We’re back with a photo update around the Universal Orlando, and there’s a lot of new merchandise that has been released. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is getting finishing touches, and the Jurassic Park project is really starting to transform the Island. Let’s get started!
Park Update Index
» Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
» Bigfire Restaurant
» Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
» Jurassic Park Project
» Monsters Cafe
» Love is Universal Merchandise
» Secret Life of Pets 2
» A Little Bit of this, A Little Bit of that
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
Universal’s Endless Summer – Surfside Inn & Suites is a little under a month from opening, so workers are finishing up the last touches around the resort. Landscaping is being completed, and fences are coming down as the Resort is set to officially open on June 27.
Over at Dockside, construction continues along. With Surfside about to open, it seems all focus has shifted there as not much change has transpired since our last update.
Bigfire Restaurant
The signage has been installed on both the entrance and along the side. Lighting is on the inside, and exterior lights have been installed along the outside. With construction almost complete, a few of the construction walls have been removed. The restaurant is set to open this Summer, but no opening date has been released.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Not much has changed on Hagrid’s since our last update. We were given a behind-the-scenes sneak peek last week, which you can read here. With the ride scheduled to open in about 3 weeks, we should be hearing about soft openings soon. Also, a new gift cart has been added near the eventual exit of Hagrid’s, selling attraction merchandise featuring the magical creatures.
Jurassic Park Project
Jurassic Park looks like a completely different area now with all the trees removed from the former Triceratops Encounter. Universal has yet to announce the project, but it is a massive construction area.
The Bypass bridge has begun to be built that will connect Lost Continent to Jurassic Park. It is expected that the bridge should be completed sometime this Summer.
Elsewhere, a new Vacation Information hut/kiosk has been built near Burger Digs, in an area where the smoking section formerly occupied.
Finally, Universal has added a lot more Jurassic World merchandise across the Resort.
Monsters Cafe
Universal has revamped the Monsters Cafe menu, focusing on more BBQ-centric options. Guests can order combos of 2 or 3 meats, including brisket, chicken, ribs, and sausage. Each combo comes with 2 sides and your choice of watermelon or Peach Cobbler. In addition, Lavender Sprite is being offered exclusively at the Cafe. The drink features blueberry boba balls.
Love is Universal Merchandise
Universal has released a line of pride merchandise, “Love is Universal”. The merchandise will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Zebra Coalition, an organization helping with housing and support systems for LGBTQ+ youth.
Secret Life of Pets 2
With the film set to release on June 7, Universal Orlando has begun to roll out advertising and merchandise around the resort. A new photo-op has been set up in KidZone, and the Universal Cineplex rotunda now features advertising for the film.
Wossamotta U, which always sold Pets merchandise, updated the windows to reflect the new film, as well as selling the new merchandise.
Throughout the parks, guests can pick up the new merch as well.
A Little Bit of this, A Little Bit of that
The entrance of the Candy Co. in San Francisco is behind walls for a refurbishment.
With the Today Cafe now open, guests can purchase their very own Today Show coffee mug.
Recently, Universal began running a daytime version of their Cinematic Celebration. It’s a short show, and just features the water fountains dancing to various Universal film soundtracks.
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!
