Author: Brian Glenn

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from September 28, 2026, to October 4, 2026. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 35 continues this week, bringing another season of screams with houses inspired by Hellraiser, Stranger Things 5, Sinners, and more. In addition, many of Universal Orlando hotels will feature HHN-inspired offerings, including themed bars, specialty food and drinks, and photo ops. Passholder Appreciation Days continues until September 30. Passholder Appreciation Days celebrates Universal’s Passholders with extra perks and benefits, including dedicated entrances and lines, exclusive menu items and merchandise, and extra savings. Skull…

Five Guys has officially opened at CityWalk, bringing its signature burgers, fries, and shakes to Universal Orlando. The new location takes over the former Burger King Whopper Bar in CityWalk’s food court. The restaurant was completely overhauled for Five Guys, giving the location a fresh look rather than simply replacing the signage. Kiosks are available for ordering inside the restaurant, and Mobile Ordering is also available for guests who want to order ahead. Team Member and Annual Passholder discounts are accepted, though guests looking to use a discount will need to order at the register rather than through the kiosks.…

Universal Orlando has announced dates for 2027’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, running daily from February 6 through March 27, 2027. The parkwide celebration will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world – plus a lively parade filled with vibrant floats where partygoers can catch beads by the handful. And on select nights, guests can cap the festivities with live concerts by top names in music. Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. More details…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from September 21, 2026, to September 27, 2026. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 35 continues this week, bringing another season of screams with houses inspired by Hellraiser, Stranger Things 5, Sinners, and more. In addition, many of Universal Orlando hotels will feature HHN-inspired offerings, including themed bars, specialty food and drinks, and photo ops. Passholder Appreciation Days continues until September 30. Passholder Appreciation Days celebrates Universal’s Passholders with extra perks and benefits, including dedicated entrances and lines, exclusive menu items and merchandise, and extra savings. Skull…

Universal Orlando has begun vehicle testing on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Florida, conducting pull-through and clearance tests on the track. During this phase of testing, the ride vehicle is slowly moved through the entire course while equipment simulates the reach of a rider’s arms and legs. This allows crews to verify that proper clearances are maintained throughout the ride and ensure the track and surrounding elements are properly aligned before powered testing begins. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is set to open at Universal Studios Florida in 2027. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the…

Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice officially opens at Universal CityWalk today, bringing Joey Fatone’s passion project to Universal Orlando. Ahead of the opening, we were invited to preview the new restaurant, sample several of its signature hot dogs and Italian ice, and chat with Fatone and his longtime manager and business partner, Joe Mulvihill. For both, opening at CityWalk is a full-circle moment. Fatone and Mulvihill attended nearby Dr. Phillips High School, just across the street from Universal Orlando, and both also worked at Universal Studios Florida during the resort’s early years. Fatone performed as the Wolfman in…

Disclosure: Inside Universal attended the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift media event as a guest of Universal Studios Hollywood, with airfare and hotel accommodations provided. Opinions are our own. For a franchise built around fast cars doing insane things, Fast & Furious had struggled to find its footing as a theme park attraction at Universal Parks. In 2006, The Fast & The Furious: Extreme Close-Up debuted as part of the Studio Tour, featuring cars performing “demonstrations” with robotic arms. Then came Fast & Furious: Supercharged, which Universal put the franchise’s stars front and center, surrounding guests with the characters, screens,…

Halloween Horror Nights may take place inside Universal Studios Florida, but Universal Orlando has expanded the Halloween experience beyond the park gates, including at its hotels. Universal Orlando recently invited Inside Universal to spend a night at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and get a taste of what hotel guests can experience during Halloween Horror Nights, from specially themed bars and menus to perks that can make getting into the event a little easier. Universal Orlando provided Inside Universal with one night of accommodations at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, plus admission to Halloween Horror Nights 35. Aliens Take Over BarVentura Our…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from September 14, 2026, to September 20, 2026. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 35 continues this week, bringing another season of screams with houses inspired by Hellraiser, Stranger Things 5, Sinners, and more. In addition, many of Universal Orlando hotels will feature HHN-inspired offerings, including themed bars, specialty food and drinks, and photo ops. Passholder Appreciation Days continues until September 30. Passholder Appreciation Days celebrates Universal’s Passholders with extra perks and benefits, including dedicated entrances and lines, exclusive menu items and merchandise, and extra savings. Refurbishments…

Universal Orlando has opened a new UOAP and Team Member discount merchandise store inside Custom Gear at Universal Studios Florida. It takes over the former Fast & Furious: Supercharged exit gift shop, which closed last month. The shop offers discounted Universal Orlando merchandise available exclusively to Universal Orlando Annual Passholders and Team Members. The new location offers more space for guests to shop and a much larger selection of discounted merchandise. With the new location open, the Brown Derby Shop in Hollywood has now closed. Universal has not yet announced plans for the former location. Stay tuned to Inside Universal…