Author: Brian Glenn

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 12, 2025, to May 18, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe ticketed previews continue for all guests this week. Previews will continue until May 19. Please note that visiting Epic Universe with a preview ticket means you will be at the park during technical rehearsals, also known as a Soft Opening. While all major components are installed and operational, some adjustments, changes, and updates will occur before the grand opening on May 22, 2025. Universal Volcano Bay Nights will be held for the final time…

A new photo op featuring Max and Duke from the film series The Secret Life of Pets has been added to the New York section of Universal Studios Florida. The sculpted figures are located near a bench at Gramercy Park, across from Race Through New York featuring Jimmy Fallon. Max and Duke, the lead characters of the film, are joined by fellow pets Mel and Leonard, who were added to the apartment windows of New York buildings last year. The Secret Life of Pets was released in 2016, followed by a sequel in 2019. An attraction based on the film, The Secret…

Universal Orlando has officially opened two all-new dedicated areas featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World as part of the expansion of the Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk. The expansion doubles the size of the current Universal Studios Store and invites guests to shop the latest merchandise themed to the experiences. The newly added Super Nintendo World section in the Universal Studios Store has an all-new dedicated entrance inspired by the colorful world of Nintendo’s video games. Inside the store, guests can shop for various merchandise featuring some of their favorite characters, such as Mario,…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced Universal Mega Movie Summer, an all-new seasonal event that aims to give guests “the best summer” while celebrating some of Universal’s iconic films. Universal Mega Movie Summer will debut on Friday, June 13, and continue daily through Sunday, August 10, 2025. The new event will offer new themed food & drink, merchandise, and new in-park experiences. Jurassic World—The Ride Featuring Mosasaurus Splash, inspired by the highly anticipated movie Jurassic World: Rebirth, opening in theaters on July 2, the theme park’s popular thrill ride will see the iconic 84-foot water drop at the ride’s finale “reverberate”…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 5, 2025, to May 11, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe ticketed previews continue for all guests. Previews will continue until May 19. Please note that visiting Epic Universe with a preview ticket means you will be at the park during technical rehearsals, also known as a Soft Opening. While all major components are installed and operational, some adjustments, changes, and updates will occur before the grand opening on May 22, 2025. Universal Volcano Bay Nights will be held this Saturday, May 10. This limited-capacity…

Universal Orlando has announced that Volcano Bay will be closed seasonally starting on October 26, 2026. The park is scheduled to reopen on or before March 24, 2027, resulting in a closure period of approximately five months. This closure will enable Universal to perform necessary refurbishments and maintenance throughout the park. This marks the second time Volcano Bay has closed for an extended period; it originally shut down in 2020 due to uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to conduct general maintenance. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow…

Universal Orlando has announced that the TapuTapu wearable and virtual line will no longer be available at Volcano Bay starting October 1, 2025. The change means guests will now have to wait in attraction queues instead of reserving a specific return time. TapuTapu was a wearable wristband that enabled guests to reserve wait times, utilize rental lockers, access interactive elements, and even pay for food and drinks by attaching a credit card to their Universal account. No reason was given as to why Universal will be making the change. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on…

Universal Orlando Resort is now allowing all guests to buy 1-Day preview tickets for Epic Universe prior to the park’s official opening. Starting today, the general public can purchase tickets to visit Epic Universe and preview the new theme park through May 19. Tickets start at $144 during the preview period. Previously, the opportunity to purchase preview tickets was limited to Annual Passholders, on-site hotel guests, military Freedom Ticket holders, and Universal VISA cardholders. Please note that visiting Epic Universe with a preview ticket means you will be at the park during technical rehearsals, also known as a Soft Opening. While…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 28, 2025, to May 4, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe ticketed previews continue for Annual Passholders, on-site hotel guests, Military Freedom ticket holders, and Universal Rewards Visa Signature card members. Previews will continue until May 19. Please note that visiting Epic Universe with a preview ticket means you will be at the park during technical rehearsals, also known as a Soft Opening. While all major components are installed and operational, some adjustments, changes, and updates will occur before the grand opening on May…

UPDATE: 5/6/2025 Universal Orlando has updated Epic Universe’s hours. From May 22 to May 31, the park will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition, June’s hours have been released, with the park closing at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. throughout the month. Original Story Below Universal Orlando has released its park hours for the initial opening of Epic Universe. Starting May 22 through May 31, park hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours for June and onward have not been released at this time. The Early Park Admission benefit will begin on May…