Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced dates for Universal’s Fan Fest Nights 2026, including a new Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters experience that will take guests onto Universal’s iconic backlot, plus the availability of presale tickets. Presale tickets can be purchased now through December 17, 2025, and include the first-ever Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 complimentary limited edition collectible medallion. Universal Fan Fest Nights begins on Thursday, April 23, and continues select nights through Saturday, May 16, 2026. Event dates are: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 15-16. Today’s eagerly awaited news marks the beginning of a rollout of Universal Fan Fest Nights…

Universal Orlando has scheduled the Hogwarts Express for a brief refurbishment next February. The attraction will be closed for maintenance from February 9, 2026, until February 23, 2026. 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 22, 2025, to September 28, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Halloween Horror Nights 34 continues! This year’s event features 10 haunted houses, headlined by Fallout, Jason Universe, Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks. In addition, guests will come face-to-face with a collection of eerie scare zones and street experiences, shows, and so much more. Volcano Bay Nights returns, running Friday nights from September 5 to October 31. During the exclusive event, guests will enjoy after-dark…

Universal Orlando has scheduled the Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure for a lengthy refurbishment in 2026. The attraction will be closed from January 5, 2026, to November 19, 2026, roughly a 10-month closure. Per Universal, the closure is for “planned maintenance”. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Universal has not disclosed the details of the refurbishment, only the duration of the closure. Typically, the attraction closes for a short period during the winter months each year. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along…

Florida’s biggest Christian music festival returns as Universal Orlando has announced dates and the concert line-up for 2026’s Rock the Universe, which will be held on January 23-24, 2026. Guests can now purchase tickets for the faith-filled event, fwhich will include headline performances by Billboard Christian chart-topper Forrest Frank, GRAMMY nominated singer Phil Wickham, GRAMMY and Dove award-winning band Switchfoot, multi-platinum artist LECRAE and more. Here’s the full line-up: Rock the Universe 2026 Weekend Lineup Friday, January 23 Saturday, January 24 Forrest Frank LECRAE Switchfoot Phil Wickham KB Colton Dixon Blessing Offor Passion Hulvey Terrian bodie Sam Rivera Eli Gable Caleb and John Hopeful. Bay Turner Claire…

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from September 15, 2025, to September 21, 2025. Universal Orlando Universal Epic Universe is now open! Halloween Horror Nights 34 continues! This year’s event features 10 haunted houses, headlined by Fallout, Jason Universe, Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks. In addition, guests will come face-to-face with a collection of eerie scare zones and street experiences, shows, and so much more. Volcano Bay Nights returns, running Friday nights from September 5 to October 31. During the exclusive event, guests will enjoy after-dark…

Universal Studios Hollywood has opened the 101 Exchange, the official gift shop for the upcoming roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, set to open in 2026. Full of street signage and brick, The 101 Exchange is currently selling Halloween Horror Nights 2025 merchandise, likely holding off on official merchandise until closer to the ride’s opening. The gift shop’s debut comes as construction continues on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, which is being touted as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster. The ride is currently scheduled to open in 2026, though no specific date has been announced. Stay…

Universal Orlando has filed new permits signaling the planned demolition of a large section of The Lost Continent, one of the original lands at Islands of Adventure. In a statement to the Orlando Business Journal, Universal confirmed its construction plans, stating that it is “part of site planning to ensure the area is ready for any future developments.” The permit, filed under the name Project 555, was initially shared by Behind the Thrills on X/Twitter. It outlines demolition covering nearly five acres of “retail, show, and attraction buildings” at Islands of Adventure – specifically, the attraction buildings for Poseidon’s Fury and…

Starbucks in CityWalk Orlando has officially reopened following a months-long closure for renovations, unveiling a refreshed look and upgraded guest experience. The popular coffee location, which temporarily closed in June, has been significantly renovated, now showcasing brighter decor with white tiles and light wood panels, replacing the previous dark, rustic tones. The mural, which featured a chalkboard-like map of the world highlighting where coffee is grown, has been replaced by an aquatic-themed artwork depicting a mermaid surrounded by marine life. Guests will also be finally allowed to mobile order or use their rewards stars. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for…

Halloween Horror Nights is back for the 2025 season, featuring a lineup that delivers a strong mix of fan-favorite franchises, horror icons, and pop culture powerhouses. This year, with all the popular properties being featured, guests can expect big crowds and long waits, but the payoff is worth it. So, what were our first impressions of this year’s event? The first weekend tends to have that “new car smell” when it comes to rankings, and hyperbole finds its way into the discussion. Another thing to keep in mind is that unless outright stated, none of these issues fall on the…