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Credit: Bioreconstruct on XThings did not go as planned for Universal Orlando Resort on the Fourth of July, as dangerous weather in the area led to select operations shutting down without notice.
This Universal destination has not just one Universal park but two, including a water park. Epic Universe will arrive in 2025 and will bring Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, the Dark Universe, and more! But more on that later.
Universal Orlando Resort Ceases Operation of New Offering as Dangerous Weather Plagued Fourth of July Celebrations
Universal Orlando Resort introduced a slew of new offerings this summer. Universal Orlando Resort announced that the debut of the new Universal Mega Movie Parade on July 3 will be a technical rehearsal.
According to the Universal Orlando Resort app, the July 3, 2024, performance will serve as a technical rehearsal, a detail previously indicated. There is no word yet on when the parade will officially commence beyond the information provided by Universal.
Universal Orlando Resort also unveiled several new offerings for guests this summer and fall. DreamWorks Land debuted on June 14. This latest addition to Universal Studios Florida features beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation.
The family-friendly area, which replaces Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, offers interactive play areas, character meet-and-greets, a live show experience, themed treats, merchandise, and more. Visitors can explore Shrek’s Swamp, Trolls Village, and Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp.
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular also debuted on June 14.
This nighttime lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida celebrates the iconic scores and scenes from Universal’s blockbuster films, including Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy, and King Kong.
Related: ‘Ghostbusters’ Attraction Coming to Universal Parks, Major Announcement Revealed
Mega Movie Parade Stops Operation as Lightning Strikes Orlando
According to Bioreconstruct on X, Universal Orlando Resort halted technical rehearsals due to storms in the area where lightning was striking every which way, which would not have been a safe environment for performers, floats, and team members. Universal can stop operations without alerting its guests as the parade continues in technical rehearsals.
Today's Universal Mega Movie Parade has been cancelled. Lightning in the area.
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) July 4, 2024
Today’s Universal Mega Movie Parade has been cancelled. Lightning in the area.
A look at close to Universal lightning that rapidly developed minutes after Mega Movie Parade was cancelled. pic.twitter.com/1mql7f9vcM
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) July 4, 2024
A look at close to Universal lightning that rapidly developed minutes after Mega Movie Parade was cancelled.
Aside from the lightning storms on July 4, Friday, July 5, saw the heat index reach as high as 110, leading the National Weather Service to issue advisories for Floridians in the Central Florida region, including Universal and Walt Disney World Resort guests, to remain indoors and not risk their lives due to the inclement weather in the area. 2023 saw nearly 3,000 Americans nationwide pass away due to heat-related scenarios.
Following these tips, guests can stay safe during excessive heat waves and high temperatures in Orlando. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. The theme parks allow guests to bring their water bottles and provide free cups of water at any counter-service restaurant; opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to stay calm and comfortable.
The theme parks has introduced another new nighttime show, the Hogwarts Always castle show at Islands of Adventure’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade Village. This projection show debuted on June 14, offering a visually stunning journey through a school year at Hogwarts using Hogwarts Castle as its backdrop.
On select nights, the show immerses guests in critical moments such as shopping for school supplies in Diagon Alley, boarding the Hogwarts Express, participating in the Sorting Ceremony, and celebrating the House Cup winner.
It includes four distinct endings representing each Hogwarts house, accompanied by a vibrant pyrotechnic display and dialogue from beloved Harry Potter characters, ensuring it appeals to witches, wizards, and Muggles alike.
In addition, the theme parks plans to replace and refurbish the interactive wand locations throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village at Islands of Adventure. Rumors are circulating about a potential new “dueling” experience coming to the theme parks, although no official confirmation has been provided yet.