Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced the return of their epic holiday traditions, as the Holidays celebration begins November 13, 2021, through January 2, 2022. All the Holiday’s favorites are returning this year for Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration; including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which also features the “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime show. Over at Islands of Adventure, the classic Grinchmas returns with guests can enjoy the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a hilarious live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring…

Universal Orlando has announced that its popular attraction – The Revenge of the Mummy – will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment beginning January 7. The attraction is expected to remain closed through late summer 2022. No other details have been given or what exactly the refurbishment will entail. Universal states to “stay tuned to UniversalOrlando.com” for updates at a later time. Based on the 1999 film remake, the indoor roller coaster opened at Universal Studios Florida in May 2004. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Universal Orlando has announced that Shrek 4-D and its gift shop, Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe, will close on January 10, 2022, to make way for a new experience. No other information about Shrek 4-D’s replacement has been given at this time. Shrek 4-D opened in June 2003, replacing Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies. The attraction is set immediately after the events of the first film and follows Shrek and Donkey as they attempt to rescue Princess Fiona from Lord Farquaad’s ghost. This will mark the 2nd closure of Shrek 4-D at a Universal park, as Universal Studios Hollywood closed theirs in 2017. Stay tuned to…

Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company have announced they will enter a long-term partnership to explore groundbreaking entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokémon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022. Unfortunately, no other details were given – so we’re going to have to wait to see what the partnership entails. The new “creative alliance” with Pokemon follows the opening of Super Nintendo World and the recent announcement of a new Donkey Kong land expansion in Universal Studios Japan. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 as a video game franchise and has grown to…

Universal Orlando has released the dates for next year’s Mardi Gras 2022 event – taking place February 5 to April 24 at Universal Studios Florida – and has announced that the parade and concerts will be returning! The parade and concerts will be held on select nights during the event. Also returning is the food festival aspect Universal utilized last year with their adjusted event, where locations can be found throughout the park (and Universal’s hotel) and guests can enjoy authentic Cajun-style cuisine from New Orleans and additional dishes inspired by diverse tastes and flavors from around the world. Additional…

Universal Studios Hollywood has updated their operational safety guidelines, now requiring guests ages 12 and older to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours of visit to enter the theme park beginning October 7. This update comes in conjunction with LA County’s Public Health Order. Guests under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine can enter without proof of a negative test result. Regardless of vaccination status, Universal is still requiring face coverings to be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors. Per Universal’s website: Acceptable forms of proof of vaccination…

Universal Studios Japan has announced they will expand Super Nintendo World to include a new area themed after Donkey Kong – set to open in 2024. The area will feature a roller coaster, interactive experiences, and themed merchandise and food. Guests will be able to take a walk through the lush jungles where Donkey Kong and his friends live. Nintendo’s Donkey Kong franchise started with an arcade game in 1981 and quickly captured the hearts of fans around the world. Since then, the Donkey Kong game series has continually delivered more games on Nintendo video game systems. With the addition…

Howl-O-Scream has kicked off its “Inaugural Fear” as SeaWorld welcomes its first event dedicated to the Horror Haunt season. In years past, the park has relied on the family aspect with its Spooktacular event (which still continues this year during the daytime), with Busch Gardens Tampa doing the heavy lifting in the scary. This year, both parks are offering up a double-combo of Halloween fun. The event definitely isn’t perfect, with some of the experience being a little rough around the edges – lacking that polish compared to other longtime haunt events around the area; but growing pains are to…

Universal Beijing Resort today celebrated a monumental milestone today with the grand opening of Universal Studios Beijing, Universal CityWalk Beijing, and two hotels – The Universal Studios Grand Hotel and NUO Resort Hotel. Mr. Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, Mr. Song Yu, Party Secretary and Chairman of Beijing Tourism Group, and Mr. Tom Mehrmann, President and General Manager of Beijing International Resort Co., Ltd. Theme Park and Resort Management Branch, along with other invited guests attended the grand opening ceremony. Representatives of the constructors and partners of the Universal Beijing Resort project and Team Members…

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared some details at the food & drink menu featured at Halloween Horror Nights 2021, running select nights through Sunday, October 31. Inspired by the “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” maze, guests can dine on Leatherface’s infamous Texas Family BBQ and savor a variety of unique, horror-inspired food offerings. The Roadhouse BBQ-style restaurant run by cannibals features grilled favorites such as: BBQ Pork Ribs BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich served with crinkle-cut fries Texas Chili & Cheese Nachos: Texas Chili with smoked brisket and chuck roast topped with cheese, pickled jalapeños, and sour cream drizzle 22” Monster Hot…