Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Hollywood has opened the 101 Exchange, the official gift shop for the upcoming roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, set to open in 2026. Full of street signage and brick, The 101 Exchange is currently selling Halloween Horror Nights 2025 merchandise, likely holding off on official merchandise until closer to the ride’s opening. The gift shop’s debut comes as construction continues on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, which is being touted as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster. The ride is currently scheduled to open in 2026, though no specific date has been announced. Stay…

Universal Orlando has filed new permits signaling the planned demolition of a large section of The Lost Continent, one of the original lands at Islands of Adventure. In a statement to the Orlando Business Journal, Universal confirmed its construction plans, stating that it is “part of site planning to ensure the area is ready for any future developments.” The permit, filed under the name Project 555, was initially shared by Behind the Thrills on X/Twitter. It outlines demolition covering nearly five acres of “retail, show, and attraction buildings” at Islands of Adventure – specifically, the attraction buildings for Poseidon’s Fury and…

Starbucks in CityWalk Orlando has officially reopened following a months-long closure for renovations, unveiling a refreshed look and upgraded guest experience. The popular coffee location, which temporarily closed in June, has been significantly renovated, now showcasing brighter decor with white tiles and light wood panels, replacing the previous dark, rustic tones. The mural, which featured a chalkboard-like map of the world highlighting where coffee is grown, has been replaced by an aquatic-themed artwork depicting a mermaid surrounded by marine life. Guests will also be finally allowed to mobile order or use their rewards stars. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for…

Halloween Horror Nights is back for the 2025 season, featuring a lineup that delivers a strong mix of fan-favorite franchises, horror icons, and pop culture powerhouses. This year, with all the popular properties being featured, guests can expect big crowds and long waits, but the payoff is worth it. So, what were our first impressions of this year’s event? The first weekend tends to have that “new car smell” when it comes to rankings, and hyperbole finds its way into the discussion. Another thing to keep in mind is that unless outright stated, none of these issues fall on the…

The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando has announced they have completed a $40 million multi-year renovation to the hotel, which includes debuting newly renovated guest rooms and suites. The renovation includes guest rooms and the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Kitchen, as well as the lobby bar, Velvet Bar, and the building’s façade. Owned in a joint venture partnership made up of Loews Hotels & Co., Universal Destinations & Experiences, and Hard Rock International, Hard Rock Hotel is one of the destination’s Signature Collection hotels. Inspired by the colors and textures of a California sunset, the new room design leans heavily…

Universal Orlando received five awards at the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, recognizing its innovative and immersive experiences at the Resort. Awards include Universal Volcano Bay being named the Best Water Park – becoming the first new winner in this category in 26 years – and four awards for experiences within its groundbreaking new theme park, Universal Epic Universe. “We are honored to have received five 2025 Golden Ticket Awards this year,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “We are committed to developing the most innovative, immersive experiences imaginable and creating a vacation experience like no other.…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from September 8, 2025, to September 14, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Halloween Horror Nights 34 continues! 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. Volcano Bay Nights returns, running Friday nights from September 5 to October 31. During the exclusive event, guests will enjoy after-dark…

The fog has returned as Universal’s premier Halloween event is back with a vengeance, unleashing a fresh lineup of haunted houses and experiences for Halloween Horror Nights 34. This year’s line-up is arguably one of the most stacked line-ups the event has ever had, featuring several properties that fans have requested for years. Featuring Five Nights at Freddy’s, Terrifier, The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks, Fallout, and Jason Universe, each can make a case any year to be the headliner haunt. So, what were our first impressions of this year’s event? The first weekend tends to have that “new car…

Peacock has released the official trailer for Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks, a new 3-part docuseries premiering Monday, September 29. The docuseries pulls back the curtain on Universal Orlando Resort’s groundbreaking new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, taking viewers on a behind-the-scenes ride as engineers, costume and production designers, choreographers, performers, and an array of creative executives race to the finish line to deliver the theme park of the future.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5r99eX8zG4 Exclusive interviews include Donna Langley (Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios), Steven Spielberg (legendary filmmaker and Universal Destinations and Experiences Creative Consultant), Kathleen Kennedy (E.T., Jurassic Park),…

The horror season is upon us! Halloween Horror Nights 2025 is set to begin Thursday, Sept 4 at Universal Studios Hollywood. For those who have visited the event in the past, you know what to expect. For those who haven’t, get ready for some unforgettable horrific encounters… Universal Studios Hollywood’s haunted houses are known for their incredible make-up, costuming, and set design. Halloween Horror Nights 2025 features 8 haunted houses, 4 scarezones, the Terror Tram, and two shows – as well as an insane offering of spooky-themed food & drink. Universal will be keeping most of its popular attractions open…