Author: Brian Glenn

Brian may be reached at brian.g@insideuniversal.net - Editor-in-Chief

The Mystic Fountain in The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure has closed as additional construction walls continue to expand throughout the area. The Mystic Fountain was one of the land’s most recognizable features, known for interacting and joking with guests. Its closure marks another major change for The Lost Continent following Universal’s confirmation that the original land is being replaced. Opening in 1999, The Lost Continent was one of the six original lands that debuted with Islands of Adventure. In 2010, much of the Merlinwood section of the land was transformed into part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter…

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After years of laughs, the curtain has officially fallen on this version of the Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida. The long-running live show, which blended comedy with a behind-the-scenes look at horror movie make-up and effects, played its final performance to a packed audience filled with longtime fans, former crew, and emotional guests eager to experience the attraction one last time. The show is closing for a “reimagining”, which is expected to last until Winter 2026. Originally debuting with Universal Studios Florida in 1990, the Horror Make-Up Show became one of the resort’s most enduring attractions thanks to…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 11, 2026, to May 17, 2026. Universal Orlando Horror Make-Up Show’s last day before it closes for “reimagining” is today, May 11, 2026. There will be no standby queue for the last show, as Universal will be providing wristbands to guests on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Volcano Bay Nights continues and will be on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The event takes place on select nights through August 21 and invites guests to enjoy the water park after dark with special entertainment, exclusive food and…

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Thunder Falls Terrace at Islands of Adventure will permanently close this summer as Universal prepares to transform the location into an all-new dining concept. According to Universal, the reimagined venue will become the new signature full-service restaurant for Islands of Adventure, with the rethemed dining location scheduled to debut in 2027. Located within Jurassic Park, Thunder Falls Terrace has long served one of the area’s quick-service dining locations, known for its rotisserie chicken, ribs, and outdoor seating overlooking Jurassic Park River Adventure. The closure comes amid refurbishment work taking place throughout the Jurassic Park area. Jurassic Park River Adventure is…

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Universal Orlando has confirmed that The Lost Continent will be closing in phases, with Mythos Restaurant planned to close in 2027 as Universal prepares to redevelop the area into a new themed land. According to Universal, venues and experiences within Lost Continent will permanently close in phases over the coming months to make way for the project. The phased closure process will ultimately include the closure of Mythos Restaurant in 2027. Construction walls have gone up in recent weeks, blocking off the former entrances to Poseidon’s Fury and The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad as work has already begun in those areas.…

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Universal Orlando has announced Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice is coming to CityWalk Orlando, replacing Hot Dog Hall of Fame later this year. Founded by *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and his manager Joe Mulvihill, Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice will “feature a menu of creative, flavor-packed hot dogs, Italian ices, and more” for guests visiting the entertainment district. The new venue will take over the current Hot Dog Hall of Fame location, which is scheduled to close in July to make way for the replacement concept. Hot Dog Hall of Fame originally opened in 2014 as…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from May 4, 2026, to May 10, 2026. Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Nights continues and will be on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The event takes place on select nights through August 21 and invites guests to enjoy the water park after dark with special entertainment, exclusive food and drinks, and access to many of Volcano Bay’s most popular attractions. UOAP Bonus Benefits runs through May 21, 2026. The event, dedicated to Universal Orlando Annual Passholders, features exclusive perks including a collectible magnet, discounts, and a special…

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Universal Orlando has announced that the long-running Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida will temporarily close on May 12, 2026, as the attraction undergoes a “reimagining”. The updated version of the show is expected to debut later this year. The Horror Make-Up Show has been a staple of Universal Studios Florida since opening in 1990. The show offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at practical and special effects, especially makeup techniques, used in horror films. Before it closes, Universal Orlando is offering Annual Passholders reserved seating on a first-come, first-served basis from May 4 through May 10. Availability is limited…

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Universal has released this year’s “Love is Universal” merchandise line, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a new collection of themed apparel and accessories. The lineup includes a Spirit Jersey, hat, crossbody bag, tumbler, and additional items, now available at select locations, including the Universal Studios Stores at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Through August, Universal will donate 100% of profits from the “Love is Universal” merchandise to non-profit organizations supporting local communities, including those within the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month, observed each June, commemorates the Stonewall riots and recognizes the ongoing impact of LGBTQ+ individuals around the…

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Universal is inviting Annual and Season Passholders to an exclusive after-hours event this summer with the return of its Pass Member Park Takeover, presented by Coca-Cola. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 8 PM to 12:00 AM, offering passholders dedicated access to the park after regular operating hours. Admission is free for eligible Pass Members, though advance reservations are required. The after-hours takeover will include access to select rides and attractions, character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and a silent disco. A Coca-Cola Zone will also be set up, featuring DJs, themed games, beverage sampling, and lounge…

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