PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 10/28/22 (Deliveries from Earl’s Tree Farm, Gluten Free Alcoholic Drinks, Christmas Decorations in the Wizarding World, and More)

Annie Wilson

PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 10/28/22 (Deliveries from Earl’s Tree Farm, Gluten Free Alcoholic Drinks, Christmas Decorations in the Wizarding World, and More)

Welcome to another exciting day here at the Universal Orlando Resort. It’s a rainy October day, but the grey skies set the mood for spooky season. Let’s grab our umbrellas and head on into the parks to see what’s new today.

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It started raining as soon as we arrived at the park, but this might help disperse some of the afternoon crowds.

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The entrance for the new attraction at the front of the park, rumored to be a Minions-themed “Villain-Con” experience, is starting to take shape.

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universal orlando photo report 10 28 22 38

While we were walking towards Hollywood, we noticed some purple coloring on the building, just peeking out over the construction wall.

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Could we be getting “The Tribute Department Store” for our next holiday Tribute Store? This flyer at the exit of the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store seems to tease some of what we can expect for the holidays.

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You can purchase your photo to be added to the Holiday Tribute Store in the form of a holiday card. There are 4 designs to choose from and you can have up to two people in the photo. The photo will be taken at the Universal Studios Store, so you will need to be present to get your photo taken. You can get more details in our post here.

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This avocado was laying face down in the rain, but luckily someone picked him up and handed him to us. We decided to put him on a bench, and he looked quite happy about it. Only a few minutes later, someone else would pick him up and take him off to a new forever home. Good bye, Lil’ Avocado.

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universal orlando photo report 10 28 22 33

The holidays at Universal start on November 12 and the parks have already started putting up the garland and lights. Diagon Alley is almost completely decorated. Now is the time of year when you can walk through a haunted house and sip hot Butterbeer while looking at Christmas decorations in the same day.

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If you’re looking for a new bag, this mini backpack is perfect. A lot of merchandise has started to get restocked. Time to start your holiday shopping!

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Christmas light necklaces and holiday merch has started to get put out.

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Several large crates from Mistletoe Pines and Earl’s Tree Farm have started to arrive in gift shops around both parks. We can’t wait to see them!

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universal orlando photo report 10 28 22 11

Seuss Landing is the most beautiful place at night when all of the Who-liday decorations are lit.

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The highlight of the holidays at Universal for us has got to be meeting the Grinch. There’s nothing better! You can meet him in Seuss Landing, during the Grinch breakfast, or the Holiday Tour. This year, we heard the Grinch has set up his lair inside Honk Honkers instead of All The Books You Can Read. This seems like a better location for the meet and greet.

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One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish was closed for a few days for maintenance, but it has reopened now.

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The Watering Hole in Jurassic Park has gotten even better. Two new cocktails have been added to the menu and they are both gluten free! If you’re gluten intolerant or gluten sensitive, this is a great new option. There’s a Nectarine Spritz and a Watermelon Lemonade. Both of these drinks were fantastic and we highly recommend you try them both. The drinks are prepared with separate shakers and measurements to reduce cross contamination. Be sure to read our full review on these new cocktails!

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A few little Christmas decorations have been added in the Jurassic Park Discovery Center.

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Dudley Do-Right’s Rip Saw Falls is closed for maintenance and some construction walls have gone up on the bridge between Toon Lagoon and Jurassic Park.

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Popeye is still missing and more construction walls are up in Toon Lagoon. There is a lot of maintenance happening around this part of the park. We’re hopeful for a new UOAP Lounge here next year!

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More deliveries from Earl’s Tree Farm!

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Refurbishment continues in Marvel Super Hero Island, too. Islands of Adventure is such a beautiful park, we’re always happy to see maintenance and general upkeep.

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A few of the merchandise stands in Port of Entry across from Cinnabon are missing. The space feels very open and empty right now, but it’s not bad. There’s still some refurbishment going on down the pathway by the Lemon Slush stand, too.

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That’s all for this visit to the Universal Orlando Resort, but thanks for joining us today. We’re going to enjoy the last few nights of Halloween Horror Nights and then we’ll be in full swing, ready for the holidays! Stay tuned to Universal Parks News Today for all the latest updates.