What Is New At Universal Studios For Summer 2018?

Summer break with the kids is so much fun, it is the time I get to enjoy being outdoors with the family and one of our favorite things to do is visit theme parks. We enjoy going to Universal Studios and now that they have new things happening for the summer of 2018 we knew we needed to visit and tell you all about it. 

We were provided tickets to visit the park and be able to share the new things happening at Universal Studio for the summer, however all opinions, as usual, are our own.

Here are all the fun things happening at the park. Remember that you can get the most out of a visit by upgrading to Express Pass. No lines to wait, and you would be able to do all the rides and even get reserved seated at the shows. It is worth every penny.

1. ​DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest"

This is an immersive adventure, set in the new DreamWorks theater on what used to be Shrek 4-D attractions. The new multi-sensory attraction using state-of-the-art visual effects and cutting-edge technology, includes the first-ever interior projection mapping, 360 surround sound audio and sweeping physical effects, to engulf you in a world of adventure. Join Master Po and more from DreamWorks’ blockbuster franchise on a thrilling journey of awesomeness destined to stimulate your senses, exercise your wit and unlock the hero within through the power of kung fu.

2. Blue at Raptor Encounter

Are you brave enough to confront Blue? He is the most popular velociraptor from the blockbuster Jurassic World franchise, and you can find him now at the  park’s “Raptor Encounter" in the lower lot.

With the wonderful OCMomBlog

3. Butterbeer Ice cream

You already know how much we like butterbeer. We have had it cold, frozen or hot (especially during the colder winter months). Now you can have Butterbeer ice cream. You can find it at the carts in Hogsmeade and at Three Broomsticks.

4. New wand magic, featuring the Incendio fire-making spell and the Alohomora unlocking spell

With an interactive wand (that you can buy at Ollivander’s), you can cast spells. Just follow the instructions on the plaques located on  the ground around Harry Potter World. They have added two new spells:

• You can cast Incendio, which will make oil lamps light up in a store window.
• You can unlock a door with Alohomora unlocking spell.
  

4. New menu items at Three Broomsticks

Cheese Toastie with Chicken and Ploughman’s Lunch

There are new items on the menu at the Three Broomsticks restaurant.

• Cheese Toastie with Chicken: it is a grilled English Cheddar cheese with chicken, crispy bacon, mustard and sliced tomato topped with a sunny side up egg, and a fresh salad or potato wedges. 
• Sunday Roast Sandwich is a freshly baked baguette with warm prime rib, caramelized onions, English Cheddar, horseradish sauce and homemade garlic pickles with either a salad or potato wedges.
• The Ploughman’s Lunch features an imported selection of ham, salami, country pate, English cheese, homemade pickles, and a warm scotch egg served with bread, cranberry chutney and grain mustard. 

5. The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle

As tired as you might be after a great day at the park during the hot summer days, I recommend staying until late hours so you can enjoy “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” as it returns nightly from now thru August 19, and September 1-3.

Other things you should not miss!!

- Jurassic Park—The Ride

Do not miss your chance to ride Jurassic Park the Ride one last time before it goes extinct on September 3, 2018, in preparation for the new “Jurassic World Ride” coming in 2019. It is hot out, so that is the perfect way to get soaked and refreshed while enjoying this great thrill ride.

- Meet and greet with Po and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda at the park’s Universal Plaza

You can Meet and greet with Po and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda at the park’s Universal Plaza. They will interact with you and it is a super cool photo opportunity.

- Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop

Visit Mr. Ping's Noodle Shop at Universal Plaza and enjoy authentic Asian fare (stir-fry noodles, pot stickers, and egg rolls), and a selection of hot and cold Asian beverages. 

Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

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