Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Parks has announced that the popular supernatural comedy, Ghostbusters, is coming to Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood and Orlando. Released in 1984, Ghostbusters centers around a group of parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. Considered one of the most popular and culturally-impactful films, the franchise has expanded with video games, toys, cartoons, sequels, spin-offs, and more. This year, the franchise is celebrating its 35th Anniversary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aosavjDnGaM In each maze, guests will follow in the footsteps of the Ghostbusters – Peter, Ray, Egon and Winston – as they venture through artfully recreated scenes from the film,…

Our new Zoom Lens series presents something a bit different than our usual podcast releases. Each episode of Zoom Lens will offer an in-depth look at attractions, events, lands, and more around the Universal Parks & Resorts. In this episode, we take a look at the history of Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as Universal Orlando. Hosted by Christopher Lord Special Guest Host: Jack of Theme Park History 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…

Busch Gardens has begun to share some details for this year’s Howl-O-Scream event, which is celebrating 20 years of fear. This year, Howl-O-Scream returns for 22 select nights between September 20 and November 2 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. To celebrate the event’s 20 years of fear, Busch Gardens has teased the return of several icons from past events, including the Trickster, the Death Jockey, the Butcher, the Voodoo Queen, and Dr. Livingsdoom. So far, the event has announced that 2 haunted houses will be returning – Simon’s Slaughterhouse and Black Spot: Bloodshed. For a limited time, tickets are available…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Jurassic World: The Ride is now open! The 9-month refurbishment transitioned the themeing of Jurassic Park to the hit Jurassic World franchise, modernizing the attraction to match the look of the films – including a new color scheme, and adding several new scenes throughout the attraction. The Jurassic World “mini-land” has debuted new additions little by little over the course of the past month, with Jurassic Outfitters, Jurassic Cafe, and Isla Nu-Bar opening just a few weeks ago. In addition, several new meet & greets opened in the area earlier in the week. You…

Chris Lord, Chris Glass, and Sydney Newman are back to discuss the latest happenings around Universal Studios Hollywood; including Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem removal of 3D glasses, Halloween Horror Nights updates, Jurassic World and the handling of opening date announcements for Jurassic World and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 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.

While guests eagerly await the opening of Jurassic World: The Ride, Universal Studios Hollywood re-opened the Raptor Encounter, while also debuting 2 new dinosaur meet & greets. Located adjacent to the ride, the newly-themed Raptor Encounter allows guests to meet Blue and her beta Raptors. Initially debuting last Summer, each Raptor bares 56 razor-sharp, bone-crushing teeth and lunges forward with curved talons that extend up to 12 inches from their 18-inch-long feet.  Towering 12 feet in height and 15 feet – from tail to snout. Blue, of course, became popular after her debut in 2015’s Jurassic World – where she…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced the full scare zone line-up that will be featured at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. Joining the previously-announced “Christmas in Hell” zone will be 4 additional zones throughout the park, including the returning “ToXXXic Tunnel”. Here’s a brief description, along with some released concept art of a character, of each zone. Fallen Angelz Explore crypts packed with restless ghouls and escape angry skeletons that have taken over Main Street. If you think the aged statues are creepy, wait until you encounter the wraith who will be literally watching over you. You can also spread your…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced tickets and released a bit of information for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, including an offer for fans to get an exclusive first look at “Halloween Horror Nights,” inviting them to experience the event on Thursday, September 12, one day before it officially opens on Friday, September 13. The Fan Preview includes a chance to be among the first to visit the event, special themed photo ops with scare-actors, DJ music performances, plus receive a special commemorative credential, in addition to possibly seeing favorite celebrities attending the event’s red carpet premiere which takes place that…

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites is officially open at the Universal Orlando Resort. Surfside Inn and Suites is Universal’s first Value Category hotel; and offers guests a relaxed and easy retreat, with a surf and beach vibe woven throughout the hotel. The 750-room hotel is the destination’s seventh property in partnership with Loews Hotels & Co. Earlier in the month, Universal invited us out to get a tour of the resort while they were getting it ready for the opening, which you can read about here. Surfside Inn and Suites will offer two different types of…

Bigfire is now officially open at Universal’s CityWalk Orlando. The all-new full-service restaurant draws inspiration from the nostalgia of cooking over open flames The two-story venue will feature natural design elements of mix and matched fabrics and seating, cast iron, twinkling lights, camp lanterns – and even a canoe suspended from the overhead rafters – to complete the outdoor ambiance inside the restaurant. We recently were invited by Universal to preview the menu and came away very impressed with its offerings. For a full breakdown of the menu, along with prices, make sure to visit Universal’s official site. Bigfire replaces Emeril’s…