Author: Brian Glenn

In a surprising turn of events, Starbucks Coffee in CityWalk Hollywood has officially closed. A sign is now posted at the entrance informing patrons of the permanent closure. Starbucks is the latest of many CityWalk locations to close this year. With the closure coming so suddenly, it’s safe to assume there are no current plans as to what will replace it. The good news if you’re still looking to get your Starbucks fix is that the location inside Universal Studios Hollywood is still open for all your Venti needs. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal…

Universal Orlando has announced that Jurassic World VelociCoaster will be officially opening on June 10, 2021! According to the Universal press release, once inside the queue, guests are greeted by Dr. Wu as they learn about the cutting-edge new coaster, which Jurassic World is touting as its newest “carnivore expansion.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNVu7kuSOn0 “Along the way, they’ll hear the screams of fellow riders as they rapidly roar by with Blue, Delta, Charlie and Echo right on their heels – and even come face-to-face with a few hungry Velociraptors who are anxiously awaiting being released from their stables. As the adrenaline builds and…

Universal Orlando has announced they are once again extending the Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval event at Universal Studios Florida until May 2 due to increased 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 theme park. Guests can also celebrate Mardi Gras at select venues…

With Universal Studios Hollywood finally announcing a reopening date, we discuss our thoughts and views on the past year of the park’s closures and expected safety protocols going forward. We also discuss the Taste of Universal event that is currently being held at Universal Studios Hollywood. Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes. In addition, you can also follow us on Spotify to listen to podcast episodes on their app.

Universal Orlando has opened the new Universal Studios Store, featuring merchandise of the popular films and characters featured at the resort – including The Simpsons, Marvel, Despicable Me, and more. Billed as the “Premier Retail Experience”, the new store replaces several retail locations, including Fossil and the Island Clothing Co. – which closed last January. The store features a modern, clean look with the exception of a small section dedicated to Harry Potter wands, which features an awesome painted ceiling featuring the constellations of all 4 Hogwarts houses. Harry Potter merchandise undoubtedly takes up a good chunk of the store…

Universal Orlando has raised the price of their Prime Parking option to $50, increasing by $10 from the previous $40 rate. Universal Orlando offers guests to park their vehicles in one of 2 huge, enclosed parking garages. The Prime parking option allows guests to park closest to the moving sidewalks and main entrance to the resort. The standard parking rate remains at $26. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

After a little more than a year of being closed, Universal Studios Hollywood will officially reopen on April 16! Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood will be available to California residents only and can be purchased online beginning on Thursday, April 8. Pass Members will be offered a series of complimentary Bonus Days on select days from Thursday, April 15 through Sunday, May 16; these Bonus Days can be reserved by Annual and Season Pass Members online starting on Monday, April 5.  Annual and Season Pass Members will be able to resume regular use of their passes starting on Monday, May…

Universal Orlando has converted the current, or old depending on how you look at it, Universal Studios Store into the Universal Legacy Store – focusing on the nostalgia and history of the Universal Orlando Resort since its opening in 1990. The conversion is still taking place while construction continues on the new Universal Studios Store opening across the way. Universal has dubbed the new store, a “Premier Retail Experience”. The Legacy store features a bunch of memorabilia, props, artwork, and photos of Universal yesteryear, including sections dedicated to popular retired attractions Back to the Future, Jaws, and Dueling Dragons. Currently,…

Aquatica Orlando has announced that Riptide Race, the dueling racer waterslide, will be opening on April 3, 2021. Billed as “Florida’s First and Only Dueling Racer”, the new waterslide race pits teams against each other in a splash to the finish line. “We are thrilled to introduce Riptide Race, an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. Aquatica is the first waterpark in the state to have a dueling racer and we know our guests are going to love the fun of challenging their friends and family in a race to the finish,” said Kyle Miller, Park President. Riptide…

Universal Studios Japan hosted the grand opening of Super Nintendo World, bringing one of the most iconic franchises to life in a theme park. Shigeru Miyamoto, Creator of Super Mario, and J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan kicked off the festivities at Super Star Plaza, joined by Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad as the land officially opened to guests. “Super Nintendo World brings the world of Mario games to life”, said Shigeru Miyamoto, Creator of Super Mario. “The moment you enter the park, you will be amazed at how real everything feels.” The multi-layered land, with…