Author: Brian Glenn

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from August 25, 2025, to August 31, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Halloween Horror Nights 34 starts this Friday, August 29! This year’s event features 10 haunted houses, headlined by Fallout, Jason Universe, Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks. In addition, guests will come face-to-face with a collection of eerie scare zones and street experiences, shows, and so much more. Universal Passholder Appreciation Days returns, taking place from August 15 to September 30. The event celebrates the UOAPs…

Universal Orlando has rolled out a new menu for Louie’s Italian Restaurant, expanding and changing out menu items. Located in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, the restaurant is the park’s pizzeria. The new menu still features cheese & pepperoni pizza, but now includes Con Carne (aka Meat Lovers) and a Veggie Bianca option. Other menu additions include Burrata Ravioli, Meatball or Sausage Sub, Antipasto Salad, and Cannoli. Here’s the new menu: Pizza Combo options come with a Side Caesar Salad. Each Pizza is either served as a jumbo slice or a whole pie. Cheese Pizza mozzarella, tomato…

Universal Orlando has confirmed that Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness are now eligible for their Express Pass add-on. Universal’s Express Pass allows guests to skip the line once at participating attractions, with prices ranging from $189.99 to $339.99 per person, per day, depending on the day of your visit. Please note that Epic Universe does not currently offer the unlimited Express option. Currently, the only two attractions at Epic Universe that are not eligible for Universal Express are Dragon Racer’s Rally and Le Cirque Arcanus. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on…

Universal Orlando is moving quickly on Hollywood Rip Rockit as demolition is underway for the now-closed roller coaster. Cranes and bulldozers are already tearing out track, most notably near the helix near the park entrance. You can see in the photos below the difference in demotion in just a day. Meanwhile, in New York, a giant crane is on-site helping with demolition on the “treble clef” element of the coaster. The coaster, which opened in 2009, was designed by the German manufacturer Maurer Söhne and was known for its vertical lift and allowing guests to choose their music while riding.…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that a new show, Chainsaw Man: The Chaos, will be featured at Halloween Horror Nights 2025. The show will be held in the DreamWorks Theater. This all-original horror anime short film arrives directly from Universal Studios Japan, based on the popular Japanese manga and anime series streaming now on Crunchyroll. The film will play “in-language” and recounts the tale of Denji and the Devil Hunters as they battle the Halloween Horror Nights Devil and his army of zombies. Denji, resurrected into Chainsaw Man, a devil-human hybrid with protruding chainsaws from his body, ultimately takes control…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from August 18, 2025, to August 24, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit officially closed, with riders enjoying last rides on Sunday, August 17. Universal Passholder Appreciation Days returns, taking place from August 15 to September 30. The event celebrates the UOAPs with over six weeks of exclusive offers, special events, and more. Passholder Nights will be held on Aug 15 and 16 at Universal Studios Florida. The first Unmasking the Horror tours start Friday, August 22. Be mindful of potential…

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit has officially closed at Universal Studios Florida after 16 years. Fans and guests came out to be some of the last riders of the roller coaster, where they were handed a souvenir guitar pick of the “Farewell Tour”. Universal Orlando even debuted Meet & Greet characters inspired by the queue video to interact with guests near the entrance. Wristbands were handed out to 36 lucky guests to be a part of the final three trains for one last ride. The coaster, which opened in 2009, was designed by the German manufacturer Maurer Söhne and was known…

CityWalk Pop has opened in CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood, offering guests the popular snack alongside Universal’s collectible popcorn buckets. Guests can choose from 3 flavors: Kettle Corn, Buttered, or White Cheddar. CityWalk Pop replaces Popcornopolis, which closed earlier this year. CityWalk is undergoing a significant overhaul, with many locations being updated, along with preparing for the planned security checkpoint changes. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book that EPIC Universal vacation? We recommend using our friends at MEI-Travel to help plan your next trip…

The new NBA Store has opened in CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood. Per Universal Studios Hollywood’s official website description: “The NBA, in partnership with Lids is opening its first flagship store on the West Coast at Universal CityWalk! With the largest in-store collection of official NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League merchandise and memorabilia, plus the Custom Lab for personalized jerseys and headwear.” The store replaces Abercrombie & Fitch, which closed earlier in the year. CityWalk is undergoing a significant overhaul, with many locations being updated, along with preparing for the planned security checkpoint changes. Stay tuned to Inside Universal…

Hard Rock International is giving a lucky family or friend group the ultimate Orlando getaway to experience Universal Orlando’s four amazing theme parks, including the new theme park, Epic Universe. Hard Rock is offering members of the Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program the chance to win a 4-night trip for four at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, including: Round-trip airfare Ground transportation between the airport and the hotel 4-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando VIP meal at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and 4 classic Hard Rock t-shirts Admission tickets to Universal Orlando Resort’s four theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands…