Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

Universal Orlando has opened a new Universal Sweets store in Universal Studios Florida, taking over the old On Location store. Replacing Studio Sweets in the Universal Studios Store, the bigger location sells candy, treats, and baked goods, themed to some of Universal’s famous characters, like Shrek’s Onion Cheesecake or Jaws Swiss Roll. The old Sweets location is now an expanded Universal Studios Store space, featuring merchandise for the Jaws 50th and Universal Studios Florida 35th Anniversaries. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking…

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With the live-action How to Train Your Dragon releasing in theaters in June, Universal Orlando has transformed part of The Lost Continent into a celebration of the upcoming film, featuring merchandise, film props, and a Toothless photo op. A giant Stormfly prop sits atop the Lost Continent bridge, greeting guests. Guests can find merchandise from the new live-action film, as well as the new Isle of Berk from the new theme park, Epic Universe – including a new Toothless shoulder buddy doll, which sits on your shoulder. A photo op featuring Toothless has been set up, allowing guests to pose…

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Universal Orlando has scheduled the E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios Florida for refurbishment in June 2025. The attraction will be closed for maintenance from June 9, 2025, until June 13, 2025. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book that EPIC Universal vacation? We recommend using our friends at MEI-Travel to help plan your next trip to Universal Orlando or Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Universal Orlando has scheduled the Hogwarts Express for a brief refurbishment this week. The attraction will be closed for maintenance from May 27, 2025, until May 30, 2025. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book that EPIC Universal vacation? We recommend using our friends at MEI-Travel to help plan your next trip to Universal Orlando or Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 26, 2025, to June 1, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Butterbeer Season is back! Fans can indulge in all things Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, daily through Saturday, May 31, 2025. Starting May 23, guests can pick up some exclusive “Jurassic World: Rebirth” merchandise in Jurassic Outfitters and Dinostore. Guests can celebrate Jaws’ 50th Anniversary by visiting “Amity” in San Francisco at Universal Studios Florida. The area will offer limited-time food, drink, and merchandise. At Universal CityWalk,…

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Universal Epic Universe officially opens this week on May 22, and Universal Orlando has shared details, including guests’ arrival timeframes and other information regarding their Grand Opening celebrations. Before the official opening day, guests can join via livestream on the Universal Orlando website to watch the Grand Opening Celebration from Universal Epic Universe on May 21 at 7 pm EST, with “Blue Carpet” coverage starting at 6 pm. If you’ve purchased a ticket to visit Epic Universe on opening day on May 22, a “brief celebratory moment” is scheduled at 8 am Other information includes: Epic Universe Park Hours are…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 19, 2025, to May 25, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe officially opens this week! Guests can join via livestream to watch the Grand Opening Celebration from Universal Epic Universe on May 21 at 7 pm EST. Blue carpet coverage starts at 6 pm. For guests attending on the official opening day on May 22, a “brief celebratory moment” is scheduled at 8am. If you’ve purchased a ticket to visit Epic Universe on opening day, here’s everything you need to know: Epic Universe Park…

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Universal Orlando has shared plans for the upcoming Summer season, from returning entertainment to limited-time experiences that will be featured at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The Universal Mega Movie Parade and Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular will take place throughout the summer. The parade will run daily until November 13, while Cinesational will be held on select dates until August 24. Additionally, Hogwarts Always will be featured at Islands of Adventure until August 24. To celebrate the upcoming release of Jurassic World: Rebirth, in theaters July 2, Universal will feature themed photo ops in Jurassic Park at Islands of…

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Universal Orlando is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Jaws by bringing the village of Amity back to Universal Studios Florida for a limited time. Taking over the dock area of San Francisco, near Chez Alcatraz and the Jaws photo op, Universal has recreated a “Little Amity” section, full of signs, props, and references to the previous Amity area that is now home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. A Jaws ride photo op has been set up across from the hanging shark. It features the shark attacking Amity 6, complete with a grenade launcher. Food Booths…

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Universal Orlando has changed its smoking policy, removing designated areas from inside its theme parks. Effective May 15, 2025, Universal will allow smoking in the following areas: Universal CityWalk: To the left of Red Coconut Club Universal Studios Florida: Outside the park exit Islands of Adventure: Outside the park exit, opposite the Islands of Adventure lighthouse Universal Epic Universe: Near park exit by the restrooms Universal Volcano Bay: At the Wave Village (East) Volcano Bay is the only location that will continue to use the existing designated smoking area within the park; however, once the park removes TapuTapu in October…

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