Universal's Islands of Adventure Archives

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.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster Coming to Universal

Jurassic World VelociCoaster Universal Orlando Resort Unviersal's Islands of Adventure 2021 — Rendering: Universal Orlando Resort

Roller coaster enthusiasts will soon have new thrills to experience at the Universal Orlando Resort.

Inside of Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park work is well underway on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, which will be Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster when it debuts in 2021.

The Universal Creative team in partnership with acclaimed filmmakers from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment has created a new species of roller coaster that will be highly themed and will take guests through a series of intense maneuvers that will send them catapulting at high speeds while they are suspended high above the ground with the swiftest of prehistoric predators.

Also when the Jurassic World VelociCoaster opens, it will be the world’s first coaster based on the blockbuster franchise and will feature an original story that expands upon the thrills, dinosaurs, and environments fans have seen on the big screen.

Before the thrills begin, riders will find themselves alongside the original cast of the films, Chris Pratt as Owen Grady, Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing, and BD Wong as Dr. Henry Wu.

The story takes place inside of Jurassic World as they are unveiling the next evolution of their “carnivore expansion” called the VelociCoaster where guests will embark on a high-speed chase and feel the rush of the hunt while racing alongside a nimble Velociraptor pack.

The Jurassic World VelociCoaster will raise the bar in extreme roller coaster design as it will span more than 4,700 feet of track and reach heights of up to 155 feet that will include signature maneuvers that will have guests twisting and soaring above land, barrel rolling just inches above the water, speeding through near-misses, launches within the paddock, and more…with just a lap restraint holding them in place.

Here are the Jurassic World VelociCoaster thrills by the numbers:

Accelerate through two pulse-pounding launches, the fastest reaching 70 mph in 2.4 seconds
Encounter a one-of-a-kind, 360-degree barrel roll right above the Islands of Adventure lagoon
Experience a zero-gravity inverted stall that will send riders upside down across 100 feet of track in a jaw-dropping maneuver that is the first of its kind
Go airborne during the towering “Top Hat,” which propels riders 155 feet in the air and then immediately into an 80 degree drop – Universal’s steepest drop yet
Brace for a total of 12 heart-pounding seconds of airtime – the thrilling sensation of weightlessness riders feel when they’re lifted from their seats – throughout the entire adventure

The Jurassic World VelociCoaster will be the next addition of thrills inside the Jurassic Park land at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Inside of this immersive land, visitors can already come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs on the Jurassic Park River Adventure, test their bravery as they get up-close to Velociraptor Blue during the Raptor Encounter, find out more about the newest additions to the paddock – baby raptors, and satisfy their cravings with all-new delectable food items inspired by Isla Nublar.

Preparing for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Opening

We are just days away from the highly-anticipated opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure!

And with the excitement to experience this first-ever story coaster that joins Hagrid on a thrilling journey to the Forbidden Forest to discover magical creatures, will come a high demand for this new experience.

Planning to visit Universal’s Islands of Adventure to be a part of theme park history? We are sharing two ways to make your wait more manageable.

Fluffy Three-Headed Dog Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Universal Orlando Resort Universal's Islands of Adventure Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Harry Potter and the Sorecerers Stone

If you are planning to visit Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade on opening day, June 13, 2019, keep in mind that Universal’s Islands of Adventure may open earlier than scheduled so queueing can begin for this new experience.

Also, throughout the line you will find dedicated team members stationed to assist and answer any questions you may have during the wait.

But be sure to keep your camera at the ready, because you never know who you might see…

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

After opening day, beginning June 14, 2019, there may be times when team members ask you to join the Virtual Line on The Official Universal Orlando Resort App to experience Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

This will allow you to enjoy other attractions in the park until it’s your time to join the queue. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Prior to your arrival to the Universal Orlando Resort, download The Official Universal Orlando Resort App
Step 2: Once you’re in Islands of Adventure, open the app and tap the icon for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. From there, select how many people are in your party, and then select a return time to join the queue. Please note that you have to be in the park in order to secure a return time.
Step 3: Enjoy the other amazing experiences across Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios until your return time arrives.
Step 4: Upon your return time, head to the designated attraction entrance, where you will wait for your ride. The remainder of your wait time will be posted at the entrance when you arrive. All you have to do is scan your Virtual Line pass on your mobile device, and then you’re ready to join the queue.

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Universal Orlando Resort Universal's Islands of Adventure Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Harry Potter — Universal Orlando Resort

Can’t wait until June 13th?

On Tuesday, June 11th, the Universal Orlando Resort will be hosting a special live stream of the opening celebration for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – the epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.

The live stream will give viewers a front row seat to an exciting, magical moment that will celebrate the world’s first “story coaster,” and feature special appearances from beloved Harry Potter film stars.

The live stream will begin at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, on Universal Orlando’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter channels.

Summer 2019 Theme Parks Central Florida Walt Disney World Disney's Animal Kingdom Hollywood Studios Epcot Typhoon Lagoon LEGOLAND Florida SeaWorld Orlando Electric Ocean Illuminations Universal Orlando Resort Universal's Islands of Adventure Harry Potter Wizarding World Hogsmeade Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Summer Nights 2019 — Photo: Universal Orlando Resort

We can’t wait to share more information about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure! Make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for even more coverage of the opening!

FIRST LOOK WEEK: Friday’s Magical Creatures

All week the Universal Orlando Resort has given guests a first-ever look at the magical creatures they’ll encounter inside the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure when it opens on June 13th at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

#ICYMI: Check out the other Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Reveals!

Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort

With that being said let’s take a look at today’s Magical Creatures…Blast-Ended Skrewts

For the first time ever, you’ll be able to come face-to-face (or face-to-rear) with a Blast-Ended Skrewt on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Described as a cross between scorpions and elongated crabs, Skrewts aren’t afraid to attack other Skrewts they encounter and have incredibly strong armor that can’t be penetrated by spells – proving to be a challenge for Hagrid since they hatched.

On your journey through the Forbidden Forest during Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll encounter Blast-Ended Skrewts up to 8 feet long with tails up to ten-feet high and topped with a massive stinger.

The Blast-Ended Skrewt is the main lesson for the day but, as with all adventures with Hagrid, things don’t always go to plan…

Here are some Fun Fact that the Universal Orlando Blog shared about Blast-Ended Skrewts:

Blast-Ended Skrewts were first introduced in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and also mentioned in Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
As you may have read in the book, Hagrid created these unique creatures by crossbreeding Fire Crabs and Manticores – fierce creatures in their own right
Skrewts create actual fire from their ‘blasting-ends,’ igniting at random intervals – so be wary during your encounter
Even if you’re far enough to avoid their fire, watch out as you may still catch a whiff of their powerful scent… known to smell like rotting fish

Guests will embark on a journey with Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in theHarry Potter films – into the Forbidden Forest to discover some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

Thanks for joining me this week! I can’t wait for the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures! Do you have a creature that you’re looking forward to seeing the most?

FIRST LOOK WEEK: Thursday’s Magical Creatures

Universal Orlando Resort Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Centaurs Thursday

All week the Universal Orlando Resort is giving guests a first-ever look at the magical creatures they’ll encounter inside the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure when it opens on June 13th at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

#ICYMI: Check out the other Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Reveals!

Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort

With that being said let’s take a look at today’s Magical Creatures…Centaurs!

A Centaur is a magical creature with a human head, torso and arms, joined to a horse’s body. They are, however, their own species and should be treated with great respect.

As you make your way into the dark forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, look out for this mysterious archer in the distance ready to strike. He stands at 8 ft. tall, which would probably make him a great athlete in the Muggle world.

Here are some Fun Fact that the Universal Orlando Blog shared about Centaurs.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Hagrid is friendly with the Centaur herds as he regularly enters the Forbidden Forest to help injured creatures
According to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, these forest-dwelling beings usually live in herds of between 10 and 50 and are well-versed in magical healing, divination, archery and astronomy
Centaurs made their first appearance in the films during Harry Potter’s detention in the Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

The epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an immersive experience unlike any other, combining a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with elaborate environments – including an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees – to bring an all-new wizarding world adventure to life. Guests will embark on a journey with Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in theHarry Potter films – into the Forbidden Forest to discover some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

next up is the final creature – not seen before in the films. Careful, you may want to approach from the front….

FIRST LOOK WEEK: Wednesday’s (Sort Of) Magical Creatures Reveal

#ICYMI: Check out the other Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Monday & Tuesday Reveals!

Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort

With that being said let’s take a look at today’s (sort of) Magical Creatures…Devil’s Snare!

While Devil’s Snare isn’t a creature, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mention this perilous plant from the wizarding world – often strangling people who touch it with its dexterous vines. Devil’s Snare flourishes in damp, dark environments and it has a strong dislike of light and fire – remember that for your journey!

Speaking of your journey, Devil’s Snare is one of the many challenges you’ll face on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. You may even find yourself entangled in a thicket of this dangerous plant but remember to remain calm! If you don’t, you may end up entangled in hundreds of its vines…

And fun fact about Devil’s Snare, it made its first film appearance in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when the brave Hermione told her friends how to defeat this dangerous force.

Here are some Fun Fact that the Universal Orlando Blog shared about Devil’s Snare.

A fun fact about Devil’s Snare, it made its first film appearance in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when the brave Hermione told her friends how to defeat this dangerous force.

next up is a majestic being not to be confused with a horse or human.

FIRST LOOK WEEK: Tuesday’s Magical Creatures

#ICYMI: Check out yesterday’s Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure creatures feature!

Fluffy Three-Headed Dog in Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Universal Orlando Resort Universal's Islands of Adventure Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Harry Potter and the Sorecerers Stone — Universal Orlando Resort

Today’s Magical Creature reveal features…Cornish Pixies!

Cornish pixies are electric blue tricksters who love to create mischief – often at the expense of others. These mischievous creatures fly, and have also been known to seize unwary humans by the ears and deposit them at the tops of tall trees and buildings – poor Neville Longbottom…

In Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll see these troublesome creatures wreaking havoc on an infamous blue car… and in places you may not expect.

They’re about 13 inches tall and you’ll find more than 20 pixies throughout your adventure. Happy hunting!

Here are some Fun Facts that the Universal Orlando Blog shared about Cornish Pixies.

Magical Creature Cornish Pixies Fun Facts:

According to Pottermore, Cornish pixies can produce a high-pitched jabbering that’s only comprehensible to other pixies
Cornish pixies made their first film appearance in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets during Gilderoy Lockhart’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class

Next up is an extraordinary plant with constricting magical abilities. WARNING – STRUGGLING WILL ONLY CAUSE IT TO TIGHTEN ITS GRIP.

FIRST LOOK WEEK: Magical Creatures coming to Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort Releases First-Ever Look At Magical Creatures That Await In Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure During Week-Long Reveal

The epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens June 13

Starting today through April 19th, the Universal Orlando Resort is giving guests a first-ever look at the magical creatures they’ll encounter inside the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure when it opens on June 13th at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Every day through April 19, guests can visit the Universal Orlando Blog at 11 a.m. EDT to get a first look at the creatures – from familiar fan-favorites in the Harry Potter film series to a creature that’s never been seen in the films – and where they can be found in the new experience.

Here are some Fun Facts that the Universal Orlando Blog shared about Fluffy.

Fun Facts:

Fluffy is a giant three-headed dog that’s known for being the trusted guard dog of the Sorcerer’s Stone. And, as many of you know, Fluffy has a weakness – he falls asleep to the sound of music.
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Fluffy belongs to Hagrid, who adopted him from a “Greek chappie” he met in a pub
Experts on Pottermore say Fluffy was inspired by Cerberus – the dog that in Greek mythology guarded the gates of the Underworld – and, just like Fluffy, he fell asleep to the sound of music
Fluffy made his first and only appearance in the film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
In Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll confront this gigantic, beloved creature deep in the Forbidden Forest. Proceed with caution – he’s a guard dog first and foremost. And in this new adventure, Fluffy weighs 8,000 Ibs., which is roughly as big as two standard Muggle cars.

The Universal Orlando Blog also shared a hint about tomorrow’s creature reveal….

Our next creature of the week is a swarm of mischief-makers who love their tricks.

GUYS! I can’t tell you how much I love this idea, and I can’t wait to share the information with you all!

When it opens on June 13, 2019, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventurewill join the lineup of award-winning entertainment experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and bring an all-new adventure inspired by J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories to life. Guests will join Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class and fly deep into the Forbidden Forest aboard magical motorbikes to brave the mysteries and thrills beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Wordless Wednesday – Outside Hogwarts

Wordless Wednesday – October 2, 2013

This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to just outside of Hogwarts in Universal’s Island of Adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort. I could seriously spend all day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter wandering the streets of Hogsmeade!!!Follow us for more updates: