Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando has announced the return of its destination-wide holiday celebration, running from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027. This year’s festivities will once again bring seasonal entertainment, décor, and fan-favorite traditions to the resort’s theme parks, hotels, and CityWalk while introducing new holiday experiences at Universal Epic Universe for the first time. The biggest addition for the 2026 season comes at Epic Universe, where guests will be able to experience festive holiday décor throughout Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Celestial Park will also return as a cosmic winter wonderland, featuring…

HamiKuma returns for the 2026 Halloween season! The fan-favorite character will return to every Universal Studios theme park for Halloween Horror Nights, as well as Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, this fall with new entertainment offerings, character appearances, and an expanded merchandise collection. Originally created for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, HamiKuma has become one of the event’s popular original characters. Following a successful debut last year stateside, Universal is expanding the character’s presence for this year. At Universal Studios Florida, HamiKuma will make his meet & greet debut inside the Five & Dime store…

Universal Parks has revealed a first look at the variety of new merchandise collections coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2026, featuring this year’s line-up – including Stranger Things, Hellraiser, Sinners, & more! At Universal Orlando, the lineup celebrates the 35th anniversary of the event with a wide array of exclusive merchandise featuring this year’s ringmasters, Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow. Also available is a RSVLTS all-over print button-up featuring a variety of icons from the past plus a special Whatever Makes You Happy bag featuring a pinboard to showcase all your collectible pins, a bag charm blind box of…

Universal Orlando has scheduled Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment next year. The attraction will be closed for maintenance from February 8, 2027, until February 19, 2027. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts. Want to join the conversation? Head over to our Forums where fans are discussing the latest Universal news, rumors, and park updates. Join the Discussion! Planning a Universal trip? Get a free, no-obligation quote from our trusted travel partner, MEI Travel. Their team can help with hotels, tickets,…

Universal Orlando has scheduled Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges at Islands of Adventure for its annual winter refurbishment. The attraction will be closed for maintenance from January 4, 2027, until February 2, 2027. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Universal usually schedules maintenance for its water rides during the colder months, especially as attendance is softer. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts. Want to join the conversation? Head over to our Forums where fans are discussing the latest Universal news, rumors, and park updates. Join the Discussion! Planning a Universal trip? Get…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Killer Klowns from Outer Space will return as a haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 2026, bringing the cult-classic film back to the event for another round. The haunted house marks the property’s third appearance at Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood, following its 2019 and 2022 appearances. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DblpBvLDyUV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA Based on the 1988 horror-comedy film from the Chiodo Brothers, guests will once again come face-to-face with the Killer Klowns as they invade the sleepy town of Crescent Cove. While the haunted house was announced, Universal shared a few additional details beyond a brief description: “In…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from August 3, 2026, to August 9, 2026. Universal Orlando Universal Orlando is featuring limited-time summer experiences inspired by blockbuster films, running now through August 10, 2026. The seasonal offerings will bring a range of character encounters, themed photo opportunities, interactive activations, exclusive merchandise, and new food and beverage options, highlighted by the Spielberg Summer Blockbusters Exhibit, experiences inspired by Jaws and Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, and the return of the Universal Mega Movie Parade. Volcano Bay Nights continues on Thursday, August 6, and Friday, August…

Lug has unveiled a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter Build-A-Bag Collection, marking the latest collaboration between the brand and Universal. Available now at Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, and online through shopUniversal, the line lets fans customize their own Wizarding World-inspired bag with interchangeable accessories. The release coincides with Universal’s annual Back to Hogwarts celebration, which starts August 1. Inside Universal was invited to a launch event in Wizarding World – Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, where we got a firsthand look at the new collection and had the opportunity to build our own customized bag, showcasing just how…

Let the madness begin! Pioneer heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne is headed to Halloween Horror Nights in the all-original haunted houses, “Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness,” at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests can “anticipate a wild ride as they climb aboard the Crazy Train for a terrifying trip through his disturbing world of rock and roll.” Developed as a living horror movie through the lens of Halloween Horror Nights, this non-traditional memorial to Ozzy Osbourne will span 45 years, transporting guests on a twisted journey though the artist’s outrageous and eccentric solo career in unique experiences across both…

Universal Orlando has announced details on 2026’s Passholder Appreciation Days, including discounts, benefits, and menus exclusive to Universal Annual Passholders from August 15 to September 30. Some of the awesome offerings Universal Orlando Passholders can enjoy during Passholder Appreciation Days include: Access to Passholder Nights, a fan-favorite event returning for two nights, August 15 and 16, at Universal Studios Florida. Passholders can enjoy select attractions and venues throughout the park during this free, after-hours party, as well as special event offerings, character meet and greets, and a Passholder Nights magnet giveaway. Those in attendance will receive a complimentary Frank the Pug UOAP…