Florida Makes Universal Experience a Mandated Federal Holiday—How Will You Celebrate?

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The image features the exterior of a Margaritaville restaurant at Universal Orlando, with a colorful sign reading "Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville." Overlaid is a circular inset showing an older man with white hair wearing sunglasses, a white cap, and a patterned shirt while holding a guitar.

Credit: ABC, Universal

Universal Orlando Resort will be packed this weekend thanks to a new Florida legislature that marks today as a special day for a Universal destination experience.

A wide view of Universal CityWalk during the day at Universal Orlando Resort.
Credit: Universal CityWalk

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Universal Experience Becomes State-Wide Holiday in Florida

Grab your flip-flops and favorite Hawaiian shirt because Florida has a new reason to celebrate! The Sunshine State has officially declared August 30, 2024, as “Jimmy Buffett Day,” a day dedicated to honoring the legacy of the legendary singer-songwriter who brought us hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

And in true Buffett fashion, this day won’t just be about kicking back with a cold drink—it’s about giving back, too.

The Florida Legislature passed a bill earlier this year designating August 30 as the annual day to celebrate Jimmy Buffett’s life and contributions to music, culture, and the laid-back lifestyle he embodied. But this day isn’t just about cranking up the “Come Monday” volume or dreaming of that lost salt shaker.

Margaritaville Resorts, a brand inspired by Buffett’s music and lifestyle, has declared this inaugural celebration a “day of service,” encouraging fans and guests alike to find ways to make a positive impact in their communities.

For those planning to be in the Orlando area, Margaritaville’s signature restaurant at Universal CityWalk is the perfect spot to soak in the vibes of Jimmy Buffett Day. Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk is already a hotspot for visitors from around the globe.

On August 30, it’s expected to draw thousands of Parrotheads—Buffett’s devoted fans—who will be flocking to the venue to raise a toast to the man who turned island escapism into a way of life.

The image shows the vibrant exterior of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant. The building features bright signage with a parrot, palm trees, neon lights, and various colorful directional signs pointing to other attractions. Celebrating the Florida Universal Experience, the background has a cloudy sky.
Credit: Universal CityWalk

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The Man, the Myth, the Legend

As part of the festivities, Margaritaville at CityWalk will host a weekend-long celebration that coincides with Labor Day. Guests can expect live music with you swaying in your seat, specialty merchandise that screams “summer never ends,” and plenty of margaritas.

Whether you’re a die-hard Parrothead or just someone who appreciates a good time, the atmosphere promises to be as warm and welcoming as a Florida sunset.

The idea of dedicating a day to Jimmy Buffett isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about celebrating a man who has left an indelible mark on national and state culture through his music and business ventures. In its resolution to honor Buffett, the Florida Senate described him as a man who lived a “free-spirited life” and made “significant contributions to national and state culture.”

He was also about giving back. Singing for Change, the charitable foundation he established, has been quietly making noise for nearly three decades, funding grassroots initiatives that work to make communities stronger, healthier, and more equitable.

From environmental causes to social justice issues, Buffett’s philanthropic efforts have always been about more than just writing a check—they’re about making a real difference.

Jimmy Buffett wearing a colorful Hawaiian shirt, orange baseball cap, and aviator sunglasses is joyfully playing an acoustic guitar in front of a microphone. The background features a large red and white striped pattern, reminiscent of the spirited scenes often found during a vibrant Florida federal holiday which includes Universal Orlando Resort.
Credit: Jimmy Buffett

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How Will You Be Celebrating?

So, how can you join in on the fun and the cause? It’s simple. Whether you plan to be at Universal Orlando Resort’s Margaritaville or celebrate from the comfort of your backyard, consider how you can give back. You may donate to a local charity, volunteer your time, or even spread kindness to others.

As Margaritaville Resorts puts it, “We will honor Jimmy by doing what he did best—connect with people genuinely, quietly make noise, and honor his wish for us to ‘keep the party going!’” And, of course, don’t forget to tune into some of Buffett’s classics as you go about your day.

After all, nothing pairs better with a day of service than a little “Margaritaville” on the soundtrack. So, mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to celebrate Jimmy Buffett Day in true Parrothead style—with a bit of music, many good times, and a heart full of giving back. Cheers to the man who taught us all to live life one day at a time, with a margarita and a smile on our faces.

Epic Universe concept artwork featuring Celestial Park.
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

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Jimmy Buffett, Labor Day Weekend, and Epic Universe inside Universal

Aside from this festive new holiday, it will also be Labor Day weekend, which means this Universal Destination will have folks from all over coming to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay for some fun in the sun.

Step inside Jurassic Park, grab a cold Butterbeer from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, walk around Diagon Alley, and immerse yourself in everything Universal Pictures offers. Any attraction will be as this Universal destination has it all, and any guest will be overwhelmed with how much fun this place has.

Gear up in 2025 as Epic Universe, Universal’s newest theme park, is set to open its doors with new lands, attractions, and more. From an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the new Celestial Park, get ready for brand-new IPs.

The Dark Universe and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will also debut, along with the Frankenstein Manor and the Darkmoor Monster Makeup experience (among other HUGE things).

So head over to Universal CityWalk, enjoy some drinks and great food, hear the late-great Jimmy Buffett perform his heart out while inside Margaritaville, and head over to the parks for Universal fun. The Epic Universe preview center is now open inside CityWalk, so be sure to pop inside and check out what’s coming in 2025 for this new theme park.

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