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Universal Changes Guest Access at Original Florida Park

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Posted on by Thomas Hitchen 1 Comment
Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort

Credit: Universal

Universal is stretching its theme park empire far and wide, but changes are also happening at the original Florida destination.

The Universal globe with gold letters stands prominently at the entrance of Universal Orlando Resort.
Credit: Aditya Vyas, Unsplash

On May 22, Universal Destinations & Experiences opened its third theme park gate in the Sunshine State, Universal Epic Universe. Joining the already popular Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe brought a host of new lands to Central Florida, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.

According to plans, the next phase of Epic Universe is already coming, with areas rumored to include the Legend of Zelda, among others, at the resort.

Despite Epic Universe being Central Florida’s biggest theme park opening in decades, guests still flock to the original parks for their dose of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and The Simpsons. With e-ticket attractions like VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Universal Orlando Resort is perfect for thrill-seekers.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Portal at Epic Universe
Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

Universal Refurbishment Changes Guest Experience

Like its neighbor, the Walt Disney World Resort, refurbishments, updates, and changes to the theme park landscape are common, and guests should be aware of this current development at the original Florida park.

At Universal Studios Florida, the shortcut bridge walkway connecting the Diagon Alley expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Springfield in The Simpsons area is currently closed. According to reports, the bridge has been dismantled to its skeleton structure while it is being refurbished.

The bridge is closed to all guests, with visitors directed from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter past the Men in Black: Alien Attack attraction in order to access The Simpsons-themed area of the Universal park.

Characters from "The Simpsons" (Lisa, Bart, Marge, and Homer) stand in front of "The Simpsons Ride" attraction.
Credit: Universal

Universal’s Global Development

Universal isn’t just expanding in Florida. Multiple projects are taking place across the United States, including Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Chicago, Illinois, and the new Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.

On the international stage, NBCUniversal is developing its first theme park in the United Kingdom. Located in Bedfordshire, Universal Great Britain (working title) is expected to be built within the next decade and include franchises like The Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Back to the Future, and Paddington.

How do you feel about this access change at Universal Orlando Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

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Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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