss if you’re a fan of the Jurassic Park franchise.
However, the summer season is only so long, and Halloween Horror Nights is again preparing for its annual return this fall. The themes of each of the intricate horror mazes have yet to be revealed, save for one. Universal announced earlier this year that the popular video game The Last of Us, which was made into a hit HBO series, will be the focal point of one of the mazes.
How to Save at Universal Orlando This Summer and Fall
Universal Orlando Resort is currently offering a few good promotional offers on theme park tickets and overnight accommodations. For example, this summer you can three days days free when you purchase a two-park, two-day ticket. That’s five days in the parks for the price of two! You can also upgrade your tickets to Park-to-Park tickets, allowing you to visit multiple theme parks in the same day. There’s even an upgrade option that includes Volcano Bay, Universal’s Orlando water park.
Universal recently announced a new offer for its annual passholders, too. For a limited time, you can get three months free with the purchase of a new or renewed Annual Pass, so that’s 15 months for the price of 12.
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If you want to include a Universal Orlando hotel in your vacation, additional savings are available. Guests can save 30 percent off a five-night hotel and ticket package that includes three-park, five-day theme park tickets. And if you’ a’re a Florida resident, those hotel savings bump up to 40 percent for select dates on Sundays through Thursdays. For this Florida resident deal, you must travel by August 23 to take advantage of that 40 percent savings.
Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel affords you several perks, including Early Park Admission that gives you access to select rides and attractions up to one hour prior to the posted park opening time. Guests at Premier hotels also receive Universal Express Unlimited Ride Access included with their stay.
