The holidays are officially here and Universal Orlando Resort is ready to celebrate! My favorite time of year has always been the start of Fall and then leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas! Things are looking a bit different this at Universal but in such a great way!. Universal has still done a wonderful job helping find the magic and continue the holiday celebrations.

Universal Orlando is celebrating the holiday season EVERY DAY starting November 14th, 2020 – January 3rd, 2021.

Universal’s Holiday Experience Featuring Macy’s Balloons

New this year, you’ll be able to visit an immersive walkthrough experience of the Macy’s balloons and Christmas floats. Usually, this is a holiday parade, but this year, it’s even better! No more waiting for over an hour on the sidewalk outside trying to get a good view of the parade that passes by within minutes. Now, you’ll be inside in the air conditioning and getting to spend as much time as you like with your favorite balloons and floats. You’ll even have the chance to meet Santa and spend some time chatting with him before he heads back to the North Pole. Don’t forget to take your distanced selfie with him!

You’ll find spots all around to take your photos with your favorite floats. Masks can come off for photos throughout the experience when you are distanced. You can find this experience between Rip Ride Rockit and Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios. Universal does offer a virtual line for this experience if the wait times get long, but both times that I visited the experience, my wait was less than 5 minutes. Team members do try to limit the number of people walking through, so you’ll never feel rushed or crowded while inside! I love this experience and wish it could be something they kept around forever!

Universal’s Holiday Character Celebration

Throughout the day, you’ll see all of your favorite characters from Shrek and Madagascar along with the Minions and characters from Despicable Me.  These floats and characters are out around the parks, but you’ll find a lot of them parked down Hollywood Blvd.

The Grinch & The Whos

Celebrate the Grinchmas season with the Whos and the Grinch at Islands of Adventure! You’ll find the Whos on stage right outside of the All The Books You Can Read Bookstore in Seuss Landing. Meanwhile, the Grinch awaits you inside the All The Books You Can Read Bookstore where he will take your photos and interact with you! Once your photo shoot is over, you will be able to get your selfie with him as well.

You do have the option to purchase the photos that the Grinch takes, but if you choose to just do a distanced selfie with him, you can do that too! (That’s what I did!) If you don’t have a reservation, they do have a stand by line, but they only accept people based on the number of reservations inline/who has shown up for their reservation. They honor the reservations first over the stand by line. It’s totally free to do (unless you want to purchase the professional photos) and it’s a fun way to meet the Grinch this year!
To make a reservation in advance, click here:

Holiday Tribute Store

Enjoy the special Holiday merchandise inside four decorated rooms with inspired food and souvenirs to purchase. If you’re looking fo holiday treats, walk through all of the rooms and you’ll find the last room full of delicious snacks and drinks to try!

Holiday Treat Trail

This is my favorite trail to walk! ;) Buy each of the five designated treats throughout CityWalk, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure on the Holiday Treat Trail and get a 6th complimentary treat to enjoy. All snacks on the list on the trail are so good! Remember to get your map and have it stamped at each participating location so that way you qualify for your free treat!

Holiday Tree Hunt

Purchase the Holiday Tree Hunt brochure to take part in a fun scavenger hunt locating Holiday trees in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk. Once you complete the hunt, you will receive a Holiday ornament!

Holiday Entertainment

Find stilt walkers, characters, singers, and dancers all throughout the park! You’ll see them dressed in their holiday best as well as hear seasonal classics!

Seasonal Treats

Find exclusive food and drink offerings in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well as Universal CityWalk! You’ll find seasonal donuts, Gingerbread shakes, pumpkin crepes, hot butterbeer, and so much more!

Festive Decor

I love the decorations and lights all throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Both parks also have beautiful decorations all throughout, making it such a fun and festive time to visit!

Universal’s Private Holiday Tour

This holiday season just got even better! On select nights November 22nd – January 3rd, add on the private holiday tour to your vacation package. On your tour, you can drink hot cocoa while you meet the Grinch. You’ll receive front of the line access to the Holiday Experience featuring the Macy’s balloons. You’ll receive an entry to the Holiday Tribute Store as well. You’ll also enjoy a special viewing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle and receive a holiday give to take home at the end of the night! Park to Park admission and reservations are required. This tour is $59.99 per person plus tax.

Things may be a little different this year during the holiday season, but this is still a great time to visit! Want to plan a last-minute trip to Universal Orlando? There are still so many great deals available! Contact me and lets chat!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly