The Summer Tribute Store featuring Jurassic World has officially opened, celebrating the iconic franchise, as well as the upcoming Grand Opening of Universal’s newest attraction, VelociCoaster – opening June 10 at Islands of Adventure. This is the first tribute store dedicated to an attraction, as previous stores were centered around events – such as the Holidays, Mardi Gras, and most famously, Halloween Horror Nights. Guests will be able to explore 4 themed rooms full of Jurassic Park/World gear, such as apparel, collectible items, themed food and beverage, and more. Guests can also browse new collections based on Mr. DNA, the…
Author: Brian Glenn
Brian Glenn
Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief
DreamWorks Destination is officially now open at Universal Studios Florida. The all-new interactive character experience is set in KidZone, replacing A Day in the Park with Barney which closed earlier this year. Guests will be able to meet, greet, and dance with some of their favorite DreamWorks characters; including Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, Madagascar, and Shrek. The experience takes place for over an hour, with 3 different character sets of 20 minutes. The characters rotate between the 3 sections to allow everyone an opportunity for a photo. Guests do have the option to stay for its entirety or leave whenever…
Universal Studios Japan has announced they will resume business in a limited capacity starting on weekdays, June 1, 2021. The park will continue to be temporarily closed on weekends. The change was announced in consultation with Osaka Prefecture who is lifting certain restrictions at the theme parks. Universal Studios Japan has been closed since April 25 following a “state of emergency declaration” due to the recent increase in Coronavirus infections. The park capacity will be significantly reduced during this limited opening. They will also be mandating employees can continue to work from home except for the work that is essential…
Universal Orlando has updated their safety guidelines; now allowing vaccinated guests the option to wear a face mask while visiting the resort, no longer requiring mandatory use. Non-vaccinated guests are strongly encouraged to continue wearing face masks at all indoor locations – including attractions, shops, and restaurants. Universal has also changed its social distancing guidelines and will not be mandating a minimum distance, but will now be encouraging all guests to keep a safe distance between travel parties. Hand sanitization stations will still be available for use before boarding ride vehicles, but will now be optional. Per the Universal Orlando website:…
Universal Orlando Resort has announced it is increasing its starting base rate to $15 per hour – up from $13 – and giving more than 18,000 current team members a raise based on the new rates and their time with the company. Universal states it is the single-largest wage increase in the Orlando resort’s history. The new rates will become effective June 27 and will impact full-time and part-time hourly positions as well as entry-level salaried roles. Universal is the first major Orlando theme park to increase its employee base rate. “We are excited about our future and we want…
Good news for Hot Butterbeer fans! Universal has announced that the popular drink will now be available throughout the year. In years past, the drink was released and only available during Florida’s Fall/Winter Season (being Florida, we are using “Winter” very loosely here). Hot Butterbeer is a smooth, hot beverage reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch, served hot with a whipped topping. The beverage will be available at most food & drink locations around the Wizarding World – including the Leaky Cauldron, The Hopping Pot, and Hog’s Head Pub. Since the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in…
Knott’s Berry Farm reopened its gates today as the theme park safely resumes regular operations with limited capacity and new reservation requirements. The park’s opening also kicks off their summer-long Knott’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. During the 100th anniversary celebration, guests can experience the brand-new Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair, a 4-D interactive dark ride that pays tribute to the classic attraction from 35 years ago. Guests also will have the opportunity to meet Knott’s all-new lovable costumed characters and enjoy special evening entertainment as Knott’s Summer Nights returns with live music, DJs, and one-of-a-kind food and drink specialties.…
Busch Gardens has announced that Summer Nights is set to return on May 28, offering guests over 100 nights of extended hours to enjoy world-class coasters and electrifying entertainment throughout the park. This year, Busch Gardens is set to introduce new offerings for Summer Nights, including: ALL NEW! “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular”: For an epic finale to a coaster-filled day of adventure, guests will be drawn to the vibrant energy radiating from a unique new production on the Festival Field. As the most stunning show ever to light the park’s sky, “Spark!” will feature an explosive array of fireworks and…
SeaWorld Orlando has announced that their award-winning summer event, Electric Ocean is returning this summer. The event is included with park admission and takes place select days and nights starting May 28 – September 6. This year, entertainment includes: New for 2021! Electric Current: For guests that love to move and groove and don’t want to wait for Club Sea Glow’s nightly dance party, guests can get the party started early with hot music at The Waterfront as our DJ transforms the night into an all-ages dance party beneath the waves. Only during Electric Ocean evenings. See the park schedule…
Universal Orlando has announced that Aventura Hotel will reopen on Wednesday, June 16, welcoming their first guests after temporarily closing last Summer. Universal suspended operations at Aventura Hotel last August due to ongoing issues and uncertainty with the pandemic. With Aventura Hotel reopening, all Universal Orlando resorts will all be back open. Aventura Hotel is a part of Universal’s Prime Value Category hotels and offers modern vibes and amenities. The 16-story gleaming glass tower consists of 600 guest rooms, including 13 kids’ suites. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.