Grinchmas Archives - On the Go in MCO

Holiday Merriment at the Univeral Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort guests can take the merriment of the destination’s Holidays celebration to the next level with additional festive experiences on select dates from November 12 through January 1, 2023.

Universal Orlando guests can enjoy exclusive guided tours on Universal’s Holiday Tour this holiday season and encounter the mean, green one himself, the Grinch while enjoying a delicious breakfast during the popular The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Wizarding World

Plus, guests can enjoy a spectacular slate of holiday festivities, including special dining, décor, and entertainment across all eight Universal Orlando hotels.

Universal Orlando Holiday Highlights

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays Save The Dates

Universal’s Holiday Tour

On select dates, guests can enjoy a guided tour filled with unique experiences and special access to the beloved holiday entertainment taking place across Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, such as:

Meeting the maven of mischief, the Grinch, and his faithful dog, Max, while enjoying a delicious hot cocoa bar with small bites and desserts at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Access to reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” in Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Grinchmas Cast

Enjoying a meet-and-greet and photo opp with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida (includes one digital download photo)
Capping off the night in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure with an exclusive, after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by the beloved “Harry Potter” stories brought to life on the majestic Hogwarts castle.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Universals's Islands of Adventure Holidays 2019

Universal’s Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 13 through January 1, 2023, and can be booked by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

Pricing starts at $79.99 (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park ticket is required.

Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a $10 discount per ticket per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-346-9350 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EDT daily or by visiting the UOAP Lounge in Universal Studios Florida.

Regular Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply.

Universal Orlando Holidays The Grinch and Friends Breakfast

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

The popular dining experience, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, is back this year for Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration – allowing guests to start their day with a delicious breakfast and appearances by some of their favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including the Grinch.

Guests also receive access to one digital download photo as a keepsake from their encounter with the Grinch during this special opportunity.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure on select dates from November 12 through December 29, 2022, and can be booked by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

Pricing for this experience is $41.99 (plus tax) for adults and $26.99 (plus tax) for children, and separate theme park admission is required.

Annual and Seasonal Passholders can take advantage of a 20% discount on the dining experience’s ticketed price when purchased in person at the front gate or a Guest Services location with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. Regular Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply.

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Hotel Decorations

The Holiday Festivities Continue at Universal’s Hotels

The awesomest celebration of the season continues at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, complete with festive décor that perfectly complements each hotel’s theme, feasts, and special activities filled with holiday cheer for the whole family.

Universal hotel guests can enjoy special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays, menorah lighting ceremonies, holiday crafts for kids, and more.

Select hotels offer additional holiday entertainment, including Christmas tree lightings, strolling carolers, and more.

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's Santa

Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration kicks off Saturday, November 12, and runs daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023, and features an amazing collection of festivities that range from traditional merriments to irreverent twists on holiday classics – including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and live concerts by Mannheim Steamroller (on select nights).

Guests can now take advantage of incredible offers to experience all the fun, including getting four days of theme park thrills for the price of a two-day ticket with the “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free” offer or saving 30% on a special vacation package that includes five-night accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel, five days of access to Universal Orlando’s theme parks and exclusive hotel benefits.

For more information about the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

Guide to Holiday Cheer at the Universal Orlando Resort

Guide to the Holidays at the Universal Orlando Resort 2021

The holidays are epic at the Universal Orlando Resort as they fill 51 days and nights with bigger and louder holiday traditions and characters from November 13, 2021, through January 2, 2022.

Guests can once again experience nonstop holiday cheer as they join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, meet the maven of mischief himself, The Grinch, during Grinchmas, and experience the larger-than-life return of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

The best holiday gift of all? It’s all included with theme park admission.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Slow down and stroll along the streets of Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and London, which have been beautifully adorned with themed decorations, garlands, and lights as the sounds of special holiday-themed performances fill the air.

Hot Butterbeer tastes better when the Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, sings Christmas favorites. And guests won’t want to miss the enchanting Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees performing their unique holiday hits.

Be sure to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure after the sun goes down to enjoy “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.”

During the show, guests will watch in awe as Hogwarts castle comes alive with the holiday spirit as spectacular projections animate familiar Christmas moments inspired by beloved Harry Potter films.

Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” – The Grinch

Once again, the maven of mischief will take to the stage in the fan-favorite “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a hilarious live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring The Grinch with special appearances by the merry Whos from Who-ville.

The celebrations spill out into Seuss Landing, which is completely transformed into a holiday wonderland bursting at the seams with yuletide décor, including oversized candy canes, Christmas trees, wreaths, and beautiful tinsel ornamenting the land.

Watch out for the resident Whos scurrying in the land as they spread Who-liday joy!

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's Balloons

The Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s returns to the streets of Universal Studios Florida with more than 30 larger-than-life balloons taking flight and friends from the Minions, Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, and Madagascar festively frolic alongside beautifully decorated floats and hundreds of festive performers.

Try to find a spot near the 80-foot tall Christmas Tree for a spectacular finale led by the one and only Santa Claus.

Holiday Tribute Store

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort - 2021 Tribute Store Exterior

The Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida is a highly themed winter wonderland filled with holiday gifts and a menu of seasonal items sure to make you cheerful.

This is also the ideal location to purchase a Holiday Tree Hunt to find 15 brilliantly designed trees and collect an exclusive Holiday Tree Hunt ornament to commemorate the experience.

Mannheim Steamroller Takes the Stage

November 2018 Theme Park Events -Universal Studios Florida Universal Orlando Resort Mannheim Steamroller — Universal Orlando Resort

Mannheim Steamroller, the best-selling holiday artist of all time, returns to Universal Studios Florida to fill the air with the sounds of the season as they rock the Music Plaza Stage with live performances on December 4, 5, 11, and 12, 2021.

Universal Orlando Holiday Tour

November 2018 Theme Park Events - Universal's Islands of Adventure Universal Orlando Resort Grinchmas Suess Landing — Universal Orlando Resort

Guests can take the fun to a new level with the return of its incredibly popular “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” an exclusive guided tour of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure available on select dates.

During the “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” guests have the opportunity to:

Meet the mean, green one himself, the Grinch, in Seuss Landing while enjoying a delicious Hot Cocoa Bar
Experience an after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle with a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by beloved Harry Potter films
Take advantage of a reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – where more than 30 larger-than-life balloons and floats and hundreds of performers take to the streets of Universal Studios, Florida
Watch the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes during a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic in the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” with reserved seating and, after, join the merry Whos from Who-ville for an exclusive on-stage Q&A session
Meet and greet with Santa and receive one My Universal Photos digital download
Receive a Universal’s Holiday Tree Hunt brochure to participate in a merry quest to find 15 holiday trees throughout various merchandise locations within the theme parks and Universal CityWalk

“Universal’s Holiday Tour” pricing starts at $69.99 (plus tax), and separate Park-to-Park admission is required.

‘ Tis the Season for Tasty Treats

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Holiday Food

Guests can enjoy an incredible selection of new and returning holiday menu items across the destination. Below are just a few of the merry and bright treats available for guests to try this year:

Nutella Cheesecake Reindeer Pop: This all-new reindeer-themed cheesecake pop is rich with smooth Nutella and garnished with candied hazelnuts – available at Croissant Moon Bakery, located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
“Red Hot” Holiday Shake: Red Hot candies, crushed peppermint and a Christmas tree snack cake come together to create the newest photo-worthy milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk
Voodoo Doughnut: Holidays-themed Voodoo doughnuts will be available throughout the season with new flavors, including a gingerbread cake doughnut, green-glazed holiday gift doughnut and marble cake wreath doughnut
Hot Chocolate Bomb: Back by popular demand, this epic hot chocolate bomb ornament is full of marshmallows and heartwarming cheer for guests to enjoy at TODAY Cafe, located at Universal Studios Florida. And this year, guests can try a new Grinch-themed hot chocolate bomb – filled with marshmallows and red-candied hearts – at Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Vegan Brownie: Guests looking for a vegan sweet treat can delight in a classic holiday dessert colorfully decorated with frosting and other spirited embellishments – available in San Francisco at Universal Studios Florida or Croissant Moon Bakery at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Hot Butterbeer: This fan-favorite is now available in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter all year long but is even more perfect to enjoy during the holiday season

Make the Season Even Brighter with a Universal Orlando Hotel Stay

Staying at one of Universal Orlando’s fabulous eight hotels is the best way for guests of all ages to continue the Holidays celebration. Surrounded by festive decorations, guests can partake in special holiday activities and one-of-a-kind events, including Christmas tree and menorah lightings, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s meals, holiday crafts for kids and more. For a full look at this year’s holiday hotel offerings, click here.

For more information about the holidays at the Universal Orlando Resort, visit their official website.

Want to find even more holiday fun around the City Beautiful? Follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Universal Orlando Resort Announces Holiday Lineup

2021 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

The epic Universal Orlando Resort holiday traditions and characters are back, bigger and louder than ever before for 51 days and nights of one-of-a-kind festive experiences during this year’s Holidays celebration November 13 through January 2.

Guests can rip open a holiday gift of nonstop awesome where they can join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, meet the maven of mischief himself, The Grinch, during Grinchmas, and experience the larger-than-life return of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – and it’s all included with theme park admission.

Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Highlights

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure

The streets of Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and London will become beautifully adorned with themed decorations, garlands, and lights as the sounds of special holiday-themed performances fill the air.

Guests can sip on hot Butterbeer while they listen to Christmas carols from the Frog Choir comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, as well as the unique holiday hits of one of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.

Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” lights up the night sky with a spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle with a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by beloved Harry Potter films.

Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

See the maven of mischief himself during Grinchmas at Universal Orlando where guests can enjoy the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a hilarious live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring The Grinch with special appearances by the merry Whos from Who-ville.

And the celebration continues in Seuss Landing, which is completely transformed into a holiday wonderland filled with yuletide décor, including oversized candy canes, Christmas trees, wreaths, and beautiful tinsel ornamenting the land.

And guests can keep an eye out for resident Whos spreading Who-liday joy as they prepare for their favorite holiday.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida

With the return of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, guests can experience the excitement as more than 30 larger-than-life balloons take the streets of Universal Studios Florida, along with appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and other fan-favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar.

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays 2021 Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's Float

This parade also features beautifully decorated floats and hundreds of festive performers that fill the streets with holiday cheer. And guests won’t want to miss the spectacular finale led by the one and only Santa Claus as he passes by and lights the breathtaking 80-foot Christmas Tree that has become a holiday icon at Universal Studios Florida.

In addition to these spectacular experiences, there are even more holiday festivities in store around every corner, including delicious food and beverage options and themed merchandise perfect for gifting that will have guests feeling the holiday spirit throughout their visit.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

The merriment continues at Universal Orlando’s hotels, where guests will be surrounded by incredible seasonal décor and enjoy holiday activities like festive meals, strolling carolers, holiday crafts, and more.

For more information about the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort and beyond make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays Celebration

‘TIS THE SEASON TO CREATE LASTING FAMILY MEMORIES AT

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION

Heartwarming Holiday Traditions Return Dec. 7 with Grinchmas, Macy’s Holiday Parade^TM

and Electrifying Holiday Concerts by Mannheim Steamroller

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2013) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. From Dec. 7 through Jan. 4, families can create lifelong memories during Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration. Kids from one to 92 can come face-to-face with The Grinch at Grinchmas, watch larger-than-life balloons float through the streets during the Macy’s Holiday Parade^TM and hear Christmas music sensation, Mannheim Steamroller, perform beloved holiday classics with a modern twist.

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests will smile from ear-to-ear during the heartwarming live show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” featuring The Grinch and the Whos from Who-ville, accompanied by an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests can meet the mean, green one himself and the Whos daily and, on select dates, enjoy a special breakfast with the characters.
At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets with the same larger-than-life balloons seen in the famous New York City parade. Guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats and a tree-lighting ceremony with the big man himself, Santa Claus. This year, there is a brand new addition to the line-up of timeless holiday parade icons. Happy the Hippo, a recreation of a 1940s Macy’s Parade balloon, will make her debut in New York City this Thanksgiving before heading to Orlando to appear in the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida.

Following the parade, the acclaimed musical group Mannheim Steamroller will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios six nights this year to perform memorable holiday hits on Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.

All theme park holiday entertainment – including Mannheim Steamroller concerts – is included as part of park-to-park or multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. For a memorable getaway, guests can take advantage of the following vacation packages:

Make Your Season Bright with Incredible Offers from Universal Orlando

OFFER

DETAILS

Florida Resident 2-Park Preferred Annual Pass

**Available on FlexPay

2-Park Preferred Annual Pass for less than $12* per month
Admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Free self-parking after first visit
No blockout dates

*Down payment and restrictions apply.

Florida Resident 2-Park Getaway

**Starting at $149+ per adult, per night, tax inclusive

2 night stay at one of three AAA Four Diamond Award deluxe on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort
Florida Resident 2-day base ticket to both theme parks
Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks – a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
PLUS early park admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before the rest of the general public

**Must be booked by Dec. 15, 2013 with travel occurring by Dec. 19, 2013.

New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk

On December 31, guests can experience the epic sophistication of EVE 2013, Orlando’s boldest New Year’s party at Universal CityWalk. This year’sall-new event features six unique entertainment zones, access to seven of CityWalk’s high-energy nightclubs, unlimited gourmet cuisine and amidnight champagne toast.

This is a separately ticketed event. More information on EVE 2013 will be available soon at www.UniversalOrlando.com/Hholidays.

Holiday Festivities at the Three Deluxe On-Site Hotels at Universal Orlando

The celebration continues at the three deluxe on-site hotels at Universal Orlando – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. Hotel guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with holiday buffets and dining events, tree-lighting ceremonies, visits from Santa, and holiday poolside “dive-in” movie presentations.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel features the Gather Together Thanksgiving feast with Pilgrims and Indians on Thanksgiving Day, then kicks off the holiday season on Friday, November 29 with ‘Holiday Harbor Nights,’ a wine, food, music and tree lighting celebration on the Harbor Piazza. On select nights in December at Portofino, guests can enjoy Holiday in the Harbor featuring carolers, storytelling and visits with Santa. Hard Rock Hotel features special Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve buffets and Santa stops by The Kitchen restaurant every Friday in December. Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers holiday buffets for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, plus a special New Year’s Eve luau to ring in 2014.

About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. With two incredible theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex, Universal Orlando is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.
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