Author: Brian Glenn

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

Universal Orlando has confirmed this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 28 dates, along with a new buy one, get one night free limited-time offer. The event returns to Universal Studios Florida for 34 nights; from Friday, September 14 through Saturday, November 3, 2018. For the first time ever, guests can purchase a limited time ticket now through June 6th where they can buy a night and get a second night free. For $77.99 + tax, the ticket entitles one guest admission for 2 event nights on any Sunday – Friday event night. For additional ticket packages, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Orlando. No other information pertaining this year’s event has been released…

As of Saturday, March 3, Universal Orlando has raised the prices for the parking in the Resort’s garages. General parking is now $22, up from $20; Prime parking is now $35, up from $30. https://twitter.com/insideuniversal/status/970057784187346944 Parking is still free after 6pm, and passholder free parking benefits remain the same. The move is unsurprising, as it follows Disney recent increase in parking prices in February. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest Universal Parks & Resorts news.

Aquatica at SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating 10 years today. The park opened for previews on March 1, 2008, with the official grand opening held on April 4, 2008. To celebrate, Aquatica commissioned the sculpting of a 22-ton sand sculpture depicting a birthday cake inspired by Aquatica’s latest addition, Ray Rush. The sculpture measures 15’ wide, 8’ tall and took skilled artisans nearly 25 hours to complete. The sculpture will be on display inside the park for guests to see through March 5. The park was also recently voted “Best Water Park” by Orlando Sentinel readers in the publication’s annual Best Bets reader’s choice awards…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” will be returning in March for a limited engagement. The scheduled dates are as follows: Saturday, March 3 – Sunday, March 4 Saturday, March 10 – Sunday, March 11 Saturday, March 17 – Sunday, March 18 Saturday, March 24 – Saturday, March 31 The show celebrates the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, and features projections and beams of lights. Here’s our review the show from its debut last year. Be sure to follow Inside Universal for continuing coverage of Universal Studios Parks and Resorts.