Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is back for the 2026 season with a familiar foundation, once again transforming Universal Studios Florida into the beloved nightly street party. Running now through April 4, 2026, Mardi Gras couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering international cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads, and live concerts by high-profile artists. Much of Mardi Gras 2026 focuses on refinement, with most of the changes in the food offered, but the parade, food, and atmosphere remain firmly at the center. The Mardi Gras parade is still…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from February 9, 2026, to February 15, 2026. Universal Orlando Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval begins this Saturday, February 7, and runs daily through Saturday, April 4 – bringing the spirit of New Orleans and carnival celebrations around the globe to the heart of Universal Studios Florida. The popular event features a dazzling parade with vibrant floats, street performers, and tons of beads; live concerts on select nights by top names in music; and an expansive menu of international dishes inspired by New Orleans…

From February 1 through April 4, guests will let the good times roll as they experience an authentic, family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras bash at Universal Studios Florida. The event will run for 57 nights, with the food booths open and the parade held every night. Mardi Gras couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering international cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads, and live concerts by high-profile artists. We’ve gathered everything you need to know before heading out to the event, including parade times, and how to plan your night for…

Universal Orlando has announced that Volcano Bay will become a fully cashless park effective February 25, 2026. All purchases within Volcano Bay will be processed using credit or debit cards, Universal Pay, Universal Gift Cards, or other tap-to-pay methods. Guests who arrive with cash will still have a payment option available. Cash-to-Card kiosks will be located within Volcano Bay, allowing guests to load cash onto a Visa prepaid card. These cards can be used throughout the water park and anywhere major credit or debit cards are accepted outside the park. Volcano Bay will begin a seasonal closure on October 26,…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will open in Summer 2026. The announcement coincides with the launch of a new media campaign promoting the attraction. The new 30-second television spot features narration by Fast & Furious franchise producer and star Vin Diesel. The commercial is set to air during several major sporting broadcasts, including the Winter Olympics, Super Bowl LX, and the NBA All-Star Game, across NBC and Peacock platforms. Here’a sneak peek at the new ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW-SNFJGDRk This innovative roller coaster will be located in the Upper Lot, and will feature groundbreaking 360-degree rotation technology…

Universal Orlando has revealed their menu for Mardi Gras 2026, featuring all the food, drinks, sweets & treats guests can enjoy inside the event and around the Resort. Mexico Located at Café La Bamba Mazatlán Street CevicheShrimp ceviche served on top of Tostitos Salsa Verde chips with cucumber, carrot, and tomato salsa – $13.99 FlautasCrispy beef flautas with tomatillo salsa, sour cream, shaved lettuce, and radish – $9.99 Tres LechesSoaked three-milk chocolate cake with toasted almonds and meringue – $6.99 Beverages Cielo RosadoCuervo Tradicional Blanco tequila, Del Maguey Single Village Vida Clásico mezcal, grapefruit juice, peach purée, smoked paprika, smoked…

Universal Orlando has launched a new brand campaign, “This Changes Everything,” part of which will air during NBC & Peacock’s Super Bowl LX this Sunday. Developed with creative agency Lucky Generals, the campaign highlights the breadth of experiences available across Universal Orlando’s four theme parks – including the brand-new Epic Universe, 11 resort hotels, and entertainment offerings. The campaign features a series of short spots following four different guest groups during a visit to Universal Orlando; including a little brother who is tired of being reminded of his youth by his big brother (titled “Lil’ Bro”); a blended family taking…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from February 2, 2026, to February 8, 2026. Universal Orlando Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval begins this Saturday, February 7, and runs daily through Saturday, April 4 – bringing the spirit of New Orleans and carnival celebrations around the globe to the heart of Universal Studios Florida. The popular event features a dazzling parade featuring vibrant floats, street performers, and tons of beads; live concerts on select nights from top names in music, and an expansive menu of international dishes inspired by New Orleans…

The Starbucks location in the Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure has temporarily closed for renovations. Walls have been set up around the location’s entrance advising guests of the closure. During the closure, guests looking for Starbucks will need to visit other locations on the property, including Starbucks at Universal CityWalk or inside Universal Studios Florida. The closure follows a pattern of refurbishments across Universal Orlando over the past year. Several food and beverage locations have undergone updates, including the CityWalk Starbucks, which recently reopened after an extended renovation. Universal Orlando has not announced a reopening date or provided…

Knott’s Berry Farm will debut a new eatery in the heart of Charleston Circle, directly across from the iconic fountain, this summer: Crafty’s Kitchen. The venue, currently home to Johnny Rockets, will undergo a complete transformation beginning April 15. The new restaurant will spotlight Knott’s classic flavors, reimagining chicken and boysenberry in creative new ways. “Knott’s Berry Farm guests have long enjoyed the unique and immersive experiences found throughout the park. So, when we looked to reimagine the food and beverage space from its current concept, it made sense to draw upon the legends and characters already here,” said Raffi…