Author: Brian Glenn

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

Universal Orlando has reopened Mel’s Drive-In at Universal Studios Florida with a completely new look and a new menu. Located in the Hollywood section of the park, the restaurant is a throwback to those hipster days of a 1950s drive-in diner – featuring classic diner dishes like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers. The restaurant saw a complete overhaul during its renovation – with new floors, new booths, new decor, and new uniforms for team members. The color palette is fitting for a 50s-era theme – reds and blacks with blue serving as an accent color; with the table tops…

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As Universal Studios Hollywood embarks on the 60th anniversary of the world-renowned Studio Tour and the one-year anniversary of Super Nintendo World, the theme park is extending a special offer to prospective Annual and Season Pass Members. Now through April 10, 2024, guests can save up to $50 when purchasing an Annual Pass online. (Save $50 on Platinum Annual Pass, $20 on Gold Annual Pass, $15 on Silver Annual Pass and $10 on California Neighbor Pass.) Current Annual and Season Pass members, who pay in full for their passes, can also continue to enjoy a 15% discount on Annual Pass membership renewals…

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from February 26, 2024, to March 3, 2024. Universal Orlando 2024’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will run daily from February 3 through April 7, 2024. This weekend, DJ Khaled will be in concert on Saturday, March 2. This year’s Mardi Gras parade theme will bring the elements to life in six new, beautifully designed parade floats inspired by Earth, wind, fire, water, the sun and the moon. Refurbishments Please keep in mind refurbishment dates can change. The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle is currently on an…

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Universal Orlando has temporarily removed 3D from their Skull Island: Reign of Kong attraction in Islands of Adventure. Universal states that the change will last until Saturday, March 9th for testing purposes. During this testing phase, guests will no longer be required to pick up 3D glasses before boarding, and the films will be converted to 2D. This isn’t the first time Universal has removed 3D from an attraction, as it was removed from their Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attractions in Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida in 2019. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news…

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Universal Studios Hollywood and Spirit Airlines have joined forces to launch the first-ever Airbus A320neo featuring a Super Nintendo World aircraft wrap, as well as launching a new “Next-Level Flyaway Sweepstakes”. The flight takes to the skies today from Detroit (DTW) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and the specially-themed aircraft will continue flying to destinations through May 2024. Flight bookings on the specially-themed aircraft are based on the plane’s flying schedule. Spirit Airlines travels to more than 80 destinations and 15 countries in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. Travelers can experience Spirit’s affordable nonstop flights from 20 U.S. cities…

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Laissez les bons temps rouler! It’s Mardi Gras season at Universal Orlando, with the popular Springtime event bringing another year of parade, food, and fun! Taking place daily through April 7, 2024, Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – features a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations, and, on select nights, live concerts. The event has become one of the most popular events at Universal in recent years – merging the entertainment & parade with an outright food festival and striking the right balance between the two. This year’s Mardi Gras theme is centered around the…

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The Universal Monsters Tribute Store is now open at CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood. The new store is located at Production Central and “celebrates horror all year long.”. Each store section features an iconic classic Universal Monster, including The Mummy, Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, and Wolf Man, with unique apparel, accessories, glassware, and collectibles. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

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Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from February 19, 2024, to February 25, 2024. Universal Orlando 2024’s Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will run daily from February 3 through April 7, 2024. This weekend, The Barenaked Ladies will be performing live on Saturday, February 24. This year’s Mardi Gras parade theme will bring the elements to life in six new, beautifully designed parade floats inspired by Earth, wind, fire, water, the sun and the moon. With Winter still ongoing in Central Florida, Volcano Bay may close if the temperature is forecasted to be…

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Universal Orlando has released a new Bumblebee Transformer popcorn bucket. Bumblebee is available at Universal Orlando for $34.99 and comes with one free popcorn fill; and can be found throughout both parks. The popcorn bucket features eyes that glow along with articulated arms and legs. The top of the head has a compartment that opens up for the popcorn. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.

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Universal Orlando is offering several ticket deals and offers to experience the resort through the winter season and into Spring Break – which includes two additional free days with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket. Plus, now through April 7, guests can let the good times roll during Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, included with regular theme park admission. Guests can take advantage of the below incredible deals to experience all that Universal Orlando has to offer: U.S. residents can enjoy two additional free days of theme park access with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket –…

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