Savannah Buffett Dedicates the Return of the Hemisphere Dancer to Orlando Citywalk

Jimmy Buffett’s Hemisphere Dancer Returns to Universal CityWalk—Refurbished, Re-Christened, and Ready to Wow

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere—and right now, it’s right outside Margaritaville Orlando. After a year-long refurbishment, Jimmy Buffett’s iconic seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, is back and looking better than ever at Lone Palm Airport in Universal CityWalk Orlando. The fan-favorite plane, famously flown by Buffett himself, was officially re-Christened during a celebration on July 13, 2025, bringing tropical vibes and Buffett spirit back to the CityWalk lagoon.

Related: ‘Terrifier’ House Announced for Halloween Horror Nights 34 at Universal Orlando

✈️ Meet the Hemisphere Dancer – A Flying Legend

Jimmy Buffett’s personal plane, the Grumman HU-16C Albatross, was originally built in 1955 and once served the U.S. Navy. Buffett restored the aircraft in the ’90s, gave it its whimsical name, and took it on countless adventures—including the infamous “Jamaica Mistaica” incident in 1996, where it was mistakenly fired upon by Jamaican authorities while carrying passengers like Bono and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell.

Here’s a peek under the wings of this tropical treasure:

• Model: Grumman HU-16C (Albatross)
• Fuselage Length: 60′ 7″
• Wingspan: 80′ 0″
• Height: 24′ 5″
• Empty Weight: ~20,000 lbs
• Max Takeoff Weight (Land): 33,000 lbs
• Max Takeoff Weight (Water): 29,500 lbs
• Fuel Capacity: 1,075 gallons (plus 300 gal optional drop tanks)
• Engines: (2) Curtiss-Wright R-1820-76, each producing 1,425 HP
• Props: 11-ft Hamilton Standard 43D50-3s
• Range: Approx. 2,800–3,000 nautical miles

Related: Everything We Know So Far About Universal Horror Unleashed

🍹 Relax at Lone Palm Airport – Buffett-Style

Located next to Margaritaville Orlando, the Lone Palm Airport bar offers tropical drinks, quick eats, and plenty of outdoor seating to unwind and soak in the vibes. Kids can play in the Parakeet Beach area while grown-ups sip margaritas with their toes in the sand. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are practically a dress code.

And of course, the main attraction—the Hemisphere Dancer herself—is now fully reinstalled and ready for photos, stories, and nostalgia.

Originally opening alongside CityWalk in 1999, Margaritaville’s laid-back oasis remains a staple of Universal’s dining and entertainment scene. And with the return of this flying icon, the vibes just got even more “Buffett-approved.”

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote.