Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced they are expanding its recent hiring efforts, searching for more than 5,000 new Team Members for full-time, part-time, seasonal, and professional career opportunities across the entire resort. Universal Orlando will be hosting an Open Call In-Person Job Fair on Thursday, May 5 for all Park Hourly positions including Attractions, Aquatics, Food Services, Culinary, Custodial, Warehouse, Operations, Merchandise, Sales, and more. For additional details, please visit https://UniversalOrlandoJobs.com. There are also numerous professional career opportunities available supporting Tech Services, IT, Marketing & Sales, Human Resources, and more. These leadership opportunities offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages and many roles offer…

After several months of stagnant updates, Universal has finally removed the Fear Factor Live signage. Fear Factor Live had been officially closed at Universal Studios Florida since November 1, 2021, but hadn’t been in operation since March 2020 when the pandemic hit. The attraction was based on the NBC television series, Fear Factor, and featured guests becoming contestants in various stunts inspired by the show. No word on its replacement has been announced. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

A new design for Universal merchandise bags has been released at Universal Orlando, retiring the long-used black bags that featured Shrek, Spider-Man, Spongebob Squarepants, and the Hulk. The new bag is a much brighter design, with blue and white colors, and features Jurassic Park/World, Transformers, Harry Potter, and the Minions. Universal has also opted to forego park-specific designs and encompass the Universal Parks as a whole, representing the parks in Orlando, Hollywood, and Japan. As of now, the design has been found at Universal Orlando, but we expect the bags to start showing up at the other parks around the…

Coaster track has appeared near SeaWorld Orlando for a new, unannounced roller coaster. The new coaster is rumored to be a “Surf Coaster” from Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) opening sometime in 2023. Of course, if you ask SeaWorld, it’s a “landscaping project.” https://twitter.com/SeaWorld/status/1514675086133010445?s=20&t=_FYCovdfHa1mHpEnGYmS8A The coaster will be located along the pathway near Bayside Stadium. Land clearing and site prep have been ongoing around that area for the last couple of months. Stay tuned to Inside Universal as we’re sure to find out more information about the new coaster soon.

Universal Studios Hollywood has officially debuted the first four electric trams in its fleet of 21 Studio Tour trams. “I am extremely proud of this innovative undertaking and our commitment to creating a zero-emissions Studio Tour fleet in collaboration with our parent company and local partners,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “This is just one of many steps we are taking to transform our business in line with Comcast NBCUniversal’s carbon-neutral goal, all while pioneering first-class attractions for our guests.” Weather and feature anchor of NBC’s TODAY and Co-host, 3rd Hour of TODAY, Al Roker is…

With the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in theaters on April 15, Universal Orlando has rolled out some Fantastic Beasts merchandise at the Resort. There are 2 options for Fantastic Beasts shirts: A traditional heather cream tee and a sleeveless navy one. A Tervis Travel bottle is also available. The collection also features some new Hog’s Head Brewery apparel and drinkware, including a mug and coaster. And no Fantastic Beasts Collection is complete without a Niffler plush. We’ll keep an eye out to see if any additional merchandise arrives, or if it makes its way over to…

 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island are committed to elevating the guest experience with one of the parks’ largest investments focusing on park enhancements. The transformation includes refreshed looks at fan-favorite attractions, including Montu (which has already received its bright, new coat of paint), Cheetah Hunt, and Stanley Falls Flume, as well as park areas including Moroccan Village and Pantopia, home to more of the park’s world-class collection of thrills. The updates will continue later this year, with the debut of an exciting new park entrance. This summer, Busch Gardens’ world-class entertainment will expand even more with new offerings…

Universal Studios Hollywood has opened the Feature Presentation retail store featuring Super Nintendo World themeing and merchandise. Located in the Upper Lot, guests will have a chance to purchase Mario and Luigi-themed apparel, as well as their iconic character hats. A selection of plush characters, including Yoshi, Mario Bowser, and Luigi in a variety of sizes, will also be among the many fun items available for purchase. Super Nintendo World will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. Photos by Akane Okumura

Universal Orlando is now hiring more than 800 new Team Members for full-time, part-time, and professional career opportunities within the resort’s Food & Beverage team. New starting rates for Culinary Team Members range from $16.50 to $20 per hour based on the position. Universal Orlando has a wide variety of Culinary and Food & Beverage positions available including line cooks, senior cooks, chef assistants, dishwashers, quick service personnel, cashiers, full-service wait staff, and more. Interested applicants can sign up to attend Universal Orlando’s Virtual Culinary and Food & Beverage Job Fair on Wednesday, April 6 by visiting UniversalOrlandoJobs.com.

Chick Chick Chicken is coming to CityWalk Hollywood. Signage recently has gone up confirming the new restaurant. Chick Chick Chicken replaces Ludo Bird, which closed in Summer 2020. A temporary Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Sweets & Treats location also opened for seasonal operations. The menu features chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders where guests can choose between traditional, Asian-style, or Nashville hot n’ spicy. No other information is available at this time, including an opening date. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.