Dark secrets revealed 🧛

Some kings of Halloween are getting some rightful Epic Universe recognition.

Hello, In the Loop subscribers. In the words of Dracula, I bid you welcome to my newsletter.

According to a ClickOrlando.com poll that I check frequently, readers are most excited about Dark Universe out of all the worlds coming to Epic Universe. I’m one of them.

I’ve had conversations with die-hards who are hesitant to give in to the hype but after hearing new details, it appears that Dark Universe will be an absolute love letter to the Universal Monsters legacy.

For what can easily be called its main attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment will have 14 life-like animated figures, including the four beasts below shown in newly-released images.

We’re just scratching the surface of the Universal Monster catalog because the Universal Creative team said other monsters will be included, and not just in the form of these incredible animatronics.

I included new details on the Monsters Unchained storyline and more photos in this web story. These monsters will officially come alive on May 22, 2025, when Epic Universe opens to the public.

Universal Orlando

Alohomora the holidays 🎅🏻

I couldn’t resist listening to a few Christmas songs now that we’re officially out of spooky season.

It’s November after all.

Later this month, Universal Orlando will usher in the holiday season. Grinchmas, Christmas in the Wizarding World and a spectacular parade are just a few in-park experiences guests can look forward to.

There are also special add-ons and celebrations happening at the hotels.

SeaWorld Orlando

Ice skates and coasters ⛸

Outdoor ice skating in Central Florida might not be the first holiday activity that comes to mind, but it’s happening at SeaWorld Orlando.

The theme park announced its lineup of holiday festivities for the upcoming season, including Christmas in Sesame Street Land and Rudolph’s Christmas Town.

There are also celebrations happening in the new year for Three Kings Day.

Walt Disney World

BAM! Christmas carols everywhere 🎅🏻

It really is magical the way the Magic Kingdom undergoes an overnight transformation from Halloween to Christmas on Nov. 1.

It’s an all-hands-on-deck operation.

Disney released a video showing crews assembling Christmas decorations on Main Street U.S.A. as the park welcomed in the holiday season.

ICON Park

The paint drumming is coming 🎨

I was skeptical when Orange County leaders said Blue Man Group would be welcoming guests by the end of 2024.

This week, we found out the iconic performers won’t be returning to Orlando quite that early. Instead, they’ll start welcoming ICON Park guests next April.

It will be worth the wait because this theater is being built specifically for a Blue Man Group experience.

In the meantime, you can purchase tickets.

I’m looking forward to sharing more details on Central Florida holiday celebrations in the coming weeks.

Feel free to keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.

I’ll see you next week.