Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

Universal Orlando has scheduled Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides at Volcano Bay for refurbishment. The area will be closed from January 5, 2026, until February 12, 2026. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Volcano Bay is set for a 5-month closure starting October 2026 to perform necessary refurbishments and additional maintenance throughout the park. 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…

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Running daily through January 4, 2026, guests can celebrate the Holiday season at Universal Orlando. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy…

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 22, 2025, to December 28, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Running daily through January 4, 2026, guests can celebrate the Holiday season at Universal Orlando. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at…

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Universal Destinations & Experiences has cleared a major milestone in bringing its first theme park resort to the United Kingdom, as the government officially granted planning approval for the long-anticipated Universal Studios UK project on December 16. The decision allows the Universal to move forward with detailed design and early site preparation for a large-scale resort planned for Bedford. An update about the project was posted on Universal’s official UK Project website: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has approved our request for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO).…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 15, 2025, to December 21, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Running daily through Tuesday, December 31, guests can celebrate the Holiday season at Universal Orlando. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando this…

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Raising Cane’s has officially opened at CityWalk Hollywood, bringing its beloved chicken finger meals to Universal Studios Hollywood. The new location welcomed its first guests on December 11, 2025, with doors opening at 10AM. The popular fast-casual restaurant chain specializes almost entirely in chicken fingers, with combos that feature crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, and Cane’s Sauce – their signature dipping sauce. During our visit, we ordered the 3 Finger Combo (3 chicken strips, fries, toast, and a large drink), which came to $13.38 after tax. Inside the restaurant, guests can also pick up some Raising Cane’s merch as well as…

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Universal Orlando invites guests to close out the year and ring in 2026 with a range of New Year’s Eve festivities, including live DJ sets, midnight countdown celebrations, and special character appearances. The excitement will span the entire destination, with extended park hours and festivities across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe, as well as celebrations in Universal CityWalk and at Universal Orlando’s hotels. Here is an overview of the experiences guests can enjoy to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Universal Orlando: THEME PARK FESTIVITIES Guests can enjoy even more seasonal thrills and exciting entertainment with New…

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Universal Orlando has begun the rollout of its new digital Attractions Assistance Pass, now in technical rehearsal across the resort. While not yet officially launched, the system is already being used by eligible guests as the resort moves toward a more streamlined, mobile-first accommodation process. As with any technical rehearsal, expect hiccups, refinements, and possible changes. The Attractions Assistance Pass (AAP) is an accommodation offered to Guests whose disability prevents them from waiting in an attraction queue for extended periods. The AAP offers equal queue access to theme park attractions and is not to bypass other Guests waiting in the…

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With Christmas weeks away, Universal Orlando is offering guests many options for dining at their on-site hotels to celebrate the Holidays. Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel Christmas Eve Five-Course Prix Fixe Menu – Flora Taverna Wednesday, December 24, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive five-course, prix fixe feast at Flora Taverna featuring main courses of Ora King Salmon, grilled beef tenderloin or braised lamb shank. View full menu here. Reservations: Click here or call 407-503-DINE (3463). Christmas Morning Brunch – Flora Taverna Thursday, December 25, 2025 | 11:30 AM…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 8, 2025, to December 14, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Running daily through January 4, 2026, guests can celebrate the Holiday season at Universal Orlando. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando…

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