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The Holidays at Universal Just Hit Different
There’s something about walking through the parks this time of year that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. Maybe it’s the music drifting through the streets, the decorations everywhere you look, or the fact that Universal somehow manages to blend festive magic with thrill rides in a way that…
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The Future of Universal Orlando: What’s Next for the Parks?
Universal is in a major growth era right now. Between the opening of Epic Universe in 2025, new attractions in development at Universal Studios Florida, and major closures happening around Islands of Adventure, there’s more speculation floating around than ever. As a longtime UOAP who basically treats the parks like…
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A Tragic Day at Epic Universe and Why It Matters
The news coming out of Epic Universe lately has been really heavy, and honestly, it’s been hard to read about. Back in September, a 32-year-old guest, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, rode Stardust Racers — one of the park’s flagship coasters — and was later found unresponsive. The medical examiner ruled his…
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Top 10 UOAP Perks People Forget to Use
A Universal Orlando Annual Pass comes with way more perks than most people ever use. Each tier has its own restrictions — blackout dates, discount levels, and certain limitations — but every pass still offers benefits that can stretch your visits and save you money if you actually use them.…
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Annual Pass Worth It? Girl Math Edition
Let’s settle this once and for all: yes, the Universal Orlando Annual Pass is worth it. And I will die on this hill. Here’s my reasoning — or as I like to call it — girl math. If you’re a Florida resident, a single park-to-park ticket ranges anywhere from $150…
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My Hot Take: You Can Keep Halloween Horror Nights
Now that Halloween Horror Nights has officially wrapped up, I figured it was time for my hot take and it’s a big one. Coming from someone who loves Halloween, I actually hate going to Halloween Horror Nights. Yep, I said it. Every year from about September through November 2nd, I…
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A Spell That Never Fades: My Love for the Wizarding World
It’s no secret that I’m a lifelong Harry Potter fan. But what truly brings the magic to life for me isn’t just rereading the books or rewatching the movies; it’s stepping into the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando and feeling like I’ve been transported straight into J.K. Rowling’s universe. From…
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Epic Universe: The Magic, The Mayhem, and My Hot Take.
I was supposed to visit Epic Universe for my 31st birthday on July 11th, and I was so excited. I’d been counting down for months since I had purchased the tickets in November 2024, when they opened for UOAP holders.. But after keeping an eye on the unpredictable Florida weather…
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Welcome to Beyond The Rides
Hi there, I’m Geena, a proud Universal Orlando Annual Passholder, writer, and all-around theme park enthusiast. After countless park days, butterbeers, and conversations with fellow passholders, I decided it was time to create a space that celebrates the Universal experience that goes beyond the rides. I first came to Universal…
BeyondTheRides 