Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando was kind enough to invite us out for a first look at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, their new signature hotel located within their upcoming Epic Universe theme park. Originally set to open May 22, Universal has now announced that it will begin accepting reservations starting April 16. The 500-room hotel is the final hotel to open as part of Universal’s Epic expansion, bringing the resort’s total number of hotels to 11, with 11,000 rooms. “We have taken immersion to an all-new level… where the guests are just steps away from a theme park,” said David Bartek, Senior…

Universal Destinations & Experiences announced today its intent to pursue the first-ever Universal entertainment resort complex in the United Kingdom, set to open in 2031. The park will be just south of Bedford, 35 minutes north of London by train. The proposed plans, subject to planning approval, include a theme park with several themed lands, a 500-room hotel, and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex. “This is a special and historic milestone moment for our company as we continue to accelerate the growth trajectory of our theme parks business and delight audiences around the world,” said Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast…

Universal Orlando is now accepting reservations for its newest hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, for arrivals beginning April 16. Initially set to open on May 22, the new hotel is adjacent to Epic Universe. The majestic 500-room Mediterranean hotel puts guests steps away from the brand-new theme park. Guests can enjoy a host of incredible amenities such as a variety of dining options, including Flora Taverna, Aurora Market and Lotus Lagoon; a resort-style zero-entry pool, a hot tub and poolside cabanas; fitness center, game room, and fan-favorite merch from the Universal Studios Store. Guests will also enjoy food and beverage…

Universal Orlando has released preview tickets for its upcoming new theme park, Epic Universe, for Annual Passholders and on-site hotel guests. Military Freedom ticket holders and Universal Rewards Visa Signature card members can also purchase Preview tickets. The tickets start at $123 during the preview period and are available for dates starting April 17, 2025, and running until May 8. Park hours have been announced, with Epic Universe open during previews from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except on April 25, when the park hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Please note that visiting Epic Universe with a preview…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 7, 2025, to April 13, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Volcano Bay Nights will begin this Saturday, April 12. Guests are invited to be among the first to attend the all-new exclusive nighttime adventure on select Saturday nights this spring, including April 12, 26, and May 3, 10, and 17. This limited-capacity event will allow guests to enjoy some of their favorite water attractions, live entertainment, DreamWorks character meet-and-greets, complimentary island treats, and more. Butterbeer Season is back! Fans can indulge in all things Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,…

Universal Volcano Bay Nights will begin this Saturday, April 12. Guests are invited to be among the first to attend the all-new exclusive nighttime adventure on select Saturday nights this spring, including April 12, 26, and May 3, 10, and 17. This limited-capacity event will allow guests to enjoy some of their favorite water attractions, live entertainment, DreamWorks character meet-and-greets, complimentary island treats, and more. Guests can experience Volcano Bay while enjoying lower wait times and exclusive access to select water rides and attractions like Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge, and Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides. Character meet and greets from fan-favorite DreamWorks Animation films, like Shrek…

Universal has shared additional details on some of the experiences coming to Universal Horror Unleashed, including the highly rated, fan-favorite house in Halloween Horror Nights, Scarecrow: The Reaping. Scarecrow: The Reaping is one of the four haunted houses that await guests at Universal Horror Unleashed – a first-of-its-kind, year-round, immersive horror experience in Las Vegas. “Inspired by the historic Dust Bowl era when severe dust storms devastated the Midwest, this original story will take guests back in time to a dry, barren 1930s farmland ravaged by farmers and taken over by horrifying inhabitants arising from the land: bloodthirsty scarecrows bent…

Universal Orlando is launching the National Epic Universe Portal Tour across select cities this spring ahead of the highly anticipated opening of its fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – to give fans an exciting glimpse of the immersive new theme park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmWfQ02vpQI The tour’s centerpiece will be a gigantic, 30-foot-tall Chronos – a replica of the icon of Universal Epic Universe. Guests will be invited to approach the portal structure to witness “action-packed sequences that celebrate the incredible adventures of the new theme park.”. Attendees will be able to take a photo beside the portal and can visit…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from March 31, 2025, to April 6, 2025. Universal Orlando Butterbeer Season is back! Fans can indulge in all things Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, daily through Saturday, May 31, 2025. Refurbishments Please keep in mind that refurbishment dates can change. No refurbishments are scheduled at this time.  Universal Studios Hollywood Butterbeer Season is back! Fans can indulge in all things Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, daily through Saturday, May 31, 2025. Refurbishments Please keep in mind that refurbishment dates…

Universal Terra Luna Resort is officially open! Developed by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., Terra Luna joins its sister hotel, the Universal Stella Nova Resort. It is the second of three hotels set to open this year in the new Epic Universe resort area. Our stay began on Opening Day, with check-in starting at 11 a.m. Like Stella’s opening, dozens of team members and executives welcomed the hotel’s first guests. Universal also offered meet-and-greet opportunities with astronauts and Universal characters. Terra Luna shares many similarities with Stella Nova, including 750 guest…