Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Japan has announced the opening date for Minion Crazy Ice is set for June 30, 2018. The ride sees the mischievous minions take over the pool at Minion Park, bringing out the gigantic freeze ray gun to turn the pool into an ice rink to help cool off. The 4-seater attraction is a flat-ride, where guests will board “Freeze Ray Sliders”. During the ride, 10 sliders will glide over the frozen pool, unpredictably in a make-shift “ice race” – all while the Minions cause mischief, firing freeze guns. You may even find a swimming minion trapped inside the frozen pool. This will be the second…

In a rather unexpected announcement, Universal Orlando Resort’s new attraction, Fast & Furious – Supercharged, is now officially open at Universal Studios Florida. With a worldwide box-office of more than $5 billion, the Fast & Furious film franchise is one of the highest-grossing of all time and has become a global phenomenon that captivates audiences from around the world with action-packed storylines, unique characters, and high-speed cars. Now – Universal Orlando guests can step into the blockbuster franchise and straight into the heart of the Fast & Furious films right alongside the Fast & Furious crew – including Dom, Letty, Hobbs, Tej, Roman, and Mia – all…

In part of the company’s 17th annual Comcast Cares Day, more than 350 NBCUniversal employee volunteers, friends, and family, as well as community partners, will join together on Saturday, April 21 to celebrate Earth Day and help restore parts of the Los Angeles River. Comcast Cares Day is a global initiative designed to make change happen and spotlight the company’s year-round commitment to volunteerism. The efforts will be aimed specifically at the Los Angeles River near the Bette Davis Picnic area to its natural habitat and ecosystem by removing trash and debris. This effort coincides with other Comcast Cares Day volunteer activities that have…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that DreamWorks Theatre Featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” will officially open June 15. Inspired by the global blockbuster franchise, the attraction will take guests on a thrilling journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art visual effects for a highly engaging experience. Created and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Creative, “Kung Fu Panda:  The Emperor’s Quest” recounts a plot filled story whereby on the morning of The Emperor’s Great Feast of Heroes, dragon warrior Po embarks on a wild and perilous mission to deliver the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power to…

Universal Studios Florida has opened Fast & Furious: Supercharged for technical rehearsals, also known as a soft opening. For those unfamiliar, a “Soft Opening” is essentially a technical rehearsal of a new attraction or a final release candidate test for the ride. All the major components are installed and operational but some tweaks, changes, and updates will occur prior to the grand opening. Though not officially announced, the ride is scheduled to open May 2nd based on Media invites that were sent out last week. Until then, the ride is expected to remain under a soft opening. “Soft Openings” are…

During a Monsterpalooza panel today, it was announced that a “Holidayz in Hell” scare zone will be featured at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. The scare zone will be located in the Metro area, and feature a variety of twisted characters based on popular holidays. Characters the panel highlighted included an Evil Elf, Mrs. Claus & Krampus, and “The Turkey Pilgrim” – a demonic-looking, humanoid turkey, dressed as a pilgrim. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for more on Halloween Horror Nights and Universal Parks & Resorts.

Several new wand experiences and effects may be coming to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. Inside Universal has learned that these new added experiences may be similar to the effects found over in Universal Studios Japan’s Wizarding World. The wand experience allows guests to use specially-designed wands to interact with certain areas around the Wizarding World. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEXWrQkyGow As of now, we cannot confirm which specific effects will be installed. Some of the wand experiences in the Wizarding World Japan include a fire effect, as well as a snow effect. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for…

Universal Studios Japan has announced the new night parade, Universal Spectacle Night Parade: Best of Hollywood, will debut on May 17, 2018. Billed as the world’s first next-generation parade, it will feature floats from Minions, Jurassic World, Transformers, and Harry Potter. As the floats move along the streets, the walls and buildings along the parade route will change one after another utilizing projection mapping. Universal Studios Japan has developed a new technology called “show orchestration”, which will synchronize the production of music, lighting, and visuals as the floats theme changes. Each float will feature larger-than-life scenes from the iconic properties come to life.…

UPDATE – 4/26/2018 Due to popular demand, Universal Studios Hollywood has extended the Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary event for an extra night. Sunday, May 13th is now available for purchase at $69. Saturday, May 12 has already sold out. The event will also feature special guest appearances by those who worked the films as well as an all-new Raptor Encounter exclusive. Original story below. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Jurassic Park – the groundbreaking, blockbuster film – Universal has announced the Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Celebration, a specially ticketed, nighttime event. The event will be held on May 11 and 12. Guests…

Universal Orlando has revealed the name, along with more details on the new hotel complex coming to the former plot of Wet ‘n’ Wild. The new hotel complex will be known as Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. It will feature two hotels: Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites. It will also be Universal Orlando’s first Value properties, offering rates as low as $73. The hotels will also offer exclusive on-site benefits, such as Early Park Admission and free shuttle transportation to the main Resort. Of the 1,450 rooms, more than half of the rooms across both hotels will be 2 Bedroom Suites.…