Author: Brian Glenn

The Hard Rock Cafe is staying at Universal’s CityWalk in Orlando for the foreseeable future. Hard Rock International today announced a lease renewal with Universal Orlando Resort to maintain Hard Rock Cafe’s presence in the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex for another 20 years, keeping the venue open at its current location through 2039. Hard Rock Cafe Orlando stands in Universal Orlando CityWalk and features a multi-level Cafe, expansive Rock Shop and 3,000-person concert venue. The “Coliseum of Rock” is home to more pieces of music memorabilia than any other Hard Rock Cafe in the world. The Hard Rock Cafe has…

Universal Orlando has revealed some of the major magical creatures guests will encounter on the upcoming Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure coaster. The attraction, which is set to open on June 13, 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 Hagrid as…

Universal Studios Hollywood has begun the marketing blitz for the much anticipated Jurassic World: The Ride, set to open this Summer, with a brand-new commercial. The commercial begins on the Universal backlot, where several film productions are taking place; when a T-Rex begins to stomp her way through the sets and sound stages, sending cast and crew running for their lives as T-Rex finally makes her way through the famous Universal archway. https://youtu.be/FE5OXcYnHRE “Jurassic World—The Ride” will debut an original storyline that takes place within the theme park as depicted in Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s film, Jurassic World, on…

Universal Orlando has raised ticket prices on one-day tickets. Universal uses dynamic pricing, meaning prices fluctuate depending on the time of year you visit, charging at a higher price at a time of greater demand. An Anytime, One Day, One Park ticket has increased to $135+tax, an increase of $6. A Regular One Day, One Park ticket has increased to $125+tax, up $3, and finally, a Value One Day, One Park ticket has increased to $115+tax, up $1. Two day, two park tickets have increased by $10. Florida Resident rates remain unchanged. For a full breakdown of pricing, and to…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Holidayz in Hell, a new original haunted house, will be featured at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 2019 during a Monsterpalooza panel today. https://twitter.com/horrornights/status/1117544559599390721?s=21 The maze will feature an original score by Electronic Music Artist and Producer Figure and offer guests new reasons to dread the holidays.  The maze is set to include scenes featuring a tortured Tunnel of Love, inhabited by a crazed Cupid on a quest for hearts to break or take; an unhinged Uncle Sam will create a sinister “July 4th killerbration”; treacherous turkeys; and a sick Santa will adorn Christmas…

Universal Studios Florida has repurposed their old Terminator 2:3D gift shop into a Monster Shop. The Cyber Image Store has moved away from being a “pop culture” shop and has expanded the Universal’s Classic Monsters presence. The store is located in Hollywood between the unnamed Terminator 2:3D replacement and the Horror Make-Up show, serving as an exit for both. In addition to the Classic Monsters, merchandise from other horror properties are available for sale – including Ghostbusters, Psycho, and The Walking Dead. The horror merchandise is located closer to the exit of the Horror Make-Up show, while some remnants of…

KareKare Curl has officially opened at Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando’s water park. SeaWorld invited us out yesterday for the ceremonial opening and to preview the new slide. “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. The slide is short, but thrilling – featuring a 35-foot drop that eventually leads you up into the vertical wall. Due…

Universal Orlando has announced that Nightingales: Blood Pit, a new original haunted house, will be featured at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 29. Guests will be transported to ancient Rome where they must escape the gladiator arena as the bloodthirsty nightingales begin to feed on the dead and dying. But with nothing to protect them, will they make it out alive or become part of history… According to Universal, the story of the house finds us in Ancient Rome and is suffering its worst drought in centuries. The ruthless emperor has declared the gladiatorial games to continue nonstop until the…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!”, a new ride set to open in 2020. In this all-new fully immersive experience, guests will assume the roles of stray puppies as they join a familiar cast of leading characters from The Secret Life of Pets – Max, Snowball, Gidget, Chloe, and Duke, along with a host of other animal friends – on the ultimate quest of finding forever homes. “We are thrilled to be able to bring another exciting Illumination movie-based ride to our guests,” said Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood.  “The…

Universal Orlando Resort has shared all-new images of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites. The all-new Value category resort is being billed as Universal Orlando Resort’s most affordable hotel. Surfside Inn and Suites will open on June 27, 2019 and its sister property, Dockside Inn and Suites, will open in Spring 2020. The hotels will feature a combined 2,800 guest rooms, including 1,450 two-bedroom suites. Surfside Inn & Suites draws inspiration from the ocean, featuring vibrant surf and wave-like features everywhere – in addition to sand-colored flooring, sea glass-inspired couches, and light fixtures…