Welcome to another beautiful day at the Universal Orlando Resort! It’s Friday and we’re ready to start the weekend here in the parks. Let’s see what’s new today.
Yesterday, Universal Orlando announced that Jack would be returning for Halloween Horror Nights 30. A new shirt arrived yesterday, but was sold out this morning. Never fear, they would be restocked later in the afternoon.
We even heard there will be new shirts released over the next few weeks leading up to the event.
For a Friday, the park felt relatively calm throughout the morning. Even in the afternoon, it didn’t feel very busy. Lines for the restaurants were actually pretty short.
It’s disappointing to see many of the food booths and snack stands closed, though.
Cabbie has returned to meet with guests, along with a new Fast and Furious photo op.
Chairs have returned to the bar in Springfield. Pull up a stool and grab a Duff!
Look who is back! Duke and Max are together again.
The awning above the old Barney’s Backyard play area is looking refreshed. We’ll be waiting to see what happens in this area of the park now that DreamWorks Destination has opened.
The U Design inside the Tribute Store has been closed lately. This needs to get fixed soon because we still need a personalized Raptor Tracker sign.
Some of the food carts had long lines later in the day as the park got busier.
The outdoor seating for Finnegan’s was removed. It feels a lot more open in this area now.
It’s good to see some smiling faces on characters while they interact with guests.
Pre-Shows have returned to Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Even more s’mores treats have arrived at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Red Velvet, Birthday Cake, and Naked Key Lime sound good.
Circus McGurkus has been open for lunch lately. Unfortunately, Green Eggs and Ham has been closed.
At least the Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop is open! It’s a little overcast today, but it’s still really hot.
Spotted some Moonlit Garden candles in the Lost Continent.
Over at the Shop of Wonders in the Lost Continent, some interesting Halloween decals have gone up in the windows.
Condiment bars have started to return around the resort. Sauces, napkins, and silverware are available for guests.
Even though Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is filling every seat, the wait time was still 45 minutes when we passed by. This is the best way to get soaked on a hot day.
We’ve noticed more physical lines for restaurants lately. Mobile Ordering is really a nightmare most days, so we’re hoping this is a sign that Universal is working to fix the food situation.
U Design kiosks around the park are getting upgraded to these nice new machines. These are a lot easier to navigate than the smaller screens.
It’s good to see guests and characters having interactions with less distance.
Shorter lines for restaurants is a very good sign!
We spotted a few long lines for food, but at least it isn’t like this all over the parks.
Outside in CityWalk, we found guests lined up waiting for Vivo Italian Kitchen to open. People are hungry!
That’s all for this visit to the Universal Orlando Resort! Thanks for joining us around the parks today and be sure to stay tuned to Universal Parks News Today for more updates.