Author: Brian Glenn

UPDATE: 5/6/2025 Universal Orlando has updated Epic Universe’s hours. From May 22 to May 31, the park will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition, June’s hours have been released, with the park closing at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. throughout the month. Original Story Below Universal Orlando has released its park hours for the initial opening of Epic Universe. Starting May 22 through May 31, park hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours for June and onward have not been released at this time. The Early Park Admission benefit will begin on May…

Universal Orlando has extended their preview tickets for Epic Universe for Annual Passholders and on-site hotel guests. Tickets start at $123 during the preview period and are available through May 19, as Universal gets ready for the official opening on May 22. Park hours have been announced, with Epic Universe open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from May 9-14, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 15-19. Please note that visiting Epic Universe with a preview ticket means you will be at the park during technical rehearsals, also known as a Soft Opening. While all major components are installed…

Universal Studios Hollywood has revealed the first look at Yoshi, a new meet & greet character who will debut in Super Nintendo World during Universal Fan Fest Nights. To celebrate Yoshi’s arrival, guests can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the land to locate all five colorful Yoshi eggs. Upon completing this quest, guests will be rewarded with the unique opportunity to meet a multicolored Yoshi. Universal Fan Fest Nights is an all-new, limited-time, after-hours event bringing the worlds of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming, and Anime to life with immersive experiences, celebratory moments, themed food, and exclusive merchandise. Star Trek, Back…

Universal Orlando has announced Passholder Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating their annual passholders with extra perks, will return May 1-22, 2025. Annual and Seasonal Passholders will have the opportunity to experience Universal Orlando with extra benefits only available for a limited time. Here are some of the exclusive offerings that Universal Orlando Passholders can enjoy during Passholder Bonus Benefits: Passholder-Exclusive Dining Locations located at Universal’s Great Movie Escape in CityWalk and Lombard’s Seafood Grille in Universal Studios Florida. From 12 pm until 30 minutes before park close. Food and beverage Passholders can purchase exclusive menu items at select locations. To…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 21, 2025, to April 27, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe ticketed previews continue for Annual Passholders, on-site hotel guests, Military Freedom ticket holders, and Universal Rewards Visa Signature card members. Please note that visiting Epic Universe with a preview ticket means you will be at the park during technical rehearsals, also known as a Soft Opening. While all major components are installed and operational, some adjustments, changes, and updates will occur before the grand opening on May 22, 2025. Universal Volcano Bay Nights will…

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared a first look at the legendary beholder, Xanathar, and his beloved pet goldfish, Sylgar, as they will appear in the all-new Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep in-world experience at Universal Fan Fest Nights, kicking off on Friday, April 25. Universal Studios Hollywood collaborated with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to create this larger-than-life, fully articulated Xanathar. The all-new Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep is an in-world experience is inspired by the “World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game”, Dungeons & Dragons. The experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D.…

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared information on a wide selection of cosplay-inspired accessories, apparel and themed merchandise for Universal Fan Fest Nights, inspired by the event’s marquee experiences, including Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World. Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural event, which will take place on the following dates: April 25-27; May 2-4; 9-11; and 15-18, 2025. Extensive collections of all-new merchandise will be available, themed to each of the exciting in-world experiences, including memorable collectibles and mementos, as well…

Universal Orlando has shared special Passholder Benefits for Annual Passholders when visiting their new theme park, Epic Universe. Please note that Annual Pass options that include admission to Epic Universe are not available at this time. Admission into Epic Universe and an active Annual Pass are required to utilize the Perks. Universal Orlando has also clarified Early Park Admission and the Express after 4pm Passholder perks will not available at Epic Universe. Here are the benefits: DINING Discount on purchases at all Universal Orlando-owned and operated restaurants and carts (excluding alcoholic beverages): Premier Pass: 15% discount Preferred Pass: 10% discount…

The outdoor portion of Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure has returned, taking guests outside and through the temple doors again. The attraction includes a built-in “B-Mode” to accommodate the unpredictable Central Florida weather, allowing it to bypass the outdoor portion during inclement weather. In 2023, the attraction began to skip the outdoor track entirely due to a rumored complication. In late 2024, work commenced to redo the outdoor track to address these issues. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 14, 2025, to April 20, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe ticketed previews begin this week on April 17 for Annual Passholders, on-site hotel guests, Military Freedom ticket holders, and Universal Rewards Visa Signature card members. Please note that visiting Epic Universe with a preview ticket means you will be at the park during technical rehearsals, also known as a Soft Opening. While all major components are installed and operational, some adjustments, changes, and updates will occur before the grand opening on May 22,…