Author: Brian Glenn

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.

Universal Orlando Resort has revealed the name and opening date for the highly-anticipated, new coaster coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this summer – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure The coaster will open on June 13, 2019 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which Universal promises to be their most highly-themed coaster yet. Guests will fly with Hagrid on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the path of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures. More details will be shared in March. The new ride replaces Dragon Challenge, the…

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is getting ready to celebrate 60 years as the park gears up for its 60th Anniversary Celebration, kicking off on March 1 with a concert and fireworks event. Originally opening on March 31, 1959, Busch Gardens has transformed from a simple brewery tour and bird garden to a world-class zoo, seasonal events and an impressive rollercoaster collection – including the latest addition, Tigris. The park recently celebrated the completion of the track for the attraction, which will launch guests forward and backward during the ride, reaching speeds over 60 miles per hour. In addition to launches and…

Guests can now purchase new add-on experiences for Universal Orlando Resort’s 2019 Mardi Gras – including an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil and a special dessert and Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration party with an exclusive parade viewing area. Universal Orlando’s 2019 Mardi Gras celebration will include the following new add-on experiences: Bayou Boil – An Exclusive Mardi Gras Experience ($59.99 per adult plus tax and $39.99 per child plus tax) On select nights, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-enjoy Louisiana-style boil featuring crawfish, shrimp, potatoes and corn-on-the-cob and, upon request, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya. After, guests will get an exclusive viewing area…

Busch Gardens Tampa invited members of the media to take a construction tour around Tigris, their new triple-launch steel coaster, set to open in Spring 2019. While everything is on schedule, they still are holding out on announcing an official grand opening date for now. Most of the construction on the coaster, from a structural standpoint, is complete. Most of the work will now focus on electrical aspects, as well as themeing the queue and surrounding areas. Tigris will be located in the Stanleyville area of the theme park in the former home of Tidal Wave – right next to Jungala,…

Mardi Gras is back at Universal Orlando, bringing the Big Easy celebration to Universal Studios Florida with concerts, parades, food and more. The event continues to be massively popular, and a great time to visit Universal. We continue to echo our thoughts of previous reviews: Mardi Gras is a must-do, especially if one of your favorite musical acts comes to town. As always, the parade is fantastic. This year, Universal introduced 6 new parade floats that are themed to “party animals” – featuring animals from different biomes. While each of them bring their own pizazz to the parade, we would…

Tampa’s premier spring festival returns on Saturday, March 16 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival. With more than 35 delicious dishes to pair with over 100 wines, craft brews and cocktails, park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert line-up, including acts for all tastes. The Food & Wine Festival runs weekends from March 16 to April 28 and is included with admission to the park. Indulge in NEW Culinary Creations In addition to returning fan-favorites, this year’s menu boasts many daring new flavors inspired by cuisines around the country. Guests can…