Is that the faint sound of dinosaurs roaring I hear? Well, it could just be my imagination… But I know for certain that the VelociCoaster is testing and I’m getting excited. But before we get to that, we’ll take a quick trip to see the new shopping experiences around the Universal Studios Orlando Resort, plus try out some of the goodies from Carnaval! Keep an eye out for any loose velociraptors and let’s get started!
APRIL 6TH UPDATE:
VelociCoaster Roaring to Life on June 10th!
Thrill-seekers, it’s time to celebrate. Finally, we have a date to count down the days, hours, and seconds until we’re aboard Jurassic World VelociCoaster… It’s official, on Thursday, June 10th, guests will be able to soar 155 feet in the air, catapulting as fast as 70 mph alongside Velociraptors. VelociCoaster will be Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
VelociCoaster was dreamed up by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with the filmmakers of Universal and Amblin to bring another piece of Jurassic World to life at Universal Orlando; combining exciting dino thrills and popular characters from the film franchise with exciting roller coaster maneuvers. Universal has stated that the original cast from the films, including Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and BD Wong have reprised their character roles for the attraction. Guests will be sent along a treacherous journey through the raptor paddock and beyond – featuring the films’ beloved [and terrifying] Velociraptor pack Blue, Charlie, Delta, and Echo!
Universal explains the attraction’s story further:
“VelociCoaster will transport guests into a dynamic environment inspired by the “Jurassic World” films, surrounded by intricately detailed rock work and lush landscaping, conveniently located near the elevated watch tower used to keep an eye on the dinosaurs. Once inside, guests are greeted by Dr. Wu as they learn about the cutting-edge new coaster, which Jurassic World is touting as its newest “carnivore expansion.” Along the way, they’ll hear the screams of fellow riders as they rapidly roar by with Blue, Delta, Charlie, and Echo right on their heels – and even come face-to-face with a few hungry Velociraptors who are anxiously awaiting being released from their stables. As the adrenaline builds and guests approach the load platform, they will hear a few reassuring words from Claire Dearing – and one final warning from Owen Grady.
After boarding revolutionary ride vehicles that have been specially designed to intensify the thrills, guests take off on an epic coaster experience that sends them through the raptor paddock, into the air, just inches above water, and more. They’ll encounter a series of intense maneuvers along the coaster’s 4,700 feet of track, including near-misses, a barrel roll right above the Islands of Adventure lagoon, high-speed launches – the fastest reaching 70 mph in 2.4 seconds – and the signature “Top Hat,” which propels riders 155 feet in the air and then immediately into an 80-degree drop – Universal’s steepest drop yet.”
VelociCoaster truly sounds [and looks] incredible. Now that we have an opening date, we can rest a little easier, right? Right?! …Nope, still too excited. (As a huge Jurassic Park fan, may I say: my body is ready.) Scroll for more VelociCoaster bits and bites below!
New Universal Legacy Store
The former Universal Studios Store located within CityWalk has transformed into the Universal Legacy Store: your newest shopping destination for park merchandise and goods from classic favorite films, such as Jaws, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and E.T.
Two gargoyle statues welcome you to the new treasure trove of memorabilia – do you recognize them? They were originally part of the Universal Studios arches when the park first opened!
1990 photo of the original Universal Studios Florida gateway arch. Note the griffins (or gargoyles) on the side.
This arch was replaced by the current arch. For a time they were side by side. Notice the building through the arch. This building still present. pic.twitter.com/fJkPmSsCF6
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 24, 2021
Along with Minions, Spongebob, and classic film goods, this is the newest go-to spot for the retro Universal Studios neon collection:
While much of the merch is fun and nostalgic, it’s the store’s details that take the cake! The entire store is set up like a prop department. You’ll find pieces from former rides and shows, retired Team Member costumes, iconic attraction concept sketches, and scale models. It’s truly a vault of Universal theme park antiquities from the last 30 years!
One area of the store is filled with props used for Halloween Horror Nights:
E.T. is appropriately dressed up for trick-or-treating!
Video screens disguised as “crates” display behind-the-scenes photos and video footage from the resort’s past, including old attraction pre-show recordings!
Between Earthquake: The Big One or Kongfrontation, which would you choose to bring back?
One of the most impressive pieces in the shop is the original conceptual model of Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
And check out the flying attraction vehicle from E.T. Adventure!
There sure is a lot to discover here. While Bill took some great photos for us this week, I’ll plan on spending some time taking in all the details here on my next visit!
Construction is moving pretty fast on the new (bigger and better) Universal Studios Store. This one is closer to the CityWalk entrance, which took over a few old storefronts.
VelociCoaster Check-in
On our way into Islands of Adventure this week, we spotted VelociCoaster has been added to the height requirement paddles just outside the park’s entrance. Now, kids can line up to see if they’ll be tall enough to ride!
The new pathway opened up from the Lost Continent – you can now completely bypass Hogsmeade to get to Jurassic Park. This will surely alleviate crowd traffic heading to both Hagrid’s Motorbike and VelociCoaster.
Plus, there are some really great overhead views of the new Jurassic coaster along the way!
VelociCoaster has been testing every day with multiple trains running. This is necessary since each train must operate for a certain amount of time before the park deems them safe for guests to ride.
From the new bridge, we caught the coaster testing. You really get a sense of how fast and powerful it is, I could have sat and watched it run all day!
The coaster’s entrance is just at the end of the bridge, which is currently blocked by planters and construction walls:
Continuing on into Jurassic Park, another set of Velociraptor statues will welcome you to the new attraction:
The statues are new to the park but the details on them are impressive since they have been painted to emulate an aged bronze.
Is it Summer yet?! The weather sure is starting to warm up…
Since the new walkway opened up, this A-frame sign is now sitting in Jurassic Park. Though, I’m not sure if many guests are looking to visit the Lost Continent, bypassing Hogsmeade?
A vibrant directional sign for VelociCoaster sits in a lush corner of Jurassic Park. We can’t wait for that “Summer 2021” piece to be removed!
The walls surrounding VelociCoaster have come down in Jurassic Park, now offering a glimpse into the first area of track: the raptor paddock!
Careful, it’s a jungle out there!!
The coaster dips, dives, and launches through this area, chock full of lush greenery and sharp rocks.
VelociCoaster Merchandise
Various goods with VelociCoaster’s logo have been released since our last visit. We even spotted some in Universal Studios across the way!
Of course, you’ll find the most VelociCoaster merch at Jurassic Outfitters in Islands of Adventure:
The tagline for the attraction seems to be “What Could Go Wrong?”… which, honestly, could fit any Universal Orlando attraction!
Quench your thirst and passion for dinosaurs… a new refillable souvenir tumbler is very tempting!
Pins, magnets, and keychains…
And face masks, too!
Perhaps the most unique selection are these printed socks, filled with the coaster’s impressive stats:
All of those VelociCoaster goodies are really hyping up our excitement! So… when will this thrill seeker’s dream officially open? We’re still waiting for anything further than “Summer 2021”. Perhaps June holds the grand opening date? In the meantime, we’re hopeful of seeing some soft openings as early as May, perhaps for Team Members and Annual Passholders! What do you think?
A Sunday at the Parks
For the first time in forever… (wrong park?) we spent a weekend day at Universal Orlando! We were a bit hesitant at first, as the Orlando theme parks have hit capacity virtually every weekend for the last few months. We were prepared to maneuver crowds and avoid bottleneck areas, while also setting our expectations low for experiencing certain popular attractions. Overall, the day was still pretty manageable and enjoyable, all set to a more relaxed pace!
Due to popular demand, Universal’s Mardi Gras was extended to April 11th. Let’s try a few Carnaval dishes before they disappear!
APRIL 5TH UPDATE: Universal Orlando just announced their 2021 Mardi Gras festivities have been extended again, through May 2nd, due to popular demand.
Similar to their Macy’s Day parade float set up, the sparkling party floats of Universal’s Mardi Gras parade are parked around the park for photo ops.
A few floats are set up in the Hollywood area:
It’s really neat to inspect these parade floats up close. I love those glittery scales on the King Gator float!
There’s more in the New York area! The parade’s theme continues on from 2020: “Treasures of the Deep”.
I couldn’t get enough of the tropical float shimmering in the sunlight!
You’ll find Mardi Gras offerings from Italy in New York…
The Arancini (Fried Risotto with Truffle, Mushrooms, and Marinara Sauce) was incredible!
And at the Trinidad booth near the Tribute Store in New York, we tried the grilled Pineapple Trini Chow (grilled pineapple skewers with spices and micro cilantro) and Queen’s Park Swizzle (minted dark rum grog with a float of Angostura bitters) – both were winners in our book!
The center of the celebration sits at Music Plaza Stage, with plenty of shaded seating, jazz performances, surrounding parade floats for photos, and food booths to keep you full!
In fact, just in front of Music Plaza Stage are one of the best Universal snacks… Twisted Taters! You can choose between Plain or Cajun Spice. (Cajun Spice is the winner here!)
Lastly, over in Woody Woodpecker’s Playzone, Canada’s menu is serving up some delicious Beef Short Rib Poutine with Cheese Curds!
Throughout the park, characters were donning their Mardi Gras gear in socially distanced areas.
Patrick’s jellyfish jester hat is everything!
Mardi Gras Tribute Store
This is only the second year where Universal’s creative team has transformed the park’s “Tribute Store” for Mardi Gras – and it’s nothing short of an amazing, immersive walk-through. Honestly, we were waiting for some scare actors to jump out in certain areas!
Four rooms are filled with details, themed music, food, and, of course, Mardi Gras merch. The rooms are themed to a Jazz Parlor, Cemetery, Waterfront Warehouse and Shipwreck in the Bayou, respectively. All of it is housed inside a Jazz Preservation Hall in the New York area of Universal Studios. Let’s take a peek!
Stepping through the entrance… a faux coat check before continuing onto the Jazz Parlor:
After taking in the immense detail throughout the room, we start to notice the event’s merchandise:
But the next room is calling…
The “nautical cemetery” is filled with cascading wisteria, old sailor headstones, and angel statues. It somehow dropped 10 degrees in this room, while creepy sounds of the Bayou play, complete with cricket chirps and owls hooting.
Mold-O-Rama machines are back! This time, they’re offering wax skulls or pirate ships for $6 each.
Moving on, we follow old sailing maps to a whole new realm…
The Waterfront Warehouse room is filled with smugglers’ treasure and loot! Ropes, nets, crates strewn about almost have us feeling seasick! As far as merch goes, a booty of pirate-themed t-shirts and candy can be found here.
There is so much to see in these first three rooms, but the show must go on! Plus, the last room stores those fresh-baked goods we’ve come to know and love from Universal’s past Tribute Stores…
The Barataria Bayou is offering up some scrumptious selections amidst a giant shipwreck scene. Sweet Treasures has something for anyone’s sweet tooth… King Cake, anyone?
A “Mystery Gumbo” kiosk promises to be back soon, but you can pick up some special hot sauces in the meantime…
Leading up to the Tribute Store’s exit, you can pick up some hot sauces or face masks along with your baked goods purchase:
From Sweet Treasures, we ended up trying the Banana Foster Cheesecake Pop. This was delightfully creamy. Let’s just say, if you love banana candy flavoring and cheesecake, you’ll LOVE this!
We also tried the Praline Cookie… sadly, we weren’t big fans. If you like overly sweet flattened fudge, this is for you.
Even though we only caught the tail end of Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration, I’m really looking forward to trying many more delicious dishes next year! And PLEASE bring back this incredible store. I think you’ll all agree that this level of theming for a temporary shop is way above and beyond what anyone could dream of in any theme park. Universal continues to up the ante.
Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras has been extended through April 11th (APRIL 5TH UPDATE: Now extended through May 2nd!) – get your Carnaval on while you can! Oh, and don’t forget to throw your beads in the designated tree on your way out…
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Let’s Hear From You
There’s so much happening at Universal Studios Orlando right now, with the extension of Mardi Gras, the various stores opening up, and definitely the VelociCoaster. We’re practically sitting on the edge of our seat waiting for an official launch date! Does the VelociCoaster testing inspire you? Do you anticipate the new attraction will result in many sold out days to come? And what about the incredible Mardi Gras update to the Tribute Store and that detailed new Universal Legacy Store?! I always appreciate hearing from you in the comments below.
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