Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

After a nearly year‐long refurbishment, the Hemisphere Dancer, Jimmy Buffett’s legendary seaplane, returned to Margaritaville’s Lone Palm Airport Bar at Universal CityWalk. To celebrate its return, Margaritaville held a “Homecoming Celebration” to rechristen the plane. Guests and Parrotheads joined Margaritaville President Dan Leonard and Savannah Buffett, Buffett’s Daughter, who spoke before officially welcoming the plane home. The Hemisphere Dancer is a U.S. Navy Grumman Albatross, initially used for search-and-rescue missions. In 1995, Buffett purchased and restored the plane, giving it its now-famous monicker. The plane infamously became a part of Parrothead lore when, in 1996, it survived Jamaican police gunfire…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from July 14, 2025, to July 20, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! In celebration of the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, a themed shopping experience will be added to the Lost Continent, near Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House. Additionally, a Toothless photo opportunity will be available. Elphaba and Glinda return for Meet & Greets at Wicked: The Experience at Universal Studios Florida from June 23rd to August 10th. To celebrate the upcoming release of Jurassic World: Rebirth, in theaters July…

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Universal Orlando has announced The Origins of Horror, a new original scare zone that will be featured at Halloween Horror Nights 34. Universal did not share much information outside of a summary of the zone’s synopsis: “Enter a decaying conservatory of twisted vines where artists carve tributes to Halloween Horror Nights 34. You’ll encounter monstrous crows, gargoyles, and more.” It is believed this will be the scare zone located at the entrance of the park. Halloween Horror Nights 34 will take place from August 29, 2025, through November 2, 2025. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news…

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Art the Clown is headed to Halloween Horror Nights, as Universal has announced that a Terrifier haunted house will be featured this year in Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. The Terrifier franchise is a modern cult-favorite horror series known for its extreme gore. Guests will experience an unfathomable level of gore as they try to escape becoming Art the Clown’s next victim. “Terrifier” is a grisly haunted house oozing with a new sense of terror that takes guests into Art the Clown’s gruesome Funhouse, which first appeared in Terrifier 2. Guests will be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells…

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Universal Orlando has released information and prices for multi-night tickets, including the Frequent Fear Pass, for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 34 at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can purchase the Rush of Fear Pass, which allows them to visit the first 18 event nights, for $199.99+tax. Adding the Express option will increase the Rush of Fear price to $689.99+tax. The Frequent Fear Pass standard ticket costs $249.99+tax, which allows entry to 30 nights of the event (Excluding most Fridays & Saturdays). Adding Express to the ticket will bump up the price to $839.99+tax. The Frequent Fear Pass Plus standard ticket…

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Knott’s Scary Farm is preparing to announce what guests can expect for the 2025 haunt season, continuing its legacy as Southern California’s longest-running Halloween theme park event. On August 19, from 7 PM to 10 PM, Knott’s will host their exclusive preview event, Nightmares Revealed. During this event, guests will discover the new mazes, shows, and frightful experiences awaiting them at Knott’s Scary Farm this year. Tickets for Knott’s Scary Farm will go on sale on July 25. The event will run on select nights from September 18 through November 1, offering 28 nights of horror. This year’s lineup includes…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from July 7, 2025, to July 13, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Guests can join in the celebration of Jaws’s 50th anniversary by visiting the village of Amity, which will take over the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida. This celebration will feature limited-time food, drinks, and merchandise. In celebration of the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, a themed shopping experience will be added to the Lost Continent, near Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House. Additionally, a Toothless…

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Johnny Rockets has officially closed at CityWalk in Universal Studios Hollywood. No other details have been shared by Universal Studios Hollywood at this time, other than that a new venue will be replacing the chain. CityWalk is undergoing a significant overhaul, with many locations closing, as well as preparations for the planned security checkpoint changes. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book that EPIC Universal vacation? We recommend using our friends at MEI-Travel to help plan your next trip to…

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Universal Orlando has announced a new ticket deal that Florida residents can take advantage of with the “Buy 2 Days, Get 1 Day Free on a 2-Park 2-Day” ticket offer, giving three days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. This special ticket offer will give guests time to explore the thrills, excitement, and unforgettable adventures found within Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. With more than 50 immersive experiences across the two world-class theme parks, guests can explore the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, feel…

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Happy 4th of July! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from June 30, 2025, to July 6, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Celebrate the 4th of July at Universal Orlando! At Universal Studios Florida, guests enjoy character meet-and-greets and a live DJ at the Universal Music Plaza Stage. There will be evening fireworks near Transformers: The Ride. Universal CityWalk Orlando will also feature live music, dancers, stilt walkers, and a live DJ at various locations, including the Waterfront Stage, Plaza Stage, and Promenade. Universal Epic Universe will also…

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