Author: Brian Glenn

Rosie’s Irish Shop has closed at Universal Studios Florida. The New York-area store sold Irish-themed merchandise and souvenirs, including items for Finnegan’s, Guinness beer, and even John F. Kennedy. The store had recently marked down its entire inventory to 50% off. Black curtains now block off all the windows. No replacement has been confirmed by Universal Orlando at this time. The closure is the latest change at the resort in 2026, as Universal has spent the past several months undertaking extensive refurbishments across rides, restaurants, retail locations, exterior facades, and more. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 13, 2026, to April 19, 2026. Universal Orlando Butterbeer Season has returned to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The annual tradition, which will take place through May 31, allows fans to celebrate their love for Butterbeer by enjoying a selection of confections that includes all-new variations of the classic favorite, as well as shopping for exclusive Butterbeer-themed merchandise. Harbor Nights Primavera is set to take place on Friday, April 17, from 6:30 PM to 10 PM at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Spend a…

Universal Orlando has brought back the 600 Block Speakeasy Bar inside Pat O’Brien’s at CityWalk Orlando. The Prohibition-era-themed bar experience first debuted during last year’s Mardi Gras celebration. Originally introduced as a limited-time offering tied to the event, the speakeasy was well-received enough to now be brought back in 2026. This year’s version leans into the Prohibition vibes a bit more, as guests will find a more era-appropriate décor and a stronger emphasis on the secret nature that defined real speakeasies of the 1920s. The entrance itself has even been upgraded to feature a true hidden door, one that requires…

The fan-favorite Universal Legacy Store is set to make its return to Universal CityWalk. The returning store will take over its original location, replacing the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center, which is set to close on April 13. An exact opening date has not yet been announced, but the store is expected to welcome guests later this month. The returning retail experience will feature exclusive retro merchandise and immersive photo opportunities inspired by iconic Universal Studios Florida attractions and beloved films from Universal Pictures – such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Back to the Future, and the Classic Universal Monsters.…

Universal Orlando has announced that Five Guys, the popular fast-casual burger chain, is set to open at Universal CityWalk. The new location will take over the current home of the Burger King Whopper Bar, which is scheduled to close effective April 21. Originally opening in 2009, the Burger King Whopper Bar was positioned as a more “premium” take on the traditional Burger King experience, complete with customizable Whoppers. The concept was introduced as a response to the rising popularity of fast-casual burger chains like Five Guys – making its replacement here a fittingly ironic full-circle moment. An opening date for Five…

Universal Orlando has introduced three brand-new second-generation interactive wands inspired by fan-favorite characters: Voldemort, Sirius Black, and Luna Lovegood. The new wands expand Universal’s updated line of second-generation interactive wands, which feature enhanced technology designed to create a more responsive and immersive spell-casting experience throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – including light effects and haptic feedback. Guests can use the wands at designated spell locations in all 3 Wizarding World locations. The new second-generation interactive wands retail for approximately $85 plus tax and are available for purchase at select merchandise locations throughout the resort, including the Universal Studios…

Universal Orlando has announced Passholder Bonus Benefits, an event celebrating their annual passholders with extra perks, will return May 1-21, 2026. 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: UOAP Exclusive Menu will be available for Passholders at select locations from May 1 to 21, 2026. The menu includes: CityWalk Viking Bee Sting at Voodoo Doughnut Vanilla cake, decorated with boysenberry velvet top, candy bees, and Honeycomb cereal ($5.25 +…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from April 6, 2026, to April 12, 2026. Universal Orlando Butterbeer Season has returned to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The annual tradition, which will take place through May 31, allows fans to celebrate their love for Butterbeer by enjoying a selection of confections that includes all-new variations of the classic favorite, as well as shopping for exclusive Butterbeer-themed merchandise. Universal Orlando is celebrating the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie with a limited-time experience in Super Nintendo World and Universal CityWalk from March 10 (MAR10…

Universal Studios Hollywood will be opening a Pop Mart location at CityWalk Hollywood. Walls have gone up around the former Take 2 location, a discount merchandise store that closed earlier this week. Pop Mart is a global collectible toy brand known for its figures sold in “blind boxes,” where buyers don’t know which item they’ll receive until opened. The brand recently surged in popularity thanks to the growing craze surrounding its Labubu character. No further details or timeframe have been announced regarding the store’s opening. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts.…

Construction walls have officially gone up in The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, signaling that long-anticipated changes to the land are now imminent. While Universal has yet to make a formal announcement regarding specific details, the company previously confirmed in late 2025 that plans were underway, stating they were preparing The Lost Continent “for any future developments.” Currently, construction walls block access to the former courtyard of The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad show. The walls feature graphics of random Lost Continent iconography, with Universal not tipping their hand as to what the future holds for the area. Additional walls…