Universal Orlando has added an additional event date, Monday, October 21, to the Halloween Horror Nights calendar, allowing guests an extra night of HORRAH! Halloween Horror Nights 2019 began September 6 and runs select nights through November 2, 2019. Guests will face 10 elaborately-themed haunted houses, five scare zones filled with menacing scareactors, and live entertainment – including the all-new nighttime lagoon show, “Halloween Marathon of Mayhem.” You can read our review of the event here.
Author: Brian Glenn
Brian Glenn
Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief
Universal Orlando has announced they will be hosting their inaugural Running Universal weekend. On February 1 & 2, 2020, Universal Orlando’s first-ever Running Universal Epic Character Race 5K and 10K will give runners a first-ever opportunity to race through Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, surrounded by some of the most iconic characters in pop culture. Built on the success of the Running Universal races at Universal Studios Hollywood, runners in this historic race will have the option to run multiple course lengths, including a 5K and a 10K, through two of Universal Orlando’s theme parks. Along with…
SeaWorld has announced that a new family-friendly roller coaster will be opening next spring – Ice Breaker. Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will be SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster, featuring four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot tall spike with 100-degree angle. The roller coaster will send guests along 2,750 feet of bright orange track. Located near the Wild Arctic Attraction, the ride’s theme is reflective of this area with a nod to Ice Breaker’s conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center. Primarily dedicated…
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has revealed their plans with their Gwazi remodel with the announcement of Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest, and the fastest, and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be 206 feet tall, feature a 91-degree drop, and reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The journey will include three inversions and 12 airtime hills as it races along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. With a 48” height requirement, Iron Gwazi will be an exciting thrill attraction that families can take on together. “Iron Gwazi is…
Opening Weekend has come and gone! Brian and Drew talk everything about Halloween Horror Nights 29, giving our first impressions and review of the event, discussing all 10 houses, 5 scare zones, the shows, and more! 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.
Another year of Horrah is upon us! Starting earlier than ever, Halloween Horror Nights kicked off its 29th year on Friday, with some of heavy-hitting franchises and nostalgia in its arsenal. Last year’s event is a tough act to follow, so how does this year’s event measure up? While not perfect, this year’s event features a lot to love. Universal’s attempt to bring a cohesive 80’s theme is no doubt the highlight of the year, even paying attention to the little things, which adds to the experience of the event. Its bears repeating that a strong theme is the building…
Today, Annual Passholders were allowed to visit the newly-opened Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida and check out all the merchandise 2019’s event has to offer. Located in New York, the store has expanded into 3 rooms, each themed to a specific property featured at the event – Ghostbusters, Stranger Things, and Universal Monsters. Guests can pick up shirts, buttons, pins, glassware, and other keepsakes ranging from year-specific merch to all the different properties featured this year. Universal went all-in on the 80’s nostalgia train, featuring some of the best merchandise the event has featured in a…
Universal Orlando has announced that the Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle will debut at Islands of Adventure next week, September 14, running select nights through November 15. The all-new light projection experience utilizes state-of-the-art projection mapping, special effects and lighting to bring a new dimension of magic to life on the majestic Hogwarts castle. For the first time, guests will be able to encounter Death Eaters – devoted followers of Lord Voldemort known for their allegiance and practice of the Dark Arts – as part of their experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. According to Universal,…
UPDATE 9/3: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at 6 p.m. today. Original story below. Due to the looming threat of Hurricane Dorian, Universal Orlando has announced operational changes for Tuesday. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will open as scheduled, however, Volcano Bay will be closed for the entire day. No announcement has been made as to whether the theme parks will close early. As of now, Wednesday’s operational status is also unknown, along with the Team Member Preview for Halloween Horror Nights which is scheduled for Wednesday night. As much as we love the…
Universal Studios Hollywood has begun testing an all-new electric tram for its Studio Tour. The tram is allegedly much quieter, and, obviously, a lot more enviro-friendly. As of now, testing is being done randomly. The move is part of Universal’s “Green is Universal” initiative – focusing on sustainability throughout operations but focus on three main areas – energy, water, and waste. There is no word as to whether all trams will be converted to electric. Stay Tuned to Inside Universal for the latest on the Studio Tour and Universal Parks & Resorts.