Author: Brian Glenn

Punga Racers has reopened at Volcano Bay after a lengthy refurbishment, converting the water slide from a mat slide to a traditional body slide. The removal of the mats was the biggest change. Much of the slide has remained the same but now features an extended run-off compared to the previous version. You can check out the original version below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM2KWwA83rY The slide was included in a lawsuit last year. After the lawsuit was filed, the slide’s max load was decreased to 150lbs, restricting the number of riders able to experience Punga Racers. With the conversion, the max load has…

Universal Orlando has released throwback Halloween Horror Nights merchandise on their online store, celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary with “30 Years, 30 Fears”. The merchandise released features artwork from several prominent years of Horror Nights past, including the event’s first year, “Fright Nights”. Items include t-shirts, shot glasses, pins, and socks. As of now, the event is still scheduled to be held with expected new safety guidelines; however, no information has been released other than event dates and a BOGO ticket deal. You can see what’s available here: shop.universalorlando.com/ Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Halloween…

Construction continues on the Jurassic Park coaster, as track was installed at the highest point, “topping off” the top hat element of the coaster. A Jurassic Park/World flag was hung up on the track to celebrate the moment, as is the tradition in coaster construction. The height of the top hat element is rumored to be around 160-170ft tall. Most of the track circuit is now complete, with just a few pieces remaining to be installed near the loading platform. While Universal hasn’t announced the project, it is believed to be based on the Velociraptor, with heavy ties to the…

Universal Studios Japan has officially confirmed that Super Nintendo World has been delayed. In the released statement, which accompanies the park’s efforts to enforce safety guidelines against the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal plans on releasing an opening timeframe around this Fall. The delay should come to no surprise as the effects of the pandemic are being felt far and wide, especially in the travel industry. From the release: Regarding “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD,” which aims to open before the Tokyo Olympics, we are considering introducing it in line with the future increase in the number of customers and will announce the opening…

The Bourne Stuntacular is now open at Universal Studios Florida! Billed as the most technologically-advanced stunt show yet, the all-new show will immerse guests in the world of Jason Bourne through groundbreaking technology, including an immense LED screen and high-tech props, live performers, and practical effects. Universal gave a behind-the-scenes sneak peek last night, highlighting what brings the all-new show to life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9ljE-nBDyI&t=5s From our review, we felt The Bourne Stuntacular is the next evolution of stunt shows that without a doubt will entertain guests. You can read more of our review HERE. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all…

Universal Orlando has announced that The Bourne Stuntacular will grand open on June 30, 2020 at Universal Studios Florida. Billed as the most technologically-advanced stunt show yet, the all-new show will immerse guests in the world of Jason Bourne through groundbreaking technology, including an immense LED screen and high-tech props, live performers, and practical effects. To celebrate the opening of The Bourne Stuntacular, Universal Orlando will debut a virtual sneak peek of the show on June 29. The sneak peek will feature special guests from the Bourne film franchise, a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to bring the show…

Universal Orlando has announced it will resume billing monthly payments for annual passholders using the FlexPay program beginning on June 25, 2020. Monthly payments were postponed on March 25, 2020, after the resort shut down due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Monthly payments will resume on the passholders regularly scheduled payment date, starting with the first postponed payment. Payments will continue until the end of the term. Universal states that no more than one payment per month will be collected unless your account has a past due balance. All Annual and Seasonal Passes have automatically been extended by the number of…

The Bourne Stuntacular has opened at Universal Studios Florida for technical rehearsals, giving guests a chance to see the new stunt show before it officially opens to the public. The new show replaces the popular Terminator 2:3D attraction, which closed in September 2017. Before we get into our thoughts about the show, let’s talk about the Bourne property itself. While T2:3D was a beloved attraction, it was a licensed property. By 2017, it certainly started to show its age, and as iconic as the first 2 Terminator films are, the follow-up films have struggled in the Box Office. The last…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced they will be holding a virtual “Running Universal” race featuring DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls. Guests can virtually run in a 5K, 10K or Kids’ 1K “Running Universal” Virtual Race. Registration is now open at www.RunningUniversal.com with multiple standard and VIP packages available. Registration is limited and the Virtual Race can be completed at any time. The actual race event was originally scheduled to be held in April at Universal Studios Hollywood, however, it was canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. All participants will receive a collectible finisher medal featuring Trolls World Tour characters, complete with touchable…

Universal Studios Florida has opened The Bourne Stuntacular for technical rehearsals, also known as a soft opening. For those unfamiliar, a “Soft Opening” is essentially a technical rehearsal of a new attraction or a final release candidate test. All the major components are installed and operational but some tweaks, changes, and updates will occur prior to the grand opening. “Soft Openings” are never promised. There is no guarantee the attraction will be opening. It might only open for a period of time, all day, or not at all depending on any issues or changes. There is no set schedule or…