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Universal Orlando set to raise its starting pay
Universal Orlando Resort is raising its starting pay to $17 an hour, according to a letter posted online by the company's president, Karen Irwin. In the letter addressed to team members, Irwin said the wage increase would begin on June 4, 2023.
ORLANDO, Fla. - UPDATE: As of 3 p.m., the impacted rides have reopened. Universal Orlando guests are encouraged to visit the Universal Orlando Resort app for current availability.
Original story continues below:
Multiple rides are closed at Universal Orlando Resort due to technical issues, the theme park announced on social media Wednesday morning.
Crews are working to restore the rides affected at Universal Studios as soon as possible, park officials said. How widespread the technical difficulties are and the impacts were not immediately known.
According to the Universal Orlando app, the following rides are currently closed:
- Fast & Furious Supercharged
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- The Simpsons Ride
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D
- Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
It's not unusual for theme park attractions and rides to go down for various reasons – maintenance or technical issues – but it is significant that Universal is responding to guests on X (formerly Twitter) acknowledging issues.
Other rides appeared to be up and running, such as MEN IN Black Alien Attack, Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott, according to Universal's app.
Universal has two main theme parks in Florida: Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. It appears most impacted rides are located on the Studios side of the park.
Universal is also building a mega park nearby - Epic Universe - which is expected to open in summer 2025.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.