Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort will debut a variety of all-new immersive experiences and exclusive merchandise inspired by Wicked, Universal Pictures’ highly-anticipated film releasing in theaters Nov 22, in October. Starting in late October, Universal Orlando will welcome guests to Wicked: The Experience – housed in the former location of the Hello Kitty/UNIVRS store – where they will have the unique opportunity to step into the fantastical Land of Oz. This exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience will “whisk guests along the yellow brick road” and into a variety of iconic Wicked locations from Shiz University to the Emerald City. Fanciful costumes and…

Universal Orlando has debuted 2 new Mini-Stay Pufts shoulder pal accessories at the HHN Tribute Store for Halloween Horror Nights 33. The Shoulder Pal is a small plush doll that can sit on your shoulder using a magnet. The item is priced at $22 and comes in two varieties: a Happy Puft and an Angry Puft. Halloween Horror Nights 33 will take place at Universal Studios Florida starting Friday, August 30, 2024. 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 that HORROR-filled Universal vacation?…

The Hello Kitty Store has officially closed. Located between Production Central and Hollywood, the Hello Kitty Store was part of a blended store that included Betty Boop & UNIVRS merchandise. The closure was confirmed by Universal Orlando. All entrances to the store now feature the sign, “Please pardon our dust as we create an exciting new experience.”, with windows blacked out. Opening in 2016, the Hello Kitty Store replaced Lucy: A Tribute. The store had been transitioning away from the Hello Kitty/Sanrio theme for the last few years, shrinking the Hello Kitty footprint to one small area. Stay tuned to…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from September 9, 2024, to September 15, 2024. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 33 continues this week! The event features 10 haunted houses, 5 scare zones, and one live show – as well as an insane offering of spooky-themed food & drink. 2024’s Passholder Appreciation Days, which includes discounts, benefits, and menus exclusive to Universal Annual Passholders, continues through September 30. The Universal Mega Movie Parade will begin to shift its start time due to the start of Halloween Horror Nights. The parade will start at…

The haunt season has returned! Halloween Horror Nights is back for its 33rd year, promising a line-up of 10 houses, 5 scare zones, and the returning Nightmare Fuel act with an entirely new show. This year, Universal is playing of the duality of horror and introducing SINIST3R and SURR3AL- each representing their own unique brand of fear. SINIST3R represents the sadistic, material horror like torture or murder; while SURR3AL represents the twisted world of the unexplainable supernatural world of horror. So, what were our first impressions of this year’s event? The first weekend tends to have that “new car…

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that the new Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe and Sanrio Smile Shop will open at Universal CityWalk on Friday, September 6, 2024. The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, adorned with a giant signature Hello Kitty bow and framed by a pastel pink and white awning, will welcome guests to enjoy a unique, grab-and-go menu with the option to dine at any one of umbrella-covered tables located just outside the walk-up venue. The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe is the first of its kind to open in Los Angeles. The all-new Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe…

Warner Bros Studios celebrated “Back to Hogwarts” by sharing new details with Universal Orlando on the upcoming Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction, set to open in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic at Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025. Back the Hogwarts takes place yearly on September 1 to celebrate when students in the Wizarding World return to school at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgALd58dCSU Guests will join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and watch the Trial of Dolores Umbridge via omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place…until Umbridge…

Universal Orlando has scheduled The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed for maintenance from October 21, 2024, until November 6, 2024. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. 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 that EPIC Universal vacation? We recommend using our friends at MEI-Travel to help plan your next trip to Universal Orlando or Universal Studios Hollywood.

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from September 2, 2024, to September 8, 2024. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 33 continues this week! The event features 10 haunted houses, 5 scare zones, and one live show – as well as an insane offering of spooky-themed food & drink. 2024’s Passholder Appreciation Days, which includes discounts, benefits, and menus exclusive to Universal Annual Passholders, continues through September 30. The Universal Mega Movie Parade will begin to shift its start time due to the start of Halloween Horror Nights. The parade will start at…

It’s officially Fall Season as Dufftoberfest has returned to Springfield at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida. The popular seasonal Märzen, brewed by the Florida Beer Company, has returned just in time for Halloween Horror Nights. Dufftoberfest has become a fan-favorite since first debuting in 2015. http://www.twitter.com/insideuniversal/status/1829154662395851122 http://www.twitter.com/insideuniversal/status/1829292953216352269 The beer is available on draft at Moe’s Tavern and the Duff Brewery Beer Garden, and is a limited-time offering. Dufftoberfest remains the only seasonal beer offered under the Duff Beer brand at Universal Parks. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks &…