Author: Brian Glenn

In 2024, Universal Orlando set the stage for excitement by starting the marketing campaign for Epic Universe, the eagerly awaited new theme park. Yet, beyond the Epic hype train, various other noteworthy events unfolded at the Resort throughout the year, making it a year to remember for guests. So let’s take a look at the Top 10 Stories from Universal Orlando during 2024. 10. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Closure Announcement Last Thursday, this would’ve been the removal of 3D from Skull Island: Reign of Kong, but Universal dropped a news nugget right late Friday afternoon on a random Twitter (we…

We’re about to turn another page on another year of covering the Universal theme parks.  Highlighted by the milestone 60th celebration of the Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood was filled with notable moments in the past year. So let’s take a look at the Top 10 Stories from Universal Studios Hollywood during 2024. 10. Escapology Announced for CityWalk In August, we discovered that Escapology was replacing Samba Brazilian Steakhouse and heading to CityWalk Hollywood. Still not officially announced, we know that Escapology is an escape room franchise where a team of up to 8 players will complete a specific mission…

Happy New Year! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Orlando will host a variety of New Year’s Eve festivities that invite guests to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 at the Resort. Both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will be open through 1am on New Year’s Eve, with the celebration beginning at 6:30pm. In CityWalk, DJs and live entertainment will start at 6pm. All 3 areas will have a New Year’s Celebration at Midnight. Tuesday, December 31, is…

Universal Orlando has announced that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will permanently close at Universal Studios Florida in September 2025 to make way for a new experience. More details about the new experience will be announced at a later date. https://x.com/UniversalORL/status/1872765976933974289 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which opened in 2009, was designed by the German manufacturer Maurer Söhne and is known for its vertical lift and allowing guests to choose their music while riding. Rumors suggest a new coaster will be replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, but nothing has been confirmed by Universal at this time. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for…

Universal Orlando will host a variety of New Year’s Eve festivities that invite guests to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 at the Resort. Both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will be open through 1am on New Year’s Eve, with the celebration beginning at 6:30pm. At Universal Studios Florida, guests can celebrate at the Music Plaza Stage, which will feature a DJ, live music, entertainment, and special character encounters. The New Year’s Celebration will culminate at midnight. Guests can also enjoy a viewing of Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacluar at 10pm. Over at Islands of Adventure, guests can…

Earl the Squirrel has become a popular character at Universal Orlando during the Holidays and is considered the Resort’s official mascot for the Christmas season. What started as a lighting mishap and turned into an inside joke within the entertainment team now has become a core part of the Holiday event. Recently, Universal has shared the official story of how Earl the Squirrel came to be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O06jiRMmP4 The inside joke started after the Christmas tree lights wouldn’t turn on. One of the techs climbed up the tree and discovered not only that a squirrel had made his home inside the…

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from December 23, 2024, to December 29, 2024. Universal Orlando Running daily through Tuesday, December 31, guests can celebrate the Holiday season at Universal Orlando. From the wondrous spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, and coming face-to-face with everyone’s favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando this holiday season. Guests…

Universal Orlando is bringing Cinnabon back to a new home in CityWalk. Walls have been set up in CityWalk across from Bigfire teasing the return. While not officially confirmed, it is anticipated that a new small kiosk, similar to others in the area, will be constructed. The original CityWalk location closed in April to make way for the expansion of the Universal Studios Store, which is set to open in 2025. Despite this closure, small mobile carts have continued to serve the popular treat. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and…

The first Universal Orlando signage has been added to the Epic Universe resort area. The new entryway sign is located at the Epic Blvd and Destination Parkway entrance. Universal is installing new signage around their Resort as they get ready to welcome Epic Universe into their Resort line-up in May 2025. The new signs will be digital and placed at the resort’s entryways, featuring displays for Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Trolls, and more. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards. Looking to book…

Universal Orlando has begun construction on adding new entry signs around the Resort’s property. The new signs will be digital and placed at the resort’s entryways, featuring displays for Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Trolls, and more. Turkey Lake Road and Hollywood Way Universal Boulevard and Hollywood Way South Kirkman Road and Major Boulevard (aka Tom Williams Way) Vineland Road and Universal Boulevard The permits and images for the new signs were obtained by News 6 a couple of months ago. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our…