There was a time when a trip to Universal Orlando Resort was considered secondary when visiting the theme park capital of the world. But since the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in 2010, Universal has catapulted itself into another stratosphere. Consisting of three theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay – the resort offers plenty of excitement for the entire family, yet is still pedestrian friendly and easy to navigate even as Universal continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Below are new attractions worthy of the price of admission alone as well as two new hotel options.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
The latest addition to Universal’s magical world of Harry Potter opens June 13. Hagrid serves as your guide as you fly deep into the Forbidden Forest and explore the thrills and mysteries beyond Hogwarts castle. You’ll board either the motorcycle or the adjacent sidecar on this fully immersive coaster as you reach speeds up to 50 mph and encounter some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Fast & Furious crew’s warehouse headquarters. Credit – Universal Orlando Resort
Visit Universal Studios Florida’s latest attraction and step into the Fast & Furious crew’s warehouse headquarters, filled with actual props, scenes and supercharged vehicles from the films. Then, take a ride with the Fast family on an action-packed adventure. Use the Universal Orlando Resort app or a kiosk near the attraction to access the new Virtual Line system to reserve a time. While you wait, you can check out other Fast & Furious content on the app like quizzes, character bios and other surprises.
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle – Coming Soon
Later this year, a spectacular music, lighting and special effects show comes to Hogwarts Castle as the dark wizard himself, Lord Voldemort, unleashes the darkest creatures and villains within the wizarding world. Stay tuned for more details and an opening date.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites
Artist rendering of the Surfside Inn and Suites, opening on June 27, 2019. Credit – Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Orlando Resort offers two all-new value hotel options for families looking for theme park thrills, exclusive theme park benefits and a seamless Universal Orlando experience with rates starting at less than $100 per night. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort will feature two hotels: Surfside Inn and Suites, opening on June 27, 2019 and Dockside Inn and Suites, opening Spring 2020.
