What Is Different at Universal Orlando Since March 2020?

By Jon Self

Since March 2020, we have learned to speak words like pandemic and unprecedented in everyday sentences. We started using phrases like “flattening the curve” and “social distancing” casually. The past fifteen months have created stress in ways most have never experienced. Humanity has been shown still needing to work on simply being “human” to one another. Our differences in thought and deed have divided governments, families, schools, churches, and employment situations.

There is good news. Based on newest data, we can all agree on something…we want to go on vacation! Many people are expected to spend more money on their next vacation than on previous vacations. The Orlando area attractions are anticipating some of the largest crowds in years from September through December 2021. This is even though few international travelers can visit Orlando currently waiting on government officials to allow travel. 

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Perhaps you find yourself preparing for your first trip to Universal Orlando in a while. There are lots of changes since all theme parks temporarily closed in March 2020. Some of them are good. Some are bad. Some you will need to decide for yourself. As veteran theme park writers keep reminding me, things change at Universal Orlando often without notice so this will be most accurate data when published. Also, this article will not cover every change. The focus will be on the highlights especially food/beverage alterations.

Things that are no more.

1. Currently, the up-close character interactions at Universal Orlando are modified. The characters are on elevated platforms or placed behind a barrier. You may or may not see “face” characters wearing facial coverings even they are not required for guests.

​2.  The Barney show in KidZone area of Universal Studios Florida has permanently closed. The children’s play land in KIdZone has not reopened yet.

3. Storm Force Accelatron, a spinning tea-cups style attraction in Marvel Super Hero Island is closed. As of writing, we know it opened for a special after-hour event in June so it may reopen soon. 
4. If you are interested in valet parking, that option is not currently available but may return soon.  
5. The Race through New York with Jimmy Fallon attraction is still a shell of its former intention. The in-queue entertainment, such as Ragtime Gals and Hashtag the Panda, have not returned. Hashtag will greet guests outside in a social distanced area but that is not as entertaining as the indoor performance.​

6. Both Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Dippin’ Dots treats did not return for 2021. They were essentially replaced with Haagen-Dazs ice cream in park. 

​7. The Fusion Bistro Sushi and Sake Bar located in CityWalk closed permanently and been replaced (more on that later).

9. The “toppings bars” at quick service burger places have not returned. Guests must ask for toppings when ordering as opposed to going to a buffet style bar for those.  ​

Häagen-Dazs takes over Ben &Jerry's locations in Universal Studios Florida.

Stuffed Pizza Pretzel can re found at the Lemon Slush kiosk.

10. The dining at the resort hotels has not returned to previous high quality. For example, during a recent stay at one of the premier level hotels, I experienced terribly slow food service with lower quality food overall. This is most likely due to lack of qualified staff currently. 
11. Related to that, no character meals are happening at Universal Orlando.

Things that are new and/or different 

The Bourne Stuntacular.

1. The Bourne Stuntacular, an incredible stunt show, and Jurassic World Velocicoaster, arguably the most thrilling coaster in Florida, have opened.

2. The Raptor Encounter character experience has added two new dinosaurs, Sierra and Bravo, to share time with Blue.
3. The Dockside Inn and Suites, part of Endless Summer resort, finally got to open. This value level resort is great addition to the UOR/Loews resorts for guests looking to stay on-site but pay similar to many off-site hotels.

DreamWorks Destination takes over A Day in The Park With Barney and Friends.

4. DreamWorks Destination has taken over the Barney stage. This indoor experience features characters from DreamWorks franchises, like Madagascar, in part meet and greet, part trivia time, and part dance party to drive any fans of these characters wild. ​

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5. Expect long queues if you enter via the CityWalk garage area. These queues move quickly but appear daunting.

6. The shopping at CityWalk has changed appreciably. The former Universal Studios store has been converted into the Universal Legacy store. Universal has redesigned this retail space using old props from previous days at Universal Orlando. At least half the fun of this new store concept is to view the props. Universal has also redesigned former third-party retail space converting those to a large Universal Studios store with a bright clean modern feel.
7. Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure uses various operating procedures. It is open for early park admission when available at Islands of Adventure. It has recently added a single rider line. However, most importantly, this attraction sometimes uses a virtual queue system. When used, the virtual queue spots are available to select at least four times per day via Universal Orlando app.​

Food and Beverage Changes 

Starting with bad news, the time it takes currently to obtain food/beverage inside the parks is embarrassingly protracted currently. Universal Orlando attempted to expand their mobile ordering system, but it was an abysmal failure at most locations. As of writing, only in-park locations are still using mobile ordering. Unless major changes happen, you should plan on longer waits for food. My best recommendation is to visit the pop-up food trucks and tents around Universal Studios Florida or leave the park to dine in CityWalk to avoid a long frustrating wait.

Richter's Burger Co. at Universal Studios Florida.

Bend the Bao in CityWalk

Now that I made enjoying your dining sound impossible, let me give you some good news. In the Wizarding World areas, there have been many new treats, like caramels, added for your enjoyment. However, butterbeer fans can rejoice since “hot” butterbeer is now officially served year-round. 
    In CityWalk, Bend the Bao quick service location has taken over the vacated spot on second floor of CityWalk. So far, this place has gotten good reviews with their Asian fusion cuisine. The price point may be a bit high, but this is an excellent addition to the CityWalk. 

Also, in CityWalk, Voodoo Doughnut has continued to be creative with their seasonal offerings. For example, they have a “churro stand” doughnut, summer s’mores doughnut, and five different Olympic doughnuts to match the Olympic rings.

Bourbon Bacon Belgian Liege Waffle

 At Universal Studios Florida (USF), there have been some appetizing changes. The Hollywood or Bust kiosk in KidZone that formerly sold Dippin’ Dots (and briefly sold nachos) is now a Belgian liege waffle stand. These are the logical progression from the extraordinarily successful liege waffles Mardi Gras 2021 stand. You can get waffles in many varieties including as a sundae as well as other sweet treats. This is a great concept but only time will tell if this concept lasts.

In contrast, Universal Studios' Classic Monsters Café, the OG of quick service, has been closed most of the time since park reopening. It is currently running a limited menu only open Friday through Sunday.

Belgian liege waffles takes over the Dippin Dots stand by E.T's Adventure.

Seasonal Crepe: Raspberry and Passion Fruit Cream from Crental Park Crepes.

Brisket Philly Tots from Green Eggs and Ham atIslands of Adventure.

In Islands of Adventure, there are a few changes. At Green Eggs and Ham, a brand-new menu was unveiled in December 2019 replacing the horrible tasting previous menu. This food location now serves tater tots with wonderfully seasoned toppings. Since reopening, the dessert Nutella dish was discontinued. Philly brisket tots were added to the menu. However, as you can see, pizza tots are my favorite.

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We have two Jurassic themed changes to conclude this discussion. At “Natural Selections” food kiosk, there are “Blue” themed churros to go with the dulce de leche churro there. Inside “Burger Digs”, you can now purchase a Jurassic themed burger called the “Casado Burger.” This burger is a Costa Rican inspired black angus patty, sweet plantains, avocado, pork belly, garlic mayonnaise on a raptor scored brioche bun. Since this is at Burger Digs, I will pass on this themed burger, but you are welcome to enjoy it since no expense was spared in presenting it to you.

Hope you enjoyed this update for future travelers to Universal Orlando. We hope you eat well and enjoy your time in the parks.

Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan who has the high privilege to serve as a pastor at an American Baptist Church (fbcmacomb.com) while also trying to find the proper life path with his loving spouse, a bigger theme park fan than Jon. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on Twitter. Jon writes for various theme park sources such as touringplans.com and universalfamilyvacations.com. He also writes for faithelement.net.