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What's New(ish) at Universal Orlando

By Joyce Shulman September 13, 2016
The last time I visited Universal Orlando, the Hogwarts Express was a single stationary engine, there were three resort hotels to choose from and my daughter was too small to ride … well, just about everything.

A whole lot has changed in the past four years. Universal Orlando continues to grow, expand and innovate at what feels like breakneck speed. It’s easy to see the new attractions, new hotels and new restaurants, but it is the more subtle changes that make Universal Orlando worth revisiting, as Universal raises its game on storytelling, innovation, dining and fun.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and you will be transported into the heart of one of the most beloved books and movies of all time. Everywhere you look, you’ll spot kids and adults decked out in wizards robes or the crest of their house, waving wands and drinking Butterbeer.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter encompasses two different lands connected via a ride on the Hogwarts Express – accessed via Platform 9¾ of course.

Hogsmeade, located in Islands of Adventure, is the home of the Hogwarts Castle and remains largely unchanged since its opening in 2010. You can still enjoy a frozen Butterbeer, visit Ollivanders wand factory, join Harry on a Forbidden Journey, ride the Flight of the Hippogriff (a family-friendly roller coaster suitable for younger riders) or feast at the Three Broomsticks (if you are four or more, we highly recommend the Feast).

In the summer of 2014, Diagon Alley was added to Universal’s Wizarding World. Located in Universal Studios (and yes, you need to purchase a two-park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express and visit both), Diagon Alley captures the essence of a magical London neighborhood. At its heart is Escape from Gringotts, an incredible new ride that incorporates 3D technology and a roller coaster feel. The theming and storytelling is taken to new heights here, as you join Harry, Ron and Hermione on a thrilling ride through the vaults of Gringotts. Lunch at the Leaky Cauldron, shop in the many stores, wait for the dragon that protects Gringotts to breathe fire, or hook your child up with an interactive wand that will let her bring the Wizarding World to life with an interactive game.

You could easily spend an entire day in Harry’s Wizarding World, so plan accordingly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUlQjkZ1fIw

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Just this summer, Skull Island: Reign of Kong Island opened in Islands of Adventure, and once again, it is storytelling at its best as you join a team of 1930s adventurers on a rescue mission into the heart of King Kong’s domain. You will be transported into King Kong’s kingdom, be attacked by massive creatures and feel the world shake as the powerful Kong comes to your rescue.

My 11-year-old sat this one out and that was probably for the best because, while the ride elements are not particularly scary, you are up close and personal to King Kong and the monsters he battles.

The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster

A redesign on The Hulk was completed and the attraction reopened this summer. Once again, Universal has raised the bar on its storytelling and ride experience. A new ride vehicle is sleek and modern and a new score brings it all together. But once again, it is the commitment to storytelling that begins with the queue that immerses guests into a high-tech, scientific facility and deep into the story.

With a launch speed over 60 miles per hour and seven inversions, this high-speed, high-intensity roller coaster keeps the thrills keep coming.

New Dining at CityWalk

Two new restaurants make a return to CityWalk for dinner an essential part of any Universal Orlando visit.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew

With something on the menu for everyone, and sports playing on more than 100 TVs that are practically wall-to-wall, there was no better place to be for dinner during the early days of the US Open, and I can only imagine what happens here during Monday Night Football! While everything on the menu is excellent, no meal is complete that doesn’t start with a gigantic warm pretzel, end with chocolate banana bread pudding, and isn’t accompanied by a selection of beer.

Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium

This "steampunk-era chocolate factory" – which opened for previews just last month – is a well-themed restaurant offering both full-service and quick-serve meals. But this joint is really all about dessert. And milkshakes. Oh, the milkshakes … Red Velvet, Bacon Brittle, Key Lime Pie … the list goes on. And on.

Chocolate gnocchi anyone?

Two New Resorts

Loews Sapphire Falls

The opening of Loews Sapphire Falls this summer brings the number of Universal Orlando resorts to five, each with its own feel, style and price point.

Loews Sapphire Falls is a deluxe hotel with Caribbean theming. The lobby boasts soaring ceilings and gorgeous decor, the pool is huge (as are the nachos served poolside) and the gym is very well-equipped. We loved cocktails and tapas at Strong Water Tavern and breakfast from Amatista. A quick dinner from the New Dutch Trading Company in the lobby was far beyond what we expected – the rice and beans were truly some of the best I’ve ever had.

But location is everything, right? This deluxe hotel has its own dock, with frequent boat service that delivers you right to the door of CityWalk and Universal’s two theme parks. Or if you feel like a morning walk, you can stroll to the parks in about 10 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpEpnVcyHec


Cabana Bay

Right across the street from Loews Sapphire Falls is Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This retro-themed “value” resort delivers all the recreation and fun you could want, with pools, a lazy river, bowling, nightly movies and more, plus lots of food options (including a great salad bar). Universal has missed no detail in its retro theming of this resort – from the decor to the Zest soap you’ll find in the shower. The rates at Cabana Bay are excellent and dedicated buses will whisk you right to the parks. Or stroll across the street and grab a boat from the Sapphire Falls dock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xck3KaVZbsw

What’s not new ….

Not to worry, all of this growth and innovation has not changed those things that make Universal Orlando special. The original ET, as designed by Stephen Spielberg when the park opened in 1990, remains charming and unchanged, the Mummy remains fantastic, Seuss Landing is as delightful as ever and Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket will still rock your world.

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The writer and her family were hosted for two nights at Loews Sapphire Falls and were provided with park access and dinner at NBC Grill. No other compensation was received and all opinions are her own.