This post was originally posted by: The Universal Close Up Blog. Written By: Doug Boemler Wareing
With an amazing 2017 behind us—did someone say Universal’s Volcano Bay AND Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon AND an entirely new Holidays?—there’s no slowing down in 2018. From grand openings to upcoming announcements, here’s a quick look ahead at what you can expect from Universal Orlando Resort.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Opening: Spring
The latest installment of the Fast & Furious franchise isn’t in your local cinemas or streaming on your favorite device. It’s a big, bold ride—and it’s right here at Universal Studios Florida. Jump in alongside your favorite Fast characters in a crazy chase scene that feels like it’s right out of the movies. The attraction is also filled with cars and props from the movies, perfect for that selfie on your IG.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Opening: August
If you’re looking for modern, sleek and perfectly-priced accommodations while you’re here, look no further. Our sixth hotel welcomes you this August. You can already book a room and start dreaming about the views out your floor-to-ceiling windows, the sparkling pool and our first rooftop bar.
Perched 17 stories up in the air, you’ll enjoy striking, panoramic views of all three theme parks. You’ll be able to look out over the iconic Hogwarts Castle, the twists and turns of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, and the tropical oasis of Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Special Events
Beyond the rides and shows, your favorite events will be back this year! A Celebration of Harry Potter and Mardi Gras are just around the corner. And here are a few more of my favorites to look forward to.
Halloween Horror Nights 2018
Opening: September, with select nights through October
The world’s premier Halloween event will return for it’s 28th straight year at Universal Orlando. When this event ends, I always ask myself, “How will we top ourselves next year? There’s no way.” But then those demented geniuses go off and do it. Can’t wait to see the terrifying houses, scarezones and shows they scare up for us.
Holidays
Opening: Mid-November
This year brought all-new décor, live shows and an incredible music and lighting spectacle on Hogwarts Castle with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It also included an all-new Universal Holidays Parade Featuring Macy’s with entirely new balloons and floats. And all that’s on top of the fun of Grinchmas, Mannheim Steamroller performances and holiday cheer all around.
Well, it’s all coming back again this year for more holiday merriment and mischief. Consider your holiday travel plans booked.
Crystal Ball Gazing
While I can’t share details on things yet to be announced, you can expect to hear an announcement or two from us this year on things like:
- The previously-announced ride replacing Dragon Challenge in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
- An additional projection mapping experience at Hogwarts castle
- Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular being replaced
- Something new going in where Terminator 2: 3D was
- A new venue coming to Universal CityWalk where Element was
- Our expanding hotel collection
- The continued global expansion of our partnership with Nintendo. Our sister park in Japan has already broken ground on Super Mario World; I’m sure you can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Whew! There’s a lot to look forward to in 2018, that’s for sure.
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