Welcome to another beautiful day here at the Universal Orlando Resort. It’s the start of Spring Break, so we expect to see plenty of crowds around the parks today. Let’s get going and start the day at Universal Studios Florida first to see what’s new.
It doesn’t feel too crazy yet, but it’s certainly much more crowded here for a Monday morning. Many people start the day at Islands of Adventure to try to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, so we always recommend starting at Universal Studios Florida for a more chill morning.
Not too much had changed around the entrance of Villain-Con on this day, but you can check out our post here for the latest update. Along the side of the entrance, there has been a small damaged section that has been repaired and painted purple, though. That’s a good sign at least.
Inside the Silver Screen gift shop, one of the merchandise walls was recently removed and covered by a curtain. The construction wall on the outside of the building covers this area, which is normally a “window” to the right side of the store entrance. The interior of the store is still themed to Betty Boop, even though the sign above the entrance was recently removed.
The Minion Cafe is making a little more progress now that the new structure is starting to get enclosed from the top. There’s pieces of metal going in along the roof of the building, but there’s a square in the center that’s still open.
No more climbing wall in New York. Even though the pegs have been removed, there’s a barricade blocking off the alley.
The Cinematic Celebration lagoon show has ended permanently, but a new show is coming soon. Rumors say we could even see drones in the new show, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Construction walls have come down around the area in World Expo and the restrooms by MIB Gear are open again. The pavement has gotten updated and the area looks nice and refreshed. There’s one small section that’s still barricaded, but the rest of the area is open.
If you purchase a Mardi Gras Coca-Cola Freestyle cup from the stand towards the back of the park, near Men in Black, you get free Coca-Cola Mardi Gras beads. These are fun and a nice little perk when you buy a Freestyle cup.
Now let’s check out the latest updates at Islands of Adventure. We stopped into the All Hallows Eve Boutique to take in some spooky vibes. If you’re in need of a little Halloween in your life, be sure to stop in for a spell.
In the Lost Continent, the construction wall behind the Mystic Fountain has gotten an update. It now looks like doors rather than a plain construction wall.
Hogsmeade is packed, but we’re just passing through. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure had a 2 hour wait, which isn’t too bad considering it’s the start of Spring Break.
The “good dino” and “bad dino” of the week signs in the Jurassic Park Discovery Center are so cute. If you’ve never visited the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, you’re missing out. The geneticists are always a lot of fun to interact with.
There was a brief afternoon shower, so everyone ran for cover. The stores and restaurants are always packed when it rains.
As soon as the sun comes back out, the poncho-wearing crowds emerge from their shelters. At least the sun is shining, for now.
Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Wimpy’s have reopened from refurbishment. A rainy day is the best time for water rides.
Me Ship, the Olive is still closed for refurb, but we can see fresh paint and details under the scaffolding. This play area should be reopening soon.
Mummy Minion! There’s a new mummy Minion plush prize at the skill games in Toon Lagoon.
That’s all for this visit! Thanks for joining us around the parks today. We’ll be back again soon, so stay tuned to Universal Parks News Today for more updates.
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The post PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 3/13/23 (Spring Break Crowds, Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Reopens, Free Coca-Cola Mardi Gras Beads, and More) appeared first on WDW News Today.