Author: Brian Glenn

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration returns for this 2019 Holiday season, taking place from November 23 through December 31. For five weeks, the park is transforming into a winter wonderland with more than 3 million sparkling lights. Returning for another year of festive fun, guests can immerse themselves in the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rudolph’s ChristmasTown. Stroll past life-size story book vignettes featuring the classic tale, and meet beloved characters including: Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius. In O Wondrous Night, enjoy a live nativity complete with more than 30 carols, life-sized puppets and animals in a spectacular Christmas…

During a Q3 earnings conference call this morning, Comcast executives confirmed that Universal Orlando’s new theme park, Universal’s Epic Universe, is expected to open in 2023. Regarding theme park growth and the future, Steve Burke, Senior EVP & CEO of NBCUniversal, stated: “And then if you go out into 2021, roughly 18 months from now, we open in Beijing. And Brian and I were there last week with Tom Williams, who runs our theme parks. It’s going to be a spectacular park, and we’re really looking forward to that. And we recently announced we’re doing a fourth gate in Orlando…

Universal Studios Hollywood is gearing up for the 2019 Holiday season, with returning favorites “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” set to begin Thursday, November 28 and running daily through Sunday, December 29, 2019. “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” returns this year. The nighttime show features projection mapping, lights, and music cast against the backdrop of Hogwarts castle. The A Capella Frog Choir returns, performing holiday-themed songs, and newly introduced holiday-themed fare and hot Butterbeer will further complement the overall experience. A wide selection of custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry…

For the sake of clarity, this article discusses rumors and possible changes to the park. This is not a confirmation. With The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash set to open in the near future, Universal Studios Hollywood plans on repackaging the surrounding area, along with Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Super Silly Fun Land, into Illumination-branded “neighborhoods” – creating an Illumination Land in the Upper Lot. Recently, a sign was installed near the entrance of The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash showing the street will be renamed “Pets Place”. This is in addition to “Minion Way”,…

The creative minds behind Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor has brought their haunt skills over to Orlando with the debut of Dark Horizon: Point of No Return. Taking place select nights until Nov 2nd, Dark Horizons features 3 different houses; Vodou, Ghostship, and Murder Island, as well as 4 bars, 2 live stages, themed food and hundreds of scare actors ready to scare you. Dark Horizons invited us out on the opening night of the event, and while we had fun overall, we thought it was fine, as there are definitely some issues that could impact how you feel about the…

Hot Butterbeer has returned to the Wizarding World. The popular version of the beverage returns during Florida’s Fall/Winter Season (being Florida, we are using Winter very loosely here). The beverage is available year-round at Universal Studios Hollywood. Hot Butterbeer is a smooth, hot beverage reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch, served hot with a whipped topping. The beverage will be available at most food & drink locations around the Wizarding World – including the Leaky Cauldron, The Hopping Pot, and Hog’s Head Pub. Since the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in June 2010, millions of Butterbeers have…

Universal Orlando has revealed some new passholder perks and benefits for 2020. Staring in January, Annual Passholders can enter through a new dedicated entrance at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The dedicated entrance will run from Jan. 4–31. The UOAP Lounge has been extended for another year and will hold a 1-Year Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 13, 2019, from park opening to park closing. Other AP exclusive perks include all-new buttons throughout the year, seasonal giveaways, and new UOAP merchandise.

Early registration is now open for Running Universal’s inaugural Epic Character Race 5K and 10K weekend on February 1 & 2, 2020 at Universal Orlando. Early registration gives runners a chance to save with race pricing starting at $72 per person (plus tax). Runners can choose from multiple options, including 5K or 10K race registration, VIP race upgrades – which include exclusive character meet-and-greets and a post-race breakfast – and admission to two of Universal Orlando’s theme parks. Runners can also save on exclusive weekend packages for race participants and their friends & family, such as the 5K Epic Character…

It’s time for another podcast! We discuss the announcement of the Bourne Stuntacular Stunt show, our experience at Dark Horizons, and some middle impressions of Halloween Horror Nights 29. 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 Studios Hollywood has announced that NBC Sports Grill & Brew will be opening at CityWalk Hollywood in 2020. Located adjacent to the recently opened Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, the all-new restaurant will be designed to reflect the excellence and excitement of NBC Sports’ award-winning coverage, with a fresh take on pub menus and a stellar selection of regional and exclusive draft brews. With a complement of over 100 HD TV screens, broadcasting favorite sporting events, live stream sports content and in-depth sports coverage, NBC Sports Grill & Brew will offer guests the MVP treatment with the best seats in the…