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Universal Orlando Tightens CityWalk Controls for New Year’s Eve Crowds

The resort treats the night as an operational stress test following a year of expansion.

Overview

  • CityWalk hosts the resort’s New Year’s Eve hub from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., drawing guests from the parks and onsite hotels into concentrated gathering areas.
  • Reporters and social posts show sections of CityWalk already blocked off with controlled zones, supported by monitored entry points and quick-response teams.
  • Universal has increased security presence and real-time crowd monitoring to manage density as midnight approaches.
  • Guests are advised to arrive early because late arrivals may encounter restricted access to certain areas, heavier screenings, and slower movement.
  • The 2025 openings of Epic Universe and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel have driven longer stays and higher attendance, prompting protocols Universal aims to refine for 2026.