Author: Brian Glenn

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

Universal Orlando has announced that Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure will no longer offer Universal Express beginning July 1, 2026. According to Universal, the change is being implemented “to improve the flow of the experience for all of our Guests.” Hello Steven. We are implementing an operational update to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Effective July 1, 2026, the attraction will no longer be included in the Universal Express program, allowing us to improve the flow of the experience for all of our Guests. — Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) May 26, 2026 The popular attraction has…

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Wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day as we honor those who gave their lives in service. Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 25, 2026, to May 31, 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…

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Captain Cacao has officially debuted in Celestial Park at Epic Universe. Captain Cacao quickly became one of Epic Universe’s most popular original characters following the park’s opening, with the plush based on the character frequently selling out at Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets in Celestial Park. The character developed a strong following online as guests embraced the whimsy of the character and story. Cacao will meet with guests throughout the day near Oak & Star Tavern. When arriving for his set, the bear marches in with his handlers, saluting each one before settling into the meet & greet area and…

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Universal Orlando has announced a new lineup of merchandise and collectibles to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Universal Epic Universe, which officially opened on May 22, 2025. The anniversary offerings include new apparel, accessories, collectible items, and soundtrack releases themed to each of the park’s five lands. Select items will also become available online beginning May 22 through shopUniversal.com. Celestial Park will debut a new line of apparel and accessories, including a Spirit Jersey featuring the Chronos park entrance, an Epic Universe crossbody bag by Lug and the newly released, exclusive physical vinyl edition of the Celestial Park soundtrack, arriving as…

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Universal Studios Hollywood has released single-night & multi-night tickets and additional event add-ons for Halloween Horror Nights 2026, which will occur on select nights between September 3 and November 1, 2026. Single-night tickets start at $77, with the Express Pass add-on at $249 per person and the Unlimited Express option add-on at $289 per person. Frequent Fear Passes are also available in two options: the Frequent Fear Pass, which allows up to 35 nights of the event and starts at $179 per person, and the Ultimate Fear Pass, which allows visits on all event dates and starts at $299 per…

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Universal has officially announced that Sinners will be coming to both Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood as an all-new haunted house. “It’s been incredible to see audiences connect with Sinners in such a powerful way,” said Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, producers of Sinners and founders of Proximity Media, in a joint statement. “Now, partnering with Halloween Horror Nights gives fans the chance to step even deeper into the world of the film — to feel the music, the atmosphere and the tension all around them. Watching it come to life on this scale has been really special…

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Universal Orlando will add a new Captain Cacao Meet & Greet experience to Universal Epic Universe beginning May 22. The popular bear will meet guests in Celestial Park just in time as the park celebrates its first anniversary. Captain Cacao quickly became one of Epic Universe’s most popular original characters following the park’s opening, with the plush based on the character frequently selling out at Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets in Celestial Park. The character developed a strong following online as guests embraced the whimsy of the character and story. According to the official lore shared by Universal Orlando, Captain…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 18, 2026, to May 24, 2026. Universal Orlando Epic Universe officially celebrates its first anniversary on May 22. As of now, the only announced addition for the occasion is the debut of the new Captain Cacao Meet & Greet. Universal Orlando has not announced any additional special celebrations, entertainment offerings, or commemorative merchandise for the anniversary – if anything else is planned at all. Universal Orlando has announced a lineup of limited-time summer experiences inspired by blockbuster films, running from May 23 through August…

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The Mystic Fountain in The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure has closed as additional construction walls continue to expand throughout the area. The Mystic Fountain was one of the land’s most recognizable features, known for interacting and joking with guests. Its closure marks another major change for The Lost Continent following Universal’s confirmation that the original land is being replaced. Opening in 1999, The Lost Continent was one of the six original lands that debuted with Islands of Adventure. In 2010, much of the Merlinwood section of the land was transformed into part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter…

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After years of laughs, the curtain has officially fallen on this version of the Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida. The long-running live show, which blended comedy with a behind-the-scenes look at horror movie make-up and effects, played its final performance to a packed audience filled with longtime fans, former crew, and emotional guests eager to experience the attraction one last time. The show is closing for a “reimagining”, which is expected to last until Winter 2026. Originally debuting with Universal Studios Florida in 1990, the Horror Make-Up Show became one of the resort’s most enduring attractions thanks to…

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