Author: Brian Glenn

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 4, 2026, to May 10, 2026. Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Nights continues and will be on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The event takes place on select nights through August 21 and invites guests to enjoy the water park after dark with special entertainment, exclusive food and drinks, and access to many of Volcano Bay’s most popular attractions. UOAP Bonus Benefits runs through May 21, 2026. The event, dedicated to Universal Orlando Annual Passholders, features exclusive perks including a collectible magnet, discounts, and a special…

Universal Orlando has announced that the long-running Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida will temporarily close on May 12, 2026, as the attraction undergoes a “reimagining”. The updated version of the show is expected to debut later this year. The Horror Make-Up Show has been a staple of Universal Studios Florida since opening in 1990. The show offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at practical and special effects, especially makeup techniques, used in horror films. Before it closes, Universal Orlando is offering Annual Passholders reserved seating on a first-come, first-served basis from May 4 through May 10. Availability is limited…

Universal has released this year’s “Love is Universal” merchandise line, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a new collection of themed apparel and accessories. The lineup includes a Spirit Jersey, hat, crossbody bag, tumbler, and additional items, now available at select locations, including the Universal Studios Stores at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Through August, Universal will donate 100% of profits from the “Love is Universal” merchandise to non-profit organizations supporting local communities, including those within the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month, observed each June, commemorates the Stonewall riots and recognizes the ongoing impact of LGBTQ+ individuals around the…

Universal is inviting Annual and Season Passholders to an exclusive after-hours event this summer with the return of its Pass Member Park Takeover, presented by Coca-Cola. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 8 PM to 12:00 AM, offering passholders dedicated access to the park after regular operating hours. Admission is free for eligible Pass Members, though advance reservations are required. The after-hours takeover will include access to select rides and attractions, character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and a silent disco. A Coca-Cola Zone will also be set up, featuring DJs, themed games, beverage sampling, and lounge…

Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood returns for its sophomore year as a clearly defined, fandom-first event; built less around rides and more around immersive experiences tied to anime, gaming, and film genre properties. It’s an event that unapologetically leans into “nerd culture,” and that focus largely works. That said, being only in its second year, the event is still finding its footing. There’s a noticeable effort to refine and expand on what worked in its debut, but some of the same challenges remain. While there’s a lot here that lands, there are also areas where execution…

The Starbucks location in the Port of Entry area of Universal’s Islands of Adventure has reopened following a multi-month refurbishment. The location had been closed for several months, continuing a pattern of updates to on-site Starbucks locations across the resort. Both the CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida locations recently underwent similar closures. While specific details of the renovation were not released, the interior has been refreshed. The space retains its woodsy theme, now paired with darker tones – featuring grays and blues that complement the natural wood elements. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal…

Universal Orlando will introduce a new line of collectible acrylic carousel figures as part of the lead-up to Halloween Horror Nights 35. The collection is designed to coincide with the event’s haunted house announcements, with each reveal accompanied by a corresponding figure. The figures will represent one of the event’s characters and are intended to be displayed together on an “Infernal Carnival” stand, which will be sold separately. The concept follows a similar approach to last year’s stained glass-style acrylic collectible, which was released in individual pieces tied to announcement cycles and could be completed over time. The initial release…

Universal Orlando has announced a lineup of limited-time summer experiences inspired by blockbuster films, running from May 23 through August 10, 2026. The seasonal offerings will bring a range of cinematic elements into the parks, including character encounters, themed photo opportunities, interactive activations, exclusive merchandise, and new food and beverage options. In addition, fan-favorite seasonal experiences will return this summer on select nights, including the Universal Mega Movie Parade and Hogwarts Always. Here is an overview of all the new excitement that awaits guests across Universal Orlando this summer: Spielberg Summer Blockbusters featuring “Disclosure Day” Limited-Time Exhibit (Universal Studios Florida): Guests…

The Universal Legacy Store has officially reopened at Universal CityWalk Orlando, returning to its original location after serving as the Epic Universe Preview Center. Originally opening in 2021, the shop quickly became a fan favorite for its celebration of classic Universal attractions and films, featuring displays and memorabilia from closed attractions such as Jaws, Back to the Future, and Ghostbusters. While the store keeps its nostalgic focus, the new version is noticeably different in design, moving away from the museum-style experience the original offered. Large-scale photo opportunities inspired by Tom Whalen’s artwork have been added, highlighting properties including E.T., Back…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 27, 2026, to May 3, 2026. Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Nights returns to Volcano Bay on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The event takes place on select nights through August 21 and invites guests to enjoy the water park after dark with special entertainment, exclusive food and drinks, and access to many of Volcano Bay’s most popular attractions. UOAP Bonus Benefits begins on Friday, May 1, 2026, and runs through May 21, 2026. The event, dedicated to Universal Orlando Annual Passholders, features exclusive perks, including…