What You Need To Know for Universal Orlando 2023
Things you need to know for Universal Orlando in 2023
Welcome back to The Krystal Palace! This page will be a guide on all the updates you need to know for your 2023 trip to Universal Orlando. It will be all on this page to help you navigate and plan your epic vacation. I will update it regularly when updates are announced as well so be sure to bookmark it!
Early Park Admission
The best recommendation I can give for visiting Universal Orlando no matter what year is to do Early Park Admission. This allows you access into either Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios 1 hour before park opening. You can ride the top attractions like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World VelociCoaster with shorter wait times.
Special events
Rock the Universe (January 28, 2023) - Christian Music Festival
Mardi Gras (February 4 - April 16, 2023) - Included in your park ticket - food booths, parade, concerts
Halloween Horror Nights (September 2 - October 31, 2023) - Haunted houses, scare zones, food booths, shows.
Christmas (November - December 31, 2023) - Grinchmas, Christmas Parade, shows, Christmas characters.
New Years Eve - December 31
What’s new at Universal Orlando 2023?
Tribute Store is MOVING!
The Universal Tribute Store is a themed store that opens for the Universal events which features event merchandise, treats and photo ops. It was previously located in the New York section of the park. It is moving to Hollywood to replace the Universal Annual Passholder Lounge, Williams of Hollywood and The Dark Room which all closed in 2022.
Also keep your eyes peeled as to what is to come to the old tribute store location. Although, it may just be used as an extended queue for The Mummy.
Annual Passholder Lounge
Another store is moving! This time over to Islands of Adventure. The Annual Passholder Lounge which is a perk for UOAPs is moving over to Islands of Adventure in the Toon Lagoon section of the park. It was announced for early 2023. We have yet to see the Betty Boop shop (where it is going to be) close. Check back here for updates!
KidZone Closure
Woody Woodpecker's KidZone closed in January 2023. This whole area is all boarded up with Dreamworks characters on the walls (is this a hint at what's to come?) Hopefully, we will get an announcement this year on what is to come to the old KidZone.
*Important to note that ET Adventure and SpongeBob Storepants are still open.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
A brand new ride is coming to Universal Studios! Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way.
Ride is set to open in Summer 2023!
Illumination Ave
Along with the Villain-Con attraction, the minions are taking over! This new area (near the entrance of Universal Studios Florida) will also feature the fan-favorite Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion Café and other surprises inspired by popular characters from Illumination’s blockbuster franchises.
Red Coconut Club
The Cursed Coconut Club is coming to Universal Mardi Gras 2023! I’ll be updating this section with more information and themes throughout the year.
Cabana Bay Malt Shoppe
If you are staying at or near Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you are in luck! This new ice cream shop also serves breakfast sandwiches but the ice cream and shakes steal the show! My review is in the 2023 updates video but you should definitely try it out on your next trip.
Universal Orlando Temporary Attraction Closures
Islands of Adventure Ride Closures
Me Ship, The Olive: 2/3/23 - 4/21/23
