Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Japan has announced Sing on Tour, the new musical attraction, is set to open April 18, 2019. They’ve also released a 30 second teaser giving us our first-look inside the new Illumination Theater. Inspired by the hit Illumination film, the story of the attraction finds theater manager, Buster Moon, bringing all the talent selected from his auditions to host a Japan Premiere. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=30&v=aueHRaAI_4I The cast features Ash, the cheerful punk rock porcupine; Meena, a timid elephant with stunning voice; Rosita, a mother pig to 25 piglets; Johnny, an aspiring soulful singer; Gunter, the intensely dramatic performer, and Miss Crowly,…

Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular California Neighbor Pass is back, inviting guests to enjoy over 175 select days of fun for $149. The California Neighbor Pass enables guests to choose any day for their first visit and return to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood for more than 175 days over nine months, including select weekends, for $149 when purchased online. Special discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family to the theme park along with the popular “Halloween Horror Nights” and special events are included in this season pass program. Additionally, pass members can enjoy sweepstakes opportunities and discounts at participating…

The world of Sesame Street comes to life as the new land has officially opened at SeaWorld Orlando. The land features the iconic Sesame Street neighborhood including Abby Cadabby’s Garden, Big Bird’s Nest, Mr. Hooper’s Store, and the famous 123 Stoop. SeaWorld was kind enough to invite us out during the Media Preview of the land, and we must say, hands down, is their best, and smartest addition in the history of SeaWorld Orlando. While there are definitely some issues, which we’ll get into later, the area brings something that SeaWorld has been severely lacking – a recognizable intellectual property.…

KareKare Curl, Aquatica Orlando’s anticipated new attraction will be making its grand debut to park guests on Friday, April 12. “KareKare” means “waves” in the Maori language and when combined with “Curl” meaning in a curved shape, this new ride could be described as a “curve-shaped wave” which riders will experience when climbing the vertical wave wall.  True to its name and holding two passengers, this new slide delivers a high-adrenaline, weightless adventure. With the addition of KareKare Curl™ Aquatica Orlando will become the thrill leader among Florida waterparks, with more high thrill rides than any other. The opening of…

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…