Author: Brian Glenn

We finally have our first look at the upcoming Harry Potter-themed coaster that’s slated to open in Islands of Adventure in 2019. The official Wizarding World site, Pottermore, officially released the teaser image; but offered no other details – including the ride’s name, synopsis, or opening date. While it is a teaser image, it does confirm the ride will take place in the Forbidden Forest, and will involve magical creatures of the Wizarding World. The new coaster replaces Dragon Challenge, which closed August 2017. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for the latest on the new coaster, as well as other…

Drew and Brian get together to discuss & review this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 28 event at Universal Studios Florida; including discussing all the houses, zones, and more. We also answer your questions about the event. Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes. In addition, you can also follow us on Spotify to listen to podcast episodes on their app.

Chris Glass and Sydney Newman get together to discuss & review this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 2018 event at Universal Studios Hollywood; including trying to answer some frequently asked questions you may have concerning this year’s event. Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes. In addition, you can also follow us on Spotify to listen to podcast episodes on their app.

Nostalgia reigns supreme at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. With the event kicking off its 28th year, Horror Nights is bigger than ever – with more houses than ever before, the creative team is also bringing to life some of the biggest names in horror, and taking original ideas to new heights. For a non-marquee year, Universal has themselves one hell of a house line-up, with a strong supporting cast of scare zones that many are already saying could be one of their best events ever. What say we? As of now, it’s looking really good. We’ve always believed a…

Universal Studios Hollywood is already gearing up for the Holiday season, as Christmas in the Wizarding World, Grinchmas, and more are set to return for the 2018 season. “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” returns this year. The nighttime show features projection mapping, lights, and music cast against the backdrop of Hogwarts castle. New this year, Universal is bringing snow. Each night, there will be snowfall across Hogsmeade, adding to the ambiance of the magic of Christmas to Wizarding World. The A Capella Frog Choir returns, performing holiday-themed songs, and newly introduced holiday-themed fare and hot Butterbeer will further complement the overall experience. A…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The world’s premier Halloween event, Halloween Horror Nights, opens tonight at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. This year, both coasts will be bringing the world of Netflix’s Stranger Things to life in an all-new haunted house; where guests must enter the Upside-Down and come face-to-face with the monstrous Demogorgon. Universal is going all-in with Stranger Things, with many of this year’s merchandise features elements from the popular show. Many of this year’s food & drink items will also be inspired by Stranger Things. In addition, mazes based on Halloween 4:…

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced Tigris, a new triple-launch steel coaster, set to open in Spring 2019. Once opened, Tigris will be Florida’s tallest launch coaster. The new coaster, manufactured by Premier, will catapult riders forward and backward motion along 1,800 feet of coaster track, through several drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll; at 60 miles per hour. Unlike other coasters, Tigris will launch within the station each time. “Tigris will be a strong addition to our family of world-class thrill rides. With three intensely exciting launch points, this ride is unlike anything we have…

This year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Orlando and Hollywood is going all-in with Stranger Things and will feature specialty food & drink inspired by the hit TV show. The specialized foods were created by the executive chef and culinary teams at each park to further enhance the already immersive “Halloween Horror Nights” experience. Over at Universal Studios Hollywood, here’s what guests can expect to try during Horror Nights: Benny’s Burgers: This classic, aptly named after the show’s family-owned diner, features a juicy beef burger served on a potato roll and a side of Tater Tots®. The Upside Down Burger: served “upside down,”…

It is official! Antojitos Mexican Restaurant will be replacing Camacho’s Cantina at CityWalk Hollywood. No opening date has been announced. Camacho’s recently closed on Sept 4th after being a part of CityWalk since its inception. Antojitos is an original restaurant from Universal that opened in CityWalk Orlando in 2014 as part of CityWalk’s re-imagining. The restaurant is known for its tableside guacamole, as well as tequila menu. Hollywood continues to rework CityWalk with all-new dining options. This is the 2nd original restaurant to come from Orlando, as Vivo Italian Kitchen recently opened earlier this month. Stay Tuned to Inside Universal…

Universal has announced that the popular Rock the Universe event will be moving dates in 2019; moving from September to February 1 & 2. The event will feature the same great content – just with new dates. Next year’s event will feature: Friday, Feb. 1 Lecrae Matthew West Colton Dixon Saturday, Feb. 2 Skillet Bethel Music Crowder The full talent lineup will be revealed soon. The move was announced after Universal that A Celebration of Harry Potter will not be taking place in 2019; allowing Rock the Universe to occupy the dates. Universal believes the new dates will be favorable for…