More in Store for 2018

With an amazing 2017 behind us – did someone say Universal’s Volcano Bay AND Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon AND an entirely new Holidays? – there’s no slowing down in 2018. From grand openings to upcoming announcements, here’s a quick look ahead at some of the reasons your clients will be hyped for their 2018 Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged

Opening: Spring

The latest installment of the Fast & Furious franchise isn’t in your local cinemas or streaming on your favorite device. It’s big, bold and right here at Universal Studios Florida. Your clients will jump in alongside their favorite Fast characters in a crazy chase scene that feels like it’s right out of the movies. The attraction is also filled with cars and props from the movies, perfect for their selfie on IG.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Opening: August

If your clients are looking for modern, sleek and perfectly-priced accommodations, look no further. Our sixth hotel welcomes guests this August. You can already book them a room so they can start dreaming about the views out the floor-to-ceiling windows, the sparkling pool and our first rooftop bar.

Perched 17 stories up in the air, your clients will enjoy striking, panoramic views of all three theme parks. They’ll be able to look out over the iconic Hogwarts Castle, the twists and turns of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, and the tropical oasis of Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Special Events

Beyond the rides and shows, your clients’ favorite events will be back this year! A Celebration of Harry Potter and Mardi Gras are just around the corner. And here are a few more of my favorites to look forward to.

Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Opening: September, with select nights through October

The nation’s premier Halloween event will return for it’s 28th straight year. When this event ends, I always ask myself, “How will we top ourselves next year? There’s no way.” But then those demented geniuses go off and do it. Can’t wait to see the terrifying houses, scarezones and shows they scare up for your clients.

Holidays

Opening: Mid-November

This year brought all-new décor, live shows and an incredible music and lighting spectacle on Hogwarts castle with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It also included an all-new Universal Holidays Parade Featuring Macy’s with entirely new balloons and floats. And all that’s on top of the fun of Grinchmas, Mannheim Steamroller performances and holiday cheer all around.

Well, it’s all coming back again this year for more holiday merriment and mischief. Your clients can consider their holiday travel plans booked.

Crystal Ball Gazing

While I can’t share details on things yet to be announced, you can expect to hear an announcement or two from us this year on things like:

• The previously-announced ride replacing Dragon Challenge in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
• An additional projection mapping experience at Hogwarts castle
• Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular being replaced
• Something new going in where Terminator 2: 3D was
• A new venue coming to Universal CityWalk where Element was
• Our expanding hotel collection
• The continued global expansion of our partnership with Nintendo. Our sister park in Japan has already broken ground on Super Nintendo World; I’m sure you can’t wait to hear what’s next.

Whew! There’s a lot to look forward to in 2018, that’s for sure.

Travel agents can save up to $100 on their clients’ vacation with the Splash, Stay & Play Vacation Package, learn more here. For more information about vacation packages and new experiences at Universal Orlando Resort, bookmark the blog and check our Universal Travel Agents page.

About the Author

Robyn Ryan is the Director of Travel Industry Sales for Universal Orlando Resort. She jokingly tells everyone she's ZEN, because she practices yoga. But like most sales people, the truth is she's more like a type-A personality. No wonder people cannot keep up with her when she's in our parks. She's like a kid running from ride to ride!