Navigate the blockout dates for Passholders during Holidays at Universal Orlando 2023. Plan your visits wisely and enjoy the festive season.
Universal Orlando’s annual passes offer a world of magic and fun. However, it’s crucial to understand the blockout dates, especially during the busy holiday season. Seasonal and Power Passes all have their specific restrictions during this time. We have Seasonal Annual Passes and know all about the blockout dates, so learn from us!
What are Blockout Dates?
Blockout dates are specific days or periods during which certain annual passholders are not allowed to visit a theme park or attraction. In the context of Universal Orlando, these dates vary depending on the type of annual pass, and they are typically designed to manage crowd levels during peak periods.
During blockout dates, individuals holding specific annual passes that fall within these restrictions won’t have access to certain parks or attractions. Premier Annual Passholders enjoy unrestricted access year-round.
The holidays are a common time for blockout dates as it’s when many guests, including annual passholders, want to visit, and parks can become quite crowded. Universal uses blockout dates to maintain a more comfortable experience for all visitors while still offering passholders the opportunity to enjoy the parks during most of the year.
Seasonal Passholders Blockout Dates for Holidays 2023
Seasonal Passholders face blockout dates at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios from November 20th to 25th, 2023, and then again from December 23rd to 31st, 2023, and January 1st to 2nd, 2024.
Power Annual Passholders for Holidays 2023
Power Annual Passholders have a narrower blockout period, restricted only from December 23rd to 31st, 2023, and January 1st to 2nd, 2024.
Will I be blocked out of Universal Studios during the Mannheim Steamroller concerts?
Seasonal Passholders typically are blocked out of Universal Studios Florida on all concert dates and will only receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, but the Mannheim Steamroller concerts are an exception (per Universal Orlando). Experience the holiday season with remarkable performances from the best-selling holiday artist in history at the stage near Rip Ride Rockit. Performace dates are December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th.
Why avoid the parks on holiday blockout dates?
During these periods, the parks are bustling with visitors, many of whom aren’t annual passholders. The parks can get crowded, and the wait times for attractions may be longer. The holiday season is already a peak time for visitors, so blockout dates are typically when Universal Orlando is most crowded.
Preferred Pass Early Park Admission Blockout Dates
Preferred Passholders need to remember Early Park Admission is unavailable for Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure on the following dates:
November 19 – 25, 2023 & December 16 – 31, 2023
How to pick the least crowded dates during the holidays to enjoy your passes?
Keep an eye on Universal’s website for Express Pass pricing. I have started using the Express Pass pricing Calendar to gauge how busy the parks will be. As the prices go up, that indicates to me that Universal Orlando expects the demand for Express passes to go up because of increased crowds. Lower prices mean slower park days 🙂
Looking for 2024 Blockout Dates?
We wrote another blog post about have all the information you need about 2024 Blockout Dates at Universal Orlando.
When are you visiting Universal Orlando this Holiday Season?
Remember, blockout dates are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to stay updated with Universal’s official announcements. Enjoy your holidays at Universal Orlando wisely and beat the crowds to create unforgettable memories!
Holidays at Universal Orlando 2023
From November 17th to December 31th, 2023, Universal Orlando Resort transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. Don’t forget to try these Holiday festivities!
- Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Light Show
- Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
- Christmas in the Wizarding World
- Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
- Universal’s Holiday Tour
- The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
- Earl the Squirrel – Holiday Mascot
- UOAP Perks
- Holidays at the Hotels
- Hanukkah Menorah Lightings
- Thanksgiving Day Meals
- Christmas Day Meals
- Holiday Treats at Universal Orlando
- The Holiday Tree Hunt
- Grinch Meet and Greet
- Mannheim Steamroller Concerts
- Passholder Holiday 2023 Blockout Dates
- Green and Red Coconut Club
- Legacy Attraction Ornament Scavenger Hunt
- New Years Eve 2023
