Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Parks is adding a new limited-time seasonal brew to its lineup of The Simpsons-inspired beverages with the debut of Duff Happy Sour. The new offering marks the second seasonal Duff beer introduced at the parks, following the popular Dufftoberfest, which returns each fall. Happy Sour is described as a guava-infused sour beer, and was brewed by the Florida Brewing Co. I’m not usually a fan of sour beers, but I enjoyed this one. It definitely has a tart taste, but the guava adds a sweetness that keeps it light and refreshing. A good entry point for those who aren’t…

Universal Fan Fest Nights returns to Universal Studios Hollywood this spring with new themed food and exclusive merchandise inspired by this year’s featured experiences, beginning Thursday, April 23 and running select nights through May 16, 2026. Developed by Executive Chef Julia Thrash, the updated menu features a variety of dishes inspired by the event’s fandoms, offering guests new ways to experience the lineup beyond the attractions and entertainment. Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters Throughout Little Europe, guests can find Scooby Snacks as well as the Super Shaggy Sandwich, a stacked club sandwich shareable with your own Mystery Gang. Additionally, fans…

Construction on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is beginning to go vertical at Universal Studios Florida, as the first coaster supports for the upcoming attraction have been installed. The supports, painted blue, have been installed in the New York section of the attraction near the expected entrance. Recent aerial photos also show gray coaster track on site, suggesting the ride’s color scheme may be inspired by Brian O’Conner’s Nissan Skyline aesthetic from the Fast & Furious film series. With supports now in place, the next major phase of construction will be track installation as the coaster layout begins to take…

Universal Orlando is expanding its Express offerings with the addition of a new single-use option, Universal Express Now. Available exclusively through the Universal Orlando Resort App, the new option allows guests to purchase one-time Express access for a selected participating attraction and return during a specific time window to enter the Express queue instead of the standby line. Universal Express Now is only available for purchase day-of while inside the park where the attraction is located, requiring location services to be enabled. The offering is released sporadically based on availability, with limited return windows appearing throughout the day depending on…

Rosie’s Irish Shop has closed at Universal Studios Florida. The New York-area store sold Irish-themed merchandise and souvenirs, including items for Finnegan’s, Guinness beer, and even John F. Kennedy. The store had recently marked down its entire inventory to 50% off. Black curtains now block off all the windows. No replacement has been confirmed by Universal Orlando at this time. The closure is the latest change at the resort in 2026, as Universal has spent the past several months undertaking extensive refurbishments across rides, restaurants, retail locations, exterior facades, and more. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 13, 2026, to April 19, 2026. Universal Orlando Butterbeer Season has returned to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The annual tradition, which will take place through May 31, allows fans to celebrate their love for Butterbeer by enjoying a selection of confections that includes all-new variations of the classic favorite, as well as shopping for exclusive Butterbeer-themed merchandise. Harbor Nights Primavera is set to take place on Friday, April 17, from 6:30 PM to 10 PM at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Spend a…

Universal Orlando has brought back the 600 Block Speakeasy Bar inside Pat O’Brien’s at CityWalk Orlando. The Prohibition-era-themed bar experience first debuted during last year’s Mardi Gras celebration. Originally introduced as a limited-time offering tied to the event, the speakeasy was well-received enough to now be brought back in 2026. This year’s version leans into the Prohibition vibes a bit more, as guests will find a more era-appropriate décor and a stronger emphasis on the secret nature that defined real speakeasies of the 1920s. The entrance itself has even been upgraded to feature a true hidden door, one that requires…

The fan-favorite Universal Legacy Store is set to make its return to Universal CityWalk. The returning store will take over its original location, replacing the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center, which is set to close on April 13. An exact opening date has not yet been announced, but the store is expected to welcome guests later this month. The returning retail experience will feature exclusive retro merchandise and immersive photo opportunities inspired by iconic Universal Studios Florida attractions and beloved films from Universal Pictures – such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Back to the Future, and the Classic Universal Monsters.…

Universal Orlando has announced that Five Guys, the popular fast-casual burger chain, is set to open at Universal CityWalk. The new location will take over the current home of the Burger King Whopper Bar, which is scheduled to close effective April 21. Originally opening in 2009, the Burger King Whopper Bar was positioned as a more “premium” take on the traditional Burger King experience, complete with customizable Whoppers. The concept was introduced as a response to the rising popularity of fast-casual burger chains like Five Guys – making its replacement here a fittingly ironic full-circle moment. An opening date for Five…

Universal Orlando has introduced three brand-new second-generation interactive wands inspired by fan-favorite characters: Voldemort, Sirius Black, and Luna Lovegood. The new wands expand Universal’s updated line of second-generation interactive wands, which feature enhanced technology designed to create a more responsive and immersive spell-casting experience throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – including light effects and haptic feedback. Guests can use the wands at designated spell locations in all 3 Wizarding World locations. The new second-generation interactive wands retail for approximately $85 plus tax and are available for purchase at select merchandise locations throughout the resort, including the Universal Studios…