PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 12/20/22 (Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls Reopens, Mr. DNA Plush, Gremlins Loungefly, Minions Lunar New Year Merchandise, and More)

Greetings from the Universal Orlando Resort during one of the busiest times of the year! The holidays are right around the corner, along with the crowds. It’s a chilly day, but we’re ready to hit the parks and see what’s new today.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 62
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 63
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 64

As soon as we arrived in CityWalk, we noticed some more changes to where the old “Welcome to Universal Orlando Resort” sign used to be. There are small squares covering up the holes from the previous sign, but it almost looks like there is an outline for a potential new sign. We hope it returns!

earl the squirrel bag80

Inside the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk, we spotted a brand new Earl the Squirrel bag. It looks a bit like a lunch bag or cooler bag, with backpack straps and handles that snap. We also spotted this in the Tribute Store and a few other locations around the park.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 61
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 60

There’s also a Universal Studios exclusive singing and dancing Otto toy. We expect to see even more new merchandise with Villain-Con and Minions Land coming next year.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 67
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 66

There’s a new Loungefly backpack that matches the Gremlins wallet we found a while back. The 3D glasses are attached with snaps and can be easily removed, depending on your mood. We found this in the 5 & 10 for $85.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 57

Every day really is Halloween at Universal Studios. Some Halloween Horror Nights ID holders are available in the 5 & 10 for 70% off. Grab them before they’re gone!

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 65

There are a few new “purchase with purchase” items available. With this cold weather, the new wearable blanket is sure to be popular. If you make a merchandise purchase of $40 or more, you can get the wearable blanket for $25. You can also purchase the blanket for $50 on its own.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 68
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 69
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 70

In addition to the blankets, this water bottle is also available at a discounted price with a $40 purchase. It’s $17 with a $40 purchase, or can be bought alone for $35. There’s a small storage space on the water bottle which is perfect for keeping park tickets, money, and other small items. This would be a great investment. It even has a carrying strap.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 74
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 71
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 73

There are a few new changes to the Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction. We can see lights inside the queue and now along the exterior of the building near the entrance.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 53
Universal hides ornaments around the park that pay tribute to former attractions. This Rosie ornament hidden in the garland on the stand near Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit really blends in.
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 50

The Kitty Kat Club sign was peeling in the corner recently, but it’s been fixed. It looks great!

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 51

The Express sign has been uncovered at the entrance of Revenge of the Mummy! We didn’t see any “Technical Rehearsal” signs, so it appears to be officially open finally.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 55

The Grinch Mold-A-Rama machine in the Tribute Store is out of order. We still need to get one for our collection before the end of the holidays, so hopefully it returns.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 75

Over at Islands of Adventure, we stopped into the All Hallows Krampus Boutique and found some holiday coffees. These are $21 each and would make a great gift for a coffee lover. The flavors available were Santa’s Banana Blend, Holiday Merry Mint, Season’s Strudel, and Buttered Rum Holitoddy.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 48
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 47

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure had a 140 minute wait just before noon and there was a very long line to get into the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 44

The Wizarding World was packed, but the rest of the park was relatively quiet. The cold weather might have been keeping people away.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 76

Bingo! Dino DNA! Over at the DNA sequencing skill game in Jurassic Park, a new Mr. DNA plush prize is now available. We couldn’t leave without winning him. You need to pop 2 balloons to win him and you get 3 chances.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 45

Dinosaurs love Christmas, too.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 77
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 81

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls has reopened after refurbishment. It’s a cold day, so there’s only a 5 minute wait.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 43

That duck can’t read the signs.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 85
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 87
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 86
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 1

Universal Studios Lunar New Year merchandise has arrived in Toon Lagoon. We spotted these new shirts in Toon Extra.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 42
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 41

There’s more refurbishment happening around Toon Lagoon. Some of the characters have returned, but now a few of the tables are missing from Blondie’s. This area has been getting a lot of refurbishment and everything has looked really good so far.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 40

Some places feel crowded, but the park isn’t packed. We’re curious to see how busy the rest of the week is!

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 39
Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 38

We spotted a few holiday snacks we missed! At the Coca-Cola Refreshment cart in CityWalk, you can find a Cup o’ Churros or Arroz con Dulce Empanadas. We will have to try these before they’re gone.

Universal Orlando Resort Photo Report 12 20 22 52

Thanks for joining us around the Universal Orlando Resort today. We’ll be back again soon to brave the holiday crowds and the Florida cold, so stay tuned. You can also watch a vlog of our day at Universal Orlando in the video below.

The post PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 12/20/22 (Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls Reopens, Mr. DNA Plush, Gremlins Loungefly, Minions Lunar New Year Merchandise, and More) appeared first on WDW News Today.