As I snapped that photo above from a guest room at Universal Terra Luna Resort, I envisioned how congested the traffic circle would get in the weeks to come.
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Greetings, devourers of theme park news. Itâs Haley.
With guest previews underway, Epic Universe is looking busier and busier as we approach the one-month mark until opening day, and that means traffic is picking up all around the theme park.
For those needing to travel back and forth between Universal Orlando Resortâs main campus and the Epic Universe neighborhood, you can now take a new north-to-south corridor.
An extended Kirkman Road is now open with a skyward traffic circle.
This isnât your typical traffic circle, as it allows for traffic to flow freely between Kirkman Road and Epic Boulevard.
My friend and colleague Trooper Steve Montiero explored the circle.
âThat was kinda cool. I didnât know we could do it,â was my favorite quote in his educational Trooper Steve on Patrol commentary.
His POV is good preparation for when you drive around that area.
Since weâre on the topic of thoroughfares, I thought Iâd bring up another big takeaway from my media preview of Epic Universe.
Universal changed the theme park landscape with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter additions at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, introducing immersive experiences unlike any other.
Practically the entire time walking Place CachĂŠe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter â Ministry of Magicâs Parisian shopping district, I thought, âWhat a difference building a Harry Potter world as part of the original blueprint versus shoehorning one in!â
The Haussmannian-style architecture provides a much broader setting than what youâd find at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. To give you an idea of the scale of the Ministry of Magic, the tallest building in Diagon Alley is roughly the same height as the shortest one in Ministry of Magic.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions have raised the bar when it comes to first impressions, and Universal has done it once again with entrances into Non-Magique Park and the MĂŠtro-Floo at Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.
You can get a good look at the Helios Grand Hotel in Non-Magique Park, as seen from the photo above.
The hotel welcomed its first guests this week and Universal dropped some new photos. I added a few to this web story.
Universal is showing appreciation to passholders during their Epic Universe visits. Click here for a list of perks.
SeaWorld Orlando
Flying into May âď¸
When I did a hard hat tour of the Expedition Odyssey and Wild Arctic construction last month, it was evident SeaWorld was not wasting time.
It now appears SeaWorld is looking to take advantage of the Epic effect, knowing very well that Central Florida will get an influx of tourism starting next month.
Thatâs when the theme park plans to open its new attraction.
Expedition Odyssey will take guests on a thrilling journey through the Arctic. Suspended from above, the ride vehicles will create a simulated flight experience. There are even wind and mist effects too.
Walt Disney World
You otter know! đŚŚ
Who doesnât love hearing about a new cute addition to Disneyâs Animal Kingdom?
There have been quite a few lately. Most recently, three otter pups made their show debut.
If you arenât satisfied enough by cute photos of them, then their food-inspired names will be an adorable overload.
ICON Park
Blue man Orlando update đľ
Earlier this month, I reported that a delayed Blue Man Group grand opening was indefinite at ICON Park, seeing that the new theater hasnât even been built yet, and the opening date was slated for April 3.
A the time, a statement on the delay was very vague, but this week, we got a somewhat more detailed one. Mainly that the opening was pushed back to later this year.
As for tickets, Blue Man Group says to stay tuned.
If youâve been to Epic Universe or are planning to go soon, I would love to hear your thoughts or see your Pins! We have an In The Loop channel.
Connect with me by email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.
See you next week!