Universal Orlando Resort is set to unveil an array of exciting attractions, including the highly anticipated Wicked: The Experience, which opens just ahead of the Universal Pictures film release on November 22. Alongside this, visitors can also enjoy experiences themed around the beloved Harry Potter franchise and the festive spirit of The Grinch.
Universal Orlando’s Wicked Fun
Situated within Universal Studios Florida, Wicked: The Experience immerses guests in the enchanting world of Wicked, allowing them to wander through famed locations such as Shiz University and the Emerald City. The experience features captivating replica costumes from the film, providing memorable photo opportunities, intricately themed environments, and exclusive merchandise that fans will love.
Happy Holidays from Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort’s magnificent holiday celebration is making a triumphant return from Friday, November 22, through Tuesday, December 31. This festive event offers heart-pounding thrills and joyful activities for families to enjoy together. Park admission grants access to unique seasonal experiences featuring beloved characters from various franchises. Guests will be enchanted by “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Hogsmeade, where they can also meet the Grinch during the cheerful Grinchmas celebration. Visitors can revel in Universal’s stunning Holiday Parade, complete with Macy’s iconic floats and balloons. Enhance your holiday trip by booking stays in Universal’s beautifully decorated hotels, or opt for add-on experiences like The Universal Holiday Tour and The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter transforms both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade into magical landscapes adorned with enchanting holiday decorations. Visitors can delight in sipping Hot Butterbeer while enjoying the Vocal talents of The Frog Choir in Hogsmeade or bask in the musical charms of Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley. As nighttime descends, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” illuminates the sky with breathtaking projections showcasing cherished moments from the beloved Harry Potter saga. At Universal Islands of Adventure, guests are invited to partake in the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a live show bursting with holiday cheer, and explore the festive spirit of Who-ville while meeting the Grinch in the whimsical Seuss Landing.
Universal’s enchanting Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida features beloved characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, and Madagascar brought to life with gigantic balloons and colorful floats. The parade spectacularly culminates with the appearance of Santa Claus and the dazzling lighting of an impressive 80-foot Christmas tree. Other activities abound, including themed food and beverages, seasonal merchandise at the Holiday Tribute Store, and joyous character meet-and-greets like Earl the Squirrel, alongside a charming Holiday Nutcracker Hunt throughout all three Universal properties.
The Universal Holiday Tour, available for an additional fee, offers guests exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with the Grinch, Max, and Santa Claus. Included in the tour are special refreshments, reserved seating for the captivating “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” an exclusive after-hours viewing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” and priority access to Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. This extraordinary experience is available from November 25 to December 29, 2024. Additionally, the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure provides guests with the delightful opportunity to have breakfast with the Grinch and beloved characters from Seuss’s world at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous between November 22 and December 30.
All eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be gloriously adorned with festive decorations and feature special holiday menus that enhance the holiday spirit. Guests can participate in vibrant Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah ceremonies, and delightful caroling events throughout the season. Joining in on the celebrations, Universal CityWalk offers The Green & Red Coconut Club, which features holiday-themed cocktails, meet-and-greets with Earl the Squirrel (from November 29 to December 28), and seasonal specials at select dining establishments.
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How will this year’s holiday celebrations differ from previous years at Universal Orlando Resort?
### Interview with Sarah Johnson, Universal Orlando Resort Spokesperson
**Editor:** Welcome, Sarah! Universal Orlando Resort has some exciting new attractions and festive experiences coming up. Can you tell us more about the highly anticipated *Wicked: The Experience*?
**Sarah Johnson:** Absolutely! *Wicked: The Experience* is a truly immersive attraction that brings the enchanting world of *Wicked* to life right here at Universal Studios Florida. Guests will have the chance to explore iconic locations like Shiz University and the Emerald City, and we’ll have stunning replica costumes from the film that fans can get up close with. It’s all about creating unforgettable memories through beautifully themed environments and exclusive merchandise.
**Editor:** That sounds incredible! We’re also excited about the holiday celebrations returning to the resort. What can guests expect from this year’s festivities?
**Sarah Johnson:** This year’s holiday celebration runs from November 22 to December 31 and promises to be spectacular! Families can enjoy unique seasonal experiences featuring beloved characters from various franchises. A highlight will be “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” where guests will be mesmerized by breathtaking projections from the Harry Potter saga. Plus, there’s the cheerful Grinchmas celebration in Seuss Landing, which is perfect for those looking to meet the Grinch himself!
**Editor:** What about the *Holiday Parade*? What will it feature this year?
**Sarah Johnson:** The *Holiday Parade* at Universal Studios Florida is a grand spectacle! It will showcase beloved characters from franchises like Despicable Me and Shrek with gigantic balloons and colorful floats. The parade culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of our impressive 80-foot Christmas tree, creating a magical experience for everyone.
**Editor:** And for those wanting to enhance their visit, any special accommodations or experiences available?
**Sarah Johnson:** Yes! We offer beautifully decorated hotels to enhance the holiday spirit, and guests can book add-on experiences like *The Universal Holiday Tour* and *The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast* for a more personal touch. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season!
**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah! It sounds like Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect destination for holiday fun and memorable experiences this winter.
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you! We can’t wait to welcome everyone and make this holiday season unforgettable!
