These New Events Make EPCOT Extra Christmasy
A giant, gingerbread Spaceship Earth is only the beginning.
A lot of people think of Magic Kingdom as the Christmas Park at Walt Disney World, but it’s really Epcot! Other than Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom doesn’t have too many things going on, other than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of course.
But here are some brand new reasons I recommend visiting Epcot this holiday season. I just found out about these so I don’t have photos yet. I’ll post as soon as I can.
8 foot tall Ginger Bread Spaceship Earth
The innovative talents of the EPCOT Festival Team, in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering and the skilled EPCOT Pastry team, have come together to produce an impressive 8-foot-tall gingerbread display inspired by Spaceship Earth. This geodesic sphere, constructed from hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread triangles, will be showcased within CommuniCore Hall for all festival attendees to admire. Additionally, akin to its park icon original, this gingerbread rendition will illuminate and perform to music at intervals throughout the day.
Communicore Hall Will Host Artificial Christmas Trees
I wrote that headline to be a little sarcastic, I’m not a fan of the new Communicore Hall building as some of you know. We were promised that this would be the hub of all festivals at EPCOT. Instead, we got a high school cafeteria (that took 5 years to build).
But I must admit a hall of artificial Christmas trees does sound a little intriguing, as long as it’s not a showroom of trees - because this is going to be sponsored by Balsam Hill.
My fingers are crossed that Disney will use it’s imagination here, and I think it will. It’s a step in the right direction anyway.
The cafeteria kitchens will be cranking out gingerbread Spaceship Earth triangles - just like the ones used on the 8ft. tall gingerbread copy of Spaceship Earth.
I’m actually looking forward to both!
The Communicore Hall kitchens will also be serving what Disney describes as, “best-loved dishes from previous years with Favorites of Festivals Past.”
Sounds good but I have no idea what that means.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
This band’s performances aren’t new at Epcot during Christmas, but they will move to a new location: Communicore Plaza. While they perform, little ones will be able to decorate snowflakes.
Seasonal Scents
Along the walkway between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase, guests can stop by to see an all-new seasonal display, open to all guests throughout the festival.
Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy is a gift for the senses – guests can stroll through a snow globe garden with seasonal aromas! Guests who visit CommuniCore Hall can purchase some of their favorite holiday fragrances, reliving the festival experience long after their vacation.
And there it is – all new experiences to look forward to during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, November 29-December 30!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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First Look at Epic Universe Monster Animatronics
Get your first glimpse at the stunningly lifelike animated figures in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment attraction coming to Universal Epic Universe.
Universal Orlando Resort is sharing a first glimpse at some of the Universal monsters that will come to life like never before in the all-new “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” attraction at Dark Universe, one of the five immersive worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025.
The groundbreaking ride will feature 14 of the most ambitious and life-like animated figures ever created, each one depicting one of the legendary monsters that will prey upon guests in what promises to be Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet (see video above).
“Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” will take guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein—the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein—conducts her twisted and misguided experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters, but her plans go awry when a horde of enraged monsters are unleashed. Guests then embark on a terrifying ride through the darkness as they try to evade Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.
With some of the most visceral, powerful and fast-moving animated figures ever created, here’s a first look at a few of the terrifying, technologically advanced monsters that are wreaking havoc in “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment:”
Frankenstein’s Monster: Created by science and feared by most, Frankenstein’s Monster walks tall at nine feet and weighs over 800 pounds. Guests will first encounter this figure within the queue of the attraction—where he will actually walk within Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s lab during the preshow.
Dracula: No creature of the night strikes terror into the hearts of mortals like the iconic vampire Dracula. And to Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s dismay, he is the most dangerous of monsters she’s trying to control. Guests will encounter Dracula at various moments throughout the attraction, as he’s behind the horde of enraged monsters terrorizing the Manor.
The Wolf Man: Among the monsters unleashed within the attraction is the fearsome Wolf Man. As guests try to escape the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, they’ll come within inches of his razor-sharp teeth and jagged claws.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon: Guests will also witness the amphibious “Gill-man” emerge from the inky depths of the Black Lagoon, ready to terrorize guests alongside his fellow monsters.
Guests not yet ready to brave “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” will still have the opportunity to meet, greet and take photos with legendary Monsters and characters as they explore Dark Universe, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. They will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s assistant Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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7 Must-See Christmas Events at Universal Orlando 2024
Universal Orlando goes all out for Christmas. Here are my Top 7 favorite things to do.
Universal Orlando Resort is inviting you to unwrap a season of thrills, fun, and excitement for the whole family with its destination-wide Holidays celebration, beginning Friday, Nov. 22, and running daily through Tuesday, Dec. 31. This will be the last Christmas with only 3 theme parks as Epic Universe opens this summer!
You’ll enjoy a slate of festive experiences inspired by beloved characters and stories—from reveling in the “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade to meeting everyone’s favorite mean, green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to watching larger-than-life floats and balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
I’m actually not a fan of parades in general, but I have to say this is well done. I look forward to it every year.
You can also can take your holiday festivities at Universal Orlando to the next level with a stay at one of Universal’s hotels—all of which will be decked out in holiday décor and feature seasonal experiences—or by purchasing add-on, in-park experiences like The Universal Holiday Tour and the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.
See below for an overview of all the excitement and merriment taking over Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season:
#7 Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
With festively themed décor, garland and twinkling lights adorning the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, guests will be surrounded by holiday magic as they explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this holiday season in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Guests can grab a Hot Butterbeer and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant frogs, in Hogsmeade, or dance along with the hit-sensation Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley.
And as night falls in Hogsmeade, the nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns—bringing to life an awe-inspiring projection show on Hogwarts castle highlighting Christmas moments and holiday cheer inspired by the cherished characters and stories from the “Harry Potter” films.
#6 Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure
Guests can enjoy a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the beloved stage show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Plus, Seuss Landing will transport guests directly to Who-ville, where they’ll be surrounded by whimsical holiday décor and enjoy special appearances from the Whos and even get a chance for a photo opportunity with the mean-one himself – the Grinch!
#5 Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida
Beloved pop culture-inspired stories and characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar—along with cherished holiday traditions—come to life as larger-than-life balloons and colorful holiday floats during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. And capping off the picturesque parade is a special appearance by Santa Claus and the magnificent lighting of a grand 80-foot Christmas tree in Universal Studios Florida.
The holiday festivities also don’t stop there. Guests will also be able to enjoy themed food and beverage, shop seasonal merchandise from an all-new Holiday Tribute Store, enjoy meet and greets with their favorite characters who are also in the holiday spirit. These include the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel and an all-new Holiday Nutcracker Hunt that will take them on a scavenger hunt across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.
#4 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
Available for an additional cost, this tour takes guests on a guided journey through popular holiday experiences across the destination, including an exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max; Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages in Universal Studios Florida; reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure; an exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida; an after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”; and priority access to Universal Studios Florida’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (subject to change and based on availability).
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning Nov. 25 through Dec. 29, 2024, and can be booked by through your Unviersal Orlando travel agent.
Pricing for the Universal Holiday Tour starts at $85.19 per person (tax inclusive) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required.
#3 The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure
Available for an additional cost, this breakfast gives guests the chance to start their day alongside the Grinch and other favorite characters from Seuss Landing while dining on delicious breakfast items like Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles.
The Grinch breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates beginning Nov. 22 through Dec. 30 for $62.82 (tax inclusive) per adult and $35.13 (tax inclusive) per child (ages 3-9). I can get this booked for you if you have a Universal Orlando package booked with me.
#2 Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando’s Hotels
Guests can enjoy additional holiday festivities at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, each of which will be decked out with festive décor for the season. Special menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s and guests can join in on holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers and more.
#1 Universal CityWalk Holiday Celebrations
Universal CityWalk is also getting into the holiday spirit with specialty entertainment and menu offerings at select venues, including: The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails; a festive meet and greet with the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from Nov. 29-Dec. 28 at CityWalk Plaza; assorted seasonal food and beverage at Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen, and a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen;
Access to the in-park festivities of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. Guests can plan their visit with a variety of offers from Universal Orlando, including the all-new Dining Card Vacation Package, which includes theme park admission, hotel accommodations and a food and beverage dining card worth up to $1,000 to use at select restaurants and dining locations throughout the resort.
For more information about the new Dining Card Vacation Package and to purchase, click HERE.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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UNIVERSAL Parks Brings HORROR to Las Vegas
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights will be a new, permanent experience in Las Vegas
I love Las Vegas, almost as much as Orlando. I mean, my wife and I were married in Vegas (no, not by Elvis… unfortunately). The entertainment offered in Las Vegas is top notch and it’s about to get even better as Universal Destinations and Experiences, creator of Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, announced that Universal Horror Unleashed the company’s first-ever year-round horror experience, is coming to Las Vegas in 2025
In a darkened warehouse on the edge of Las Vegas, a spectacle of horror is rising. Universal Horror Unleashed. For decades, Universal’s masters of horror have created some of the world’s most frightening films and events. Now guests can experience it all in a year-round fully immersive horror experience.
The fears only felt in movies will come to bone-chilling life.
Enter the evils of four haunted houses, each with its own terrifying story: Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: The Reaping and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer.
These haunted houses aren’t for the faint of heart—they are intense and feature elevated moments where the horror surrounds guests in unimaginable ways.
The nightmares don’t end there.
Surrounding the houses are four sinisterly themed and immersive areas, featuring unique live entertainment experiences.
In select locations, guests can enjoy eerie eateries and bars featuring horror-centric food and drink offerings.
Guests also can expect a continuously updated experience with must-see seasonal events and one-of-a-kind merchandise.
Universal Horror Unleashed, first announced in 2023, is part of the company’s plan to introduce new products to new audiences in new markets.
It is the anchor tenant in the 20-acre expansion of AREA15, the immersive entertainment district in Las Vegas.
Universal has long defined the horror genre with its classic films featuring iconic characters such as “Frankenstein,” “The Mummy” and “The Wolf Man.” Only Universal ignites this genre’s thrill and excitement in three-dimensional, full scale.
Unviersal will continue to share more details on the plans for Universal Horror Unleashed in the months ahead. For the latest information, visit www.UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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DINOSAUR is the final attractions that needs to close at DinoLand U.S.A.The new land will feature two signature attractions centered around Indiana Jones and Encanto.