universal-studios

Universal Orlando Announces 2026 Military Freedom Pass Offering a $220 Annual Pass!

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Universal CityWalk Orlando

If you are active duty or retired military or a department of defense civilian employee you can get a Universal Orlando Resort Annual Pass incredibly cheaply. The pass is called the Military Freedom Pass and it starts at just $220 (compared to the cheapest standard pass at $425). You can choose From 2-Park or 3-Park options where Volcano Bay is added as the 3rd park. Keep in mind that no Universal annual pass currently gets you into Epic Universe, but more on that later. This is quite the bargain when a single day ticket starts at $119, so for less than the cost of 2 days you get the whole year.

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The TEA Rankings are Out of for the Top 25 Theme Parks Worldwide and Almost Half are in Asia

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Super Nintendo World Sign at Universal Studios Japan
Super Nintendo World Sign at Universal Studios Japan

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is a international non-profitwho releases a free annual report about the leisure and travel sectors including the theme park industry. The 2024 TEA Global Experience Index™ is out and the results show that Asia is a growing theme park powerhouse with 12 of the top 25 theme parks by attendance. It’s not uncommon for enthusiasts to travel internationally these days, but most seem to travel to Europe, not Asia. Most of the Asian parks in the top 10 are in Japan including #3 Universal Studios Japan, #4 Tokyo Disneyland and #7 Tokyo DisneySea, but you’ll also find several parks in China and two in South Korea. However, this report shows that if you’ve never visited a park in Asia you’re missing almost half of the top 25 parks in the world.

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Drinking Around the Universe at Universal Epic Universe

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Epic Universe entrance
Epic Universe Chronos Tower

Universal Epic Universe has quickly established itself as a prime destination for thrill-seekers and, as it turns out, for those seeking unique and sophisticated adult beverages. The park, which opened on May 22, 2025, has made a name for itself not just with its incredible rides and themed worlds, but also with a diverse and creative lineup of cocktails, beers, and other alcoholic libations. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing spritz in Celestial Park or a potent potion in the Ministry of Magic, here’s a guide to some of the top spots to find alcoholic drinks at Epic Universe.

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Roller Coaster Patents: Epic Universe’s Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness Has a Patent on it!

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Patent sign from Tellus Museum
Donkey Kong Mine-Kart Madness layout

I was walking through Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia and they had a great display about patents that actually highlighted the patent on the Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness ride. This roller coaster has a unique design with hidden lower vertical track and a “boom” arm to create the illusion of jumps, movement over rough terrain and fast track switches. However, Universal is far from the only company to protect their work with parents as with a quick search you will find patents from companies like RMC, Disney and many more.

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