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With the start of the new year, Universal Orlando has decided to make some changes. They will remove one park offering that many guests rely on. Find out how this change could impact your next trip.
Universal Orlando
Unlike Disney, Universal lets people know that they aren’t about make-believe. They bring some of our favorite movies to life! I’m talking Harry Potter, Minions, Dr. Seuss, Jurassic Park, and so many more!
They are known for their amazing thrill rides, which consist of roller coasters and motion simulators. At Universal Studios parks you can discover rides, attractions and a whole lot more that makes this the best them park to visit for people looking for BIG thrills. Can’t decide which park to visit? Check out our post HERE.
Thinking of planning a Universal vacation? Check out our hotel guide HERE and a tour of a two bedroom suite at Dockside Inn and Suites HERE.
Removal of Park Offering
It has been confirmed by Fox35 News that Universal Orlando theme park physical maps will be part of history very soon. Universal Orlando will no longer be offering paper maps to their park guests beginning January 1, 2024.
Universal shared with Fox35 News that they are wanting to offer “more of a digital experience.” Universal guests are instructed to download the Universal Orlando Resort App for help finding their way around the parks.
Universal Orlando will no longer offer physical park maps beginning January 1, 2024.
Universal shared in a statement “With the app, guests can also take advantage of other capabilities to maximize their visit, including purchasing and redeeming select admission tickets, viewing wait times, taking advantage of Mobile Food and Drink ordering and more.”
What Does This Mean for you?
It is disappointing that guests will no longer be able to bring home a park map as a souvenir. I, Heather, love having park maps as mementos.
We encourage all our readers to download the Universal Orlando Resort App and familiarize yourselves with it prior to your Universal Orlando vacation. This way you and your family may have an easier time navigating the parks.
Always reach out to a Universal employee if you need further assistance locating something. Happy planning, crew!
What do you think of the removal of physical park maps? Do you like to collect park maps? Will this impact your vacation? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this post with a friend.
Source: Fox35 News
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Steve
Sunday 31st of December 2023
Steve My wife and I visit the park quite often. During special events we will pick up a map to check times.we have tried the app and do not feel it is user friendly. You go to the park of choice and a lot of red dotes pop up not knowing what they are for. Plus all the is doing is encouraging people to keep their noises in their phone and not enjoy the park for what it's for,a good time and to relax . We personally will miss the maps.
Fred
Sunday 31st of December 2023
Maps in pdf format can be downloaded and then printed at home here:
https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/resort-maps
Not ideal obviously, but if paper maps at the parks are going away I see no other option for those of us that must use them and not our phones.
Keith
Sunday 31st of December 2023
Our grandkids love reading the maps to find out where to go. They don't have smart phones. And There are no places to charge your phones in the park, our phones batteries are well drained by the end of the day as it is. By idea by the park. We love the maps. Can they please add charging locations!
Tricia
Sunday 31st of December 2023
This is very disappointing! I always take a fresh map home from the parks as a souvenir each trip. I feel that most people will not enjoy using up battery power to view maps thus requiring extra power banks to charge up with. It can also be hard to view phone screens in the bright sunlight.
Fred
Saturday 30th of December 2023
I need a paper map. My old phone and my bad eyesight are not capable to navigate the park without one. I hope someone scans in some recent park maps and uploads them . I could then download it and print it out to see.
Bryan
Sunday 31st of December 2023
I can't speak for Universal, but hopefully they can still provide guest (that need it) with paper maps, like maybe of you go to guest services. I guess we're going to have to see if they will do that.