NewsOutside the Disney Bubble

Beloved Universal Orlando Attraction Shuts Its Doors After 25 Years

The Mandara Spa at Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has officially closed its doors for good, leaving guests to adjust their plans. The closure, which took effect on November 30, 2024, marks a significant change at the resort, long known for offering luxurious amenities to visitors looking to unwind.

diagon alley dragon breathing fire, universal studios orlando
Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

Portofino Bay Hotel has been undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment aimed at refreshing the guest experience. While most of these updates have been well-received, the closure of the Mandara Spa has been met with disappointment, especially from those who considered it a key part of their stay. For years, the spa provided an oasis of tranquility with features like private treatment rooms, couples’ suites, hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, and a full-service salon. It was also a popular choice for weddings, with bridal parties often taking advantage of the spa’s offerings.

Guests who relied on these services will now need to adjust their plans. The resort is encouraging visitors to consult with the concierge or front desk for alternative options, and gift cards for Mandara Spa can still be redeemed at other locations or through the Timetospa website. These measures ensure that those impacted by the closure are not left without options.

Universal has not yet revealed what will replace the spa. However, given the resort’s ongoing efforts to enhance the guest experience, it’s likely that something exciting will take its place. The closure comes as part of a larger pattern of change across Universal Orlando, with other areas like Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone also making way for new attractions, such as DreamWorks Land.

dreamworks land universal orlando
Credit: Universal

The decision to permanently shutter the Mandara Spa might seem surprising, but it reflects the evolving needs and priorities of the resort. While some guests may be disappointed, others see this as an opportunity for Universal to introduce fresh experiences that continue to draw visitors. After all, change is a constant in the theme park and hospitality world, often bringing new opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Whether you’ve visited the Mandara Spa in the past or simply enjoyed hearing about its luxurious offerings, its closure is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape at Universal. Guests planning a stay at Portofino Bay should take the time to explore alternative options for relaxation and keep an eye out for updates on what might come next.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort
Credit: Universal

If you have memories of the Mandara Spa, this is the perfect time to reflect on them and share your stories. And for those curious about what Universal has in store, the future is bound to hold some exciting surprises.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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