2011 holiday plans announced at Universal Orlando

October 24, 2011, 9:36 AM · It's that time again. Universal Orlando has announced its Christmas stuff! First, lets start with Universal Studios Florida:

Macy's Holiday Parade - It's Macy's Holiday Parade's 10th anniversary at Universal Orlando Resort. Taking place nightly at dusk, floats and balloons straight from the New York City parade come to the studios. After the parade, see the Christmas Tree lighting and lights around the holiday village.

Holiday Village - Special souvenirs, crafts for the kids, and treats and drinks are here in the village.

Mannheim Steamroller - The popular Christmas artists are back this year, and will be here on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.

Special Christmas versions of Startoons, Barney, and the Blues Brothers will also be played.

And over at Islands of Adventure:

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - See a live stage show version of the story featuring music by Mannheim Steamroller. Also, Whos will come offstage and walk around Seuss Landing!

Breakfast with the Grinch and Friends - Character breakfast in the park.

Picture with The Grinch - Get your picture with The Grinch. (This is the only time of the year to get your picture with him.)

Now these are just at the parks. (There are hotel events, too.) What do you think about this years festivities?

Replies (9)

Michael Barker

October 24, 2011 at 1:54 PM · I think that Universal is really messing up by not having any holiday-specific entertainment or events at the Wizarding World. The place is covered in "snow" already...it seems like a missed opportunity.

Robert Niles

October 24, 2011 at 2:17 PM · Ditto. I would love to see Christmas at Hogwarts celebrated in some manner.

Brandon Mendoza

October 24, 2011 at 2:29 PM · I second... er third that! Considering the first HP movie had scenes during Christmas, it's a huge miss to not have any decor for that!

Anyone know if Universal Hollywood is doing anything at all?

Robert Niles

October 24, 2011 at 2:44 PM · Universal Hollywood typically trucks in snow in December to make a snow play area, next to the Shrek 4D theater. They're usually Grinch-themed meet-'n-greets and storytelling as well.

Dominick D

October 24, 2011 at 3:52 PM · Gotta agree about WWOHP.

166.137.11.194

October 24, 2011 at 5:46 PM · The issue you'll find with WWoHP is that while Universal has the ability to do a lot of things, their hands are also tied by the contract agreements. Universal can't do anything to WWoHP without the okay from the studio. It's all intellectual property, and part of the contract is "no changes without consent." Until they sign off on holiday content, WWoHP will stay as is.

Brandon Mendoza

October 24, 2011 at 6:01 PM · Ah. Thanks Robert! I may pass though and just go to DLR. I can see snow up in Bear Mountain, so the novelty of USH having snow doesn't quite click with me. Maybe if I was a Grinch fan?

Rob P

October 25, 2011 at 3:40 AM · I love what Universal do at Christmas. Although not strictly Christmassy the Grinch theme is a good one ( after all his heart does soften after stealing it ) and having your photo taken with the green one ( plus the snarling banter ) is a fun experience. Macy's parade is done exceptionally well too with all the floats and confetti guns.
It may not be Xmas as we, or Disney, know it JIm but it definitely gets you into the holiday mood.

Deidre Dennis

October 25, 2011 at 10:12 PM · I'm excited to be there during this time (15-22). It will be our first time vacationing during the Christmas holiday and we are so excited. I was there last November for training and got to experience WWOHP. They were just starting to decorate and it was absolutely beautiful. Don't care that WWOHP won't be Christmas themed... the rest of the parks will probably be festive enough for me. Woo Hoo!

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2011 holiday plans announced at Universal Orlando

Replies (9)

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