Author: Brian Glenn

There’s been another closure for CityWalk Hollywood, as Wolfgang Puck Bistro has closed for a new eatery. Wolfgang Puck Bistro has also been removed from the list of eateries on the CityWalk official website pretty much confirming its closure. This marks the second closure this week as Scene, which sold sunglasses and eyewear, also closed. No word yet on a replacement for either location. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts. Thanks to SnideRemarksDept for the photo.

Universal Orlando debuted the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle for official previews during a Celebration of Harry Potter this past weekend. Originally debuting at Universal Studios Hollywood last year, the new nighttime show coming to Islands of Adventure is set to debut Jan 31. The new experience uses lighting, fireworks, and projection imagery on the iconic Hogwarts Castle; highlighting the 4 different houses of the popular franchise – Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Gryffindor. The experience will run continuously each evening starting at dusk. We will have our official review after the show officially debuts. “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” is…

Universal Parks & Resorts has revealed their Super Bowl 52 commercial; starring famed NFL quarterback, Peyton Manning. In the commercial, Manning becomes “vacation quarterback” to America – coaching families to take their vacation to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Here’s the extended version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbreHZSmqLA&feature=youtu.be The extended version of the spot will air in the NBC pre-game show and a thirty-second version of the commercial will air during the Super Bowl 52. Kick-off for Super Bowl 52 is scheduled for 6:30pm.

After last year’s debut, SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival is returning this spring; running each Saturday and Sunday from February 17 to April 15. Like all food served at SeaWorld, each item at the Seven Seas Food Festival reflects the park’s commitment to sustainable foods and farming. Guests will discover dishes that are crafted with organic ingredients, cage-free eggs, regional produce and sustainable seafood. In addition to the food, guests can enjoy a selection of 70 craft brews, and 50 wines and spirits Two all-new culinary markets join last year’s popular booths, offering more sample-sized dishes from around the world.  A selection of…

It’s been a while since our last one, so we’re back to kick-off the new year to take a look around the Universal Orlando Resort. In this update, we’ll be taking a look at projects happening all around the Resort – including construction progress on Fast & Furious: Supercharged, Aventura Hotel, CityWalk/Voodoo Doughnut construction, and more! Park Update Index » CityWalk » Voodoo Doughnut » Fast & Furious: Supercharged » Fast & Furious Custom Gift Shop » Mardi Gras 2018 » New Illumination Gift Shop » Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary » Ripsaw Falls Refurbishment » Aventura Hotel » A Little…

Drew and Brian catch up on all the latest Universal Orlando news, including the recent announcements of Voodoo Doughnut coming to CityWalk, Mardi Gras 2018 line-up and event, Celebration of Harry Potter, the new Fast & Furious gift shop. As always, we cap off the show by answering your questions. *Side note – We had some audio issues this week, so blame Andy. Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes.

For the sake of clarity, this article discusses rumors and possible changes to the park. This is not a confirmation. The Globe Theatre in the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood is set to be demolished later this year, Inside Universal has learned. No time-frame has been given other than the building it is set for demolition. The theater originally opened in 1999, and has been used for corporate and other events. The demolition is said to make way for an attraction based on “Secret of Life of Pets”, which is now slated to be built on the Upper Lot.…

Jonathan and Chris are joined by guest Chris Lord to talk the latest news and happenings around Universal Studios Hollywood; including the Universal Hilton expansion and NBCUniversal’s possible hotel plans around the area, Lunar New Year 2018, CityWalk Hollywood updates, and answering your questions! Direct Download and iTunes You may download this episode directly here. You may also subscribe to the Inside Universal Podcast on iTunes.

Voodoo Doughnut is coming to Universal CityWalk Orlando this Spring. The new location at Universal Orlando will be the first location east of the Mississippi. The shop will feature the same eclectic pink theming and irreverent names that can be found in current Voodoo Doughnut locations. It will be located next to NBC Sports Grill & Brew, in the former Element store. Loved for its “delightfully weird” lineup, Voodoo Doughnut will feature signature originals and one-of-a-kind donuts such as the Dirt Doughnut, the Bacon Maple Bar, Grape Ape and, of course, Voodoo Doll doughnuts. Voodoo Doughnut opened in CityWalk Hollywood last…

The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle is headed to Universal Orlando – and is set to debut on Wed., Jan. 31  at Islands of Adventure and run select nights throughout 2018. The nighttime show originally debuted at Universal Studios Hollywood last year. The show features state-of-the-art projection mapping, coupled with special effects and lighting, which will wrap Hogwarts castle in a dazzling display celebrating the four houses of Hogwarts – Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin  – all set to music based on the original scores from the Harry Potter films. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yysvyt0il3I “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” will make its official debut at Universal…