We’re back with an update around the Universal Orlando. Other than the big project of the unnamed Harry Potter Coaster, this update focuses on small projects and new merchandise featured at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Park Update Index

» Emeril’s Orlando Replacement
» CineMark Theater
» Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall New Restraints
» Harry Potter Coaster
» Sindbad Theater
» Globus Mundi Store
» New Fantastic Beasts Wands & Merchandise
» New Grinch Merchandise
» A Little Bit of this, A Little Bit of that

Emeril’s Orlando Replacement

Universal Orlando has yet to make any announcement regarding this location’s future, but construction continues. No extreme exterior changes have been made at this time other than some window removal. Most of the construction work taking place is all inside, and out of view.

CineMark Theater

Universal Orlando continues to transform its old AMC theater to Cinemark. The theater sign still featured a temporary “CineMark” sign, but most of the other signage is already changed over. The transformation is expected to gradually take place, theater to theater, over the course of 6 months. Currently, the theater’s rotunda marquee is advertising the new Universal film, First Man.

Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall New Restraints

Testing was taking place during our visit. One side of Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall has been closed since September to update the ride’s restraints and refurbish the tower vehicles. The new restraints appear to not include seat belts as the older restraint did.

Harry Potter Coaster

Trees have begun to be planted around the coaster, which now blocks most of the views of the project. From what is visible, there’s still a lot of themeing to be done, but the structures of the ruins and a large hut are coming along nicely.

Sindbad Theater

The show has now been closed for a month, and the theater sits untouched other than removed signage. No word on what the plans are for this location, however speculation points to the theater sitting idly for a while. The good news is that the Mystic Fountain is staying put.

Globus Mundi Store

Signage has been installed on the future store. Still nothing official from Universal Orlando as to what the store will sell, or when it will open.

New Fantastic Beasts Wands & Merchandise

Merchandise based on the upcoming Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald are now being sold at Universal. In Ollivanders, guests can now purchase replica wands of the Goldstein sisters and Newt Scamander. In addition, a whole bunch of Niffler merchandise was available in the Magical Menagerie inside Diagon Alley.

New Grinch Merchandise

Illumination Entertainment upcoming film, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, is set to be released November 9th. Merchandise based on the film is now available at both parks.

A Little Bit of this, A Little Bit of that

It’s been a little over a year since T2:3D closed, yet there has been no progress or announcement as to what will replace the attraction.

Honk Honkers, the popular build-a-cotton candy store, has closed for a temporary refurbishment. We believe it may be to rework the store for better traffic flow, as it became pretty congested at times.

That’ll do it for this month’s photo update! Be sure to follow Inside Universal on our social media channels for continuing coverage of Universal Parks and Resorts!