Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Japan shared details about its fifth anniversary celebration of Super Nintendo World, running from March 18, 2026, through Jan. 11, 2027, featuring new experiences, special decorations, character appearances, and more. To celebrate the milestone, the entrance to Super Nintendo World will be décorated, including a giant Super Star-themed anniversary cake. There will also be a Super Star scavenger hunt inside the land. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad will return for special interactions, with Yoshi appearing exclusively for the anniversary. Guests may even unlock a special greeting using their Power-Up Band. Limited-edition food and merchandise will also be…

Universal Orlando has scheduled Fyre Drill at Epic Universe for a brief refurbishment in February. The attraction will be closed for maintenance from February 1, 2026, and is expected to reopen on February 8, 2026. 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.

Tickets are now on sale for Universal Fan Fest Nights, returning to Universal Studios Hollywood for its second year in 2026, with new experiences featuring One Piece and Scooby-Doo, plus the return of Dungeons & Dragons. The separately ticketed, after-hours event will take place on 12 select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026, with dates scheduled for April 23–25; May 1–3, 7–9, and 14–16. Universal Fan Fest Nights celebrates fandom across sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime with experiences, character interactions, cosplay, and photo opportunities, along with themed food, beverages, and merchandise. All experiences and activations are included every event…

Knott’s Berry Farm will once again host its annual Knott’s Peanuts Celebration, running weekends from Jan. 31 through Feb. 22, 2026. The seasonal event brings Snoopy and the Peanuts characters throughout the park with new entertainment offerings, returning shows, interactive experiences, and limited-time food items. New for this year is Knott’s Express, a traveling musical show featuring the Knott’s Express Trolley. The production follows Charlie Brown and friends on a musical journey with multiple performances daily. Each show will make three stops in the Boardwalk area, Charleston Circle, and near the Boardwalk Ballroom, with song selections and choreography tailored to…

Universal Orlando has announced more details about this year’s Mardi Gras event, including the concert lineup, parade details, and more! 2026’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will run daily from February 7 through April 4, 2026. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2026 CONCERT LINEUP DATE HEADLINER February 7 Kaskade February 14 Portugal. The Man February 15 Ivy Queen February 21 Joey Fatone & AJ McLean February 28 RuPaul (DJ SET) March 7 Shaggy March 13 Tyler Hubbard March 14 Bebe Rexha March 15 Zedd March 21 Barenaked Ladies March 28 The All-American Rejects CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS DURING…

Universal Studios Hollywood has closed the WaterWorld stunt show for refurbishment. Per the official website, the popular show is expected to reopen on February 14, 2026. Please note that these dates are subject to change. WaterWorld typically undergoes general refurbishment during the winter months when temperatures are generally lower. 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.

Universal Orlando has released a new How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk soundtrack vinyl, now available exclusively at Epic Universe. The vinyl features music specifically created for Isle of Berk by the film’s composer, John Powell.  Priced at $45 + tax, the release is pressed on red-colored vinyl. You can find the track list below: SIDE A — 20:07 Drink with Me, Hiccup Waltzing through the Sky Fate Samba Testing the Mead Viking Dances Wooing Astrid Flying with Friends Viking Tea Party SIDE B — 21:15 Skipping to Valhalla Romantic Guitar Flight Mapping Berk Lost and Found…

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida has temporarily closed for refurbishment. The popular bar and full-service restaurant, located in the park’s New York area, is expected to remain closed for much of the year, with a reopening planned for late 2026. Universal has not released details on the scope of the refurbishment. Finnegan’s has long been a favorite among guests, especially Annual Passholders. Many visitors stopped by on the restaurant’s final day of operation ahead of the closure. As last call approached, longtime bartender Jan raised a glass in a “see you later” toast alongside servers, bartenders, and…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 12, 2026, to January 18, 2026. Universal Orlando Passholder Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating Universal Orlando’s Annual Passholders, is now underway through January 31, 2026. UOAPs can enjoy a variety of exclusive, limited-time perks available only during the event. Universal has updated operating hours at Universal Studios Florida for January and February, with the park now set to open at 10 a.m. on most days but closing later in the night. Volcano Bay is currently operating on a seasonal schedule and will only be…

Universal Orlando has announced its lineup of events and experiences for 2026, providing guests with a preview of seasonal events, hotel offerings, and other limited-time celebrations scheduled throughout the year. Here’s a look at the events & experiences that await throughout the year. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S 2026 EVENT DATES DATE EVENT January 23 – 24 Rock the Universe February 7 – April 4 Universal Mardi Gras March 1 – May 31 Butterbeer Season August 1 – September 1 Back to Hogwarts August 15 – September 30 Passholder Appreciation Days August 28 – November 1 Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights Select Nights this Fall Dark Arts November 14 – January 3, 2027 Holidays at Universal…