Universal Orlando Resort managed to sidestep a potential public relations disaster by discreetly removing problematic signage that had been hiding in plain sight at Universal Islands of Adventure for decades. The theme park destination made the change without fanfare or announcement, replacing culturally insensitive wording before social media outrage could build momentum.
Universal Islands of Adventure Bathroom Building Gets a Mini-Makeover
A Port of Entry restroom facility received unexpected attention this week when eagle-eyed theme park fans noticed Universal Orlando Resort had commissioned fresh artwork for the building’s exterior walls. WDWNT broke the news Friday that new theming had appeared at Universal Islands of Adventure, fundamentally altering the visual presentation of the bathroom structure.
The fresh mural sits directly below pre-existing artwork labeled “Port of Entry Water Works Authority,” featuring a painted water pump. Universal Orlando Resort’s new addition depicts the park’s signature Pharos Lighthouse icon surrounded by decorative water splashes and playful typography. The text proclaims “Îles D’Aventure Eau De Toilette Spray Since 1999″—a cheeky multilingual bathroom reference acknowledging the building’s true purpose.
Problematic Phrasing Disappears
What Universal Orlando Resort painted over tells the real story. The bathroom building previously displayed signage reading “Honorable Hu Nhow Plaza” alongside the water works mural. That phrase persisted for more than two decades, despite having no apparent connection to Universal’s vast catalog of characters, films, or attractions. The only notable “Hunhow” reference exists in the video game “Warframe,” which has zero ties to Universal Orlando Resort properties.
Had to do a double take when I saw Grandpa Hunhow had his own plaza.
Had to do a double take when I saw Grandpa Hunhow had his own plaza.
byu/Izulkara inmemeframe
The issue with “Hu Nhow” extends far beyond obscure video game references. The phrase functions as a play on words that many interpret as culturally insensitive mockery targeting Asian communities. The phonetic construction could be read as ridiculing Asian languages, mimicking accents, or making fun of pronunciation differences—exactly the type of dated humor that sparks controversy in today’s social media landscape.
Relocated Amenities Complete the Transformation
Universal Orlando Resort didn’t simply slap paint over the offensive signage and call it a day. The theme park repositioned guest services equipment that previously cluttered the space in front of the bathroom alcove where the problematic sign hung.
A FuelRod kiosk has been relocated to the opposite side of the restroom building, now positioned beside the water fountains. The Pressed Pennies souvenir machine traveled a shorter distance, landing near the men’s bathroom entrance adjacent to storage lockers available for rent.
Mysterious Timeline Raises Eyebrows
Perhaps the most confusing aspect of this entire situation involves Universal Orlando Resort’s inexplicable decision-making timeline. The “Honorable Hu Nhow Plaza” sign remarkably survived a substantial restroom renovation that concluded in September 2025—just months before its ultimate removal.
X (formerly known as Twitter) account @InsideUniversal chronicled the Port of Entry bathroom upgrades when work finished last fall, writing:
The restrooms near the exit of Islands of Adventure has reopened after a lengthy refurbishment, adding a new Family Restroom (which hasn’t opened yet).
@UniversalORL
The restrooms near the exit of Islands of Adventure has reopened after a lengthy refurbishment, adding a new Family Restroom (which hasn’t opened yet). @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/VJE8jlBmd6
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) September 8, 2025
Photographs documenting the completed renovation clearly captured the culturally questionable signage, which was still mounted and intact. Universal Orlando Resort had every opportunity to address the problem during the multi-month construction project, but chose to preserve the original theming instead.
So what changed between September 2025 and January 2026? Universal Orlando Resort invested time and money refurbishing those bathrooms while consciously maintaining the “Honorable Hu Nhow Plaza” designation, only to erase it entirely weeks later.
Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t breathed a word about why the “Honorable Hu Nhow Plaza” sign suddenly vanished from Universal Islands of Adventure. The Central Florida entertainment complex issued zero statements, press releases, or social media acknowledgments regarding the theming update.
Do you agree with Universal Orlando Resort’s decision to change this sign? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
The fact that it has to be explained why we need to be offended should tell you this isn’t as offensive as you’re trying to make it Jess.