The holiday lineup at Universal Orlando for 2022 has a familiar feel, like a comforting blanket on a cool night. Park visitors again can see Grinchmas festivities at Islands of Adventure, the parade at Universal Studios and, on four select nights, Mannheim Steamroller concerts.
“The holidays are back and [at] their fullest right now,” said Lora Sauls, senior manager of creative development and show direction for entertainment, art and design. “We have the amazing ‘Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular’ that is back at its fullest. … The Holiday Parade is back at its fullest. We have all the talent that we’ve had, and it’s beautiful.”
But even if you’ve done the Universal holiday circuit before, there are a few new elements this year as well as some newish ones that have gone somewhat unnoticed. Here’s a stocking full of tips to guide your visits.
After the parade goes by
Santa Claus brings up the rear of the parade, which is mainly populated by movie characters in holiday mode. St. Nick has a slow-and-go next to the park’s giant Christmas tree in the New York area of Universal Studios, and that signals a transition, Sols said.
“After Santa lights the tree at the end of the parade … then the lights on the tree are choreographed to music,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of people saw that last year.”
The light show continues to cycle through on the tree after the parade ends.
Parade tip No. 2: Don’t want to watch the parade? You’re best off being where you want to be by the time the procession steps off. The sidewalks are tightly packed along the route and traveling through those spots takes effort. Some good off-the-beaten parade paths might be in Diagon Alley, Springfield, KidZone and the Men in Black: Alien Attack area.
Shopping center
The holiday version of the Tribute Store is up and running. Its theme is based on a New York City department store, with each room representing a different floor, including a holiday marketplace, a Wizarding World selection, merchandise from Who-ville and, bringing up the rear, Earl the Squirrel.
“He’s got his own marketplace. It’s pretty insane,” said Rob Cametti, director of visual merchandising and store design. “As you would expect from Earl, it’s holiday overload.”
Earl alert
Earl, a Universal creation whose real-life back story involves team members and the holiday tree, is growing in popularity and for the second year, there will be meet-and-greet opportunities. Of course, there’s merchandise, too.
“I think Earl was just getting his traction last year. This year, Earl is kind of like a star all on his own,” Sauls said. “There’s rumor that you may be able to find Earl at [Universal] CityWalk, you’re going to be able to find Earl at Universal Studios and you may find a smaller version of Earl on the Christmas tree.”
To the Max
But it’s not all about Earl. This year for the first time, folks who purchase Universal’s Holiday Tour can meet Max, canine sidekick to the Grinch, alongside the mean green one. The tour includes an encounter with Santa, reserved seating for the Grinchmas show, an after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas” projection show on Hogwarts Castle and small plates serving up Who hash, popcorn shrimp, chicken and waffles and a hot-cocoa bar at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous.
It’s a 4.5-hour talking tour, and admission price varies by date. Available slots range from $99.99 to $119.99 per person. (Read all the fine print, including that you also need park admission to go on the tour.)
Eat to the beast (and Earl again)
Oh wait, maybe it is all about Earl. Among the holiday fare: Earl’s salted caramel hot chocolate acorn bomb, is sold at Today Cafe and Battery Park ($8.99) inside Universal Studios. Feeling more old-school and Seussical? There’s a roast beast sandwich for $16.99 at Circus McGurkus at Islands of Adventure.
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