Author: Brian Glenn

Happy Thanksgiving Week! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from November 24, 2025, to November 30, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Running daily through Tuesday, December 31, guests can celebrate the Holiday season at Universal Orlando. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at…

Guests can now reserve a spot for Universal Orlando’s popular Float Ride and Dine Experience for 2026’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, returning to Universal Studios Florida running February 7 through April 4, 2026. The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience includes an exclusive opportunity to be a part of the festivities with a reserved spot aboard a Mardi Gras float to toss beads during the event’s parade. This unique offering includes a three-course meal on the day of your visit that features one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage from one of five participating…

Universal Orlando Resort continues its historic year with incredible recognition for its groundbreaking Universal Epic Universe theme park from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) – presenters of the annual Thea Awards, which are considered the highest honor in the global themed entertainment industry. Universal earned a total of four “Outstanding Achievement” awards, including: Outstanding Achievement – Theme Park: Universal Epic Universe Outstanding Achievement – Ride Experiences: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Outstanding Achievement – Attraction: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Outstanding Achievement – Theme Park Land: How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Plus, Dale Mason, former Universal Creative…

Universal Destinations & Experiences announced the attractions, shows, food & beverage, and merchandise experiences that will be featured in the all-new Universal Kids Resort – a regional theme park specifically designed for families with young children. The theme park will open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. Universal Kids Resort will feature seven themed lands, including DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, and the Isle of Curiosity. “When creating Universal Kids Resort, we leaned into that childlike curiosity and invited play to be…

Universal Orlando has announced that Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida will temporarily close in January 2026 for a nearly year-long renovation. The Irish-themed restaurant, located in the park’s New York section, will officially close on January 12, 2026, to begin the renovations. The venue is known for its traditional pub fare, live entertainment, and its popularity among guests and annual passholders, especially during Halloween Horror Nights. Universal hasn’t officially given a reopening date other than a general “Winter/Late 2026” timeline, meaning the restaurant will not be operating during Halloween Horror Nights 35. Stay tuned to Inside Universal…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from November 17, 2025, to November 23, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! The Holidays at Universal Orlando start this Friday, November 21! Taking place through January 4, 2026, guests can enjoy beautiful holiday décor throughout the entire destination – including select worlds at Universal Epic Universe – and revel in the holiday spirit as they enjoy exciting experiences at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and more.…

REligible service members and their families can now purchase the exclusive 2026 Military Freedom Pass, with options for a 2-Park and 3-Park Pass, including admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay from November 13, 2025, through December 18, 2026, with limited blockout dates. Specially priced Universal Epic Universe 1-Day tickets are also available for purchase with an activated 2026 Military Freedom Pass, allowing members to explore the brand-new, award-winning theme park, with vacation packages and significant savings at Universal Orlando Resort hotels, including 40% off at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort. 2026 MILITARY FREEDOM…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from November 10, 2025, to November 16, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Volcano Bay is currently operating on a seasonal schedule and will only be open 5 days a week and closing for 2 days. The park will be closed on the following dates this week, due to cold weather and seasonal scheduling. Nov 10 -13 Refurbishments Please keep in mind that refurbishment dates can change. DreamWorks Imagination Celebration at Universal Studios Florida is closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen on…

Jay Stein has passed away at the age of 87. Stein was instrumental in transforming the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood and, eventually, in creating Universal Studios Florida, which would grow into the multi-park resort now known as Universal Orlando. Stein’s career with Universal, then MCA, began in 1959, when he joined the studio’s mailroom. In 1967, he became President at Universal Studios Hollywood, helping reimagine the Studio Tour by adding attractions such as Flash Flood, Parting of the Red Sea, and Jaws Lake. After becoming President of MCA Recreation Services (later MCA/Universal Parks & Resorts), he pushed for…

Universal Studios Hollywood has released their 2026 event calendar to help guests plan their vacation for upcoming events like Halloween Horror Nights 2026 and the arrival of its high-speed outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. At a glance, here’s what to expect in 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood: 2026 will see the return of the popular Mega Movie Summer and fan-favorite events like Halloween Horror Nights, which begins Sept 3. Universal Studios Hollywood is also extending a new Annual Pass offer. For a limited time, with the purchase of a new 12-month Annual Pass, guests enjoy three additional…