Theme Park Closures How soon will the Orlando theme parks open again?

Theme Park Closures: How soon will the Orlando theme parks open again?

Like other popular destinations across the country and around the world, Orlando, FL has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. Instead of the usual crowds of spring break enthusiasts and exciting families arriving from near and far, the central Florida area is instead filled with empty theme parks, closed storefronts and restaurants only offering take out orders.

Despite the temporary gloom, Orlando is still bursting with beautiful sunshine and seasonally warm temperatures. And from Walt Disney World Resort and all the other attractions to shops, restaurants, hotels and resorts, Orlando is eagerly awaiting its opportunity to re-open the doors to the usual fun and excitement.

When the time comes and it’s safe to head back to the parks, your Official Ticket Center will be ready and waiting to help you kickstart the family fun and memories. In the meantime, here is a brief update from Orlando’s major theme parks.

Disney World Epcot Train

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

All theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios), water parks (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon), resorts and hotels, plus Disney Springs and other Disney venues are currently closed until at least April 19, 2020.

In fact, all of Disney’s worldwide parks are now closed at the same time for the first time in history – including Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo.

  • Disney is now taking reservations for June 1, 2020 or later.
  • Unused tickets from March 12, 2020 and throughout the closed period may be used anytime thru December 15, 2020.
  • If you can’t use tickets by Dec. 15, you can apply the value of any wholly unused ticket toward the price of a ticket on a future date.
  • All change and cancellation fees are being waived for any reservations through June 1, 2020.

Universal Orlando Hogwarts

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Universal Orlando Resort also closed its operations in mid-March, shutting the doors to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water theme park, as well as Universal’s exclusive resort hotels. Those venues are all currently slated to stay closed until at least April 19, 2020.

  • Universal Orlando tickets for all dates during the closure period will still be valid for 365 days from the original purchase date.
  • Guests can also apply the value of any wholly unused tickets toward tickets purchased for a later date.
  • Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration will not be restarted upon the park’s opening. Any remaining Mardi Gras 2020 dates/concerts have been cancelled.
  • All Blue Man Group shows at Universal Orlando CityWalk are cancelled through at least April 19, 2020.

SeaWorld Orlando Shamu

SEAWORLD ORLANDO

SeaWorld Orlando and its sister parks, including Busch Gardens Tampa, Discovery Cove and Aquatica water park are also closed indefinitely until further notice, with no projected reopening date yet scheduled.

  • SeaWorld park tickets good for any dates during the closure will be extended through December 31, 2020.
  • Discovery Cove reservations prior to April 30 can be re-booked for any date prior to December 31, 2020 at the same rate, with no change fee.

OTHER NEARBY  ATTRACTIONS

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – NASA’s fun-filled space park is closed until further notice.

  • Daily admission tickets dated from March 16 until the Visitors Complex reopens will be refunded.
  • Any unexpired daily admission tickets are still valid.
  • Special private programs (Dine with an Astronaut, ATX, Overnight Adventures, Special Interest Bus Tours, etc.) will be cancelled and refunded.
  • All refunds will be automatically issued in calendar date order.>
Revenge of Chucky Scare Zone- Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Get Ready to Face Chucky, Killer Klowns in the Streets of Halloween Horror Nights 2018

With the announcement of Chucky and Killer Klowns Universal Orlando has done with the final list of its five scare zones for the 2018 Halloween event. So get ready to face the world’s deadliest doll in the Revenge of the Chucky scare zone or the killer klowns with ray guns from the outer space zone. The Harvest, Twisted Traditions and Vamp 85: New Year’s Eve are the remaining three scare zones that will haunt the streets in Halloween Horror Nights as well.

Both Chucky and Killer Klowns are beloved IPs from the 80’s. While Chucky returns to Halloween as a conductor of toy fair-turned-bloodbath, the cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space comes to transform you into a tasty blood-soaked cotton candy. Be prepared to face murderous monkeys, deadly board game, including the world’s deadliest doll in the Revenge of Chucky scare zone. Set at a toy fair that had turned lethal with childhood toys twisted into new nightmares.

Killer Klowns fron Outer Space Scare Zone - Halloween Horror NIghts 2018

Killer Klowns fron Outer Space Scare Zone – Halloween Horror NIghts 2018


Unlike Chucky, the 1980’s cult classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space is not a series of films. It’s one film that has inhibited a more nostalgic place in the hearts of horror fans. Killer Klowns has been considered as the king of B-flicks of its decade. It features the invasion of aliens in the form of killer klowns with UFOs and popcorn-shooting guns. The same invaders are now in the streets of Halloween Horror Nights as well. Be careful while roaming the park streets. They are stalking you. I’m sure you don’t want to be their next human crops, preserved in the form of a grotesque cotton candy.

The Harvest scare zone replicates a sinister barn, featuring foul and creepy creatures in search of the bloodiest harvest ever. At the Vamp 85: New Year’s Eve scare zone it seems just like a New Year’s Eve party until it’s too late. As the ball drops, your smiles will turn into unstoppable screams. You can’t escape the terrible tortures from a whole slew of creepy elements that descends upon you. The Twisted Tradition scare zone on the other hand puts you in the middle of another most terrifying horror experience with nothing but only the light from rotting Jack-o-lanterns.

When it comes to the haunted houses, there is more of it than before. The 2018 event will have a total of 10 haunted houses to take the spine-chilling experience to the next level. Halloween Horror Nights 2018 is the 28 th annual Halloween event at Universal Orlando. The hard ticketed event, not included with regular universal studios tickets. Visit the universal Orlando Halloween site for event tickets. The event is held on select nights from September 14 through November 3, 2018. This is one of the most intense horror event and as such not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Also costumes and masks are prohibited.

Summer fun with the family at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Tickets

 

If you can remember all of those summer vacations with mom and dad when you were a kid and having the time of your life, you had a pretty cool childhood. The vacations of the past can be re-lived  and the memories can be passed down now to your kids at Universal Orlando Resort. Venturing off of the Disney plantation in Orlando, one can have a pretty kick butt, action packed vacation minus princesses and talking mice.

Universal has marketed itself as a vacation from the ordinary and for good reason! They have crafted a vacation destination for teens as well as adults but the little ones in the group have not been forgotten. This vacation destination has something for everyone and then some. Now with three parks to escape to, Universal has made their little slice of heaven a weeks plus long getaway!

The one great thing that I personally love about Universal Orlando is that they listen to what their guests want and their ability to offer ticket specials as they see fit. Currently they are 3 extra days free on select tickets and sold through licensed partners like The Official Ticket Center, a local ticket agency that has been in business for over 20 years. Universal Studios tickets and other seasonal specials like this are what can let a family of four take a much needed vacation at a pretty nice discount.

If there was a cherry on top of everything under their umbrella it would have to be their all new Volcano Bay water park. This in my opinion is the Disney water park killer. I have been to them all and Volcano Bay is by far my favourite. If you can’t afford that trip to Bali or Tahiti, this is the next best thing especially if you have a few of their signature drinks to get your mind into the game!

Orlando Vacation - Save Money on Tickets

How to Save Money on an Orlando Theme Park Vacation in 2018

Airfare, Hotel, Car-Rental, foods, Tickets and more, prices just pile up to a shocking reality when it comes to the planning of a trip to the world famous Walt Disney World or the Universal parks in Orlando, Florida. In fact for many it’s the Park admission or entrance cost itself comes to you at a much higher price than expected. Given the $100 plus price slab for just a one-day ticket to either Disney World or Universal Orlando, the Orlando parks are definitely expensive options for guests and families on a tight vacation budget. But it’s also true that there are ways and options available to get rid of vacation expenses as well. There are ways and options that enable you to experience the dream vacation at a price much less than the inevitable $100 per person, per day.

For returning visitors this is not new and probably many of them know how to deal with a bulky budget. However, there are others, including first timers who are still in the look-out for better and more reasonable and reliable money saving tips and tricks. And if you are one of them then I suppose reading this article would definitely assists you in your quests for saving more on you theme park tickets.

There exists many deals and discounts on tickets online. But don’t just get lost in the myriad. One of the most recommend and sought-after money saving tips is to go for advance booking online. Visit the official websites of respective theme parks and compare the prices on dates you are planning to visit. The parks offer different prices on different dates and they give away discounts on advance booking of tickets from their websites. But wait, don’t booked them yet. Marked the official discounted price and compare it with other discount ticket sources, such as the authorized re-sellers, including OfficialTicketCenter.com that offers you real discounted disney tickets, passes, universal studios tickets and tickets to other Orlando area attractions.

Authorized Reseller - The Official Ticket Center

Authorized Reseller – The Official Ticket Center


As the name suggest the authorized re-sellers are authorized to offer legitimate park tickets. Also along with the official websites and re-sellers, you may also want to follow the parks on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. Who knows you may stumble upon an even better deal there. At times Disney and Universal may surprise you with event deals and vacation packages that you won’t be able to resist. However, it’s to be noted that you should stay away from getting cheated with all those fake or invalid tickets on sale online by various un-authorized sources at a price that seems too good to be true.

The Annual Pass is another great money saving tool. If you are interested in spending more days, week or more on each visit then better go for one instead. You will enjoy the best of benefits at the lowest possible costs on theme park admission per person, per day. Annual passes also come with in-park benefits such as free parking, dinning offers and souvenirs, including multiple park access. One of to pay extra to include multi-park access with a single day or multi-day ticket. However, it’s to be noted that annual passes are subject to block-out dates. Either you need to match your vacation timings with dates with the passes are valid, or go for an expensive or premium annual pass instead.

Halloween Horror Nights 2018 - Universal Orlando

New Haunted Houses for Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2018

After the revelation of dates and ticket deals, it’s time to get acquainted with the main attractions for the 2018 Halloween Horror Nights Event. And what better way to start with then taking a peek at the recently announced haunted houses. First, it’s the Stranger Things that comes to scare you with a whole-new harrowing maze. And next, we have another brand new house called – Dead Exposure: Patient Zero. There are more to come, including scare zones, shows and many other special Halloween attractions. For the latest announcements and latest updates on the Event, you may want to visit the official Universal Orlando Halloween site.

Stranger Things - Haunted House- Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Stranger Things – Haunted House- Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2018


The Netflix’s mega – hit series Stranger Things comes with an intense new freight experience that will turn you upside down. Inside the new house you will find yourself struggling with the suspense and supernatural freights like never before. Stranger Things is based on the Season 1 of the popular supernatural adventure. The house brings to life all those memorable moments and scenes from the show, featuring Hawkins National Library where things have gone terribly wrong, the mysterious darkness of the Upside Down and the unavoidable encounters with the Demogorgon.

Dead Exposure - Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Dead Exposure – Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2018


The second house – Dead Exposure: Patient Zero is based on the original concept. It was a fan-favorite and shook guests to their core when first appeared in the 2008 Halloween Horror Nights event. Universal is bringing back the same terror, but now dropping you in 1982 Paris. Dead Exposure: Patient Zero will puts you in the middle of another zombie apocalypse amidst hordes of flesh- eating undead. Inside, in the middle of darkness you will be haunted by the undead. The attack can come from anywhere. No-matter how hard you try to hide, they will find you out. However, there is a vaccine that protects you from the apocalypse. But then you have to sacrifice your eye sights for using it.

Dead Exposure is the first original house announced for the 2018 event. The Resort is yet to announce more haunted houses and scare zones for the event. Halloween Horror Nights 2018 is scheduled to take place on select dates, starting September, 14 and runs for 34 nights through November 3, 2018. Halloween Horror Nights is a hard ticketed event and not included with regular Universal Studios tickets. Horror fans can also take advantage of the special limited-time ticket offers that comes with a second night free. For purchase of event tickets, packages and special offers visit the official Universal Orlando Halloween site.

Halloween Horror NIghts 2018

Dates, Ticket Deals for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

It’s never too early to get ready for the next big trip to the Nation’s premier Halloween Event. While the annual fall Fest is still months away, starting September 14 through November 3, 2018, special packages and ticket deals for HHN-28 are on sale already. For Universal Orlando Halloween fans this is a great opportunity – just grab the best available offers in advance. Halloween Horror Nights Fest is one of the most anticipated events of its kind. And given the huge seasonal crowds, it’s always better to have the tickets early as possible. So plan your dates accordingly and take advantage of the initial ticket deals the Resort is offering for that scariest theme park experience ever.

The dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2018 as per the Universsal website are as follows – September 14 – 16, 20 – 23, 28 – 30 | October 3-7, 10 – 14, 17 – 21, 24 – 28, and 31 | November 1- 3.

The special limited-time ticket deal, which is on sale for HHN-28 come with great savings and a second fright nights for free. It allows admission for two select nights and is priced at $77.99. You can select any night of the Event except Saturday and you will get a second non-Saturday night of the Event for free. The special ticket deal is available on sale until June 6, 2018. The Resort is also offering a Horror Nights hotel package that allows four – night hotel stay, including four days of admissions to the three Universal Orlando parks – Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay Water Park, and of- course admission to HHN-28 for two select nights if booked on or before June 6, 2018. Prices for the special hotel package starts at $215. Ticket package can be upgraded with special attractions such as the exclusive Behind the Screams and RIP Tour as well.

HHN-28 is scheduled to run for 34 select nights, from September 14 through November 3, 2018. There is no further detail on additional ticket options yet. Also the Resort has not reveal any detail about the main attractions of the Event. There is no information on the upcoming haunted houses or blood-curdling scare zones for that matter. However, as per the speculations HHN-28 is expected to include a total of nine brand new haunted mazes and five scare zones. Horror fans will have everything from iconic horrors to classic cult to most terrifying and disturbing TV shows.

Please keep visiting the official Universal web-site or you may also want to logon to our Discount Universal Studios Tickets page for the latest updates and discounts on event tickets.

Rock the Universe 2018 - Florida's Biggest Christian Music Festival at Universal orlando

Get Ready for Some Amazing Concerts at Universal Orlando’s ‘Rock the Universe’ Fest 2018

It seems Florida’s biggest Christian music festival – Rock the Universe will create a new masterpiece once again when it returns to Universal Orlando in September, 2018. The special event offers you the most unforgettable weekend of faith and fun that Universal has to offer. Set with an incredible lineup of Christian concerts, with star performers such as TobyMac, Casting Crowns, and Jesus Culture the special event brings to you the best of rock and ride adventures ever.

Rock the Universe festival 2018 brings to you two nights of powerful music – to be held on September 7 and 8, 2018. The special event also includes a Candle-lighting ceremony and a special Fan Zone by Coca-Cola, featuring more live performances and autograph sessions as well. Among the favorite ride attractions that will be available during the event include the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, and if all things go as per schedule, probably guests will be able to experience the new Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride attraction, slated to debut this spring.

Rock the Universe 2018 - Concerts

Rock the Universe 2018 – Concerts


Rock the Universe is one of the most anticipated annual event. It received a rocking welcome last year too. But sadly it couldn’t continue for the second night due to Hurricane Irma. This year the Event will definitely fulfill all the promises and guests will have a never before rocking weekend for sure. The amazing lineup for this year include – Jesus Culture, TobyMac, Lauren Daigle, Red, Zach Williams, and Trip Lee on Friday, September 7, 2018. Followed by Casting Crowns, For King & Country, Family Force 5, Brandon Health, Andy Mineo, and Ryan Stevenson on Sunday, September 8, 2018.

Rock the Universe festival is a hard ticketed event. Not included in regular admissions. Guest will have to pay extra to attend the special Event. Universal typically release tickets for the Event in the month of July. So please keep visiting the official Universal Orlando website for the event tickets. You can also visit our special Universal Studios Tickets page for discount offers on various Universal admissions and updates on the special event tickets.

It’s true that Universal Music Plaza stage is the central attraction of the Event. But you may want to take a break from the main stage and visit the additional experiences the Event has to offer. Located at the New York section of the Park is the FanZone that offers you the opportunity to connect with and take autograph from the favorite artists. In addition to this there is also the Candle-lighting ceremony to be attended at the Music Plaza stage.

Usually, Rock the Universe tickets come in two different choices. You can either go for a one night ticket or two nights. Also special discounts available for annual pass-holders. Entry to the event starts at 4:00 pm in the evening.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL WITH NEW MARDI GRAS MERCHANDIS

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2018 is gearing up to be one of the best.

Along with an incredible line-up to the concert list on select nights the new merchandise is giving a musical feel.

Musical notes can be found on the front of the Unisex T-Shirt, surrounding “Mardi Gras Universal Orlando”. The new skull design for 2018 rocks the back of the T-shirt in a shiny finish.

Mardi Gras Merchandise - Front of Shirt Tie

Mardi Gras Merchandise - Back of Shirt 2

The skull itself is crafted by musical inspiration. A guitar neck creates the bridge of the nose which goes into a guitar pick. A turn-table is in place of the eyes with piano keys in place of teeth.

You can also find the skull design on this year’s souvenir shot glass and bottle opener.

Mardi Gras Merch - Skull ShotGlass

The lanyard for Mardi Gras 2018, gives a festive graffiti look in colors and design. Crowns, music notes, glimpses of the skull, and even trumpets are displayed across the black lanyard canvas.

Mardi Gras Merch - Lanyard

When it comes to Mardi Gras and merchandise for this high-energy event, one thing can’t be left out – BEADS!

This year, there are beads by the dozens.

If you’re moody like me, we’ve got you covered—happy face on one side, sad face on the other.

Mardi Gras Merchandise - Happy Face Beads
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Sad Face Beads
 If you’re one of the lucky ones to find the baby in the King Cake, you can totally sport your royalty. (Yes, there are babies on the beads in the center.)

Mardi Gras Merchandise - It's Good to Be KingQueen Beads

Let the good times roll at Universal Orlando’s biggest party – Mardi Gras. Grab your new gear, eat a beignet, and join the festive parade every night.

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is bound to be a time you will never forget – you won’t want to miss this.

Mardi Gras Merchandise - Bottle Opener
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Heart Saints
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Sugar Skull
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Crown Bead
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Masks
Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride - universal orlando

Upcoming Orlando Theme Park Attractions 2018

For Orlando theme park guests it’s a whole new list of anticipations in 2018. At SeaWorld Orlando the upcoming Infinity Falls promises to take guests on a never before river ride adventure. Come spring, guests at Universal Studios Florida Park will be hijacked for a high-octane experience with the likes of Dom, Letty, Hobbs and the rest of Fast & Furious crew. Again Legoland Florida is offering the first V-R coaster for kids, featuring the wildest Lego race ever imagined. Last but not the least Disney World is all set to shrink guests to the size of a toy with its blockbuster 2018 project – Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park.

The new Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride attraction is opening at the Universal Studios Florida section of the popular Resort. The ride will take you on a pulse pounding action where you will meet up with the Fast & Furious gang. During the adventure you have to stay with the unbreakable team that will help you escape dangers during the wild chase. The new standalone attraction promises a longer and more furious and immersive ride experience, featuring vehicles with 120 mph ride speed, and high definition 3-D projections.

The Infinity Falls river raft ride at SeaWorld Orlando promises a thrilling journey of discovery. Amidst soaking fountains and waterfalls, roaring rapids and tallest drop, the newest ride will put you through the wildest wet experiences ever. Guests will board a round shape, eight-seater blue and green ride vehicle as they navigate through turbulent waters of Infinity Falls that ends with a pulse pounding 40 foot drop. At LEGOLAND Florida it’s another wildest Lego race waiting to take your kid’s V-R coaster experience to next level. The Great Lego Race is seen as the first V-R roller coaster initiative with the kids in mind. The wild virtual race pits guests against Lego speedsters.

When it comes to Walt Disney World – the Toy Story Land is one of the most anticipated 2018 attractions to look for at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A great opportunity for fans to experience the world of toys. The new land will shrink guests down to the size of a toy and put you in Andy’s backyard. The new attraction features the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and the spinning ride – Alien Swirling Saucers ride. Toy Story Land also include a quick-food restaurant and the popular Toy Story Mania 4-D shooting ride.

You can book your discount Sea world, Disney World or universal studios tickets from Officialticketcenter.com in advance and save more on upcoming trips to your favorite theme parks in Orlando, Florida.