1
Credit: Inside The MagicUniversal Orlando Resort seems to be secretly phasing out a beloved character, Labbie the Cabbie, that guests love and enjoy from its parks. But why? Let’s find out.
Universal Studios Florida Phasing Out Labbie the Cabbie Character From Theme Park?
Universal Studios Florida has a ton of character meet-n-greets that fans of all ages enjoy and love, where photos and videos can be taken to bring joy and memories to thousands of people around the globe.
But Universal will also sometimes create unique and iconic characters straight from scratch that means the world to many people visiting the theme parks. One such character stands at the front of the Universal Studios Florida theme park and greets you with a smile and a wave as you walk through those arches before heading to your first ride. Of course, we are referencing Labbie the Cabbie.
Enjoy Cabbie While You Still Can Because Universal Studios Has BUDGET CUT The Character……. pic.twitter.com/No2UGHNrpd
— Kevin Heimbach (@kevinHeimbach13) March 28, 2024
Enjoy Cabbie While You Still Can Because Universal Studios Has BUDGET CUT The Character…….
– @kevinHeimbach13 on X (Twitter)
According to a report from @kevinHeimbach13 on X, formally Twitter, Universal is phasing out Labbie the Cabbie due to “budget cuts” within the theme park. Of course, Universal has officially said no word concerning the character being removed from the park, but that didn’t stop people from reacting to this rumor.
Dozens of Universal Orlando Resort fans flocked to X to voice their concerns over the alleged rumor of Labbie the Cabbie being removed from the theme park. One such guest, @OfficiallyEmi on X, mentioned that they have female friends who just auditioned for the role to bring more diversity to the character.
Nooo and we JUST got female cabbies too!! 😭 https://t.co/Yt44NQGsx6
— the dino lady 🦕 (@OfficiallyEmi) March 28, 2024
Nooo and we JUST got female cabbies too!!
– @OfficiallyEmi on X (Twitter)
A few other fans and guests of Universal were quick to jump on social media to advocate for the character to remain within the theme park due to the character being iconic and beloved by so many. One such guest even started a hashtag attempting to save the character from being eliminated from the theme park.
@UniversalORL Please keep Labbie the cabbie. He has been a part of my vacation for years. He is part of what makes Universal special! #SaveLabbie
— Mr. J (@mateo922) March 29, 2024
@UniversalORL Please keep Labbie the cabbie. He has been a part of my vacation for years. He is part of what makes Universal special! #SaveLabbie
Please keep Labbie the Cabbie…he's an icon.
— Red Right (@LordBang99) March 28, 2024
Please keep Labbie the Cabbie…he’s an icon.
Labbie the cabbie is a freaking treasure. Universal better respect.
— Jennie Glynn (@jennie_g79) January 12, 2024
Labbie the cabbie is a freaking treasure. Universal better respect.
– @jennie_g79 on X (Twitter)
With the addition of a new lagoon show currently under development within Universal Studios Florida and the addition of DreamWorks Land being constructed, Universal has a ton on its plate, and it would be wise to make budget cuts in certain areas where it makes sense for the company. Epic Universe is an entirely new theme park heading to Universal Orlando Resort as well, which is set to open summer 2025.
But removing a character so many people have come to know and love is something that Universal has done in the past with the removal of such characters as Barney, Woody Wood Pecker, and more.
But no hope is lost as Labbie the Cabbie continues to show up within the theme park, still greeting you with a smile and a wave as you enter a world of rides based on Hollywood’s biggest movies.