Author: Brian Glenn

We’re back with a photo update around the Universal Orlando Resort! This month, Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval continues at Universal Studios Florida. We also take a look at the latest construction on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and other small projects around the resort. Let’s take a look! Park Update Index » Universaal Studios Store » Blue Man Group » Mardi Gras 2021 » A Day in the Park with Barney » Jurassic World VelociCoaster » Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls » A Little Bit of this, A Little Bit of that Universal Studios Store The recently-announced Universal Studios…

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is set to open an all-new Giraffe Bar at Serengeti Overlook, featuring panoramic indoor and outdoor views of the park’s expansive Serengeti Plain. Guests will be able to view several different species from the bar; including giraffes, zebra, antelope, ostrich, and more. Soft openings are expected to start on March 19, with the venue officially opening on Friday, March 26.          The indoor/outdoor venue offers shaded and air-conditioned comfort, with plenty of space for physical distancing. Some of the items you will find at the bar include: Frozen specialty cocktails such as the…

Universal Orlando has announced they are extending the Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval event at Universal Studios Florida until April 11. The event originally was scheduled to end on March 28 but was extended due to popular demand. The event features more than 70 dishes and beverages from 13 locations around the globe, and with the park vibrantly decorated and featuring costumed dancers and stilt performers just like years prior (just at a safe distance). Guests will also have the first-ever opportunity to get up close with the intricately-detailed Mardi Gras floats that will be stationed throughout the…

Universal Studios Hollywood is inching closer and closer to reopening. After being given new guidelines by the State of California that theme parks can open on April 1, it appears that Universal plans on reopening their Hollywood park sometime in April. Comcast’s Chief Financial Officer, Mike Cavanagh, stated during an investor conference that they were looking to reopen the park next month – but no official date was given. Recently, a newsletter was also sent out to passholders looking to welcome them back to the park soon, stating; “We are thrilled to share the good news with you that Universal…

Universal Studios Japan has announced that it will hold its grand opening of Super Nintendo World on March 18, 2021. The multi-layered land, with familiar landmarks such as Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle, Toad’s House, and the familiar look of a Super Mario Bros game level, will feature several attractions – headlined by Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. The original grand opening was set for February 4th of this year but was delayed when a new state of emergency was issued to the Osaka Prefecture due to the ongoing pandemic. The land had been in “soft opening” mode for limited guests since…

The Horrah returns! Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is back – returning this fall for its much-anticipated 30th year on select nights beginning on September 3 through October 31. Featuring the tagline, “Never Go Alone” – guests will face 10 terrifying haunted houses, five twisted scare zones and two outrageous live shows based on some of the biggest names in horror and pop culture – including the first house announced, Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice was the first “ghost host” of Halloween Horror Nights – originally called ‘Fright Nights’ – during the event’s debut in 1991. As Halloween Horror Nights celebrates a milestone…

Universal Orlando has confirmed that Epic Universe will resume construction immediately and that their new theme park is back in business! Epic Universe was announced in August 2019 with construction underway until work paused in mid-2020, as the company adjusted plans in the midst of the pandemic.  The restart will begin immediately – but is expected to take several months before reaching full-speed as Universal re-staffs for the project and reassembles its vendor and contractor teams. Universal states that restarting Epic Universe will result in hundreds of jobs within Universal and thousands of jobs across Central Florida; and will infuse…

The park is finally open!… Kinda… Universal Studios Hollywood has announced a new “Taste of Universal” food festival that will be held inside the park on weekends beginning March 12. Tickets for Friday start at $44+tax. Tickets for Saturdays and Sundays start at $49+tax. Children 3-9 are $25+tax. Discounted admission tickets will be available for Universal Annual and Season Pass members. Adult tickets include 5 menu selections, while the child’s ticket includes 3 selections. Items must be redeemed on the day of your visit. Guests will be able to take in the incredible environments that surround them as they enjoy…

The Habit Burger Grill will officially open at CityWalk Hollywood on March 1. Featuring a menu of charbroiled burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and more; the restaurant will be open Monday – Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy The Habit al fresco on an exterior patio or order for takeout. Contactless options such as pick-up and delivery are available via The Habit Mobile App, online at order.habitburger.com, and via DoorDash, Postmates and Uber Eats. Guests also have additional convenient ordering options including state-of-the-art indoor self-serve kiosks and ordering ahead via phone. The burger chain replaces Smashburger, which closed…

Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park reopened today after a nearly 4-month long closure. The park closed last November due to expected lower demand in the cooler winter months, especially as the Resort navigated its way through the pandemic. During the closure, Universal performed annual maintenance on the water park, with much of the signage and decor getting a fresh coat of paint. Many of the wooden elements, mainly the bridge areas, looked newly refreshed. Universal will still restrict capacity to the park and is advising guests to check hours of operation or to call the capacity hotline at 1-407-817-8317.…