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CTM Universal Ep 101 - What's Coming To Universal Studios In 2026

·49 min

1. CTM Universal Ep 101 focuses on what Universal Orlando says is coming in 2026, from park events to construction updates. 2. Jared Lee hosts with Jamie Lee, and both matter because they frame the news around real planning choices for Universal guests. 3. The episode asks what 2026 at Universal Orlando means for tickets, festivals, refurbs, and new infrastructure. 4. They note that Epic Universe now allows park hopping on ticket packages that include park hopping, instead of limiting guests to one day. 5. Jared says the 2026 military Freedom Pass starts at $220 per person for an adult two-park ticket. 6. They say Rock the Universe runs January 23-24 and will feature Switchfoot, Lecrae, Phil Wickham, Forrest Frank, Colton Dixon, Passion, Tarion, Sam Rivera, and Caleb and John. 7. They describe Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnival as running February 7 through April 4 with food booths, a parade, and a tribute store. 8. They mention Butterbeer Season as a spring promotion with limited-time food, drink, and merchandise at Universal. 9. They say Halloween Horror Nights remains the late-summer-to-fall event and Holidays at Universal returns in November and December. 10. The hosts also cover Epic Universe annual passes, and Jared says he does not expect them until 2027 or later. 11. Jamie and Jared spend time on the personal appeal of Mardi Gras, saying the parade is fun because riders can throw beads and confetti. 12. They say the food and beverage card for Mardi Gras can save money, with examples of discounted loaded value for passholders. 13. Jared says the Lost Continent area is being cleared for something new, and construction walls and backstage tree removal have already begun. 14. They discuss Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which closed in August, and say the replacement coaster is under active construction. 15. They spend a long section on a proposed transportation system between Epic Universe, Universal Studios main campus, and CityWalk, with bidders needing $75 million bonding capacity and seven years of operational experience. 16. Jared says the project could be a tunnel or autonomous vehicles, and he prefers more money going into lands and attractions than transportation. 17. The episode also mentions Expo Eats near Animal Actors being rebuilt into a larger pavilion. 18. The tone is conversational and planning-focused, with Jared and Jamie mixing news, opinions, and side jokes about crowds and crowdsourced festival behavior. 19. Listeners planning a Universal Orlando trip in 2026 will get the most out of it. 20. Listeners wanting only ride reviews or deep-dive lore may skip it.

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