Author: Brian Glenn

From February 3 through April 7, guests will let the good times roll as they experience an authentic, family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras bash at Universal Studios Florida. The event will be held for 64 nights – making it the longest celebration Universal has held – with the food courtyard open and the parade taking place every night. Mardi Gras couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads and live concerts by high-profile artists. We’ve gathered everything you need to know before heading out to the…

The Nighttime Lights have made their way to Orlando, and to cut right to the point – it’s another home run for Universal Orlando. After the well-received Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts that debuted during Universal’s Christmas offerings in 2017, it seemed logical to bring the show over from Universal Studios Hollywood. Combining state-of-the-art projection mapping, spotlights, and fireworks – the Nighttime Lights is aimed directly at Harry Potter fans. The new show centers around the four houses of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw – and features narration from the Sorting Hat. The projections…

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.