August 3, 2020
By: Rick Wilks
ORLANDO, Fla. – Comcast announced Thursday Universal theme park revenue was down 94 percent in the second quarter, plummeting from $1.46 billion USD to $87 million USD.
Universal Studios Florida is trying many different strategies during it re-opening phases to help with costs and attract attendance. Visitor numbers have been less than projected. The cancellation of Halloween Horror Nights has also hurt revenue. Good new for HHN fans though, Universal has just opened a Tribute Store celebrating 30 years for HHN called Blast from the Past! featuring retro themed apparel and pins.
Starting this month hours will be reduced by 1 hour at each park. Universal Studios Florida will now be closing an hour early, with hours being 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily. Islands of Adventures on the other hand will be opening an hour later at 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. There’s even a rumor going around that the parks may go to a 5 day operation, but nothing has been confirmed on this.
EPIC, the 4th Universal Park, as of last Thursday, was put on hold. The park was originally to open in 2023, then delayed to 2024 because of the pandemic, now TBD. Four areas were scheduled to make up the park including Super Nintendo World, Universal Monsters and Fantastic Beasts.
Many attractions will also be closing temporarily or in some cases maybe permanently. Employees in these areas are said to be moving to other areas of the park.
- A Day in the Park with Barney.
- Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl.
- Fear Factor Live.
- Poseidon’s Fury.
- Storm Force Accelatron.
Announced this weekend, a new Florida Resident Deal, similar to Busch Gardens Tampa Fun Pass is now available. If you are a Florida Resident, pay $164 for a ticket and get access to Universal and Islands of Adventures thru December 24 with no Blackout dates. You may also chose to add Volcano Bay for a total of $193 for the three parks.
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