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The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2026 Updates (as of 12/12/2025)
INTRODUCTION
PART 1 PLANNING BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
31 Starting January 2026, USF will open at 10am during the off-season.
31-32 Theme park tickets for 2026 are now on sale. As of 1/1/2026, “3 Park” passes refer to USF, IOA, & Epic Universe; “4 Park” passes refer to USF, IOA, EU, and Volcano Bay. 2 day tickets include one day at IOA/USF and one at EU. All theme park passes of 3 days or longer include a free choice ofUSF, IOA, and EU, and all 4-5 day tickets include park-to-park access. Volcano Bay can only be purchased as a single day, or with a 3-day or longer park-to-park pass; no muti-day single park passes will include VB.
34 UOAP discounts and benefits are available at Epic Universe through 2026.
35 3-Park Annual Passes including Volcano Bay are no longer available for sale or renewal.
39 The 2026 Military Freedom Pass (valid through 12/18/2026) starts at $220 for 2-park access, with Volcano Bay included for an additional $35. Epic Universe is not included in these passes.
54-55 EPA was not available at USF during Christmas 2025.
56 Many rides now scan Express users’ faces (using the same photo validation system as the parks’ gate) instead of their physical pass. Wait until the light turns green before proceeding.
58 Universal has tested paid single-use Express Passes for Revenge of the Mummy and Skull Island Reign of Kong. They can be purchased in the app by scanning a QR code, and cost $15-$25 per person per ride.
63 VelociCoaster no longer offers a single rider line.
PART 2 ACCOMMODATIONS
PART 3 ARRIVING & GETTING AROUND
129 Guests can save $3 by pre-purchasing self parking through Universal’s website.
PART 4 ESSENTIALS
140 Pharmabox vending machines with medicine, baby supplies, socks and underwear, and more, can be found at the restrooms near Voodoo Doughnuts, Men In Black, Jurassic Park, Comic Strip Cafe and USF’s front lockers.
153 All guests must be able to stand independently and walk two steps unassisted in order to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World Velocicoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (motorbike only), Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Stardust Racers, and Dragon Racers Rally.
154 Wheelchair rentals are not available in CityWalk or the parking hub. Free loaner wheelchairs are available near the cinema. All wheelchair and ECV rentals are inside the theme parks.
161 Attractions Assistance Pass return times can now be booked through the attractions page inside the UOR app. If the standby time is under 30 minutes, you can receive an immediate return time, but you can only have one AAP at a time. A new reservation can be made 15 minutes after one is redeemed, and you must be inside the park to make a reservation. AAPs are valid up to 1 year for annual passholders. Paper AAPs are still available.
PART 5 UNIVERSAL AND KIDS
PART 6 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
210 Owl Post and Globus Mundi didn’t open for the 2025 holiday season.
225 Mardi Gras will run February 7 through April 4, 2026.
226 Mardi Gras 2026 Float & Dine packages cost $101 per person.
234 Holidays at Universal will run November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026. Reserved parade viewing for Universal Visa cardholders is near the Brown Derby.
236 Early Park Admission is not offered at USF.
PART 7 ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
254-255 VelociCoaster no longer offers a single rider line.
267 Grinchmas runs November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026. The 2025 VIP holiday tour ($96 and up, plus park admission) includes reserved seating for the Grinchmas show, plus one attraction, but not USF’s holiday parade or private after-hour viewing of the Hogwarts light show.
268 The back corner between Cat in the Hat and One Fish Two Fish hosts a Who-ville Christmas tree lot, with decorated trees themed to different Seuss characters.
PART 8 EPIC UNIVERSE
276 Constellation Carousel attracts the longest lines after sunset.
279 Your best bet for riding Mine-Cart Madness is to step into the standby queue right before closing time.
281 Near the Goomba Crazy Crank is a slot machine. It isn’t a Key challenge, but you can earn achievement stamps by stopping all the reels on the same symbol; win the Fire Flower by punching when you see the Leaf.
285 The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience now offers temporary tattoos (2 for $45).
288 Le Cirque Arcanus’s preshow can feel overcrowded, so watch from the back corner if you get claustrophobic.
292 Celestial Park and the Wizarding World will be decorated for the holidays from November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026. Isle of Berk celebrates Snoggletog with decor and special food.
PART 9 VOLCANO BAY
PART 10 DINING & SHOPPING
308 Green eggs and ham are no longer on the Grinchmas breakfast menu.
312 Mobile Dining Orders now automatically apply annual pass discounts.
324 Guido’s inside Louie’s serves affordable affogado (espresso over ice cream).
327 The Emerald City snack stand outside the Wicked Experience serves Oz-themed focaccia.
328 Pizza Predattoria has added garlic breadcones filled with marinara meatballs or chicken alfredo pasta.
330 Green Eggs & Ham Cafe’s carnitas tots have been replaced with cheeseburger tots.
331 Blondie’s has reopened with a new menu of sandwiches and mac & cheese bowls. Custom subs are no longer offered, and the brookie has been replaced with brownie cake, but the new Dagwood with pimento cheese is recommended. Mobile Ordering (previously mandatory) is no longer available here.
335-336 Le Goblet Noir’s knodel soup and salad is recommended for a lighter meal.
345-365 replace “Universal Orlando garage” with “Citywalk garage”
354 Finnegan’s will be closed for renovations from January 12 through late 2026.
367 Shop.universalorlando.com is now shopuniversal.com
368 The Wicked Experience is being updated with props from the sequel, Wicked: For Good.
370 The Brown Derby is currently open to annual passholders and team members, with older merchandise discounted 80% off. Williams of Hollywood is currently a Holiday tribute store.
370 WossaMotta U is currently closed.
PART 11 CITYWALK
382 The bar inside the Great Movie Escape Room has closed.
The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2025 Updates (archived as of 10/23/2025)
INTRODUCTION
10 The Themed Entertainment Association estimated that USF’s attendance nearly equaled Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ in 2024, with both it and IOA besting Animal Kingdom.
PART 1 PLANNING BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
22 The UOAP Facebook Group is being converted to a Page, with breaking news but no griping.
24 Helios Grand Hotel phone # (689) 218-1000
25 Grad Bash 2025 events will be held after-hours on April 4, 5, 11, and 25. Gradventure will be held on May 2, 9, 16, and 17. We suggest avoiding those dates if you are not involved in the event.
25 Volcano Bay will be closed for extended maintenance from October 26, 2026, through as late as March 24, 2027.
32 Epic Universe’s standard operating hours for summer 2025 are 10 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. Some attractions may remain open until 1 hour after closing if the park closes at 9 or earlier, but certain popular attractions (including Battle at the Ministry and Mine-Cart Madness) may close their queues before the official closing time.
32 Volcano Bay will hold hard-ticket after-hours events in April & May 2025, which will allow attendees to enjoy the park’s nighttime lighting as originally intended.
32-33 Multi-day tickets including 1 day at Epic Universe are on sale as of October 22, 2024. One-day Epic Universe tickets for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders are on sale as of October 24, 2024.
33 Single-day tickets to Epic Universe are available starting June 1, 2025. They cost $148-$212, $21 more than the equivalent 1-day ticket to USF or IOA.
33 2026 Theme park tickets are now on sale. As of 1/1/2026, “3 Park” passes refer to USF, IOA, & Epic Universe; “4 Park” passes refer to USF, IOA, EU, and Volcano Bay. 2 day tickets include one day at IOA/USF and one at EU. All theme park passes of 3 days or longer include a free choice ofUSF, IOA, and EU, and all 4-5 day tickets include park-to-park access. Volcano Bay can only be purchased as a single day, or with a 3-day or longer park-to-park pass; no muti-day single park passes will include VB.
35 Annual Pass benefits do not include early entry or free express at Epic Universe.
35 All Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders can use the exclusive UOAP entrance at Islands of Adventure through the end of 2025. It is located to the far left of the front gates, and is open daily from the start of early entry until noon.
36 Power Pass is valid after 5 p.m. at USF on block-out days if there is a Mardi Gras concert.
37 UOAP Passholder Appreciation Days are August 15-September 30, 2025. UOAP Bonus Benefits discounts were available January 6-31, 2025.
39 The 2025 Freedom Pass costs $210 for 2 parks ($245 with Volcano Bay). Florida resident and military discount tickets for Epic Universe are now available.
39 UOAPs can now purchase discounted multiday tickets online without having to go to the park box office.
41 Magical Dining runs Aug 15-Sept 30, with 3 course meals for $40 or $60.
41 Portofino Bay’s Mandara Spa has closed.
51 Universal is testing their photo validation system without scanning admission tickets. This ticketless entry system will be used at Epic Universe.
51 At Epic Universe, security checkpoints open about 2 hours before official opening, with guests being allowed into the front plaza of Celestial Park.
52-53 Epic Universe rope drop is about 10 minutes before early park admission begins, with eligible guests allowed to enter Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe. All guests may queue for Battle at the Ministry, which begins operating up to 30 minutes before official opening.
53 Islands of Adventure is testing a new Early Park Admission procedure. Separate queues form outside the park for guests with early entry privileges, and general admission, with only the eligible guests allowed through the gates before the official opening time.
53 Early Park Admission at Epic Universe currently includes Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure in Super Nintendo World, Monsters Unchained and Curse of the Werewolf in Dark Universe, and Stardust Racers and Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park. Mine-Cart Madness is not included. All guests may queue for Battle at the Ministry, which begins running up to 30 minutes before park opening.
54 Express Passes are valid at participating attractions during Early Park Admission.
54 Forbidden Journey opens with EPA during peak seasons.
55 Mine Cart Madness and Battle at the Ministry both offer Express
57 Express Passes are now available for multiple days to the original parks and Epic Universe.
57 Select rides (like Spider-Man) now scan Express users’ faces (using the same photo validation system as the parks’ gate) instead of their physical pass.
58 Hagrid’s now accepts Express passes. The wait can be ⅓-½ of the posted standby, typically 30-40 minutes.
58 Universal Express is not accepted at Mine-Cart Madness, Battle at the Ministry, and Dragon Racers Rally at Epic Universe.
59 One-day Universal Express Pass prices range from $128 for a single-use pass at USF (or $138 at IOA) during slow seasons, to $405 for a two-park Unlimited Pass on a holiday. Single-use Express Passes for EU range from $202 to $383 per day, and a 2-day single-use Express Pass covering all three theme parks runs $288 to $602; 5-day passes start as low as $86 per day.
59 Universal is now testing paid single-use Express Passes for Revenge of the Mummy and Skull Island Reign of Kong. They can be purchased in the app by scanning a QR code, and cost $15-$25 per person per ride.
59 After 4pm express passes cost about half the price of full-day passes (when available)
62 Tapu Tapu will no longer be available at Volcano Bay as of October 1, 2025. All slides will have standby lines instead.
62 Virtual Line is no longer being used for Battle at the Ministry. When in use, you must have at least one ticket linked to your account to get a 30-minute return window. Virtual Line opens at set times each day, and sells out within seconds. Click the VL symbol on the ride’s page inside Universal’s app when the circle changes from grey to blue, then select the number of guests in your party. Pick one of the offered times (try the middle or last option for better results) or change your number of guests to refresh the page if nothing is available.
64 Hagrid’s offers single riders again as of June 2025. Single rider wait times at Epic Universe average 30-40% of the posted standby wait. The exception is Monsters Unchained, which is extremely efficient and often a walk-on.
65 4-hour VIP Tours of Epic Universe with Express access afterwards are now available.
68 Trivia note: The statue on the upper terrace of Central Park has the body of Abraham Lincoln and the head of late MCA/Universal mogul Lew Wasserman.
PART 2 ACCOMMODATIONS
75 If you are staying at more than one onsite hotel during your vacation, Loews’ bell service no longer offers complimentary luggage transfers; you’ll need to carry your bags yourself, or call a ride-share.
77 Waterslides at hotel pools will be closed if the temperature is below 60F. The pools themselves will be closed below 50F, and the entire pool deck will close below 45F.
77 Signature and Cabana Bay hotel guests are free to pool-hop among those resorts; pools at Endless Summer, Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Helios Grand are only for guests registered there.
79 Signature Collection hotels all charge a $38-per-night self-parking fee ($48 for valet) for registered guests; day guests pay $53 for self-parking over 30 minutes ($11 for 5–30 minutes) and $60 for valet. Helio Grand gouges $128 from day guests who self-park or valet. Aventura and the Value Inn and Suites properties charge $28 for overnight guests (self-parking only), with Endless Summer also accommodating RVs for $80; all bill $53 per day for day visitors. Stella Nova and Terra Luna charge $32 for overnight guests to self-park, and $65 for day visitors.
79 At Heilos Grand, self-parking is validated for up to 4 hours when you spend a minimum of $75 at Bar Helios or Flora Taverna; full price is charged after 4 hours. There is no validation for valet.
81 Portofino Bay’s Mandara Spa has closed.
86 Portofino Bay’s Mandara Spa has closed.
87 Harbor Nights tickets are $99 for standing-only general admission and $144 for VIP.
99 Helios Grand Hotel opens May 22, 2025. Phone # (689) 218-1000
100 Terra Luna Resort opened March 25, 2025. Rooms at Stella Nova & Terra Luna have 315 square feet, with artwork based on images taken by NASA’s Webb telescope, 49” televisions, and a sink with vanity separate from the toilet and shower. Stella Nova’s pool is 10,000 sq ft large and 4’ 6” deep, and has a splash pad but no zero entry; Terra Luna’s pool is slightly smaller but has zero entry.
100 The walk from Terra Luna to Epic Universe is long and runs along a major road; use the bus instead.
102 New three-park vacation packages include Epic Universe tickets and breakfast at Cafe L’air De La Sirene in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
PART 3 ARRIVING & GETTING AROUND
120 You can get a Visitor Toll Pass from a vending machine near MCO’s car rental counters.
120 To reach Epic Universe from MCO on 528 westbound, take Exit 2 and turn right onto Universal Boulevard northbound. If traffic is backed up, you can use Exit 3 as an alternative.
128 Universal Vacations can also bundle Mears airport shuttle service from MCO to off-site partner hotels.
130 The Lynx 311 bus costs $2 per rider and goes from MCO to Epic Universe (and Helios Grand at select times) in about 40 minutes. The route also stops at the Florida Mall, Convention Center, and Disney Springs. See https://www.golynx.com/file/97404/Link_311.pdf for details.
131 Third-party hotel shuttles depart for the evening before the nighttime spectaculars.
133 There is a bicycle rack at the Universal parking hub bus loops.
134 Guests can save $3 by pre-purchasing self parking through Universal’s website.
135 Prime parking spots at Epic Universe are shaded by an array of solar panels.
135 change “Premier Pass holders are charged $42 ($52 for Preferred) if they don’t pick up from valet before 7 p.m.” to “Premier Pass holders are charged $40 ($50 for Preferred) if they don’t pick up from valet before 7 p.m.
137 Unofficial Tip: You can shortcut through CityWalk’s Super Nintendo World store for a quicker air-conditioned walk to USF.
PART 4 ESSENTIALS
139 The only ATM at Epic Universe is outside the front entrance near guest services
141 Bring a pocket-sized UV protective umbrella for shade even if it isn’t rainy, especially at Epic Universe.
144 A selection of diapers and sanitary products can be purchased from PharmaBox vending machines, located outside select restrooms around the parks (eg. Marvel Super Hero Island and outside ET Adventure). Larger Pharmabox vending machines with medicine, socks, and underwear can be found at the restrooms near Men In Black, Jurassic Park, and USF’s lockers.
147 Standard FuelRod kits cost $43. FuelRod’s new kiosks also offer MAX10 batteries ($85) with larger 10,000 mAh capacity and MagSafe wireless charging. They are found in Epic Universe at Guest Services kiosks outside each portal.
147 Free swaps of older Fuelrods for the upgraded models are ending soon.
150 Paid all-day lockers in Epic Universe can also be found at the concierge kiosks outside each world’s portal.
151 Free short-term lockers at Epic Universe measure 11.8” x 11” x 13”, large enough for standing cups. They are available at Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and Monsters Unchained, and mandatory at Stardust Racers.
152 There are no paid short-term lockers at Epic Universe, but Fyre Drill has waterproof storage lockers on each boat.
152 My Universal Photos at USF has permanently relocated to It’s A Wrap at the park exit.
153 My Universal Photos photographers can be found around Epic Universe in front of each portal and Stardust Racers.
154 Annual Passholders can renew expired My Universal Photos annual plans inside the parks for $106.
155 Smoking sections inside the theme park have been removed. The only designated smoking areas are outside the exits of USF, IOA, and Epic; near Red Coconut Club in CityWalk, and in VB at Wave Village East (which will be moved in October to the park exit).
157 All guests must be able to stand independently and walk two steps unassisted in order to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World Velocicoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (motorbike only), Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Stardust Racers, and Dragon Racers Rally.
158 Wheelchair rentals are not available in CityWalk or the parking hub. Free loaner wheelchairs are available near the cinema. All wheelchair and ECV rentals are inside the theme parks.
158-159 Outlets for recharging ECVs can be found at many designated stroller parking areas. Be aware that most queues at Epic Universe are not ECV accessible, and require transferring to a manual wheelchair.
160 Service animal relief areas at Epic are near the accessible parking lot; in Celestial Park across from Atlantic, outside the Blue Dragon, and near Stardust Racers’ entrance; and near Curse of the Werewolf in Dark Universe.
162 Most rides at Epic Universe have restraints that are accommodating of larger guests.
163 Larger guests can ask for modified seats on Stardust Racers (row 6), Dragon Racers Rally (seat 4), and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (back row)
165 An IAC from IBCCES is not mandatory for receiving an AAP, but guests with a case number get to skip the regular guest services line and use expedited pass pickup queues found near the entrance of each park. At Epic Universe, you can pick up your assistance pass at the front of the park, or at any of the concierge kiosks located outside each world’s portal. The kiosks outside Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe are usually less crowded.
166 The Universal Orlando website is currently inaccessible for users in the United Kingdom. Use a VPN (virtual private network), set your location to Bermuda, and set your time zone to New York (Eastern).
PART 5 UNIVERSAL AND KIDS
172 Pharmabox vending machines, located outside select restrooms, sell diapers and sanitary products.
187 Mine-Cart Madness min height is 40”
190 change “• Hello Kitty Hollywood at her store” to “Hello Kitty Hollywood near the park exit”; after “Mummy Stiltwalkers” add “and “Egyptian Princess”
190 Dora the Explorer meets outside DreamWorks Land. Hashtag the Panda appears in New York near the Jimmy Fallon ride.
190 Alex from Madagascar occasionally greets guests in Hollywood (no Penguins)
191 Add Donkey Kong to the list of characters in Super Nintendo World.
PART 6 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
200 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be permanently closed as of August 18, 2025. Work has already begun on its replacement, an Intamin rollercoaster that may have a Fast & Furious theme.
202 Hashtag the Panda does not appear inside the Jimmy Fallon preshow, but can be found outside and around the building.
206 Fast & Furious closes by 7 p.m. or earlier.
211 Second Generation interactive Wands are now available in 4 styles for $90 each. Second-generation wands are now available for Harry Potter, Hermione, and Dumbledore. A Phoenix wand is available exclusively at Epic Universe. They can be purchased within the Wizarding Worlds and at Universal Studios Stores in the hotels and CityWalk. 2nd Generation wands feature multi-colored light effects and haptic vibrations when casting spells, and connect to the Universal app to track your progress in “adventures” and house cup competitions across the three theme parks. 2nd generation wands can cast additional spells by following the instructions displayed on e-ink spellbooks in many windows, which trigger more elaborate special effects. If you are having difficulty using the new wands, turn on “spell casting assistance” in the Options menu under Wand Settings. The new wands’ included AAAA batteries last for 2000 spells, and can be replaced for free at any wand sales location. Original interactive wands are still available for $69, and are used in the Ollivanders wand ceremonies, but the new wands are required to trigger some spell locations (Dementor Staircaise in Knockturn Alley, Dueling Dummies outside Hogwarts). New maps show all three Wizarding Worlds but do not glow under ultraviolet, and Sribbulus’s window is no longer secret.
211 Wands by Gregorovitch in Diagon Alley is closed seasonally
213 Globus Mundi is closed seasonally
214 change “type your name on a digital soda bottle” to “remix music using touchscreen controls”
219-220 Trollercoaster may not open until 10 a.m.
225 CineSational goes on hiatus during the Halloween and Mardi Gras season but returns in time for the holidays and summer. Drones returned to Cinesational as of June 16, 2025. One section in the rear of Cinesational’s viewing area is reserved for Visa cardholders, but there should be ample room next to it.
225-226 Universal Mega Movie Parade runs from early spring after Mardi Gras ends, until the start of Halloween Horror Nights.
227 Rock The Universe 2025 will feature Brandon Lake, Forrest Frank, Bethel Music, Matthew West, and Rend Collective.
227 Mardi Gras will run February 7 through April 4, 2026.
228 The Mardi Gras parade takes about 15-20 minutes to pass by any one spot, and it lasts around 45 minutes. The parade generally begins at 7:30 p.m. on concert nights, or between 6 and 7 p.m. on non-concert nights but it may step off as early as 5 p.m. if the park closes early.
229 Reserved Mardi Gras viewing for Universal Visa cardholders is in front of Schwab’s Pharmacy.
229 The 2025 Mardi Gras Dine and Ride package costs $96 including tax and tip.
229 Mardi Gras 2025 concert acts include T-Pain, Joe Jonas, Kook & The Gang, Scotty McCreery, All Time Low, DJ Pauly D, and TLC.
229 All Mardi Gras 2025 concerts begin at 8:30 p.m. To ride a float using the Virtual Line system, your park admission must be tied to your account in Universal’s mobile app.
230-231 Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights are now available. The event runs August 29 through November 2, 2025. 6-house Unmasking the Horror tours now include lunch.
231 Frequent Fear/Rush of Fear passes for HHN 2025 cost $200-$420. Rush of Fear with express is $690. Frequent Fear with express ($840-$1200) is already sold out.
232 HHN guests may purchase a “deathly afraid” light-up necklace for $20 to indicate they don’t wish to be startled by performers in scarezones outside the haunted houses.
233 Halloween Horror Nights Stay & Scream no longer uses holding areas. Eligible guests can get wristbands starting at 3pm from Lombard’s, Minion Cafe, or Minion Blast. Select haunted house queues open at 4pm, with mazes opening starting at 5:15pm.
236 The Haunt-o-Phonic fountain show has returned to the USF lagoon for HHN 2025.
237 Holidays at Universal will run November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026. The VIP holiday tour starts at $80 plus tax, and does not include a private viewing of the Hogwarts light show.
237 Universal no longer recruits guests to volunteer as balloon handlers for the holiday parade.
238 Mannheim Steamroller did not perform live at USF in 2024, and is not expected to return in 2025.
PART 7 ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
253 The exterior portion of Skull Island’s ride track has reopened.
260-262 Hagrid’s now offers both Express and Single rider.
264 Despite its limited capacity, wait times for Ollivanders in Hogsmeade rarely exceed the length of 2 or 3 shows, even on the busiest days.
266 The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle show did not run in 2024 but may return in 2025.
269 Grinchmas runs November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026. The Grinch breakfast costs $59 plus tax. A Who-ville Christmas tree lot is being added to the celebration.
270 The 2025 VIP holiday tour ($85 and up, plus park admission) includes reserved seating for the Grinchmas show, plus one attraction, but not USF’s holiday parade or private after-hour viewing of the Hogwarts light show. It is the only way to get a photo with Santa Claus and Max the dog, and the fastest way to meet the Grinch.
271 The Grinchmas breakfast is held inside Circus McGurkus. Whoville characters visit the tables during the plated meal, and you can meet the Grinch before or after eating with a 15-30 minute wait.
PART 8 EPIC UNIVERSE
273 Epic Universal officially opens on May 22, 2025.
276 Remove Mine-Cart Madness from Not to be Missed
277 The green side of Stardust Racers has slightly more intense airtime, especially in the back row. Stardust Racers’ single rider line is not very efficient, and can be almost as long as the standby wait; singles also can’t pick their track.
277 Stella Says: On the back of each Stardust Racers train is a flux capacitor from Back to the Future.
279 Mine-Cart Madness min height is 40”. Mine-Cart Madness now offers Express.
280 Tip: Power-Up Bands can also be purchased at hotels and in shops at the front of Epic Universe. Punch the underside of blocks with your fist, not your wrist, and gently tap the band against sensors.
281 The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience now offers temporary tattoos (2 for $45).
283 There is no interactive game in Darkmoor, but you can interact with monster hunters inside the Burning Blade Tavern, or meet Igor outside. The makeup experience costs $45 plus tax for full face makeup, or $145 plus tax for makeup and matching costume accessories. Participants can’t drink alcohol.
283 The Paris facades in Epic Universe’s Wizarding World tower 65-70 feet high, and period jazz music fills the air.
283 Battle at the Ministry offers standby, single rider, and Express, but not Virtual Line. All guests can start queueing when early park admission begins. Single riders see the Metrofloo, main lobby, and small portions of the remaining queue, but miss the talking portraits and Higgledy animatronic. Singles wait is 30-40% of standby; the wait will be about 20-30 minutes from the bottom of the final staircase, or an hour if it fills the hallway before that. The ride’s queue may be cut off before the park’s closing time if the posted wait exceeds an hour, so don’t wait until the last minute to get in line.
284 Cirque Arcanus begins loading its preshow about 10 minutes before the posted showtime; arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand to ensure your seat.
284 Wizarding exchange students wander Place Cache with a Monster Book of Monsters, and an Aurer from the French Ministry of Magic may be patrolling the area. A trio of street musicians play Parisian tunes accompanied by an animatronic Puffskein percussionist.
284-285 There are no spell locations exclusively for second-generation wands at Epic Universe, or areas in Epic’s Wizarding World that require a wand to enter.
285 You might find Cosme Acajor’s proprietor roaming around their wand shop, helping customers to cast spells.
285 Mademoiselle Malkins is a facade, not an operating store.
285 Dragon Racers Rally does not offer Express.
286 Fyre Drill’s boats have waterproof storage onboard. Use it, or else your belongings will be soaked!
286 Hiccup’s Wing Gliders does not have a single rider line.
287 The best view of Untrainable Dragon is from the rear of the front seating section, where you can see Toothless fly overhead.
287 The blind eggs with dragons at Toothless’ Treasure are not interactive, but you do get a brief ceremony to mark your adoption. There are multiple animatronic and puppet dragons that roam around the land. You can also meet Ruffnut & Tuffnut outside their Fyre Drill ride, as well as Gobber and his snoozing dragon Grump at the forge.
287 Celestial Park and the Wizarding World will be decorated for the holidays from November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026.
287-288 Celestial Trio is a live musical show performed on the Celestial Park stage. Inside Oak & Star, dueling guitarists entertain on the small stage near the Plastered Owl bar.
288 Celestial Park’s large fountain is called Cosmos (not Oculus). The fountain show happens nightly at the park’s posted closing time, and lasts about 10 minutes. There is also a brief fountain display each evening at sunset.
288 Maya and Cacao are not meet-and-greet characters.
PART 9 VOLCANO BAY
290 after “any animatronics or elaborate effects.” add “On select nights in April-May and September-October, Volcano Bay Nights after-hours events allow guests to enjoy the park’s slides with nighttime lighting and shorter lines, as well as DJ dance parties and Scooby Doo characters, for $105 per person.”
292 Tapu Tapu will no longer be available at Volcano Bay as of October 1, 2025. All slides will have standby lines instead.
295 Vol, the spirit of Volcano Bay, has been silenced. Vol’s Caverns now rates 2 stars.
PART 10 DINING & SHOPPING
305 The Three Broomsticks’ vegan mushroom pie has been replaced by vegan shepherds pie. VIVO’s vegan sausage pasta has been replaced with spinach artichoke pasta.
305 Remove Shrek & Donkey ice pops (Swamp Snacks)
310 Mobile Ordering now accepts Universal Gift Cards for payment.
311 Butterbeer ice pops are now available year-round. Additional seasonal treats like candy bars, cream puffs, and gummies are available during Butterbeer Season (March1-May 31).
315 Souvenir cups with blinking lights are no longer sold; some cocktails come with glow cubes.
318 The snack stand outside the Wicked Experience serves Oz-themed focaccia.
322 Minion Cafe’s mobile pickup window is closed.
323 Richters has an updated menu, and does not have mobile ordering at the moment.
324 Swamp Snacks no longer sells ice pops.
324 Today Cafe has new rotating seasonal pastries (including kruffins and danishes) replacing the matcha cream puff.
324 Blondie’s is currently closed.
326 Comic Strip Cafe has updated its menu. Yucca fries, tres leches cake, ramen, and bulgogi are gone. New items include pulled pork and burgers; Italian chicken sandwiches and jumbo pizza slices; orange chicken, lo mein, fried rice; and fruit bowls. Soft serve sundaes are available at Cathy’s Ice Cream outside.
326 Croissant Moon has Mobile Ordering.
326-327 Doc Sugrue’s now serves Greek salads topped with beef, chicken, or vegan kabobs.
328 The Three Broomsticks’ mushroom jackfruit pie has been replaced by vegan shepherds pie.
329 Wimpy’s now serves French fries instead of curly fries.
329 Bubbly Barrel serves the banana-flavored DK Crush Float.
329 Burning Blade Tavern serves the Hunter’s Garlic Stake, a cheesy pretzel with garlic dipping sauce, and a dangerously drinkable blend of mead and cider called a Crossbow.
330 Cafe L’air De La Sirene serves turkey, brie, and apple baguettes; Butterbeer crepes, roasted chicken and potatoes; and Quiche Lorraine. It has limited options for guests on low sodium diets.
330 Comet Dogs in Celestial Park serves bulgogi, al pastor, and vegan smoky carrot hot dogs.
330 Das Stakehaus serves Stakes (chicken, salmon, or meatloaf on skewers) and carved steaks, as well as spicy wings, vegan cabbage rolls, and coffin-shaped red velvet cake.
330 Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel serves a variety of mac & cheese cones.
330 Le Gobelet Noir serves charcuterie with sausage, pierogies, and pickled eggs; and vegan lentil stew.
330 Mead Hall serves a Thawfest Platter of sausages, salmon, and chicken; or a vegan kale and cabbage salad. The signature beverage is malted vanilla Yaknog, and kids can catch a chocolate mousse fish for dessert..
331 Oak and Star Tavern serves smoked brisket, ribs, pork, sausage, or chicken platers with mango bread and pickles.
331 Pizza Moon serves BBQ chicken, wild mushroom, ube garlic, and vegan pizzas; rigatoni with meatballs, and a chocolate brownie eclipse.
331 Spit Fyre Grill serves bowls of grains or greens, topped with steak, salmon, chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
331 Toadstool cafe serves Mario and Luigi Burgers (bacon mushroom cheeseburger, and pesto chicken with spinach, respectively), Bowser’s giant spicy meatball.
332 Yoshi’s Snack Island serves vegan spinach or Italian meat calzones, and apple melon or mango smoothies.
335 All of Voodoo Doughnut’s yeast shell varieties are now vegan (except the one with bacon).
336-338 Helios Grand will have the following quick-service restaurants:
- Aurora Market – a contemporary market offering coffees, grab-and-go food items, snack and dessert options, such as paninis, wraps, and gelato.
- Lotus Lagoon – a poolside bar and grill with refreshing cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and casual fare like burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.
338 Portofino’s full-service Starbucks is now Cafe Espresso, but it still serves Starbucks coffee.
340 Helios Grand will have the following full-service restaurants:
- Bar Helios – A rooftop lounge offering creative tapas and handcrafted specialty cocktails, with 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond.
- Flora Taverna – a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with a lobby bar and open-style kitchen with live cooking, serving Mediterranean comfort foods like Greek meat on spit, whole fish, and pizza. Al fresco seating overlooks Celestial Park.
341 Atlantic serves sea bass, roasted romanesco, and snickerdoodle cake inside a beach pail. Aquaria Bar mixes exotic martinis.
345 Bigfire serves a special brunch menu on Sundays.
346 Blue Dragon serves tonkotsu ramen, sichuan smashed cucumbers, lacey crusted potstickers, fried Korean wings, beef Xi’an noodles, and passion fruit mooncake.
346 Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom no longer accepts reservations.
347 Confisco’s menu has been updated, the vegan crab cake has been removed.
348 Finnegan’s has an updated menu. The potato onion web, leek soup, and shrimp boxty have been removed.
348 Flora Taverna at Helios Grand offers a breakfast buffet, and serves charred octopus, shish kebabs, and mezzes & spreads for lunch & dinner.
352 The Hemisphere Dancer seaplane has returned the Lone Palm Airport bar after refurbishment.
353 Lombard’s menu has been updated again.
356 Pat O’Brien’s no longer accepts reservations.
362 The UNIVRS, Hello Kitty, and Betty Boop stores in USF have been closed for a Wicked walkthrough experience and shop.
362 Studio Sweets is now an extension of USF’s Universal Studios Store. On Location is now Universal Sweets candy store. My Universal Photos is now located with It’s A Wrap at the park exit.
362 The Wicked Experience is being updated with props from the sequel, Wicked: For Good.
363 The Brown Derby is currently open to annual passholders and team members, with older merchandise discounted 70% off. Williams of Hollywood (sometimes used as the Tribute Store) is currently closed.
363 The Coca-Cola kiosk outside MIB sells Freestyle cups, and has interactive touchscreens that allow guests to remix the background music.
363 USF’s Park Plaza Holiday Shop is closed.
363 Globus Mundi is closed seasonally.
363 The HHN 2025 tribute store is located in the NYC Palace arcade next to the Mummy exit gift shop.
365 Toon Extra sells toys and apparel tied to Hello Kitty and Betty Boop. WossaMotta U sells T-shirts and toys from DreamWorks cartoons like Gabby’s Dollhouse and Trolls.
365 WossaMotta U is currently closed.
365 The former heraldry shop in IOA’s Lost Continent now sells How to train your Dragon merchandise.
366 To the right of the entrance you’ll find Various Emporia, the former workshop of explorer Vincent Various which has been transformed into three smaller shops: Sensorium Emporium, an apparel and accessories shop; North Star Wintry Wonders, the park’s holiday store; and Lens Flare, the park’s photo pickup location.
366 In Dark Universe, the Guild of Mystics wagons near Curse of the Werewolf sell jewelry and magic charms.
367 Mademoiselle Malkins is a facade, not an operating store.
367 Toothless’ Treasures features blind-box collectible dragon toys, and adoptable plush dragons in egg-shaped crossbody carriers.
367 Citywalk’s Universal Studios Store has expanded with the opening of Super Nintendo and Butterbeer sections.
PART 11 CITYWALK
376 The bar inside the Great Movie Escape Room has closed.
377 Classic Albums Live has relocated to Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando.