Author: Brian Glenn

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

Universal Parks have provided a first look at some of the merchandise that will be featured at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood for Halloween Horror Nights 2024. Fan favorite character, Lil’ Boo will be featured in an all-new collection featuring a popcorn bucket, shoulder pal, backpack, headwear, and much more. The all-new Halloween Horror Nights collection featuring bright, vibrant neon colors and skulls will debut featuring sickening house tees, a pierced, reversible bucket hat, bat-eared beanie, skull shot glass and much more. The interactive Chucky popcorn bucket is back with an updated look featuring new phrases and a stitched-up…

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Chez Alcatraz, the popular bar located in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida, has reopened after a 4-month refurbishment. The entire interior was gutted and rebuilt, featuring all-new decor and design. The bar pays homage to Jaws, and features a lot of nods to the film and the former attraction and surrounding area – including the hanging shark photo op affectionately known as Bruce. Chez Alcatraz serves beer, wine, and specialty cocktails; most notably, the Ocean Attack – a blue-colored drink topped off by grenadine that simulates blood in the water. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from August 19, 2024, to August 25, 2024. Universal Orlando 2024’s Passholder Appreciation Days, which includes discounts, benefits, and menus exclusive to Universal Annual Passholders, begins August 15 and continues through September 30. The Universal Mega Movie Parade will start at 6 pm every day this week. This is the last week to enjoy CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular and Hogwarts Always before the experiences close for the season on August 25, 2024. CineSational will start at 9pm nightly, while Hogwarts Always begins at dusk and will…

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It’s back! Universal Orlando has released this year’s version of the Chucky interactive popcorn bucket. The talking, light-up, interactive Chucky Popcorn bucket costs $44.99 with the first fill of popcorn free. The popcorn bucket features glowing and blinking eyes, plus a stitched-up look inspired by Bride of Chucky. Guests can interact with Chucky, who will respond with new phrases. It is expected to be released at Universal Studios Hollywood as well. Halloween Horror Nights 33 will take place at Universal Studios Florida starting Friday, August 30, 2024. Halloween Horror Nights 2024 will kick off at Universal Studios Hollywood starting Thursday, Sept…

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Jimmy Fallon, in partnership with Universal Destinations and Experiences, has announced Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares, a new immersive haunted experience that will open at 30 Rock in New York City this Halloween season. The new experience was announced by Fallon during The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxndVA5yp0E Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares will open on Friday, September 20, running select nights through October 31, 2024, and will be located on the Rink Level of Rockefeller Center. Tonightmares maze will consist of 10 rooms, each inspired by Fallon’s “deepest, darkest nightmares” like a cornfield with killer scarecrows, werewolves, aliens, and “a creepy abandoned…

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For the first time ever, U.S. and Canada residents can experience the culinary thrills of Universal Orlando Resort as part of an all-new Dining Card Vacation Package that includes a food and beverage dining card worth up to $1,000. Available for purchase now for select travel dates from November 7, 2024 through April 10, 2025, this exceptional new offer also includes accommodations at one of Universal’s magnificent hotels and theme park admission – creating a convenient vacation package that’s inclusive of the essentials needed for a thrilling getaway to Universal Orlando. The Dining Card Vacation Package is designed to help guests maximize…

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Universal Orlando will share their first behind-the-scenes look at Stardust Racers, one of the attractions opening at Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025. The sneak peek will be shown on Friday, August 16th on Ride Guys, Universal’s YouTube Series, to celebrate National Roller Coaster Day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhXDBBT9Pdw Below are some stills from the teaser: Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster, reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track, and will be Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers such as the “Celestial Spin,” in which the two coaster vehicles perform…

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Universal Orlando has introduced a new Lil Boo Shoulder Pal accessory just in time for Halloween Horror Nights 33. The new Lil Boo Shoulder Pal is a small stuffed pumpkin doll that can sit on your shoulder using a magnet. The item is priced at $20 and is selling fast, so we expect it to sell out soon. Other new Lil Boo merchandise added includes a Lil Boo backpack clip ($18), and a returning Lil Boo sipper ($18). Halloween Horror Nights 33 will take place at Universal Studios Florida starting Friday, August 30, 2024. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for…

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Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that Escapology is coming to CityWalk Hollywood. An opening timeframe has not been announced. No additional details have been given other than a few of Escapology’s games – Scooby-Doo and The Spooky Castle Adventure, Batman: The Dark Knight Challenge, and Haunted House will be featured. Per their website, Escapology is an escape room franchise where a team of up to 8 players will complete a specific mission of finding hidden clues, cracking codes, and solving challenging puzzles, to escape the room before the clock runs out. You can visit the official website for information on…

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Universal Orlando has announced dates for 2025’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, running daily from February 1 through March 30, 2025. The parkwide celebration will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world – plus a lively parade filled with vibrant floats where partygoers can catch beads by the handful. And on select nights, guests can cap the festivities with live concerts by top names in music. https://twitter.com/UniversalORL/status/1823343973726834984 Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. More…

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