Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Parks has announced that Stranger Things will be returning to 2019’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. The maze announcement should come as a surprise to absolutely no one after last year’s success. Featured at Hollywood, Orlando, and Singapore, the event entered into another realm of popularity – seeing long waits, large crowds, and even saw the house return for an unprecedented extra one-day run for Stranger Things Day. Based on the hit Netflix series, the show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s; as the town deals with several paranormal…

The Simpsons are now part of the Disney Umbrella. With the recent completion of the Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, there’s been a lot of talk about what is the status of the Springfield area at the Universal Parks. While there is a contract between Fox and Universal, the terms and conditions are not as public as the agreement between Marvel and Universal – so there are some grey areas that will go unanswered. So what do we know? First, a bit of a brief history catch-up: Announced in 2007, The Simpsons Ride opened at both Universal…

In honor of the upcoming three year anniversary of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando – the LGBTQ+ and greater Orlando community are holding a very special Velvet Sessions concert featuring Taylor Dayne, which will be benefiting the onePULSE Foundation. One dollar of each ticket sold and 100 percent of the silent auction proceeds will go towards onePULSE Foundation’s mission to build a memorial and museum honoring those affected by this tragedy. General Admission is $45. For more information on tickets, visit the Velvet Sessions website. The concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 29 at the…

Universal Studios Hollywood has revealed the first details of “Jurassic World – The Ride,” which will open this Summer. Jurassic World – The Ride will immerse guests into newly themed environments and new animatronic dinosaurs, including some all-new fan favorites featured in the Jurassic World films. This ride is being reimagined under the direction of the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Universal Pictures, and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow, and Frank Marshall. The state-of-the-art attraction will debut an original storyline that takes place within the theme park as depicted in Jurassic World…

This is not satire. Universal Orlando plans on introducing a new air freshening system in the major Islands of Adventure restrooms that will feature distinctive scents for each island. In addition, the scents will change with the seasons. Some examples given include Iced Piña Colada in Port of Entry over the Summer, or a Gingerbread scent for the holidays. No timeframe was given, or if Universal plans on rolling out this feature Resort-wide. Smelly bathrooms can be a problem for the guest experience, so any system that tries its best to mask the foul odors that can emanate from those…

Universal Orlando has announced that Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites will open on June 27, 2019. This all-new Value category hotel, being billed as Universal Orlando Resort’s most affordable hotel, will be the perfect space for the entire family to kick back and relax with both standard rooms and 2 Bedroom Suites available. Guests will enjoy the exclusive benefits that come with staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, including Early Park Admission, complimentary shuttle bus transportation to and from the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, and more. Surfside Inn & Suites was originally expected to open…

Boysenberry fans, rejoice! Knott’s Berry Farm and Yogurtland have teamed up to give fans a new frozen yogurt flavor, Boysenberry Pie! Inspired by Mrs. Cordelia Knott’s award-winning boysenberry pie, the new flavor was crafted alongside Knott’s and arrives in stores nationwide starting Monday, March 18. This year’s Boysenberry Festival runs 31 days, from March 29 through April 28, and features over 75 unique boysenberry-inspired items. Guests visiting Yogurtland can also pick up a coupon good for up to $30 off one admission to Knott’s Berry Farm to redeem online.

In this episode, the Hollywood team are joined by Rick Gutierrez from United States of Geekdom to discuss all the latest around Universal Studios Hollywood – including the newly-announced Dark Arts at Hogwarts night show, Running Universal, the Jurassic World remodel, Annual Price increases and changes, 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.

Universal Orlando has shared more details on the upcoming new attraction – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, opening this June at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will combine a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with rich environments and sets – including an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees. It will also give guests the unique opportunity to join Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter films – on a journey to one of the most mysterious places in the wizarding world – the Forbidden Forest. With…

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is an annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. This year’s newly-expanded festival will feature over 75 unique boysenberry-inspired creations crafted by the Knott’s culinary team. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing line up of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers…