Author: Brian Glenn

Sid Sheinberg has passed away at the age of 84. We usually don’t write news on passings, but Sheinberg was very instrumental in the modern success of Universal Studios. Sheinberg, along with Lew Wasserman, oversaw Universal’s growth, which saw the company expand its divisions, including the theme parks. Sheinberg was the man who gave famed director, Steven Speilberg, his first job. Under his leadership, we saw the release of some of the most influential, and highest-grossing, films of recent decades, including Jaws, E.T., Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park – all films that were a key part of the…

Universal Studios Hollywood will be holding a “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Event,” a special experience that offers fans a first look at the new light projection show at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” on Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, 2019. This premium evening event invites guests to be among the very first to experience “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” with exclusive after-hours access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where fans can also explore the shops and experience the land’s signature rides, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff.” The…

We’re back with an update around the Universal Orlando. Demolition and land clearing continues at Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure for the addition of a major new attraction. In addition, work continues on other projects that are set to open this year, including the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the Today Cafe, and Endless Summer – Surfside Inn & Suites. Park Update Index » Universal’s Endless Summer Resort » Emeril’s Replacement » Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure » Jurassic Park Project » Toon Lagoon » Today Cafe » Mardi Gras 2019 » A Little Bit of this, A Little…

SeaWorld Orlando has announced that their new Sesame Street land will hold its Grand Opening on March 27. The new Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando allows guests to take a walk down the six-acre Sesame Street. Guests can play and learn with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby and all of their furry friends. Take a stroll down Sesame Street and stop by the famous stoop at 123. Explore the inside of Hooper’s Store, then head for big fun at Big Bird’s Nest. Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando will feature an award-winning parade, wet and dry play areas, rides, and an interactive…

Celebrating six decades of being “Florida’s first theme park”, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay kicked off their 60th Anniversary by sharing first details of their new 2020 project – a new wooden/steel hybrid coaster designed by RMC (Rocky Mountain Construction). In addition to announcing the coaster, a new menu for the 2019 Food & Wine Festival and the launch of the all-new Pin Trading program, and an up-close look at the Tigris roller coaster vehicle were all revealed tonight. “We’re moving quickly to open our ninth roller coaster, Tigris, with a tenth coaster already underway for next year,” said Stewart Clark,…

The Orlando crew is joined by our old friend, Andy aka Hatetofly, to discuss all the recent announcements – including the new Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle nighttime show, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, the Today Cafe, and Disney’s recent Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Newsbomb. We also chat it up about this year’s Mardi Gras at Universal, and interview show director of the event, Blake Braswell. 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…

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort invite guests to experience an exciting new dimension of sorcery at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” with the introduction of the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle,” a powerful, original and breathtaking projection experience. The “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” will illuminate Hogwarts castle and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” nightly from April 13 – 28 at Universal Studios Hollywood then return from May 25 – 27. Universal Orlando Resort’s experience will debut later this year with dates to be announced at a later time. This exciting all-new experience in “The Wizarding…

Universal Orlando has announced that the Today Cafe will be opening this Spring. Based off the popular morning show, The Today Show, the cafe is set to replace the Beverly Hills Boulangerie – which closed earlier this year. Inspired by the studio where the show is filmed, fans from all over the world will be able to enjoy a one-of-a-kind themed experience that will feel like stepping right into a live news broadcast inside Studio 1A in the Rockefeller Center. The menu will feature seasonal dishes inspired by co-anchor Al Roker’s favorite recipes. Every day menu options will include fresh,…

Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando is set to undergo lobby renovations beginning March 1. The lobby renovation is scheduled to end October 31st, 2019. The renovation will include replacing the check-in desks, installing a Grab & Go area, and installing a new Sushi Restaurant & Bar. The replacing of the check-in desks will be completed overnight to maintain a seamless check-in experience and the areas of work will be screened from view. Guests with reservations during this renovation should have already or will be receiving an email alerting them to the renovation scheduled. Work will be completed in phases…

The Hollywood team discuss the latest around Universal Studios Hollywood; including recapping the Lunar New Year and our meet-up, the current construction of Jurassic World – as well as the other construction projects around the park. We also discuss the recent Orlando vacation of Chris Glass, and end the show by answering your questions. 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.