There are exciting new things happening every day at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida! Join us every week to read about what’s new “Around the Universe.” This week’s Universal Orlando Resort News update features: Halloween Horror Nights 24 updates, Rock the Universe Christian Music Festival, live concerts and events and more!
What’s New This Week?
Universal Orlando Theme Parks
New! “AVP: Alien vs. Predator” house coming to Halloween Horror Nights 24: You will find yourself caught in the middle of the epic battle between the Aliens and Predators as you visit one of Weyland-Yutani’s secret facilities to assist with a critical situation. This Central American bio-weapons research facility houses several divisions that deal in extra-terrestrial technologies, specifically the Alien xenomorph species. Recently received surveillance shows the facility has been compromised by the Yautja—commonly known as Predators—who are relentlessly hunting the Aliens AND any thing in their path. Check out the trailer video below.
New! Rock the Universe Tickets on Sale Now: Rock the Universe is Florida’s biggest Christian Music Festival. It’s an entire weekend of great music, real faith, best friends, fist-pumping rock, praise songs, autographs, shouts of joy, lifted hands and lifted hearts—and you can be a part of every second of it, from the very first scream to the final amen. Grab your friends and join thousands of other believers for a weekend of soul-stirring concerts from some of Christian rock’s brightest. In-between the concerts, scream and spin and laugh on action-packed rides in Universal Studios. This year’s event is September 5-6, 2014. Tickets start at $41 per day. More info.
New! Power Pass Summer Blockout Dates Reduced: This summer’s blockout dates for Universal Studios Florida were originally noted to continue through August 14, but Universal has lifted the blockout starting August 1. You can now experience Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express earlier than planned.
Reminder! Changes to Park Operating Hours: August 1 through August 16, Universal Islands of Adventure will open at 8:00am to the general public (7:00am for Early Park Admission), while Universal Studios Florida will open at 9:00am to the general public (8:00am for Early Park Admission). Due to the differences in opening times, the Hogwarts Express will not be available until 8:00am, and from 8:00am to 9:00am, it will only be available to guests with Early Park Admission (and park-to-park tickets, as always). Universal CityWalk operating hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., 365 days a year.
Reminder! Diagon Alley is OPEN! July 8th marked the official grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Universal Orlando welcomed thousands of excited guests into the spectacularly themed land for the very first time with confetti, fireworks and a red carpet lined with dozens of cheering Diagon Alley team members. Here’s a video recap of Diagon Alley Grand Opening.
Reminder! Halloween Horror Nights Announcements Released: Step right into some of the most pulse-pounding moments in horror history at Universal Orlando® Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights®, the nation’s premier Halloween event. Select nights Sept. 19 – Nov. 1, you can explore eight terrifying haunted houses, multiple street experiences, two outrageous live shows, and many of your favorite rides and attractions. You’ll be completely immersed in the worlds of the biggest names in horror including: The Purge: Anarchy, Syfy’s Face Off, From Dusk Till Dawn, Alien vs. Predator and AMC’s The Walking Dead. More announcements to come.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
New! Wine Riffs Event at Hard Rock Hotel: Wine Riffs featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars will take place Friday, August 8 at 6:30pm at The Kitchen. Listen to Elizabeth Delouise-Gant tell the stories of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, taste the culinary pairings from our chefs and feel the emotions of the soundtrack that tie them all together. Five Course Dinner + Pairings: $125 + tax and gratuity. Menu.
New! Florida Resident and Annual Passholder Discount at Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Experience Universal Orlando® for less at the retro-themed Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, now open. This moderate and value priced property offers guests their choice of family suites complete with kitchenettes, or standard rooms, plus a wealth of recreation. With two huge pools, a lazy river, bowling alley, and more, it’s unforgettable family fun at a great value, right in the heart of Universal Orlando’s theme parks and non-stop nightlife. Special Summer Savings for Florida Residents and Annual Passholders – Rates Starting From $79 for Travel July 26 – August 31, 2014. Must Book by Aug 16, 2014. Contact Us Today for a FREE, No-Obligation Quote! 877-918-8941
or Request a Price Online.
Reminder! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Exclusive Vacation Package Dates Extended: Experience all the magic and excitement with this exclusive vacation package including admission to both Universal Orlando® theme parks, hotel accommodations, Early Park Admission? to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the theme parks open, breakfast at the Three Broomsticks™ and the new Leaky Cauldron™, receive an Owl Post Welcome Gift and more! Purchase now – December 10, 2014 with select travel through December 18, 2014. Prices starting from $109 per adult, per night, tax inclusive.
Universal CityWalk
New! DJ Ideal Appears Saturday, Aug 16 at the groove: He’s a fixture at Miami Mansion and has spun private events for Jay-Z and Beyonce, Usher and Eminem, and he’s in Orlando for one night only. Don’t miss it! Admission $7 per person. VIP Table Service available. Call 407-224-2166 for details.
Reminder! K92.3 All Star Jam with Big & Rich to Perform at Hard Rock Live Aug 15: Some of the most popular acts in country music right now will gather under one roof for what’s sure to be a night of incredible music. The K92.3 All-Star Jam takes over the Hard Rock Live Orlando stage, on Friday, August 15th 2014, featuring performances by Big & Rich, Chase Rice and Jamie Lynn Spears! $65 Reserved Balcony $39 GA Standing Floor. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Show starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets available at the Hard Rock Live box office and all Ticketmaster locations. For more information call 407-351-LIVE.
Reminder! The Wayans Brothers to Perform at Hard Rock Live Aug 16: The prodigiously talented Wayans Brothers are getting together for a 2014 tour! Keenan Ivory, Shawn, Marlon and Damon are heading out on what’s been called a sketch comedy/stand-up hybrid. They will appear at the Hard Rock Live Orlando stage, on Saturday, August 16th 2014. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $75.50 First 2 Rows and Balcony Tables $65.50 Advance $72.50 Day of Show. Show starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets available at the Hard Rock Live box office and all Ticketmaster locations. For more information call 407-351-LIVE.
Reminder! Classic Albums Live Featuring Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon at Hard Rock Live Aug 22: Classic Albums Live is a group of studio musicians and vocalists that perform the albums LIVE using the instrumentation used on the original recording…cut for cut…note for note. August 22, 2014. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Tickets: $25 Advance, $30 Day of Show for Reserved Seating and $15 Advance, $20 Day of Show GA Standing Perimeter. Tickets available at the Hard Rock Live box office and all Ticketmaster locations. For more information call 407-351-LIVE.
Reminder! CityWalk Expansion Plans: Hot Dog Hall Hall of Fame opened most recently to join Red Oven Pizza Bakery, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, Menchie’s, Breadbox and VIVO Italian Kitchen as the latest establishments to open as part of the expansion to Universal CityWalk. The CowFish will open later this year.
Closures and Refurbishments
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- None
Universal Studios
- None
Jason Mayhew
My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!
