Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

The Starbucks location in the Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure has temporarily closed for renovations. Walls have been set up around the location’s entrance advising guests of the closure. During the closure, guests looking for Starbucks will need to visit other locations on the property, including Starbucks at Universal CityWalk or inside Universal Studios Florida. The closure follows a pattern of refurbishments across Universal Orlando over the past year. Several food and beverage locations have undergone updates, including the CityWalk Starbucks, which recently reopened after an extended renovation. Universal Orlando has not announced a reopening date or provided…

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Knott’s Berry Farm will debut a new eatery in the heart of Charleston Circle, directly across from the iconic fountain, this summer: Crafty’s Kitchen. The venue, currently home to Johnny Rockets, will undergo a complete transformation beginning April 15. The new restaurant will spotlight Knott’s classic flavors, reimagining chicken and boysenberry in creative new ways. “Knott’s Berry Farm guests have long enjoyed the unique and immersive experiences found throughout the park. So, when we looked to reimagine the food and beverage space from its current concept, it made sense to draw upon the legends and characters already here,” said Raffi…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 26, 2026, to February 1, 2026. Universal Orlando Passholder Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating Universal Orlando’s Annual Passholders, is now underway through January 31, 2026. UOAPs can enjoy a variety of exclusive, limited-time perks available only during the event. Universal has updated operating hours for Universal Studios Florida in January and February, with the park now set to open at 10 a.m. on most days and close later in the night. Volcano Bay is currently operating on a seasonal schedule and will only be…

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Universal Studios Hollywood is preparing to start their Pass Member Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating its annual pass members, from February 1 to March 20, 2026. Annual Pass Members can experience Universal Studios Hollywood with extra benefits that are only available for a limited time. Here are some of the exclusive offerings during Pass Member Bonus Benefits: In-Park Bingo and Button Play our in-Park Bingo Game to earn a collectible Pass Member button! Stop by the Universal Studio Store inside the Theme Park. Once you’ve completed your Bingo card, return to the Universal Studio Store to collect your collectible button.…

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Universal Studios Japan has announced a new project in collaboration with The Pokémon Company to develop an interactive Pokémon attraction experience. The new experience is described as highly interactive and designed to engage all five senses, aiming to bring the Pokémon world to life in a way not previously offered at the park. Additional details about the attraction will be announced at a later date. According to the announcement, the new Pokémon attraction will debut at Universal Studios Japan before being rolled out to additional parks operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences worldwide. Specific locations and timelines for the global…

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With the announcement of the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, Universal Orlando has announced that Fast & Furious: Supercharged will permanently close at Universal Studios Florida in 2027. First opening in 2018, Fast & Furious: Supercharged brought the “high-octane” world of the Fast & Furious film franchise to life with a screen-based chase experience. Despite the franchise’s popularity, the attraction received lukewarm reception from guests and fans, with criticism for its reliance on large screens rather than on something “Fast” and “Furious”. The shift toward Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift suggests Universal is aiming to better align…

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Universal Orlando has announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift- a new “high-octane” outdoor roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027. Riders on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will experience 360-degree drifting “as they speed through jaw-dropping maneuvers – including a 170-foot vertical “spike” that will send riders nearly 17 stories in the air over the outskirts of Universal CityWalk.” As Universal Studios Florida makes way for the new coaster, Fast & Furious: Supercharged will permanently close in 2027. More information will be shared at a later time. Universal Studios Hollywood will also debut its own, one-of-a-kind Fast &…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 19, 2026, to January 25, 2026. Universal Orlando Florida’s biggest Christian music festival returns: Universal Orlando will host Rock the Universe this weekend, January 23-24, 2026. The faith-filled event includes headline performances by Billboard Christian chart-topper Forrest Frank, GRAMMY-nominated singer Phil Wickham, GRAMMY and Dove award-winning band Switchfoot, multi-platinum artist LECRAE, and more. Passholder Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating Universal Orlando’s Annual Passholders, is now underway through January 31, 2026. UOAPs can enjoy a variety of exclusive, limited-time perks available only during the event.…

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Universal Beijing Resort has announced “Infinitely Your Way”, an event celebrating the Resort’s 5th Anniversary throughout 2026. Joe Hoskin, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Beijing Resort, said, “Since our opening in 2021, Universal Beijing Resort has shared countless joyful and unforgettable moments with tens of millions of guests. Our 5th anniversary is not only a significant milestone in the resort’s development, but also a brand-new starting point for every guest to unleash limitless creativity. Through a year-long lineup of immersive events and diverse experiences, we look forward to welcoming guests to join us on this extraordinary celebration…

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Universal Orlando has released a new social media teaser hinting at an upcoming attraction announcement. The short post features a speedometer revving up, accompanied only by the date January 20, 2026. 01.20.26 pic.twitter.com/Nlm8k1ENwX — Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) January 17, 2026 While Universal has not confirmed what the teaser refers to, it is believed that the announcement is related to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s replacement, which closed in August of last year. Construction activity began shortly after the coaster’s closure. The use of a revving speedometer, combined with ongoing rumors about the project, hints that the attraction could feature a…

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