Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Parks is bringing the Upside Down to Halloween Horror Nights. Stranger Things will be featured as a haunted house at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at both Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Singapore. 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 events, including “the Upside Down”, an alternate dimension filled with dangerous entities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHCHazK263A Working collaboratively with Netflix, along with the creators and executive producer of the blockbuster series—Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer and Shawn Levy, the mazes at Universal…

Offering incredible views and accessibility to all, Universal Orlando has revealed information on Aventura Hotel’s rooftop bar and grill, Bar 17 Bistro. Located on the top floor, the 17th to be exact, of the hotel; the new bistro will be open in the evening hours and will be accessible to everyone – including those not staying on-site at the hotel. To accommodate guests, there will be a dedicated elevator in the lobby that will take guests directly to the rooftop. Bar 17 Bistro will also feature “custom-crafted cocktails designed to pair with the urban international flavors featured on the menu.” The highlight…

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has gotten the hi-def treatment in Orlando. Universal Orlando has upgraded the popular attraction to 4K-HD at 120 frames-per-second, offering twice the frame rate of the attraction’s original 60 frames-per-second – resulting in a clearer and more vibrant image in the ride’s projection’s domes. The upgrade also features some slight tweaks to the ride’s animation, including the dragon “breathing fire” at riders. Universal has not officially confirmed the upgrade. Universal Parks has been upgrading several of their attractions’ projection systems in the past year. Recently, Universal Studios Hollywood converted the Simpsons Ride and Harry Potter…

Voodoo Doughnut opened its doors for guests for the first time on Saturday, officially soft opening in Universal CityWalk. Loved for its “delightfully weird” lineup, Voodoo Doughnut features signature originals and one-of-a-kind donuts such as the the Bacon Maple Bar, Grape Ape and more. When it officially opens, it will be the first location east of the Mississippi. Single doughnuts cost between $1.50 and $3.70. Guests can also choose 1 of 3 options for a box of a dozen doughnuts, ranging from $15 to $28. The “Classic dozen” features their standard, traditional selection. The “Fryer Flyer Dozen” features all of their…

We’re back with another photo update around Universal Orlando Resort. In this update, albeit brief, we’ll be taking a look at projects happening all around the Resort – including the final prep on Fast & Furious: Supercharged, Aventura Hotel, CityWalk/Voodoo Doughnut, and more! Park Update Index » CityWalk » Voodoo Doughnut » Fast & Furious: Supercharged » Central Park/New Night Show » Harry Potter Coaster » Aventura Hotel » Hard Rock Hotel Refurbishment CityWalk The Universal Cineplex is adorned with advertisements for Universal Pictures latest release, Pacific Rim: Uprising. The CityWalk Stage that was used by the waterfront has been…

Universal Orlando has officially announced the dates of this year’s Holiday Celebration around the Resort. This year’s event runs from November 17, 2018, until January 6, 2019. The event will see the return of the Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and the Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Mannheim Steamroller will be returning to perform live on the Music Plaza Stage. Their performances will take place on select night during the months of November and December. You can take a look at last year’s Holiday festivities here. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for more regarding Universal Parks &…

A new themed-land based on many of Marvel’s popular characters is heading to Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. Developed in partnership with Marvel Studios and Marvel Themed Entertainment, the new land is set to open in 2020. The new untitled Super Hero-themed land (it can’t be called Marvel Land due to contract limitations with Universal Parks) will incorporate the existing Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, which opened in 2017, and feature new Spider-Man and the Avengers attractions. The new land will be located in the currently occupied “a bug’s land.” “It’s Tough to Be a Bug”…

Universal Orlando has released the line-up for this year’s Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival. The event will be held the weekend of Sept. 7 and 8, 2018 at Universal Studios Florida. This year’s line-up will feature: Friday, September 7 Jesus Culture TobyMac Lauren Daigle Red Zach Williams Trip Lee Saturday, September 8 Casting Crowns For King & Country Family Force 5 Brandon Heath Andy Mineo Ryan Stevenson Tickets for this event will go on sale soon. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for more on Universal Parks & Resorts.

A month after raising prices for the 2 theme parks, Universal Orlando has raised the one-day ticket price for Volcano Bay. A one-day ticket is now $80 ($75 for children), up $13 from the opening day ticket price. Ticket prices for Florida Residents are now based on seasonal demand, ranging from $70 on slower days to $80 for days in higher demand. A 3-day, 3-park ticket is listed $339.99 per adult and $329.99 per child. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for more on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Universal Parks has announced a new feature available for Amazon’s Alexa, the intelligent personal assistant, that will help answer guests questions for both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. The Universal Skill for Amazon Alexa can provide information like: Wait Times Show Times Park Hours Points of Interests (Restrooms, Restaurants, Guest Services, etc) To enable the skill, simply say “Alexa, open Universal.” Here’s an example of IU’s own, Drew, using the feature on his Amazon Echo. https://twitter.com/drubov/status/971571230666100738